REVIEW OF Upper Canada College BY parent, Rabia Shafi

(5) Student Experience

We have two sons at Upper Canada College: our older son in Year 11, starting his sixth year, and our younger son in Year 8, entering his fourth. The best part about UCC is its people, the faculty, staff, and friends, and the endless opportunities it offers for growth and learning. Earlier this year, our older son travelled abroad with the Model United Nations (MUN) team to the North American Invitational Model United Nations (NAIMUN) conference, where UCC won the Best International Delegation award. He gained an incredible amount of experience from this trip. Over the summer, he participated in Horizons, a UCC program where boys tutor local elementary school students, and he also volunteered at the Tennis Canada tournament. He is currently enjoying the newly launched IB DP Systems Transformation Graduation Pathway: an innovative, project-based approach to learning in teams and solving complex global challenges. This program, pioneered by UCC in conjunction with the IB, is offered at only three other schools worldwide. Both of our sons are passionate about team sports and play on the school soccer team. While at the Preparatory School, our younger son served as a Student Ambassador, proudly giving tours to prospective families, a role he plans to continue in the Upper School. He also enjoyed learning ultimate frisbee with his friends and contributing to the community through the Community Service Club, organizing food and clothing drives as well as events like the Terry Fox Run. This year, he looks forward to following in his brother’s footsteps by joining MUN, Horizons, and the varsity soccer and cricket teams. UCC’s second campus, Norval Outdoor School, is another favourite for our sons. Visits to Norval with friends and faculty provide a unique opportunity to bond while learning about nature and the environment, a vital focus in today’s world.

Why Upper Canada College?

We wanted an academically challenging and nurturing environment for our sons so they could become the best version of themselves. After touring UCC, we were convinced that the school offers everything we were looking for. At its best, UCC provides a rigorous IB curriculum, a team of exceptionally qualified and experienced faculty, a committed and dedicated staff, numerous extracurricular activities, and innovative facilities on a large campus in the heart of Toronto. For us, UCC was the only school we applied to. I will never forget our older son’s admission interview. The interviewer was a very pleasant, knowledgeable, and lovely lady. The experience felt more like a casual conversation because she made us feel comfortable, and our son clearly connected with her. When we received a very thoughtful Christmas card from her to our son, that day I knew that if he was accepted to UCC, we would move to Toronto, which we eventually did.

Expectations vs. Reality

UCC has far surpassed all our expectations. The school goes above and beyond to ensure that every student reaches their highest potential. Both of our sons have grown into confident young men, and they are who they are today because of UCC.

Your Advice

My one piece of advice to parents considering UCC is simply to apply. The school provides an excellent balance of academics, extracurriculars, and personal well-being, supported by an exceptionally qualified faculty dedicated to developing well-rounded boys who are ready to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

(4.5) School Leadership

UCC’s leadership and administration play an active and vital role in daily school life, fostering a positive and supportive environment. They encourage open communication and address issues promptly, fairly, and thoughtfully, creating an atmosphere of trust and confidence that enhances the school community. Communications, whether by email, phone, or in person, are always polite and clear for both students and families. Their overarching goal is to develop boys of character who are prepared to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.

(5) Teaching

The teachers at UCC are the heart of the school. They are highly qualified, experienced, and deeply knowledgeable, with a genuine passion for teaching and a strong commitment to the overall well-being, growth, and learning of each student. They communicate effectively with parents, providing clear updates and accurate feedback that helps families support their children at home. At the same time, they challenge and guide students in ways that promote continued growth, learning, and personal development.

(5) Academics

The IB curriculum at UCC offers three distinct pathways, each designed to provide choice, personalize the student experience, and prepare students to make a meaningful and positive impact in the world. All pathways deliver the same rigorous curriculum and remain deeply grounded in the philosophy of the IB program. The new DP Courses Pathway gives students greater flexibility to select DP courses that align with their individual passions and future goals. The DP Systems Transformation Pathway, focused on innovation for a better world, allows students to explore learning in creative and impactful ways. The traditional IB Diploma Program provides a rich liberal arts education with a strong foundation in international mindedness.

(5) Extracurriculars

UCC offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, allowing students to participate for both competition and enjoyment. At the Upper School, there are over 80 clubs spanning the arts, athletics, and many other areas. In the Preparatory School, students also have access to numerous clubs and activities, with co-curricular learning integrated into their daily routine.

(5) Students

UCC has the best student body. This year, there are 1,300 students (from SK through Year 12), including 88 boarders from coast to coast in Canada and around the world.

(5) School Life

The UCC experience is truly unique - a diverse and vibrant community, its innovative and transformational approach to learning, an exceptionally experienced, committed and dedicated faculty and staff, countless extracurricular activities, its second campus of Norval Outdoor school, and top-tier innovative facilities make the UCC experience unlike any other in the world. The A-Day, an exclusive UCC event where the entire UCC community comes together to celebrate UCC’s true spirit of “Never walk alone”.

(4.5) Community

UCC is more than a community—it is a family. Both school leadership and, importantly, the parent community support one another in everyday ways, from helping with homework to carpooling to school or athletic events. Within UCC, parental organizations provide numerous opportunities for parents to participate actively in school life. Coffee mornings are held for each year group (SK–Grade 12), giving parents a chance to connect, offer support, and seek advice. The school also celebrates cultural diversity through events such as Eid, Holi, Diwali, and Greek and Chinese festivals, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.

(5) School Location

UCC is located in a green residential neighbourhood in the heart of Toronto. Its 35-acre campus is surrounded by beautiful trees, ravines and nature trails. The landmark, iconic and majestic Clock Tower, visible from miles away as we drive to school, lies at the heart of the UCC campus. At times, Upper School students do venture beyond school grounds for lunch.

(4.5) Admissions

UCC has a thorough application process designed to assess whether the school and its IB curriculum are the right fit for your child, so trust the process. Plus, UCC offers a needs-blind financial assistance program of a generous $6 million annually. Throughout the admissions process, the team works closely with you and your family to ensure a comfortable and memorable experience.