Indirect Support:
Crescent School has been a leader in boys’ education since 1913. Our mission, Men of Character from Boys of Promise, enables each boy to reach the full potential of his unique abilities. Character development is in our DNA and drives everything we do. Crescent School has three divisions: Lower School (Grades 3-6), Middle School (Grades 7-8) and Upper School (Grades 9-12). In each division, we are committed to mentoring, role modelling and relational learning – which bring out the best in boys – and instilling core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and compassion. We nurture wellbeing while cultivating excellence in academics, arts, athletics, business, outreach and robotics. Our expertise is supported by exceptional resources, including high-tech learning spaces, state-of-the-art equipment, modern libraries, a professionally equipped theatre and superb athletic facilities. The experience of every Crescent boy is enriched by an active community of parents and alumni. A Crescent School graduate knows who he is, is ready and able to lead and understands what is required to create his own legacy.
One of the chief benefits of a gender specific school is the provision of opportunities for students to resist the stereotypes that they would encounter in co-ed schools. Crescent, of course, addresses the specific needs of boys around learning and development, though that experiential piece is equally important: to maintain an environment in which boy’s attention and curiosity can be actively engaged, and where they can participate in all curricular areas outside of any need to impress others or gain status across gender lines. Crescent begins, as they say, from the understanding that "when you remove girls from the classroom, some remarkable things can happen." And they’re right to. They also have a long tradition of doing just that. The ideal student is one who is academically curious, has broad potential, and could benefit from increased opportunity to express both their curiosity and their potential.
Crescent School boys on Innes Field
Middle School boys perform Lord Of The Flies in the Crescent School theatre
Manor House
Aerial view of campus
Middle School Classroom
Lower School boys in the Margaret Donnelly Library at Crescent School
Working in the robotics lab at Crescent School
Upper School chemistry class at Crescent School
Crescent students enjoy hands-on learning in our school gardens.
The Library for Middle and Upper School students
The Lau Family Wing for Middle School students
Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Crescent School.
Whether you live in Downtown Toronto, North York, Thornhill, or Richmond Hill, there are private school education experts and Toronto schools you can speak with on a one-to-one basis, all in one day, at one location.
This Open House event is for families with boys entering Grades 3 to 6. It is free and you do not need to register in advance. You and your son will enjoy an opportunity to meet Crescent School faculty, a presentation by our Head of Lower School and a student-led tour of campus.
This Open House event is for families with boys entering Grades 7 to 12. It is free and you do not need to register in advance. You and your son will enjoy an opportunity to meet Crescent School faculty, a presentation by our Heads of Middle School and Upper School, and a student-led tour of campus.
This Open House event is for families with boys entering Grades 3 to 6. It is free and you do not need to register in advance. You and your son will enjoy an opportunity to meet Crescent School faculty, a presentation by our Head of Lower School and a student-led tour of campus.
This Open House event is for families with boys entering Grades 7 to 12. It is free and you do not need to register in advance. You and your son will enjoy an opportunity to meet Crescent School faculty, a presentation by our Heads of Middle School and Upper School, and a student-led tour of campus.
The online application deadline for Crescent School (all grades) is November 30, 2018.
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Expressive | |
| Disciplined |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
| Flexible pacing style | offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Subject Type | offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
Curriculum delivery: Acceleration (The main focus is on acceleration. This means that all students work at a much quicker pace than public school peers (usually working at least one grade-level ahead). )
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
In grade Gr. 12, Crescent School students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent School | 60 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins |
| Site Average | 52 mins | 56 mins | 68 mins | 80 mins | 96 mins | 109 mins |
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 |
| Sports Offered | Competitive | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Badminton | ||
| Baseball | ||
| Basketball | ||
| Football | ||
| Golf | ||
| Ice Hockey | ||
| Lacrosse | ||
| Rowing | ||
| Rugby | ||
| Running | ||
| Soccer | ||
| Softball | ||
| Squash | ||
| Swimming | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Track & Field | ||
| Volleyball | ||
| Martial Arts | ||
| Weightlifting |
| Clubs Offered |
|---|
| Jazz Ensemble |
| Math Club |
| Musical theatre/Opera |
| Outdoor Education |
| Photography |
| Poetry/Literature club |
| Robotics club |
| School newspaper |
| Science Club |
| Student Council |
| Yearbook |
| Yoga |
| Band |
| Chess Club |
| Choir |
| Community Service |
| Debate Club |
| Environmental Club |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
| Day | $34,150 | |||||||||
| Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | 7 to 12 |
| Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 7% |
| Average aid package size | $25,000 |
| Percentage of total enrollment on financial aid | 5% |
| Total aid available | $1,200,000 |
This school works with FAST Aid. for processing financial applications
This information is not currently available.
| Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 | All boys | Day | 750 |
| Total enrollment | 750 |
| Average enrollment per grade | 75 |
| Average class size | 15 to 20 |
| Gender (grades) | Gr. 3 to Gr. 12 (All boys) |
| Boarding offered | No |
| Percentage of students are international students | |
| Number of different nationalities within student population | |
| Five-day boarding programs offfered |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Enrollment | 28 | 40 | 60 | 63 | 84 | 84 | 101 | 101 | 101 | 90 |
| Class Size | 14 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 18 |
| Assessment | Required | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | 3 - 12 | |
| SSAT | 8 - 12 | |
| SSAT (out of province) | ||
| Entrance Exam(s) | 3 - 7 | |
| Entrance Essay | ||
| Application Fee |
Day students: December 03, 2019
Please see the Crescent School website for complete instructions and the online application.
Particular application requirements:
Student Entry Points
| Student Type | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 28 - 32 (40%) | 8 - 12 (40%) | 16 - 20 (35%) | 2 - 5 (10%) | 18 - 22 (25%) | 2 - 5 (10%) | 18 - 22 (35%) | 2 - 5 (10%) | 2 - 5 (10%) | 0 - 2 (5%) |
| Services | Offered |
|---|---|
| Career planning | |
| Internships | |
| Mentorship Program | |
| University counseling |
| Key Numbers | |
|---|---|
| Average graduating class size | 85 |
| *Canadian "Big 6" placements | 38 |
| **Ivy+ placements | 6 |
*Number of students in the past year who attended one of McGill, U of T, UBC, Queen's University, University of Alberta, or Dalhousie University.
**Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)
What Crescent School says:
| Alumnus | Grad Year | Accomplishment |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Aceto | 1987 | Former President and CEO of Tangerine Bank. |
| Jason Beck | 1989 | Grammy-nominated pianist, producer and songwriter who performs as Chilly Gonzales |
| Ming Wai Lau | 1997 | Hong Kong businessman and philanthropist |
| Ted Livingston | 2005 | Founder and CEO of Kik Inc., a mobile communications platform with over 240 million users. |
| Neil Lumsden | 1971 | Professional football player in the Canadian Football League |
| Christophe Beck | 1987 | Emmy Award-winning composer for film and television |
Alumni Highlights
Below, find stories and testimonials about Crescent School.
I once read that the job of every good science teacher is to awaken a love for science in the hearts of their students. I have tried to incorporate this into my teaching, and by doing so, I quickly found that developing a passion and love for science has led to the development of character in my students.
One of the key guiding principles in science class is to engage the students in exploration. This in turn gives them an opportunity to challenge their current beliefs. By creating their own experiments to test theories and exploring issues of their choosing, the students cultivate a sense of curiosity about the world. It also teaches them to not be afraid to challenge the status quo. This gives the students the fire and drive to not accept the world as is, just because it is the way it has always been, but to fight for what they believe in. The process of investigation and inquiry helps them develop resilience too, because even if their hypothesis is rejected, they learn how to see the setback as a new opportunity to look at the problem from another perspective.
By engaging in debates about ethics in cell and genetic technology developments, students are forced to confront their preconceived notions and to critically analyze issues. They not only learn to make convincing arguments by supporting their opinions with facts, but they also have to research the opposing perspectives. This activity helps the boys learn how to communicate their ideas and beliefs with courage. More importantly, it teaches them how to take a multitude of perspectives into account in their approach. The students develop an understanding that their viewpoint may not be the only one, that there can be multiple perspectives that are equally valid and acceptable, and that they all deserve acknowledgement.
I truly believe that the nature of science lends itself naturally to the development of character, and the science courses at Crescent are no exception. As students develop a passion for inquiry and exploration, what they are really doing is developing the skills and behaviours that will set them apart as true Men of Character who will be able to change to world around them for the better.
...Crescent School's Team 610 robotics team celebrated another successful year in 2016/2017. The team won two district tournaments and the Ontario District Championship, accumulated the most points of any Ontario team and finished second in their division at the World Championship. While we are all justly proud of the boys’ success, I am also impressed by the character growth they have shown.
