St. Michael's Choir School

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Traditional
    • Mathematics: Traditional Math
    • Early Reading: Balanced Literacy
    • Writing: Equal balance
    • Science: Equal Balance
    • Literature: Equal Balance
    • Social Studies : Core Knowledge
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Equal Balance
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Receptive
    • Computers and Technology: Medium integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Religious Education: 11 to 25% of curriculum
    • Advanced Placement courses:
    • Sex and health education:
  • Curriculum Pace: Accelerated
  • Academic Culture: Rigorous
  • Developmental priorities: Balanced
  • Special needs support: No support
  • Gifted learner support: Dedicated gifted school
  • Language: bilingual / dual-immersion
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Traditional
    [Show definition of Curriculum]

    Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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    Curriculum approach at SMCS: Traditional

    SMCS has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Traditional?]

    Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional - 15%
      Liberal arts - 17%
      Progressive - 17%
      Montessori - 17%
      Reggio Emilia - 17%
      Waldorf - 17%
    

    What SMCS says: The world-renowned St. Michael's Choir School is one of only six schools associated with the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music. St. Michael's Choir School is committed to choral excellence and intensive musical training for all students, integrated with a rigorous academic programme. St. Michael's Choir School encourages a community of brotherhood and a Man for Others approach to service. Our choirs tour annually and take part in recordings and community performances.

    Approach:

    Focus	Special needs	Religious-based
    Arts: Music	Gifted	Christian (Roman Catholic)

    If you want to learn more about faith-based education, check out our comprehensive guide.
    If you want to learn more about Christian education, check out our comprehensive guide.
    If you want to learn more about Catholic education, check out our comprehensive guide.

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Traditional Math
      Mathematics approach at SMCS: Traditional Math

      SMCS has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Traditional Math?]

      Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Traditional math - 34%
        Discovery math - 33%
        Equal balance - 33%
      

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

      Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

    • Early Reading Balanced Literacy
      Early Reading approach at SMCS: Balanced Literacy

      SMCS has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive , Whole Language approach).

      [Show: About Balanced Literacy?]

      Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

      Early Reading at schools on OurKids.net

        Balanced literacy - 33%
        Phonics-intensive - 34%
        Whole language - 33%
      

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

      DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing Equal balance
      Writing approach at SMCS: Equal balance

      SMCS has an Equal balance approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach , Process approach approach).

      [Show: About Equal balance?]

      Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.

      Writing at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Systematic approach - 34%
        Process approach - 33%
      

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Science Equal Balance
      Science approach at SMCS: Equal Balance

      SMCS has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

      Science at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Expository - 34%
        Inquiry - 33%
      

      Teaching approach: This information is not currently available.

      Treatment of evolution:

      Subject	offered
      Evolution as consensus theory
      Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
      Evolution is not taught

      Topics covered in curriculum:

      Subject	offered
      Biology
      Chemistry
      Ecology
      Geology
      Meteorology
      Physics
      Physiology
      Zoology

    • Literature Equal Balance
      Literature approach at SMCS: Equal Balance

      SMCS has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional , Social Justice approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

      Literature at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Traditional - 34%
        Social justice - 33%
      

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Social Studies Core Knowledge
      Social Studies approach at SMCS: Core Knowledge

      SMCS has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities , Thematic approach).

      [Show: About Core Knowledge?]

      Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).

      Social Studies at schools on OurKids.net

        Core knowledge - 34%
        Expanding communities - 33%
        Thematic - 33%
      

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at SMCS: Equal Balance

      SMCS has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

      Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Perennialism - 34%
        Pragmatism - 33%
      

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at SMCS: Equal Balance

      SMCS has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

      Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 33%
        Audio-lingual - 34%
        Communicative - 33%
      

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Fine Arts Receptive
      Fine Arts approach at SMCS: Receptive

      SMCS has a Receptive approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Creative , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Receptive?]

