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Go to child profileAt Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC), we encourage our students to learn with joy and live with purpose. We know that the best learning happens when students have opportunities to pursue their passions and participate in learning experiences that challenge them. Established in 1901, HSC is a leading co-educational school where children grow into their best selves from 18 months to 18 years. We prepare our students to understand their world, inspire, lead, and make a difference in their own unique ways. Our outstanding academic programs are shaped by student inquiry. Expert faculty then deliver a curriculum that ignites curiosity and encourages students to explore their potential. Students enjoy wide-ranging co-curricular activities in the arts, athletics, service and leadership. Our beautiful 50-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including seven gyms, a performing arts centre, and playgrounds inspired by nature. To learn more, contact [email protected] for your 1:1 personalized meeting.
What learning looks like now: While HSC campus is temporarily closed, our faculty remains excited and prepared to support continuous learning for our students. We are calling this learning plan [email protected] [email protected] ensures that there is an uninterrupted connection between our students and their teachers during this current COVID-19 health crisis. We are leveraging online learning, myHSC, and other remote learning strategies to provide a curriculum-based education for our students that is authentic, engaging and meaningful. Teachers are using age and stage appropriate online tools, texts, recorded videos, and other applications to demonstrate new concepts and skills while engaging their students. We are also providing student success support, wellness options, counselling support and academic support during this difficult time. When looking at our weekly schedule, we are offering a “Wellbeing Wednesday” program. This day is a College-wide initiative to provide alternative programming focused on wellbeing, academic enrichment and school life.
HSC offers bus transferring. Service options offered are regular rider.
The regions HSC offers busing from are:
Additional notes: HSC 's transportation program offers multiple trips and destinations daily for our students. Main -route transportation meets our parents and students needs across a broad catchment area. Please contact admissions at [email protected] to learn more.
The school began its life in 1901 as the Highfield School for Boys, though it has grown, amalgamated, moved, and changed its name a few times since then. All of that is reflected in the physical plan of the school, one that bears no outward signs of the school’s age. The development path included associations and amalgamations between Highfield, Hillcrest, and Strathallan schools and colleges, their names combining to form the one under which it is known today. The school has earned its strong reputation for all the right reasons, namely providing a basis for success in postsecondary school and beyond.
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
International curriculum & programs at HSC: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Program | offered |
---|---|
Montessori toddler | |
Casa | |
Elementary | |
Middle School | |
High School |
Focus |
---|
Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Evolution as consensus theory | |
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
Evolution is not taught |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Biology | |
Chemistry | |
Ecology | |
Geology | |
Meteorology | |
Physics | |
Physiology | |
Zoology |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Acting | |
Dance | |
Drama/Theatre | |
Graphic Design | |
Music | |
Visual Arts |
Expressive | |
Disciplined |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Computer science | |
Robotics | |
Web design |
Toddler | Primary | Lower Elementary | Upper Elementary | Middle | High | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age groupings How children are grouped by age for each class.' |
18 months to 30 months | 3 to 6 | 6 to 9 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Uninterrupted work periods The longest uninterrupted work period for each class.' |
1.5 hours | 2.5 hours | 3 hours | – | – | – |
Tests and assignments How often students are given tests or assignments in each class.' |
Never (Orthodox) | Never (Orthodox) | Occasionally (Moderate Orthodox) | – | – | – |
Graded work How often students have their work graded in each class.' |
Never (Orthodox) | Never (Orthodox) | Semi-regularly (Moderately Non-Orthodox) | – | – | – |
Arts and crafts The percentage of a typical student's day that is spent on arts and crafts in each class.' |
10% | 10% | 15% | – | – | – |
Whole-class lectures should never be given. Students learn best through small group lessons, interaction, and independent work.
External special education support is only rarely necessary. For instance, a psychologist might be brought in to help out a student with a severe developmental disorder.
We have a fairly wide range of specialist teachers and classes (for instance, in languages, music, and art). Core teachers are well-equipped to teach most subjects.
Modern-day technology is very rarely used in class, since it can be a distraction and interfere with development. Students at the upper levels, though, might be permitted to use a computer or a tablet to do research for a specific project.
Overall approach : Which option best describes your overall curricular approach?
