St. Michael's College School

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Liberal Arts
    • Mathematics: Traditional Math
    • Science: Equal Balance
    • Literature: Equal Balance
    • Humanities and Social Sciences : Equal Balance
    • Foreign Languages: Equal Balance
    • Fine Arts: Equal Balance
    • Computers and Technology: Medium integration
    • Physical Education:
    • Religious Education: 11 to 25% of curriculum
    • Advanced Placement courses: 3 courses
    • Sex and health education: Ontario curriculum
  • Curriculum Pace: Standard-enriched
  • Academic Culture: Rigorous
  • Developmental priorities: Spiritual
  • Special needs support: Indirect Support
  • Gifted learner support: In-class adaptations
  • Language: English
  • Homework Policy:
  • Report Card Policy:

  
  

  • Curriculum Liberal Arts
    [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 St. Michael's: Liberal Arts

    St. Michael's has a Liberal Arts approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Liberal Arts?]

    Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

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

    What St. Michael's says: St. Michael’s College School provides a modern, Liberal Arts, Catholic education for young men in grades 7-12. The Grade 7-8 Intermediate programme academically prepares students for our university preparatory high school curriculum. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for the young men to transition seamlessly into the high school setting. Grade 7-8 students participate in a 1:1 iPad programme, developing the technological competencies that complement the Intermediate curriculum. Our Grade 9-12 academic programme provides a Liberal Arts education for students bound for university. A pedagogical approach that embraces character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking develops the learning skills that students need for living productive and meaningful lives in the 21st Century. All courses are taught at the Academic level in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training Guidelines.

    Approach:

    Focus	Religious-based
    Academic	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 St. Michael's: Traditional Math

      St. Michael's 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 St. Michael's says: This information is not currently available.

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

      Calculator policy: Students use the TI-84 calculator

    • Science Equal Balance
      Science approach at St. Michael's: Equal Balance

      St. Michael's 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 - 71%
        Expository - 6%
        Inquiry - 23%
      

      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 St. Michael's: Equal Balance

      St. Michael's 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 - 77%
        Traditional - 20%
        Social justice - 3%
      

      What St. Michael's says: We use our English curriculum to further develop character and citizenship in our students. For example, in grade 9, students read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time which tells the story of a boy with A.S.D. Students are asked to create a public service announcement about Autism and address common misconceptions.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance
      Humanities and Social Sciences approach at St. Michael's: Equal Balance

      St. Michael's 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 St. Michael's says: This information is not currently available.

    • Foreign Languages Equal Balance
      Foreign Languages approach at St. Michael's: Equal Balance

      St. Michael's 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 St. Michael's says: This information is not currently available.

    • Fine Arts Equal Balance
      Fine Arts approach at St. Michael's: Equal Balance

      St. Michael's has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Creative approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 61%
        Receptive - 2%
        Creative - 37%
      

      Program offers:

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

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What St. Michael's says: This information is not currently available.

    • Computers and Technology Medium integration
      Computers and Technology approach at St. Michael's: Medium integration

      St. Michael's 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 - 47%
        Light integration - 20%
        Heavy integration - 33%
      

      What St. Michael's says: This information is not currently available.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What St. Michael's says: The philosophy of education at St. Michael's focuses on developing the mind, body and spirit. Our Physical and Health Education programme encourages students to pursue physical fitness as well as teaching them about mental and physical well-being. We expose them to a number of sports and activities and encourage them to be life-long healthy and active people.

    • Religious Education 11 to 25% of curriculum

      What St. Michael's says: This information is not currently available.

    • Advanced Placement courses 3 courses
      AP Calculus AB

      AP English Literature and Composition

      AP European History
    • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at St. Michael's: Ontario curriculum

      St. Michael's has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

      [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

      The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 45%
      

      What St. Michael's says: This information is not currently available.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • Religious Education

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • Sex and health education
  • Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
    [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.

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    Curriculum Pace approach at St. Michael's: Standard-enriched

    St. Michael's has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

    [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Standard-enriched - 58%
      Accelerated - 18%
      Student-paced - 24%
    

    What St. Michael's says: We promote a student-centred approach to education. Students are encouraged to develop their critical thinking and collaboration skills by solving real-world problems and following an inquiry- or problem-based approach.

