Boys, we're told, don't like reading. In fact, more girls than boys now go to university, and in coed situations, the impression comes through that boys only inhibit and hold back girls by their loud and bombastic behaviour.
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So what's to be said about all-boy schools?
"In the last 10, perhaps 20 years, boys' schools have changed," says Mary Gauthier, former director of the Wernham West Centre for Learning, a research and support element of Upper Canada College in Toronto, Ontario.
Nothing shows that change more than the extent to which boys in all-boy situations "are comfortable in theatre and creative arts," says Gauthier, who spent 15 years in a coed school before joining Upper Canada College. "The first thing I noticed," she says, "was how in assembly when the boys sing, they really sing."
"We know that learning takes place where people are socially accepted and they feel comfortable and respected. It's the same for boys as for girls-they need to be valued as individuals."
An example of the new approach: In Grades 6 to 8, boys are often seen as impulsive and disorganized different teaching techniques are required. Upper Canada College teachers in those grades, says Gauthier, are encouraged at the start of class to remind the boys what they learned in the previous lesson, tell them what this lesson will be about, and personally acknowledge each student. "You have to be very intentional about what you're doing," she says. "It helps the boys work to their potential."
The aim, of course, is to produce boys who are more aware, sensitive, and awake to the world around them. "We celebrate the way they are," Gauthier says.
Small class sizes, inquiry-driven learning, and a focus on well-being have created an environment that nurtures confident and curious learners
As math and science fields continue to evolve, especially with the rise of AI and advanced technologies, the demand for skilled STEM graduates grows.
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Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
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"Crescent School is a Toronto independent day school for boys in Grades 3 to 12. Our relational learning environment develops students' characters through academics, arts, athletics, business, outreach and robotics.
—From the school
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"At Upper Canada College tradition, excellence and innovation meet. UCC inspires boys to lead lives of leadership, service and impact through transformative learning experiences that develop head, heart and humanity.
—From the school
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"St. George's School in Vancouver offers university-preparatory program to Canadian and International boarding students from Grade 8 to 12. The School's mission: Building Fine Young Men. One Boy at a Time.
—From the school
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"Our vision: Encourage life-long Georgians ready to use their scholarship, compassion, conscience and courage to make a difference. Our mission: To challenge and inspire each boy to become the best version of himself.
—From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Dufferin Avenue/401 Highway "The Sterling Hall School understands how boys learn best. Teacher relationships and extensive co-curriculars empower and inspire each boy. Our focus on learning, character and community ensure all boys belong." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario York Mills Road/Don Mills Road "We value partnership with parents, creating a genuinely warm and friendly community. We raise the academic bar on academic excellence, and expectations of character, helping the boys become the best that they can be." —From the school
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Halifax, Nova Scotia "With a global network of schools around the world, a rich and proud history, and a strong and unique set of core values, Sacred Heart offers not just an education but an experience that is unparalleled in Nova Scotia." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Duplex Ave/St Clements Ave "At SCELS we believe giving children an early education will build a solid foundation to prepare them for their next school setting." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 17th Ave SW/Richmond Road SW "In addition to academics, our focus on mentorship, hands-on learning in and outside the classroom, and character development, will allow our students to thrive academically and personally as they discover who they are." —From the school
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Aurora, Ontario St. John's Sideroad/Yonge Street "With a tradition dating back to 1899, St. Andrew's remains the single largest all-boys boarding school in Canada. Our 126-acre campus provides our students with an ideal setting for learning and growth." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW "Clear Water Academy is a private Catholic school in Calgary, offering education from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our prep program has a 100% university acceptance rate, forming Christian leaders to transform society." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario "We know boys have different learning styles. Research shows that boys learn differently and socialize in their own distinct ways. We also know through research that boys thrive in an all-boys’ learning environment." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./St. Clair West "Canada’s only independent, Catholic school for boys in Grades 7-12, taught in the Basilian tradition of forming the mind, body, and soul. Since 1852, we have educated students in goodness, discipline, and knowledge." —From the school
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All-boys schools: coed versus single-sex
Comparing boys' schools to coed schools (October 17, 2019)
All-boys schools: top benefits
Advantages of a boys-only education (August 19, 2019)
Guide to private schools for boys
A look at all-boys education (August 15, 2019)
Allowing boys to be boys at St. Andrew's College
(August 14, 2019)
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