Schools that adhere to the original Montessori program and principles. On occasion, though, they supplement it with modern curricular approaches or materials.
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
Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)
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, HSC students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
NS | PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HSC | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 90 mins |
Site Average | 0 mins | 2 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 17 mins | 23 mins | 29 mins | 34 mins | 40 mins | 51 mins | 56 mins | 69 mins | 80 mins | 98 mins | 107 mins |
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12 |
Competitive sports: 22
Recreational sports: 23
Hillfield Strathallan College offers 26 clubs and extracurricular programs.
NS | PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
Day | $16,428 | $19,037 | $18,393 | $23,443 | $27,834 | $28,775 |
Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | JK to 12 |
Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 11% |
Average aid package size | $4,500 |
Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid | 10% |
Total aid available | $520,000 |
This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
The HSC financial aid program assists parents/guardians who expect their annual family income to grow as their children grow. It affords parents an opportunity to enrol their children immediately and work up to being a full fee payer. The program also provides short-term assistance to existing families.
If you have any questions, please contact Sheriann Heath-Johnston, Director of Admissions at [email protected] or by calling 905-389-1367.
HSC provides an Academic Scholarship Program for students entering Grades 7 and 9. Through a competitive process, successful candidates may earn academic awards that are applied towards tuition. All new candidates must submit a regular Application for Admission, as well as a completed Academic Scholarship Application. Our Academic Scholarships are valued from $1,000-$10,000 and are offered as one-time awards.
All new candidates must submit a regular Application for Admission, as well as the completed Scholarship Application(s).
For more details, visit:www.hsc.on.ca/page/admissions/scholarships--awardsHSC provides an Academic Scholarship Program for students entering Grades 7 and 9. Through a competitive process, successful candidates may earn academic awards that are applied towards tuition. All new candidates must submit a regular Application for Admission, as well as a completed Academic Scholarship Application. Our Academic Scholarships are valued from $1,000-$10,000 and are offered as one-time awards.
All new candidates must submit a regular Application for Admission, as well as the completed Scholarship Application(s).
For more details, visit:www.hsc.on.ca/admissions/financial-aid/scholarshipsThe Alumni Association Leadership Awards celebrate two students annually (one male and one female) entering Grade 9. All new candidates must submit a regular Application for Admission, as well as the completed Alumni Leadership Award Scholarship Application. These awards highlight and recognize the leadership achievements and potential of each recipient. Each scholarship is valued at $10,000 and is offered as a one-time award.
For more details, visit:www.hsc.on.ca/page/admissions/scholarships--awardsA renewable scholarship, up to four years (Grades 9 to 12), that provides full tuition and all incidental costs to one student annually. This is a needs-based merit scholarship for a student who holds high acdemic standing, but cannot afford to attend, even with financial aid assistance.
For information on eligibility and requirements please visit www.hsc.on.ca/scholarships
For more details, visit:www.hsc.on.caThis award recognizes and celebrates academic, athletic and leadership potential (newly enrolling students only).
For more information on eligibility and requirements please visit www.hsc.on.ca/scholarships
For more details, visit:www.hsc.on.caThe Alumni Association Legacy Honorarium is offered to new or current students successfully entering Grade 9. This one-time honorarium, in the amount of $500, is given to a child or grandchild of an alumnus to celebrate the family’s legacy at the College.
An alumnus is defined as any student who fulfilled a minimum of one year at HSC (or its predecessors). Current students are recognized during Grade 8 graduation.
For more details, visit:https://www.hsc.on.ca/page/admissions/scholarships--awardsGrades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrolment | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Group 1 | Nursery/Toddler to Gr. 12 | Coed | Day | 1230 |
Group 2 | Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 | Coed | Homestay | 30 |
Total enrolment | 1,260 |
Average class size | 16 to 20 |
% of international students (total enrolment) | 8% |
Number of different nationalities within student population | 19 |
NS | PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Enrollment | 45 | 45 | 37 | 46 | 42 | 53 | 54 | 52 | 66 | 70 | 87 | 95 | 133 | 132 | 135 | 128 |
Homestay Enrollment | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||
Class Size | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
Assessment | Required | Grades |
---|---|---|
Interview | NS - 12 | |
SSAT | ||
SSAT (out of province) | ||
Entrance Exam(s) | 5 - 12 | |
Entrance Essay |
Day students: Rolling
Homestay students: Rolling
Offer mid-year entry:
N/A
Application fee: N/A
Registration fee: N/A
Deposit:
N/A
HSC's application process requires you to submit an application form together with an application fee. School reports for the current school year and the final report from the previous two years are also required as supporting documents.
