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Trusted by families since 1998.
St. Michael's College School logo
OUR KIDS REPORT:

St. Michael's College School

Grades 7 — 12 — Toronto, ON (Map)
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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
St. Michael's College School
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

School overview

  • Grades
    7 — 12
  • Gender
    All boys
  • Class Size
    21 students
  • Tuition
    $24,700/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Associations
    CIS Ontario, IBSC
  • Enrolment
    750 day students
  • Curriculum
    Liberal Arts
  • EBROCHURE
    View eBrochure
  • LOCATION
    Toronto, ON (View address)

Summer Operations

St. Michael's College School operates summer camps and programs. Click here to learn about St. Michael's College School Summer Camps.


The big picture on St. Michael's College School

We summarized the school ourselves

It's one of the oldest schools in Canada, and is steeped in legend, having descended directly from a secret school founded in the mountains of central France during the French Revolution. Today, it's the only independent Catholic boys' school in Ontario, and one of only a few in Canada. A dedication to teaching the core curriculum though a Catholic lens remains, as does a commitment to strong academics across the board. An extensive program of modernization completed in 2002 brought the school firmly into the 21st century. That said, the school is best known in the popular imagination because of its storied athletic program. The school has produced more than 180 professional hockey players, a raft of hall-of-famers among them. The school is large, and the academic program is rigorous. The ideal student is self-directed, able to thrive in a demanding, rigorous, and at times competitive environment.

We questioned the school administration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Since 1852, St. Michael's College School has been educating and forming young men in goodness, discipline, and knowledge for lives of leadership and service. We are Canada's only Catholic, Basilian, faith-based independent school, educating young men from Grades 7 to 12 in a university-preparatory programme, and forming them with a foundation for life. Under the direction of the Basilian Fathers, our students discover the courage and develop the faith to be a modern man of St. Michael's: free in mind, body, and soul to pursue truth, choose goodness, create beauty, and build a civilization of love and service to our community and to the world. Our students unleash their passion for meaning and curiosity by pursuing future readiness and embracing an inquiry-based learning pedagogy that inspires students to explore freely the profound questions of our world and to develop the knowledge and skills for living a meaningful life in the 21st century. In graduating young men who change the world through lives of faith, character, and service, St. Michael's College School brings integrity, unity, and healing to a fractured and uncertain world."

  • Founded in 1852
  • Leader in Catholic Boys' Education
  • Enriched Catholic Liberal Arts education
  • Experiential 21st Century Pedagogy
  • Financial assistance program available
  • Extensive co-curricular programme
  • Engaging Service opportunities
  • Tradition of academic, artistic, and athletic excellence

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

What makes St. Michael's College School different is our three-dimensional approach to making good men. By focusing on character in academics, athletics, arts, and service, we help foster boys who can graduate to be the good in the world.
Our 100% acceptance and 85% first-choice university acceptance rates are testament to our academic programme. No other school offers the breadth of high-level sports offered at St. Michael's College School and our Catholic foundation allows us to focus on character building in intentional ways.

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

We believe in educating students in Gospel values and the social teachings of the Catholic Church. We believe that service is core to our mission.
We are committed to supporting opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to serve others both inside and outside the classroom; to ‘Be the Good’ for one another, for St. Michael’s College School, and for the broader community.

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

In the middle of the 19th century, the French Basilians came to Canada on an invitation from Bishop Armand de Charbonnel of Toronto. The Bishop discerned the clear need for Catholic schools for the young people of his parishes, especially at the high school level. In his plans to bring Catholic education to more of his faithful, the Bishop immediately thought of his education at the Collège du Sacré-Cœur in Annonay, France, a school established by the Basilian Fathers. In September of 1852, the Basilians opened St. Michael’s College (SMC) in Toronto, which offered a combination of a high school and university education.
In September 1950, St. Michael’s College School opened its doors in a new building on Bathurst Street at St. Clair Avenue West, where it is situated today.

In 1967, St. Michael’s College School began an important new phase in its history when it entered into a partnership with the Metropolitan Separate School Board of Toronto to educate the Board’s students in Grades 9

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

A student who seeks a Basilian education with its focus on spiritual life and character formation.
A student who is interested in pursuing academic and co-curricular excellence and who is ready to take on challenges and work to be better each and every day.

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

At St. Michael's College School, our co-curricular programs are vital to what we do, so for students looking to simply to head home after last class, St. Michael's College School might not be right for them.  So much of what makes St. Michael's College School great happens beyond the classroom.

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

Our families chose St. Michael's College School because of our balanced approach to making good men. They want a place where their son can pursue excellence in the classroom and beyond.

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

A Strong Community That Fosters Well-Being
Future Readiness Through Academic Excellence
Developing Character and Leadership Through Athletics
Nurturing Growth in Faith and Character Through Service

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

When people think of SMCS co-curriculars, they often think of sports.  However, we also thriving robotics, drama and music co-curricular programs.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

Information not yet available.

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

In the past few years, St. Michael's College School has introduced AP courses, a prep hockey and basketball programme and a Blue Notes journaling initiative.  Each is a direct reflection of our three-dimensional approach to education and character formation.

