At The Linden School, leadership is not relegated to senior students or the chosen few—there are no prefects, nor is there a student government. Instead all students, from Grade 1 to Grade 12, are encouraged to take on projects on behalf of the school community.
"Leadership is up for anyone willing to take on a risk and be passionate," Chan says.
Eight years ago, a Grade 5 student was intrigued by a class discussion about the unequal rights of women around the world, so she rallied students from other grades and started EdGE (Education for Girls Everywhere), which has since provided a computer lab for girls in Afghanistan and uniforms for schoolgirls in Africa.
"I like not being a follower," says Raha Mahmoudi who is entering her final year at Linden. "As a person, I'm stronger, and I'm able to take the initiative and pursue my interests outside of school."