You can book a one-on-one virtual meeting at HSC here.
This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.
Student Entry Points
This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.
Student Type | NS | PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Homestay Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Average graduating class size | 120 |
Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation | 100% |
Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada | 12% |
Students who attended a Ivy+ school 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) | 6 |
Western University | 18% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Queen's University | 14% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University of Toronto | 12% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
McMaster University | 9% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University of Waterloo | 8% |
Hillfield Strathallan College Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:
Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:
Career planning | |
Internships |
Mentorship Program | |
University counseling |
Alumnus | Grad Year | Accomplishment |
---|---|---|
Steven Paikin | 1978 | Mr. Paikin is a Canadian journalist, author, and documentary producer and current host of TVO's "The Agenda with Steve Paikin". |
Colin Glassco | 1961 | Colin Glassco’s and his charity, The Glassco Foundation, mandate is to seek out children's issues in Canada and overseas, and to provide financial/organizational assistance as well as onsite support. |
Shelia Singh | 1990 | Sheila Singh is part of the McMaster Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute. During her PhD, Dr. Singh identified a stem cell that may drive the formation of brain tumours. |
Gail Robinson | 1960 | Dr. Gail Robinson, a Professor of Psychiatry and Obstetrics/Gynecology at the University of Toronto and the Director of the Women’s Mental Health Program, has been awarded the Order of Ontario. |
Ronald Bremner | 1967 | Mr. Ronald S. Bremner serves as President of the Gold Medal Consulting Group Ltd. Past roles include President/CEO of the Calgary Flames, and President/CEO of BCTV, among others. |
Robert Young | 1972 | Robert "Bob" Young is the founder of open source software company, Red Hat Inc., and the owner of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. |
Randall Echlin | 1969 | The Honourable Justice Randall Scott Echlin, a judge of the Ontario Superior Court, contributed inordinately to the world of HR law. |
John van Nostrand | 1967 | John van Nostrand is an architect, urban planner, and founding partner of architectsAlliance. He is recognized for his thinking around the issues of homelessness, affordability and transformation of urban spaces. |
Coulter Osborne | 1950 | During his time on the bench, the Honourable Coulter A. Osborne served on the Supreme Court of Ontario, Court of Appeal, and became Ontario’s Associate Chief Justice. |
Robb Webb | 1974 | Robb Webb is the Executive Vice-President and Chief Human-Resources Officer for Hyatt Hotels Corporation and is on the board for the Human Rights Campaign, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, among others. |
Welcome to HSC
Welcome to Hillfield Strathallan College—a community where children and their learning are at the forefront. Each child is known, challenged to do their best, and supported in that pursuit. We believe the best education of any child is achieved through a partnership between the school and the family, with the shared goal of helping students to achieve their full potential.
HSC consists of four small schools united by a common commitment to a shared Mission and Ideals. We are committed to ensuring a balance between the development of student independence and guidance from a caring faculty, sensitive to the age and stage of the student. We aim to develop students who ask great questions, are resilient problem-solvers and are connected to the wider world. All students learn differently, and we make every effort to address individual learning needs and styles.
True learning occurs when curriculum is meaningful and relevant, and we believe learning is not restricted to the classroom. Students who are most successful in university and beyond are those who are engaged fully in a rich program of co-curricular offerings, in addition to a solid academic program. HSC students discover and follow their passions, whether they lie in academics, athletics, fine arts, outdoor education or community service. Through shared experiences, the close-knit HSC community helps students bond with their classmates and teachers for life.
Please explore our site to learn a bit more about the incredible opportunities available at HSC. However, the true flavour of the HSC experience can only be gained by paying us a visit. You will see engaged and happy learners, students and faculty working together, students pursuing their dreams on the fields, in the gymnasia and in the theatre, or simply enjoying on another's company in the dining hall. I hope you will join us to discover what makes Hillfield Strathallan College such an amazing place.
Marc Ayotte
Head of College
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