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

WE WILL:
-Promote academic excellence by engaging students in authentic and experiential learning opportunities that intentionally
develop global competencies.
-Embed character education into our experiential learning opportunities, ensuring that students not only develop future-ready skills but also cultivate qualities such as resilience, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.
-Regularly invest in professional development for faculty and staff to facilitate best-in-class pedagogical approaches and assessment practices.
- Cultivate opportunities for students to meaningfully explore and integrate emerging technologies in their classes through practical application, ethical considerations and promotion of the common good.
- Foster community partnerships across a multitude of industries, including leveraging the strength of the alumni community, to give students exposure to different career guidance and pathways.


We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

St. Michael's College School: Alumni Review from Chris Paolini

Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 — Watch our alum interview with Chris Paolini to learn about the unique experience of attending St. Michael's College School.
St. Michael's College School, Alumnus Video Review from Chris Paolini

St. Michael's College School: Parent Review from Nancy Nash

Watch our parent interview with Nancy Nash to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend St. Michael's College School.
St. Michael's College School, Parent Video Review from Nancy Nash

St. Michael's College School: Alumni Review from Michael Tighe

Watch our alum interview with Michael Tighe to learn about the unique experience of attending St. Michael's College School.
St. Michael's College School, Alumnus Video Review from Michael Tighe

Alumnus, Liam Abbott (2024)

(4.7)

Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — Overall looking back, my experience at St. Michael's College School was rewarding. I had high expectations for the school and was not really sure if these expectations were realistic. Regardless, the school has surpassed all expectations I had and has delivered a level of education that cannot be easily imitated. Each day I was really excited and expectant to go to school and see what the day held for me. St. Michael's ultimate goal is to develop strong, independent, young vibrant leaders, who will make a positive impact. This definitely made an impact in grooming my character and personal attributes. Up to this day, I'm very much grateful. When coming to St. Mike's, one should be ready to learn to be a communicator, knowledgeable, inquirer, thinker, principled with integrity, open-minded, caring, reflective and balanced.

Parent, Don Marino (2020)

(4.9)

We love who our three boys have turned out to be. The teachers give so much of themselves, and the personal time they put into the boys amazed us. The retreats our sons participated in were life-changing and inspiring. We wish all students could experience what our boys have been so fortunate to experience at St. Michael’s College School. We'll certainly miss our daily contact with this great community. In quoting our son, Matthew ’19 “Over my years at St Mike’s, I’ve been challenged by my teachers to perform my best in the classroom, by my friends to establish my options and beliefs, and by my coaches to constantly strive to be my best”. That’s what GOODNESS, DISCIPLINE, AND KNOWLEDGE mean to me.”

Parent, María Corral (2020)

(5)

Our family has been part of St. Michael's College School since the year 2017, with our 2 older sons are currently attending the school. Since the very beginning, we were very impressed with St. Mike's academic programme, its art & music curriculum, the school facilities and the human/professional quality of its teachers. The school's environment fosters the development of virtues and healthy friendships for the boys. They feel extremely proud of their school and are excited to attend every day. St. Mike's response to the pandemic has been incredibly proactive, (far beyond our expectations!) without compromising its curriculum and excellent academic level. The school also offers a variety of more than 50 different clubs, all especially designed for young men's enjoyment, and to prepare them for their future lives.

Alumnus, Michael Marcon (2020)

(5)

As an Alumnus of St. Michael's College School, I can say firsthand that my experience was excellent. I have had the pleasure of being taught by some of the best teachers around and been coached by some of the most dedicated staff one can imagine. St. Michael's in my opinion is about excellence in every part of one's upbringing - academic, spiritual, and physical. It has certainly prepared me for my personal life as well as my career. It is no surprise that it was the first, and only, choice for my son to attend St. Michael's when entering high school. What is also very special and unique is the way the broader community is involved. I have met many fathers who never attended the school themselves but now have their sons there and it's almost like they are alumni too! I still have the winged 'M' on my car and wear my Grad pin with pride after all these years.

Parent, Danielle Carroll (2020)

(5)

Our son’s journey at SMCS began at open house where he was immediately taken in by the spirit, culture and atmosphere during the school’s presentation. We recall the excitement of receiving a personalized acceptance message from a departing Grade 12 student congratulating and welcoming our son into the SMCS community. During his first week at school, his grade was whisked away to a retreat where friendships and bonds began to form. Since that time, he has not looked back, his social interactions and personal connections with his teachers, administration, and peers has been nothing but positive and memorable. He has immersed himself in diversified co-curricular programming ranging from inter-varsity athletics to student wellness and leadership opportunities, all while balancing his academic pursuits with the support of his Guidance and Learning Enrichment Centre teachers. The care and support of every teacher at SMCS has allowed our son to feel comfortable when challenged with difficult tasks. He has developed strong knowledge, discipline, and goodness in his character and continues to be curious about everything that surrounds him. We could not have selected a better place for our son to learn and develop.
See all reviews (8 total)

We reported on the school in articles

Preparing high school students for a changing world

"Our aim is to immerse students in diverse cultures, professions, and ways of life, crafting not just scholars, but responsible citizens. With experiential learning, the goal is for kids to be well-rounded global citizens. We want them to be exposed to various cultures, professions, and ways of life, making them better citizens overall," says Daniel Lumsden, the head of community engagement & learning at St. Michael's.

 

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