    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 St. Michael's 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 St. Michael's: Rigorous

    St. Michael's 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 St. Michael's says: St. Michael's College School provides a modern, Liberal Arts, Catholic education for young men in Grades 7-12. The Grade 7-8 Intermediate programme prepares students for our university preparatory high school curriculum, and provides an opportunity for young men to transition into the high school setting seamlessly. Grade 7-8 students participate in a 1:1 iPad programme that develops 21st century learning and compliments the Intermediate curriculum. Our Grade 9-12 academic programme provides a Liberal Arts education for university bound students. All courses are taught at the Academic or University level in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training Guidelines.

  • Developmental priorities Spiritual
    [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.

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    Primary Developmental Priority: Spiritual

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

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

    What St. Michael's says: While St. Michael’s College School strives to prepare our students for university, we are also fully committed to preparing them to be future Catholic leaders in the world. Guided by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we prepare young men to recognize and choose the good, to contribute to society, to be a neighbour, to nurture family, and to seek eternal life in union with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

  • Special needs support Indirect 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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    St. Michael's offers Indirect Support

    Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day; the teacher receives special training in accommodating special needs and/or learning disabled students.

    What St. Michael's says about their special need support: Typically, a student who evidences signs of a possible learning difficulty or exceptionality is referred to our Student Success Team. There is follow up with the student and family to suggest options for further investigation, testing, and referral to community resources. If testing leads to a diagnosis warranting further intervention, a Learning Strategist may develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to note any environmental and/or instructional accommodations the student may require to access the curriculum more successfully. Our Team can provide support and coaching for students with wide-ranging diagnoses. A diagnosis of learning disability should not, in and of itself, discourage a parent from applying, and parents are encouraged to ask questions about the range of supports available.

    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

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    Summary: Learning Enrichment Centre: Accommodations -development of IEP's -monitoring of student progress and individual assistance with organization, time-management, and workload -alternative location for testing/exams (quiet space) -memory aids, audio books (USB) -use of computers for testing/exams -assistive technology (computer apps, programs, devices for specific learning challenges) -referral of peer support (tutor or note-taking) -referral of psych ed assessments and to CCAC for Occupational Therapists -workshops developed and offered throughout the school year on organization, note-taking, time-management, study skills, exam prep -"Return to Learn" support to help students stay on top of their courses after an illness, concussion, or injury

    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 In-class adaptations
    [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 St. Michael's says: As the academic standards at St. Michael's College School are already quite high, we do not offer a separate gifted programme. All students at St. Michael's are on an accelerated curriculum, whether they are classified as gifted or not.

  • Language English
    St. Michael's offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    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, St. Michael's students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.

    Nightly Homework

    	7	8	9	10	11	12
    St. Michael's	30 mins	30 mins	45 mins	60 mins	90 mins	90 mins
    Site Average	52 mins	56 mins	69 mins	80 mins	98 mins	107 mins

    What St. Michael's 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. 7 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 St. Michael's says:

  • 56 interscholastic teams across 20 different sports, engaging 800 student-athletes
  • Full service Athletic Therapy Clinic & Strength and Conditioning Centre
  • Intramural offerings include: Bubble Soccer, 3v3 Basketball & Badminton,

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 20
  Recreational sports: 7

  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 College School offers 26 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”).

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  Day

   

  	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day	$21,500

  
  

  What St. Michael's says about their tuition: This information is not currently available.

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  Discounts

  Discount Type	Enrolment Type	Amount
  Full payment	all students	$300
  Early payment	all students	$100

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  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	7 to 12
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	15%
  Average aid package size	$0
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	15%
  Total aid available	$2,000,000

  Application Deadline:

  December 03, 2021  (Repeats annually)

  More information:

  www.stmichaelscollegeschool.com/admissions

  Application Details:

  This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
  The Bursary programme is open to all students at St. Michael’s, and new students applying for the first time to St. Michael’s. Please note the Student must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent landed resident of Canada. Students entering Canada on a student visa are not eligible for bursary assistance. The School uses Apple Financial Corporation’s FACS (Financial Aid for students attending Canadian Schools - https://applefinancialservices.ca/ ) Programme in conjunction with the St. Michael’s College School Bursary Committee to evaluate bursary applications and determine amounts to be awarded. Families must re-apply for bursary assistance on an annual basis and families must ensure their son(s) are in good academic standing. The Bursary Committee`s decision is final and can`t be appealed.

