Indirect Support:
Crescent School has been a leader in boys’ education since 1913. Our mission, Men of Character from Boys of Promise, recognizes every student's potential, enabling each boy to seize all the possibilities associated with his unique abilities. Character development is in our DNA. We are committed to mentoring, role modelling and relational learning – areas that bring out the best in boys. Each boy has mentors, teachers and coaches who invest the time to ensure he feels known, valued and recognized as an individual. Our rigorous learning environment develops character through academics, arts, athletics, business, outreach and robotics. Our expertise is supported by exceptional resources, including high-tech learning spaces, modern libraries, a professionally equipped theatre and state-of-the-art athletic facilities. A supportive community of parents and alumni enriches the experience of every Crescent boy.
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
Lower School boys in the Margaret Donnelly Library at Crescent School
Middle School Classroom
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.
Promotional videos for Crescent School.
| 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 |
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher.
| 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 | 51 mins | 56 mins | 68 mins | 80 mins | 95 mins | 108 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 |
| 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 | $33,250 | |||||||||
| Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | 7 to 12 |
| Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 5% |
| Average aid package size | $33,770 |
| Percentage of total enrollment on financial aid | 3% |
| Total aid available | $1,030,000 |
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 | 0 |
| 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: November 30, 2018
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 (50%) | 8 - 12 (40%) | 18 - 20 (50%) | 4 - 6 (25%) | 18 - 22 (30%) | 0 - 5 (20%) | 18 - 22 (35%) | 2 - 5 (15%) | 2 - 5 (60%) | 0 - 2 (10%) |
| 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.
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
...Crescent’s Middle School is where boys in Grades 7 and 8 begin their journey into manhood. It’s a time of personal growth and discovery, as Boys of Promise take the first steps to becoming Men of Character.
Our Middle School vision reflects an insightful, research-driven understanding of early adolescent boys and what makes them unique. For boys of this age, relationships matter most; therefore our mentor program is at the heart of the Middle School culture. Through mentoring, we build positive connections and foster the growth of meaningful relationships between the boys and the faculty. It is our priority to help our boys become resilient, curious, collaborative and adaptive learners.
- Dr. Sandra Boyes, Head of Lower and Middle School
In the Middle School, the boys are exposed to diverse academic and co-curricular programs that allow them to discover their passions and talents. These programs are challenging, supportive and are always connected to our mission and our four core values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Compassion.
At Crescent’s Middle School, your son will be given the opportunity to grow as a student, athlete, artist and, most importantly, a Man of Character.
- Dr. Sandra Boyes, Head of Lower and Middle School
...Creating Men of Character from Boys of Promise begins in the Lower School for boys in Grades 3 to 6. A Crescent education is exciting, fulfilling and broad. It challenges each boy intellectually, artistically and athletically through rigorous and creative curriculum and an extensive co-curricular program.
The Lower School has an exciting Character Education program that models and recognizes exemplary student behaviour.
The Crescent School curriculum offers its students an advanced academic experience. Our faculty members are dedicated and caring professionals and specialists in their areas. Our goal in the Lower School is to provide your son with rich academic, artistic and athletic opportunities, so that he can refine his natural talents, and exceed his self-imposed limitations.
Dr. Sandra Boyes, Head of Lower and Middle School
...Crescent’s Upper School is small by design: 90 students in each of Grades 9 through 12. This allows us to know and understand each student for who he is and to provide the programs and support that respond to his individual needs, strengths, goals and passions. I am proud of our talented and dedicated faculty. Each teacher serves as mentor to a small group of students, providing guidance and support throughout their time in the Upper School. Our academic program is rigorous within a highly supportive environment. Our students are prepared not only to gain acceptance to selective university programs, but to thrive beyond admission.
We expect all students to develop the invaluable habit of engagement. With wide-ranging co-curricular programs in the arts, athletics, robotics, business studies and politics, as well as a comprehensive outreach program with local, national and international opportunities, we believe that each student can find his passion and become fully immersed in the life of his school and of the broader community. Our goal is that each student discover his best self and find the courage to make it active in service to others.
Crescent's structure, with three school divisions – Lower, Middle and Upper – in one campus, provides abundant and meaningful leadership and mentoring opportunities for senior students, who take responsibility for many aspects of school life.
Through scholarship, engagement and leadership, and with the encouragement and support of dedicated teachers, we challenge our students to become Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
- Mr. Nick Kovacs, Head of Upper School
...[Excerpts from speech given at Crescent School's Opening Assembly on September 7, 2017.]
We often talk about our Crescent journey starting on our first day of school. While that’s absolutely an important milestone in it, I’d argue that this journey starts a bit earlier. In my case, it began with my acceptance letter. There was no big celebration or parade in my honour, just a letter and, eventually, my choice to come to Crescent. At the time I was happy and excited, but I’d be lying if I said that I understood what that letter, and my response to it, would lead to.