Robotics is one of Crescent’s Character-in-Action programs. Through our curriculum and also Team 610, we use robots to inspire and engage the boys in learning and to develop and build character.
Team 610’s success depends on 45 boys working together. They understand that competing against the best in the world requires discipline, hard work, collaboration and a commitment to excellence. After receiving their game challenge in January, the team has seven weeks to design and build a robot. The challenge engages the boys in complex problem solving and critical thinking with real deadlines and consequences.
Team 610’s executive leadership – a group of Grade 12 boys who lead Team 610’s Business, Marketing and Communication, Design and Manufacturing, Electrical, Strategy and Programming portfolios – are crucial to the team’s overall success.
The executive did an outstanding job in 2016/2017. They worked extremely hard, balancing their academic commitments and robotics. They pushed each other to achieve more, and held each other accountable. When the executive team members were in Grade 9, they had the fortunate experience of being on Team 610 when it won the World Championship in 2013. Having experienced what it takes to succeed, this year they instilled these principles in our younger team members.
As I look at the picture of the boys from their Grade 9 year, I remember how eager, yet quiet and nervous, they were when they came into the lab. Now they are running the team, leading meetings, inspiring and teaching their skills to the new boys and teams from all over the world!
We may build awesome robots but we develop even better boys. Through robotics, the boys have developed a solid character foundation to build on and become valued contributors to our world.
- Mr. Don Morrison, Crescent School Faculty
...My colleagues and I once asked the Upper School students on Crescent School's Business Team how they thought their activities contributed to character – particularly qualities of grit and resilience that make up performance character. One student’s answer has stayed with me.
The student, a former leader and CEO of the Business Team, was a popular, well spoken, highly polished presenter who competed at the international levels of DECA, a high school business competition. However, he told us, this was not always the case.
He said that in Middle School he was, if I was to paraphrase, a “nobody.” Most people wouldn’t even have known his name, he told us, because he was shy, very quiet and a poor speaker. Graduating into the Upper School, he decided to participate in DECA in his Grade 9 year. That fall he competed at the DECA Regional Competition. While others around him qualified for the provincial competition, he did not. Devastated, this student could have quit and never competed again at DECA.
Instead, he drew upon the grit and determination he needed to practise his presentation and critical thinking skills, studied intensely for the content exam, and returned the following year, resolved and ready. At the DECA Regional Competition, his team qualified for the Provincials. They worked incredibly hard to prepare for the challenge. At Provincials, competing against approximately 200 teams in their category, they finished first overall – an incredibly impressive feat that qualified him for the international-level competition.
What I learned from his story is that the Business Team does more than inspire a passion for business. It puts our students into challenging situations that allow them to develop their character. That student told us that the Business Team made him who he was, that it taught him that determination, hard work and grit can overcome huge obstacles. The Business Team gave him confidence, helped him socially, and greatly improved his communication and presentation skills.
Character-building moments happen throughout Crescent – on the fields, in the classroom, the theatre, the Robotics lab, on Outreach trips and even on the Business Team.
- Mr. Gavin Muranaka, Crescent School Faculty
...As a phys. ed. teacher and coach, I have the pleasure of playing games for a career. What is most rewarding for me is seeing how athletics can shape a student’s self-worth, confidence, independence and leadership. These are important life skills. It’s remarkable to be part of helping the boys develop their character.
Whether they are learning or improving the fundamentals in a sport, the boys must trust one another, be honest when challenged in the game and be good sportsmen if facing defeat. This isn’t always easy. I often remind myself that the boys might not have the mental maturity to overcome certain challenges. But I can be wrong about that too.
In 2016/2017, our boys on the U12 soccer team nearly had a perfect season record. You could say our confidence was a bit too high going into our final CISAA playoffs. That’s when our boys faced defeat for the first time: losing (horrifically) in both of our games and not getting a single goal in either game. It hurt to watch the tears storming down the boys’ faces as their perfect season came to an end. But - and here is where their character came into play - our boys would not let this defeat define their efforts. The team knew they had plenty of accomplishments to be proud of throughout the season. In these moments we find that character - grit, compassion and respect - can help soothe the pain of defeat.
