REVIEW OF Ridley College BY Alum, Oscar Howe

(4.5) Overall Experience

I spent two years at Ridley from September 2022 to May 2024, and those years were pivotal for my development. Coming from Toronto and starting boarding right away in grade 10 was a big adjustment, but I settled in quickly. Basketball became the center of my experience there. I was captain of the Prep Basketball Team and also assistant coach for the U14 team, which taught me leadership from both playing and coaching perspectives. The business courses aligned perfectly with my entrepreneurial interests. I had already co-founded Lost Disciples, my clothing brand, at 16, and Ridley's business program gave me frameworks to think more strategically about what I was building. I made the honour roll both years, which I'm proud of. The social scene was good, and I found it easy to make friends, especially through basketball and Merritt House. Now I'm at Bishop's University studying entrepreneurship at the Williams School of Business and playing varsity basketball on scholarship.

Looking Back

Leading the Prep Basketball Team as captain stands out the most. Also, coaching the U14 kids and seeing them develop. The business courses that are connected to my clothing brand. The Merritt house community and friendships that were built through basketball.

Current Perspective

Now at Bishop's studying entrepreneurship, I appreciate how Ridley's business courses gave me practical frameworks for my brand. The leadership experience from being captain and coaching prepared me well for the competitive varsity basketball environment and business school.

Your Advice

If you're into sports or entrepreneurship, Ridley gives you room to pursue both seriously. Get involved with your house community immediately. Don't be afraid to take on leadership roles even if you're newer to the school.

(5) School Leadership

The administration at Ridley was good during my two years there. Coming in as a new student in grade 11, I appreciated how they facilitated the transition to boarding life. The leadership team was approachable and seemed invested in student success both academically and in extracurricular activities. They supported the basketball program well, which mattered to me since that was central to my experience. Communication was clear about expectations and any changes happening on campus. The house system had its own structure, which provided additional layers of support through Merritt House. Discipline seemed fair from what I observed. The admin balanced maintaining standards with understanding that students had diverse interests and commitments. They respected student leadership, which was evident in how they supported me as captain of the basketball team.

(4.5) Teaching

The teaching quality at Ridley was actually really good in all subjects. The business courses were particularly relevant to me since I had already started Lost Disciples, my clothing brand, before coming to Ridley. The business teachers connected concepts to real-world applications, which helped me think more strategically about entrepreneurship and sales. They understood that some students were already working on ventures outside school and encouraged that initiative. Teachers across departments were knowledgeable and approachable if you needed extra help. The dynamic was respectful and professional. They gave useful feedback on assignments and were willing to discuss ideas beyond just what was in the textbook. Even though I was only there for two years, the teaching made an impact on how I approach business problems now at Bishop's.

(4.5) Academics

The academic program at Ridley was challenging but manageable. Business courses were my focus, and they aligned well with my entrepreneurial interests. The curriculum covered fundamentals while also encouraging students to think critically about how business concepts apply in real situations. The workload was substantial but doable if you managed your time well, which was essential when balancing basketball commitments. I made honour roll both years, which required staying organized and focused. The academic culture was collaborative, with students helping each other rather than being overly competitive. Teachers structured courses in ways that built knowledge progressively. The preparation I got in business courses has been valuable at Bishop's University, where I'm studying entrepreneurship at the Williams School of Business. The foundation Ridley provided made the transition to university-level coursework smoother.

(4.5) Extracurriculars

Basketball dominated my extracurricular life at Ridley, and the program was excellent. I was captain of the Prep Basketball Team, which was a significant leadership experience. The coaching staff was knowledgeable and pushed us to improve individually and as a team. The facilities were solid with good court access and training equipment. What made it even better was the opportunity to assist in coaching the U14 basketball team. Coaching younger players while still competing myself taught me leadership from multiple angles and helped develop my communication skills. Beyond basketball, there were other activity options available, though I was primarily focused on the sport. The school valued athletics and supported student athletes well. The extracurricular experience, particularly through basketball, was a major reason my two years at Ridley were so impactful.

(4.5) Students

The student body at Ridley was welcoming, which mattered since I came in as a new student in grade 11. I found it easy to make friends, particularly through basketball and Merritt House. The social integration was smoother than I expected, given that I was joining an established community. Students came from diverse backgrounds, including local Ontario kids and international students, which created interesting dynamics. Most students were involved in activities, whether sports, arts, or clubs, so there was common ground for connecting with people. The basketball community specifically was tight and supportive. People respected those who worked hard and contributed positively, whether that was in athletics, academics, or other areas. The student dynamic felt healthy overall with minimal drama. Being from Toronto originally, I appreciated the mix of perspectives and backgrounds in the student body.

(4.5) School Life

My two years at Ridley were genuinely positive. The quality of daily life was good with a solid balance between academics, basketball, and social time. Starting boarding in grade 11 was an adjustment coming from Toronto, but Merritt house provided a community that made the transition easier. Dorm life taught me independence and how to manage my own schedule, which has been useful at Bishop's. The campus facilities were strong, particularly for athletics. Between basketball practices, games, coaching the U14 team, classes, and hanging out with friends, there was always something happening. Students seemed generally engaged rather than just going through the motions. There was stress around academics and basketball commitments, but it felt like productive pressure that pushed you to grow. The experience prepared me well for the demands of being a student-athlete at the university level.

(4.5) Community

The Ridley community was solid during my time there. Merritt House created an immediate sense of belonging when I arrived as a new boarding student. The basketball community, both as a player and assistant coach, became like family. Those relationships were meaningful, and some have continued beyond graduation. The house system worked well for integrating new students and creating smaller communities within the larger school. The broader Ridley community seemed connected with school spirit around athletics and other events. Parents appeared welcomed and involved when appropriate. Even though I was only there for two years compared to students who had been there longer, I felt like part of the community. The emphasis on leadership and contributing positively created a culture where people looked out for each other. The connections I made have been valuable as I've moved into university life.

(4.5) School Location

St. Catharines is a decent location, though coming from Toronto, it felt smaller and quieter. The Niagara region has its character, and being somewhat close to Toronto meant I could get home when needed. There were adequate amenities nearby for what we needed off campus. The area felt safe, and the community around Ridley seemed supportive of the school. Most of my time during the week was spent on campus because of the packed schedule with basketball and academics. Weekends offered some chances to explore locally. The location worked fine for the boarding school experience, though I did miss the energy and options of a bigger city sometimes. Overall, it provided what was necessary while allowing for a true campus community feel.

(4.5) Admissions

The admissions process when I applied to Ridley for grade 11 was straightforward. The admissions team was professional and seemed focused on finding students who would fit the school culture. They were transparent about what boarding life and the academic expectations would involve. As someone interested in both basketball and business, they highlighted how Ridley could support both interests. The process wasn't overly stressful and felt more like a conversation about fit rather than an intimidating evaluation. For anyone considering applying, especially as a later entry as I did in grade 11, I'd say be clear about what you're looking for and ask specific questions about programs that matter to you, whether that's athletics, business courses or other areas.

(4.5) University placement and counselling

The university counselling at Ridley was helpful during my time there. Even though I was only there for two years, they started working with me early on the application process. The counsellors helped me identify schools that had strong business programs and competitive basketball programs since I wanted both. They guided me through understanding different schools and what each offered. The support around application timelines, required materials, and presenting myself effectively was detailed. They organized university fairs where representatives visited the campus. The preparation meant I felt confident applying to Bishop's University and other programs. The counselling team seemed genuinely invested in finding the right fit for each student. Their guidance was part of why I ended up at Bishop's studying entrepreneurship and playing varsity basketball on scholarship, which aligned perfectly with my goals.