That letter would turn out to be a call to adventure that would change my life, just as I’m sure will happen for all of you if it hasn’t already. It has been a key for me to open up so many incredible doors and access countless opportunities that I could have only dreamed of otherwise. It has been an invitation to meet hundreds of amazing people whom I now can’t begin to imagine living without. It’s taken me my entire Crescent career so far to grasp the significance of that letter, and my choice in response to it, but now, I can thank my lucky stars for being that letter’s recipient, and I can thank myself for making that decision – the best decision of my life....
When I first came to Crescent in Grade 7, I felt quite nervous. I had said my farewells to the simplicity and comfort of elementary school, and I was coming into a new, much larger school, where I knew no one…but that’s not to say I was alone. I was surrounded by friendly faces, eager and willing to help me out with the challenges of such a life-changing transition. Wherever I turned, there were the outstretched arms of classmates, teachers, mentors and administrators, all happy to lend a hand when I was in need.
Here, We All Belong
Within the first few weeks of being at Crescent, I became well acquainted with the astounding sense of community that had so strongly drawn me to here in the first place. Here, we all belong, and this sense of brotherhood is vital to our Crescent identity.
By the end of my first year at Crescent, I was eagerly looking forward to another five with the same amazing people that had instilled me with the infectious sense of school pride that I carry with me every day. I had truly become part of a family, one that would encourage me to strive for excellence and look out for my brothers, and one that would provide a tremendous amount of support for me on my journey through Crescent.
Today, it’s with honour that I say Crescent feels like home to me. I can come to school in the morning thinking or feeling anything I want, but by the end of the day, you’ll never see me going home without a smile on my face. No matter what happens here every day, we each have our Crescent brothers, our teachers and our mentors to go through it all together.
Invaluable Life Lessons
It was with the great people I met here that I learned some invaluable life lessons that have stuck with me to this day. I’ve learned that what you put in, is what you get out. When you’re passionate about something, work hard at it and your accomplishments will be your rewards. Another lesson that I think about all the time, is that you can’t do it all alone. Yes, it’s true, we want to be able to do it all ourselves, but trying to take on an assortment of different challenges without help can be very overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your brothers for support when you need it, that’s what they’re here for.
One of the most important, and sad, things that I’ve discovered over the past five years, is that your time at Crescent will be over in what feels like the blink of an eye. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the grad class with me, with only one year left, or you’re just starting Grade 3, with your entire Crescent journey ahead of you, your time at this amazing school will be all too short. As someone who’s nearing the finish line of their time at Crescent, the best advice I can give to everyone in this room is to take advantage of the opportunities you have right now, and make every precious moment count.
Now Is The Time
For this reason, our Grad class has adopted the motto: Now is the time. This motto is a call to action for everyone here, a rallying cry for us all to take full advantage of the present and the opportunities that we have in front of us right now. Yes, it always feels easier to wait a little while longer before doing something that we have on our minds, but we don’t have to take the easiest path on our Crescent journey. We’re all capable of seizing each day here, and making sure that valuable opportunities don’t pass us by.
In this grad motto, there’s a component of individuality as well. Yes, now is the time, but it’s for you all to decide what you want to do with it. Take action in your own way, in a way that you genuinely care about, and in a way that benefits your brothers, and your school. While we ask everyone at Crescent to make this year count, I have some individual messages as well that I’d like to share with you today.
To the Lower and Middle Schools, continue to display the energy, curiosity and compassion that you’re admired for. This is a time in your life where you’ll learn, grow and mature quite a bit, but more than anything, it’s a time that’s meant to be enjoyed. With your brothers by your side to support you and your teachers close by to guide you, you’ll never be alone. As long as you put yourself out there, you’ll be able to build friendships that will last until the end of your Crescent career and beyond, and create memories that you’ll never forget. You guys still have the majority of your time at Crescent left ahead of you, but it’s never too early to start. Take advantage of the opportunities around you to hone your skills, and share your talents. Transform your big dreams into reality, you’ve got all the tools you need for it.
To my peers in the Upper School, these final years at Crescent may be some of the toughest for you, but they will absolutely be the most rewarding. Take risks, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, as that’s the place that you’ll have the most impactful and memorable experiences. You may not always have the success you were hoping for when trying someone new, but learning from a failure is still valuable, and you shouldn’t lose sleep over small mistakes you make while taking risks. Besides, you guys will have plenty of more important things to lose sleep over. With the potential for failure that we have to accept, we’ll need someone to catch us if we fall, so always have each others’ backs, and know that someone has yours.