In everything we do in athletics at Crescent, character is key. Here are some things we think about in my classes - and often the boys will remind each other about these principles:
As I teach and coach our younger Crescent boys, I enjoy watching them develop their character through athletics. The lessons that the boys learn during our drills, practices and games will inevitably shape the Men of Character that they will become.
- Mr. Justin Chau, Crescent School Faculty
...It is my personal belief that Outreach transforms lives, not only for the person who may receive our help, but also our own. At Crescent School we promise parents that we will help turn their sons into Men of Character. We do this through academics, artistic and athletic programs, and also through our strong emphasis on outreach.
Each outreach activity provides our boys with time to engage with and reflect on the world around them. Creating opportunities for young men to get involved and reach beyond their comfort zones also creates opportunities for character building.
For example, Grade 8 student Marcel says the Right to Play program at Driftwood Public School made him more understanding and empathetic. Marcel had recognized what he had in common with Imran, a Grade 1 student at Driftwood. Imran liked to disappear behind the classroom furniture. His teacher viewed Imran’s behaviour as disobedience. But Marcel remembered living behind the bookshelf himself at that age. All he wanted to do was escape into the pages of a good book. By being able to empathize, Marcel made a connection with Imran that adults did not. To see the joy on each boy’s face when they meet is one of the reasons outreach is so powerful. Imran will never forget the kindness that Marcel, his new “best friend,” has shown him. Marcel will always remember what he calls “his second chance at passing Grade 1.”
Outreach also builds respect and compassion. Recently, all Grade 7 students visited the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Centre. This hospital for children with physical disabilities and injuries also operates a full-time school. Our boys worked with the Holland Bloorview students in their therapy sessions and physical education classes, and took part in a disability workshop.
Each boy was transformed by the experience. They were so happy bonding with their new friends that they didn’t notice – or perhaps just didn’t care – about the physical differences. I heard comments from our boys such as, “Wow, did you hear that little girl, Ms. Murray? She is so funny!” Not one mention of the little girl’s prosthetic legs. Our students left Holland Bloorview with a lot more understanding of people with disabilities. They discovered that they were all the same, despite the physical differences: they all wanted to win at wheelchair basketball or goof off while the teacher was talking.
These are just two examples of outreach activities at Crescent. Whether it’s a food drive for the Daily Bread Food Bank, a bake sale to raise funds for earthquake victims, or weekly tutoring sessions at local public schools, the Crescent community is always getting involved. We do this because we want the boys to be confident in their ability to make a difference. We want our boys to ask questions and be understanding of different people and situations. We want them to break down barriers and eliminate fear. And we want our boys to learn how to adapt and be flexible, because life doesn’t always follow a scripted timetable the way it does here at school.
Outreach activities give our boys the exposure necessary to understand the big wide world in which they live, providing some of the tools our boys need to become the Men of Character who will build a better tomorrow.
- Ms. Sheryl Murray, Faculty Member, Crescent School
...
Thank you for taking this opportunity to learn about Crescent School. I am pleased you are considering us on your quest to find the ideal school for your son.
Crescent is proudly a school where boys can learn about who they are, how they can lead and begin to discover the legacy they can leave behind – all so important, when the need for good men in this world has never been greater.
As a father myself, I deeply know how important it is for you to send your son to a school with the right culture, values and support he needs to cultivate an ongoing passion for excellence and achieve future success.
I believe that we are that kind of school.
For over 100 years, we have maintained an unwavering focus on character development. Our mission, Men of Character from Boys of Promise, recognizes that boys with curious minds and open hearts have the potential to develop in a manner that will fit their mission in life, whatever it might be.
Our desire is to be a place where boys come to be well. This is what motivates our ambition to nurture their social-emotional and physical wellness in addition to their academic achievement.
Our actively involved and culturally diverse community of staff, faculty and parents steadfastly supports our efforts and our vision. And because lasting friendships and strong bonds are an inherent part of the Crescent School experience, your son will graduate with an alumni brotherhood that will be with him for life.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our campus and our community.
July 10, 2019
Congratulations to Crescent's Class of 2019 Grads
Crescent School's newest graduates are heading to colleges and universities in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. this fall ...
August 16, 2018
Crescent School's Class of 2018 Alumni Attend Leading Universities
The 85 young men who graduated from Crescent School in June are now enrolled in programs at leading universities. ...
July 5, 2018
A Great Year For Crescent School's Coyotes
Crescent School’s competitive athletic teams enjoyed a great year of training, camaraderie, character-building and fun in 2017/2018. ...
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