      Receptive arts programs emphasize art history (visual, music, theatre, etc) and appreciation over creating or “making” art. Students learn about various artistic works and movements, and are asked to reflect on their underlying aesthetic features and principles. The goal is to give students a core body of knowledge related to the arts, while developing their cognitive, emotional, and aesthetic sensibilities. Studio-work is still a component of most reflective programs, but it plays less of a role than in creative programs.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Receptive - 34%
        Creative - 33%
        Equal balance - 33%
      

      Program offers:

      Subject	offered
      Acting
      Dance
      Drama/Theatre
      Graphic Design
      Music
      Visual Arts

      What SMCS says: SMCS offers a robust music and choral programme which includes daily choral rehearsals, musicianship and music theory instruction. Our choirs sing for Masses at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica every weekend. All SMCS students take piano lessons as a part of their school day and many also take voice and organ lessons.

    • Computers and Technology Medium integration
      Computers and Technology approach at SMCS: Medium integration

      SMCS has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Heavy integration approach).

      [Show: About Medium integration?]

      Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Medium integration - 33%
        Light integration - 34%
        Heavy integration - 33%
      

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Religious Education 11 to 25% of curriculum

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

    • Advanced Placement courses
      This information is not currently available.
    • Sex and health education

      What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Religious Education

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • Sex and health education
  • Curriculum Pace Accelerated
    [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

    This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

    ---

    Curriculum Pace approach at SMCS: Accelerated

    SMCS has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).

    [Show: About Accelerated?]

    The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Accelerated - 33%
      Standard-enriched - 34%
      Student-paced - 33%
    

    What SMCS says: Choral rehearsal and music theory instruction are part of the daily schedule. Academic instruction moves at a quicker pace in order to accommodate choral rehearsal and music theory instruction.

    Flexible pacing style

    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

    What SMCS says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

  • Academic Culture Rigorous
    [Show definition of Academic Culture]

    Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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    Academic Culture approach at SMCS: Rigorous

    SMCS has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

    [Show: About Rigorous?]

    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Rigorous - 50%
      Supportive - 50%
    

    What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

  • Developmental priorities Balanced
    [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

    Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

    ---

    Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

    "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Spiritual

    The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

    What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

  • Special needs support No support
    [Show definition of Special needs support]

    Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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    SMCS offers No support

    SMCS offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

    Academic Support:

    Subject Type	offered
    Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
    Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

    Subject Type	offered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

    ---

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:

    Modification:

    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:

    Resource Assistance:

    Withdrawal Assistance:

    Partial Integration:

    Full-Time Class:

    
    

    Special NeedNeed

    Forms of SupportA

    EnvironmentsB

    ADHD

    • Learning disabilities
      Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)

      This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.

      Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

      This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.

      Dyscalculia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.

      Dysgraphia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

      Language Processing Disorder

      This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.

      Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)

      These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.

      Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

      A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
    • Developmental
      Autism

      Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).

      Asperger's Syndrome

      On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

      Down syndrome

      his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

      Intellectual disability

      This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).

      Williams syndrome

      This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.

      Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

      Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
    • Behavioral and Emotional
      Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

      roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

      Clinical Depression

      This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.

      Clinical anxiety

      This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.

      Suicidal thoughts

      This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

      Drug and alcohol abuse

      This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.

      Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

      This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
    • Physical
      Multiple sclerosis

      This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.

      Cerebral palsy

      his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.

      Muscular dystrophy

      Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

      Spina Bifida

      This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.

      Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

      This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.

      Blindness

      Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."

      Deafness

      Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).

      Cystic Fibrosis

      Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

      Multiple physical

      Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

  • Gifted learner support Dedicated gifted school
    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

    Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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    Curriculum delivery: Enrichment (The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.)

    In-class adaptations:

    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)

    What SMCS says: This information is not currently available.