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  Merit based Scholarships

  • ArchangelAcademic
    Amount: $5,000

    Deadline: 12/03/2021

    ---

    Eligibility Details: Students grade 7—

    Awarded to the candidates whose application files are exemplary in their commitment to Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge as assessed by the admissions review process. They demonstrate outstanding dedication to the ideals of Basilian education, academic excellence, and service to neighbour and community. They clearly reflect the aspirations of those who wish to be the best for the world.

    For more details, visit:https://stmichaelscollegeschool.com
    
• 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.

  ---

  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	Gr. 7 to Gr. 12	All boys	Day	1000

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	1,000
  Average class size	22
  % of international students (total enrolment)	2%
  Number of different nationalities within student population	N/A

  Student Distribution:

  	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	67	70	164	202	192	203
  Class Size	18	18	22	22	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.

  ---

  Admissions Requirements

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		7 - 12
  SSAT		7 - 9
  SSAT (out of province)		7 - 9
  Entrance Exam(s)
  Entrance Essay

  Day students: December 03, 2021
  Offer mid-year entry: No

  Fees:

  Application fee: $125
  Registration fee: N/A
  Deposit: N/A

  What St. Michael's says:

  Experience St. Michael's College School

  Take our Virtual Tour:  stmichaelscollegeschool.com/tour

   

  St. Michael's College School Application Checklist

  1. Complete Candidate Information Available online: applysmcs.com 

  2. Provide Academic Documents Online Families are required to scan and upload copies of the candidate’s final report cards from 2020 and 2021, as well as a copy of the current school year report cards. Candidates seeking entrance to Grades 11 or 12 must submit an Official Transcript and the Credit Counselling Summary.

  3. A. Complete the Student Reference Online (for applications to Grades 7, 8, or 9) As part of the application process families must provide the student reference to their son’s current teacher through the online application. Families will require the teacher’s name and email address to complete this part of the application. Select Item #5 in the Application Checklist and follow the prompts to send the Reference as an Email.

  3. B. Permission to contact vice-principal (for applications to Grades 10, 11, or 12) Families must email the vice-principal of their son’s high school giving that person permission to communicate with St. Michael’s College School about their son’s academics, attendance, and behaviour. Mr. Fischer should be carbon copied on this email ([email protected]).

  4. Submit Application Fee Payment of a non-refundable $125 application fee. Questions regarding the application fee can be directed to Mrs. Kim Celotti at [email protected] or 416-653-3180 ext. 500.

  5. Family Meeting and Interview Families must schedule a family meeting and interview with Office of Admissions. During this two hour window, families will receive more information about the SMCS model of education, have their questions answered and will participate in a parent and candidate interview. The family meeting can be scheduled by logging into your online application account at applysmcs.com.

  6. Complete the secondary school admissions at home test (SSAT) (Only for candidates seeking Grades 7, 8, or 9 entrance). The SSAT is an aptitude test. Families can register their sons for the SSAT directly at www.ssat.org. Please ensure results are sent directly to St. Michael’s College School.

  7. Complete the Character Skills Snapshot Once a candidate has registered for the SSAT, the Character Skills Snapshot will become available. This 20-30 survey is completed online.  Please ensure results are sent directly to St. Michael's College School.

   

  ---

  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 70%

  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%.

  
  

  Day
  

  ---

  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	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	80 (80%)	10 (70%)	100 (70%)	10 (60%)	5 (50%)	2 (40%)

  Type of student St. Michael's is looking for:
  Our students discover the courage and find the strength to be a St. Michael's Student: one who is free in mind, body, and soul to pursue truth, choose goodness, create beauty, and build a civilization of love and care in service to our community and to the world. Through our rich Liberal Arts programme, which combines different and necessary sources of nourishment for mind, body, and soul, our students unleash their passion for meaning and curiosity by embracing Deep Learning. This inquiry-based learning pedagogy inspires students to explore freely the profound questions of our world and to develop the confidence, knowledge, and skills for living a meaningful and productive 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.
• 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.