To the faculty and staff, you’re at the center of what makes this school so great, and you’re essential to shaping the experience of Crescent students. You not only teach and coach us, but you guide us, inspire us and care about us. You keep our school clean, safe and well-maintained and you’re responsible for the great lunches we have here every day. Whenever I’ve needed it, the mentorship of a staff member has always been within arms’ reach. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field or the court, in the lab, the CCL, the cafeteria or simply in the hallways, you all have an unbelievably positive impact on the lives of Crescent students and we can’t thank you all enough for everything you do for us.
To those of you who are just joining the Crescent community now, either as a member of the student body, or the Crescent faculty, welcome. Believe me, if it hasn’t already happened, it won’t be long before you truly feel at home here. You’ll become a part of this Crescent family in no time.
To the grads, it’s been a hell of a ride. As our time at this schools nears its end, I hope that you’re all as proud to be a part of this grad class as I am. As a grade, we’re incredibly diverse in our talents and interests, not to mention extremely caring and loyal to one another. I can say, without a doubt in my mind, that there’s not a better group of guys I could have picked to spend my time at Crescent with. More than anyone else here, our time is now, so let’s make this last year count, and at its end, let’s be proud to have become Men of Character together.
There's No Shortage Of Ways To Get Involved
In closing, I’d like to remind you all that at Crescent, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved. Just as I was, you were all the recipients of acceptance letters to Crescent and you chose to come here for a reason. So I know that you have the potential to do something meaningful with your time here, and this year, let’s focus on making that happen. Let’s work hard, be resilient and use the resources around us to have the success that I know we’re all capable of achieving. When someone asks us what school we go to, let’s answer “Crescent,” and let’s make sure we can do it with humble pride.
I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish this year, from academics, to the arts, to athletics, leadership, community service, robotics, and beyond, and I hope that you’re all just as excited to start as I am. This year will be a year of proactivity and initiative. We won’t be procrastinating, or waiting endlessly to take action, because I cannot be more genuine when I tell you all that now is the time.
Thank you for listening, and I hope you all have a fantastic school year.
...What does a Master Teacher look like? That question was posed to me a few years ago by now-retired Headmaster Geoff Roberts. Put on the spot, I muddled through a response as best I could. It was an idea that I hadn’t thought much about at that time. In hindsight, I wish I was given more time to provide a thoughtful answer and the question has rolled around in my head ever since.
Crescent School has partnered with accomplished education researcher Victoria Marsick of Teachers College, Columbia University, to explore this question in more depth. Dr. Marsick’s three-year research project is examining teaching practices in boys’ schools around the world, including Crescent. Recently, Upper School faculty member Aggie Maksimowska and I had the opportunity to participate in this research with other teachers at the Aspiring Master Teacher Workshop that was hosted by the International Boys’ Schools Coalition. It was held at the Buckley School in New York City in January.
At the workshop, we were split into small groups that consisted of four or five teachers who are at various stages in their teaching careers. Our task was to begin to examine teaching as a profession and be reflective about our own personal practice. We considered ideas such as building relationships, building classroom climate and situational judgment (how we respond to situations with mastery). We brainstormed characteristics of master teachers, such as authenticity, good humour, flexibility and passion, among many others. It was amazing to see the diversity of thinking about how people defined mastery. At the end of these discussions I began to realize that becoming a master teacher is not about squeezing myself into the mold that I thought a master teacher should be. Instead, it is about learning how to be effective given my teaching style, personality and the situation I am in at an independent boys’ school.
On my long trip home from New York (thanks to the “storm of the century”), I had some time to reflect on how lucky I am to be have such a strong network of experienced peers at Crescent who are able to support my ongoing journey as an “aspiring master teacher.” The entire Crescent faculty is on this journey together and becoming more intentional in our efforts to identify challenges and supports for our continuing journey as aspiring master teachers. I think this is an exciting opportunity for Crescent School.
- Ian Fisher, 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
...
Congratulations on embarking on your journey to find the right school for your son. It is undoubtedly one of the most important decisions you will ever make as a parent.
I am so pleased that you have chosen to include Crescent School as part of your consideration. Everyone at our School looks forward to the possibility of providing your son with the support he needs to become a courageous young Man of Character who will make a positive impact on this ever-changing world.
Crescent is truly a unique place for your son to learn, grow and thrive. Now in our second century, we remain one of the top independent schools for boys in Canada, built on a solid foundation of brotherhood and an unwavering focus on character.
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.
Each day, your son will be immersed in an enriched learning environment that is driven by a relevant curriculum of study. His growth will be fostered through relationships with teachers and mentors who understand the distinct challenges and complexities of boys’ growth and development.
We are a School that takes great pride in the strength of our community of alumni and parents; and we are steadfastly dedicated to ensuring Crescent reflects the rich cultural diversity of the Toronto of today.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our campus and to our community.
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. ...
June 6, 2018
Crescent School Enjoys First-Place Result at DECA Internationals
Two Crescent School student won the top spot in their category at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in April. ...
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