  • Language bilingual / dual-immersion
    SMCS is a bilingual / dual-immersion school with English, French as the primary language of instruction:

    English - 50%					French - 50%

    Language of enrollment include: English
  • Homework Policy
    [Show definition of Homework Policy]

    Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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    In grade Gr. 12, SMCS students perform an average of 1 hour of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
    SMCS	15 mins	30 mins	30 mins	30 mins	30 mins	30 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins
    Site Average	23 mins	29 mins	34 mins	39 mins	51 mins	55 mins	69 mins	80 mins	98 mins	107 mins

    What SMCS says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

  • Report Card Policy
    [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

    While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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    How assessments are delivered across the grades:

    Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 3 to Gr. 12
    Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 3 to Gr. 12
    Academic achievement reporting	Gr. 3 to Gr. 12
    Habits and behaviour reporting	Gr. 3 to Gr. 12
    Parent-teacher meetings	Gr. 3 to Gr. 12

• Extracurriculars

  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.

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  What SMCS says:

  • Digital Music Club
  • Volleyball OFSAA Tournament Participants
  • OFSAA Swimming Participants
  • TCDSB Elementary Team Award Winners
  • Elementary Track & Field District, Regional and City 1st Place Long Distance Winners
  • House System - TCDSB Exemplary Practice Award Recipient

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 7
  Recreational sports: 4

  Legend:     Competitive offered           Recreational offered

  all sports]

  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cricket
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Cycling
  • Downhill skiing
  • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Field Hockey
  • Figure Skating
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial Arts
  • Mountain biking
  • Racquet Ball
  • Rowing
  • Rugby
  • Running
  • Sailing
  • Skateboarding
  • Snowboarding
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

  ---

  Clubs offered

  St. Michael's Choir School offers 9 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     Clubs offered           Clubs not offered

  all clubs and programs]

    Foreign Language Club

    Habitat for Humanity

    Jazz Ensemble

    Math Club

    Musical theatre/Opera

    Ballet and Classical Ballet

    Online Magazine

    Outdoor Club

    Outdoor Education

    Paintball

    Photography

    Poetry/Literature club

    Radio club

    Robotics club

    Round Square

    School newspaper

    Science Club

    Scouting

    Student Council

    Yearbook

    Yoga

    Animation

    Art Club

    Astronomy Club

    Audiovisual Club

    Band

    Chess Club

    Choir

    Community Service

    Computer Club

    Dance Club

    Debate Club

    Drama Club

    Environmental Club

  
  

• Tuition & Financial Aid

  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

  This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

  ---

  Day

   

  	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day	$7,650

  
  

  What SMCS says about their tuition: To establish, maintain and support a liturgical school of music instruction at St. Michael's Choir School for children and youth. For more information regarding our programme and tuition fees please visit our website www.smcs.on.ca

  ---

  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	3 to 12
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	0%
  Average aid package size	$1,000
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	5%
  Total aid available	$20,000

  Application Deadline:

  Rolling deadline

  More information:

  https://smcs.on.ca/tuition-and-financial-aid

  Application Details:

  This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
  All applicants are required to create a profile with a third party agency, Apple Financial Services. The agency provides the SMCS Finance Council an analysis of the family's personal financial situation based on which assistance may be provided from the donations the school receives for scholarships and bursaries.

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  Merit based Scholarships

  This information is not currently available.

• Enrollment

  [Show definition of enrolment]

  Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrolment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrolment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrolment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrolment per grade.

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  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Gr. 3 to Gr. 12	All boys	Day	250

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	250
  Average class size	20 to 32
  % of international students (total enrolment)	0%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	0

  Student Distribution:

  	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	23	27	25	23	27	28	19	25	19	21
  Class Size	23	30	29	28	27	27	24	24	22	22

• Admission

  [Show definition of Admission]

  Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

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  Admissions Requirements

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		3 - 12
  SSAT
  SSAT (out of province)
  Entrance Exam(s)		N/A
  Entrance Essay

  Day students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: Yes

  Fees:

  Application fee: $30
  Registration fee: $100
  Deposit: 50%

  What SMCS says:

  For complete information on our admissions and audition process please visit our website. All applicants must complete a successful vocal audition. In advance of an in-person or online audition, all students must provide the following documents (scanned files in PDF format and sent to [email protected]):

  • A Roman Catholic baptismal certificate for the student or at least one parent
  • A copy of his birth certificate
  • His two most recent report cards
  • Information Form
  • A teacher reference form
  • A reference from music teacher or choir conductor
  • TCDSB registration form
  • Proof of residency (the TCDSB now requires two documents. One from each list found here)

  These documents are to be submitted electronically a minimum of two weeks prior to the date of audition. Documents can be sent via email to [email protected] Audition dates will not be confirmed until all documents have been submitted and fees have been paid.