  ---

  Key Numbers

  Average graduating class size	200
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	100%

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	10%
  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)	8

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  Queen's University																										25%
  Western University																								23%
  University of Toronto											10%
  Wilfrid Laurier University									8%
  York University							6%

  % of Graduates

  
  

  • Canada 34 universities
    • Acadia University
    • Bishop's University
    • Brock University
    • Capilano University
    • Carleton University
    • Concordia University
    • Dalhousie University
    • King's University College at Western University
    • Lakehead University
    • Laurentian University
    • McGill University
    • McMaster University
    • Memorial University of Newfoundland
    • Mount Allison University
    • Nipissing University
    • OCAD University
    • Queen's University
    • Ryerson University
    • St. Francis Xavier University
    • Trent University
    • University of Alberta
    • University of British Columbia
    • University of Guelph
    • University of King's College
    • University of New Brunswick
    • University of Ontario Institute of Technology
    • University of Ottawa
    • University of Toronto
    • University of Victoria
    • University of Waterloo
    • University of Windsor
    • Western University
    • Wilfrid Laurier University
    • York University
  • United States 51 universities
    • Boston University
    • Brown University
    • Canisius College
    • Centre College
    • Chapman University
    • Colgate University
    • College of the Holy Cross
    • Columbia University
    • Cornell University
    • Dartmouth College
    • Denison University
    • DePaul University
    • DePauw University
    • Drexel University
    • Florida Gulf Coast University
    • Georgetown University
    • Hamilton College
    • Harvard University
    • Harvey Mudd College
    • Johns Hopkins University
    • Marquette University
    • Northeastern University
    • Northwestern University
    • Oregon State University
    • Pennsylvania State University
    • Pepperdine University
    • Princeton University
    • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    • Rochester Institute of Technology
    • Rutgers University
    • Saint John Fisher College
    • Salisbury University
    • Santa Clara University
    • Seton Hall University
    • Southwestern University
    • Stanford University
    • Syracuse University
    • Texas State University
    • University of Alaska, Anchorage
    • University of California, Los Angeles
    • University of California, Santa Barbara
    • University of Florida
    • University of Georgia
    • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
    • University of Notre Dame
    • University of Utah
    • University of Vermont
    • University of Virginia
    • University of Wisconsin, Madison
    • Xavier University
    • Yale University
  • International 7 universities
    • Queen Mary University of London
    • Seoul National University
    • St George's, University of London
    • University of Edinburgh
    • University of Geneva
    • University of St Andrews
    • University of Tokyo

  
  

  Areas of Study

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

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

    23% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    26% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    39% - Business/Commerce
    0% - Fine and Performing Arts
    12% - Applied Health Sciences
    0% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    0% - Other
  

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    24% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    24% - Business/Commerce
    4% - 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

  What St. Michael's says:

  • The Student Affairs Department at St. Michael’s College School is one part of the constellation of care provided for each student in the school. At a glance, Student Affairs is a place where students can receive the help they need while navigating through the complexities of their lives and their academics. Whether it be academic and credit counselling, learning strategies and accommodations, or digital and print resources, Student Affairs can assist in the development of the whole student. Comprised of the Guidance Department, the Learning Enrichment Centre, and the Odette Library, the Student Affairs Department works as a team to ensure each student at the school is adequately prepared for life at St. Michael’s as well as life after it. The Student Affairs Department helps students achieve a successful career at St. Michael's College School and graduate academically, emotionally, and socially prepared for university education. To accomplish this, the department provides quality personal, informational, and technical resources so that each student may develop a personal, successful, and relevant plan for success.
• Notable Alumni
  [Show definition of Notable Alumni]

  Many private schools in Canada have numerous graduates who have gone on to great things. Learn about a school’s most influential, important, successful, and famous alumni.

  ---

  Alumnus	Grad Year	Accomplishment
  Robert Joseph Birgeneau	1960	Ninth Chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley. Fourteenth President of the University of Toronto.
  David Staines	1964	Award-winning literary critic, writer, and professor. Member of the Order of Canada. Awarded the Order of Ontario.
  Robert Deluce	1968	President and CEO of Porter Airlines
  Sergio Marchionne	1970	Chairman and CEO of Chrysler Group LLC. Corporate turnaround artist. Credited with saving Fiat (automotive group).
  Eugene Melnyk	1977	Founder, chairman, and CEO of Biovail Corporation. Sole-owner and chairman of the Ottawa Senators hockey team.
  Tyler Seguin	2008	NHL hockey star currently playing for the Dallas Stars. Drafted #2 overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
  Jason Spezza	2000	NHL hockey player for the Dallas Stars. Drafted #2 overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
  Luke Gazdic	2005	NHL hockey player for the Edmonton Oilers.
  Dominic Moore	1998	NHL hockey player currently playing for the New York Rangers
  Frank Mahovlich	1956	Winner of six Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee. Liberal Senator in the Canadian Senate.
  Red Kelly	1945	Winner of eight Stanley Cups (NHL hockey). Federal Liberal Member of Parliament.
  Andrew Cogliano	2005	NHL hockey player.
  Gregory Kealey	1966	Historian on Canada's working class, Professor Emeritus Department of History, vice president (Research) 2001–2021 University of New Brunswick
  Joseph Pivato	1966	Doctor of Philosophy, professor, Emeritus of Literary Studies Athabasca University
  Patrick Brown	1997	Mayor of Brampton; former MPP; former Ontario Leader of the Official Opposition (PCC)
  Michael Colle	1964	Toronto City Councillor; former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
  Stephen Lecce	2004	King—Vaughan MPP, Ontario Minister of Education
  Jaggi Singh	1990	A Canadian anti-globalization and social justice activist.
  Michael Tibollo	1979	A politician, currently serving as Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
  Leo Rautins	1978	A broadcaster, former professional basketball player and the former head coach of the Canadian men's national basketball team.
  Mikey Bustos	2000	Entertainer and finalist in Canadian Idol
  Sergio Di Zio	1990	Actor, starred in the television show Flashpoint
  Estanislao Oziewicz	1971	Canadian retired journalist
  Frank C. Buckley	1944	Former president and spokesperson of Buckley's cough syrup
  Anthony Di Iorio	1994	Billionaire Canadian entrepreneur, co-founder of Ethereum, early investor in Bitcoin, founder and CEO of the blockchain company Decentral, first chief digital officer of the Toronto Stock Exchange
  Justyn Knight	2014	2017 NCAA DI Men's Cross Country National Champion (Syracuse University), distance runner with Reebok, 2020 Tokyo Olympics
  Duane Notice	2012	Professional basketball player for Raptors 905
  Marcus Carr	2017	Canadian basketball player. Carr played college basketball for the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
  Danilo Djuricic	2017	Canadian college basketball player for the Santa Clara Broncos of the West Coast Conference (WCC). He previously played for the Harvard Crimson.
  Kaion Julien-Grant	2014	Wide receiver for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Julien-Grant played college football at St. Francis Xavier.
  Glen Young	1988	Young played linebacker for eight seasons in the CFL for the Argonauts, Montreal Alouettes, and Edmonton Eskimos, from 1998 to 2005.
  Derek Wiggan	2010	Wiggan plays as defensive lineman for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
  Nolan MacMillan	2008	MacMillan plays offensive lineman for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
  O.J. Santiago	1993	Santiago a former tight end in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons, Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns and a member of the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL.
  Michael Labinjo	1999	Labinjo was a Canadian professional gridiron football player who played as a defensive end. He was a member of the Calgary Stampeders, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins.
  Tim Horton	1949	Horton was a defenceman, playing 24 seasons in the NHL. He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres. Horton was the co-founder of the Tim Hortons.
  Gerry Cheevers	1959	Cheevers a former goaltender playing in the NHL and WHA between 1961 and 1980. Cheevers won the Stanley Cup in 1970 and 1972 with the Boston Bruins, He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
  Fr. Les Costello	1946	Fr. Costello was a Canadian ice hockey player and Catholic priest. Fr. Costello and colleague Brian McKee founded the Flying Fathers, a group of Catholic priests who played exhibition hockey.
  Murray Costello	1953	Costello played four seasons in the NHL. Costello was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, the IIHF Hall of Fame, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, and is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
  Bill Dineen	1952	Dineen was a Canadian professional hockey player and head coach.
  Dick Duff	1955	Duff won six Stanley Cups, two with Toronto and four with Montreal. Duff was inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame and into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame.
  Dave Keon	1960	Keon played in the NHL for 15 seasons. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. Keon was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history.
  Jamie Drysdale	2020	Drysdale is currently a defenceman for the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL. He was selected sixth overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft
  Akil Thomas	2017	Thomas plays centre for the Ontario Reign in the American Hockey League and as a prospect to the Los Angeles Kings.
  Jake Evans	2014	Evan a current player for the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL. He was selected in the seventh round, 207th overall by the Canadiens in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
  Matthew Halischuk	2006	Halischuk a former right winger. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the New Jersey Devils, Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets.
  Robert Barbiero	2005	Barbiero, a lawyer at Torkin Manes LLP, represents regulated health professionals, such as physicians and dentists, before the health regulatory colleges in Ontario.
  Michael Bazzocchi	2009	Bazzocchi received a PhD in aerospace science and engineering, a B.ASc. in engineering science from the University of Toronto. His research is on asteroid science, orbital dynamics and control.
  Joe Primeau	1948	Primeau won the Stanley Cup in his first year as head coach of the Maple Leafs and is the only coach to lead teams to Memorial Cup, Allan Cup and Stanley Cup championships.
  David Cappadocia	2004	Cappadocia is a management consultant in the life sciences sector, where he combines strategic thinking, analytics, and domain expertise to develop innovative solutions to key business problems.
  Michael Ceci	2005	Ceci is the chief of staff to the Hon. John Baird. He works in a consulting capacity in global government relations and international business development.
  John De Simini	2006	DeSimini is currently working as a professional musician in New York City. His Broadway credits include: A Bronx Tale, Beautiful, Jersey Boys, Ain’t Too Proud, Tootsie, and Mean Girls.
  Michael Del Balso	2008	Del Balso is an expert in machine learning and artificial intelligence and has started Stealth Start-Up, a new venture in the applied machine learning space.
  Michael Di Lena	2007	Dr. Di Lena, a urologist, will complete his fellowship at the University of Toronto in kidney transplant and robotic surgery. Di Lena has co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles.
  Richard Di Lean	2007	Dr. Di Lena's , an urologist, current academic focus involves kidney and prostate cancer. He was part of the surgical team involved in the first live-broadcasted kidney transplant.
  Alessandro Francella	2007	Dr. Francella currently practices sport and exercise medicine at the University of Toronto and Cleveland Clinic Canada, in addition to emergency medicine in Durham.
  Anthony Fung	2011	Fung Fung is a professional drummer, composer, and producer in Los Angeles. He released his debut album, ‘Chronicles’, in 2014 and his second album, ‘Flashpoint’, in 2018.
  James Patrick Higgins	2007	Dr. Higgins, an orthopaedic surgeon, is currently working at two of Canada’s busiest trauma centres, St. Michael's Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
  Michael Kuhlmann	2008	Dr. Kuhlmann completed medical school training at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 2014. He was appointed to the ambulatory lead physician role at Credit Valley Hospital.
  Paul Rasbach	2005	Rasbach works for Aviva Investors, head of strategy and delivery, his role is focused on building efficiency and automation into their operating model to ensure continued value for customers.
  Conor Ross	2012	Ross graduated from Queen’s University with a mechanical engineering degree. He co-founded Iris Technologies, a medical-technology company that helps concussion/brain injury patients.
  Dominic Roszak	2002	Roszak currently works as director of operations, stakeholder relations and appointments in the Minister of Ontario’s Office of Government and Consumer Services.
  Thomas Zaikos	2006	Dr. Zaikos is currently finishing his medical training at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. He is beginning a career as a pathologist and physician-scientist.