  A $30.00 application fee is payable at the time of application.

  A one-time registration fee of $100.00 is required for incoming students. 

  50% Tuition deposit is required on May 15th annually. The remaining tuition fees can be paid using a variation of payment plans provided by the SMCS business office. Tuition fees are not refundable.

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  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: N/A

  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%.

  
  

  Type of student SMCS is looking for:
  This information is not currently available.

• University Placement

  [Show definition of University Placement]

  Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy league school in the US, or some other institute? Regardless of your inclinations, take a look at a school’s university placement record, and the services they offer to support university applications and decisions.

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  Key Numbers

  Average graduating class size	25
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	100%

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	1%
  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)	N/A

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  University of Toronto																																									40%
  Queen's University											10%
  University of Waterloo											10%
  Western University									8%
  McMaster University								7%

  % of Graduates

  
  

  • Canada 12 universities
    • Brock University
    • Carleton University
    • McGill University
    • McMaster University
    • Memorial University of Newfoundland
    • Queen's University
    • Ryerson University
    • University of British Columbia
    • University of Toronto
    • University of Waterloo
    • Western University
    • Wilfrid Laurier University
  • United States 1 university
    • Lawrence Technological University
  • International 1 university
    • City, University of London

  
  

  Areas of Study

  • St. Michael's Choir School
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  St. Michael's Choir School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    40% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    25% - Business/Commerce
    3% - Fine and Performing Arts
    0% - Applied Health Sciences
    0% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    7% - Other
  

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    25% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    24% - Business/Commerce
    5% - Fine and Performing Arts
    14% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning
  Internships	N/A

  Mentorship Program
  University counseling

• Principal's Message

  Barry White, Executive Director

  St. Michael's Choir School, an all-boys school from grades 3 through 12 in downtown Toronto, has been providing Music in St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica since 1937.  A centre for musical and academic excellence, it is the only cathedral choir school in North America with both elementary and secondary students and is one of only six choir schools in the world affiliated with the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome. Each student attending the Choir School is trained in vocal and instrumental music, and sings in at least one of the school's choirs. In addition to weekend masses and numerous concerts, the Choir School tours regularly both domestically and internationally.

  The school, a unique partnership between the Archdiocese of Toronto and the Toronto Catholic District School Board, is famous not only for its music program, but is also known for its academic achievement, consistently ranking at the top of Fraser Institute surveys. For over eighty years, graduates of the Choir School have experienced career success in science, education, medicine, law, business, and, of course, music. Excellence is understood as the by-product of character and faith formation, reflected in the school’s mission: the formation of Catholic men through the service of sacred music and the pursuit of knowledge.

  Every year, the school auditions many boys from across the Greater Toronto Area, looking for those with musical potential. We would be more than happy to hear from a family who thinks their son might be a candidate for such a wonderful educational opportunity. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our school and how to contact us.

  

• Social Feeds

   

   

   

   

• Frequently Asked Questions

  Does St. Michael's Choir School have good reviews?
  You can read 1 review about St. Michael's Choir School via this link.

  What schools do graduates go to?
  The five most popular colleges or universities graduates from St. Michael's Choir School attend are: McMaster University, Queen's University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Western University.

  When is the application deadline for St. Michael's Choir School?
  The application deadline for day students is typically open year-round based on availability. More application details are available here.

  What is the curriculum pace at St. Michael's Choir School?
  St. Michael's Choir School has an Accelerated approach to curriculum pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched or Student-paced). Learn more about curriculum pace here.

  How many students attend St. Michael's Choir School?
  There are 250 students enrolled at St. Michael's Choir School from Gr. 3 to Gr. 12. More details about enrollment are available here.

  Do students at St. Michael's Choir School wear uniforms?
  Yes