• Principal's Message
  Mr. Jamie McKinnon, Principal

  Successfully preparing young men for the world of tomorrow is something that St. Michael’s College School prides itself in doing. Through an integration of faith, academics, and co-curriculars, SMCS believes it helps develop the Catholic leaders of tomorrow.  In a challenging and often self-centered world, our young men develop an understanding of the dignity of each person and of their own self-worth through a strong contemporary curriculum, moral and ethical discussions, and authentic service initiatives.  It is the belief of the faculty and staff at St. Michael’s College School that we do more than just teach subjects, coach sports, and moderate activities – we teach, coach, and role model for young men.  It is this essence of teaching, instilled in us by our founding Basilian Fathers, that makes a St. Michael’s College School education much sought after and unique.

  
• In the News
  

  July 15, 2021
  Experiential Learning Opportunities Abound: Virtual Moot Court

  The Moot Court Competition went virtual again, providing Grade 12 law students with an excellent experiential learning opportunity.
  Read full article

  

  July 15, 2021
  Ask the Doctor: ParenTalks Medical Lead Tackles Varied Topics

  Dr. Mark Broussenko answered questions on mental health and wellness, coping strategies, lack of motivation, and more in our ParenTalks.
  Read full article

  

  July 15, 2021
  Enhancing Learning Possibilities with Digital Technology

  SMCS is implementing a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme to foster responsible digital citizenship and support inquiry-based learning.
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