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The big picture on Crestwood Preparatory College
We wrote a book reviewing the school
The 50-page review of Crestwood Preparatory College is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
"Crestwood Preparatory College is a non-denominational, non-semestered university preparatory school. Crestwood Preparatory College prepares students not simply for university but to make meaningful contributions to the world beyond the classroom. To that end, we provide an educational experience second to none. We take students between grades 7 and 12 and form them into exemplary leaders in their professions, communities, and beyond. Our commitment to hiring the best teachers means that students receive more than simply lessons in academics. They receive the encouragement, the nurturing and the support required to excel at their goals and foster dreams for their long-term success. Students are encouraged to achieve their highest potential by balancing academic, co-curricular and social pursuits within a structured, disciplined, nurturing environment. We offer complete programs in music, art, drama, technology, and other specialized areas where our students have shown a keen interest. We subscribe to the philosophy that well-rounded leaders have interests beyond their academics that are equally important and ignite the passion to succeed in all areas of their studies. Our students learn the hard work and discipline necessary for success and are well-equipped with the tools they need to achieve it."
Coeducational/non-denominational
Small class size
Enthusiastic, dedicated faculty
Crestwood Entrance Assessment and interview required
Extensive co-curricular program
Accelerated math and science programs
Advance Placement courses (AP)
DELF Certification Program
Harvard X Certification Program
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Crestwood prides itself on both an exceptional academic and co-curricular program. Our co-curricular program includes several areas of interest ranging from high level sports...(more)
"Crestwood prides itself on both an exceptional academic and co-curricular program. Our co-curricular program includes several areas of interest ranging from high level sports teams to unique clubs that any student can join during their school year. Our co-curricular Elite Basketball and Hockey programs are widely known throughout the GTA and beyond, but Crestwood does not stop there. We have over 45 sports teams and over 55 clubs which are open to all ages and abilities."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At Crestwood, our commitment to fostering a well-rounded, academically focused, and community-driven environment means that we prioritize individualized attention, a strong...(more)
"At Crestwood, our commitment to fostering a well-rounded, academically focused, and community-driven environment means that we prioritize individualized attention, a strong values-based education, and the development of both academic and social skills in our students. We do this by concentrating on the following; We prioritize personalized attention and differentiated instruction in small classes, which allows us to cater to each student's unique needs.
We maintain a structured, disciplined environment that promotes responsibility, respect, and hard work.
While we understand the importance of technology in the modern world, Crestwood has chosen to strike a balance between integrating technological tools and maintaining traditional teaching methods. Our focus on face-to-face interaction, critical thinking, and classic academic disciplines may sometimes take precedence over fully digitized learning environments, allowing us to ensure a balanced and thoughtful approach to education."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Crestwood has significantly expanded its curriculum to include a wide range of advanced placement (AP) courses, arts programs, and signature programs like the Oral History...(more)
"Crestwood has significantly expanded its curriculum to include a wide range of advanced placement (AP) courses, arts programs, and signature programs like the Oral History Project. This has positioned the school as a leader in academic excellence and innovative learning experiences. The expansion has cemented Crestwood's brand as a forward-thinking institution that nurtures both traditional academic success and experiential learning. The development of a comprehensive athletic program was a significant turning point. It reinforced the school’s commitment to a balanced, holistic education where students are encouraged to excel both in academics and athletics. Crestwood’s athletic success in various leagues strengthened the school’s brand as a place that fosters not only intellectual achievement but also physical well-being, teamwork, and school spirit.Crestwood has embraced initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, which has become a central part of who we are."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Crestwood Preparatory College attracts students who are committed to academic excellence, personal growth, and making a positive difference in their communities. While each...(more)
"Crestwood Preparatory College attracts students who are committed to academic excellence, personal growth, and making a positive difference in their communities. While each student is unique, they share a common commitment to learning, leadership, and community engagement. We are looking for students who are motivated, academically driven, and one who has a passion for interests outside of the classroom such as extra-curricular activities."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Crestwood prides itself on our dedicated teachers with advanced degrees who love what they do and appreciate their students.
“I am a grade-ten student that just switched to...(more)
"Crestwood prides itself on our dedicated teachers with advanced degrees who love what they do and appreciate their students.
“I am a grade-ten student that just switched to Crestwood this year. From the minute I started, I have never met such great staff and students that are so welcoming. This year has been amazing already, and I love to come to school each day. Thank you for making learning so much fun! —S. Mincer”"
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Crestwood Preparatory College can be seen as an institution with high academic standards as well as community involvement. Our current and previous students have helped in...(more)
"Crestwood Preparatory College can be seen as an institution with high academic standards as well as community involvement. Our current and previous students have helped in putting Crestwood on the map for athletics and academics. Our continued student success has helped us become what we are today."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Crestwood offers an abundance of extra curricular opportunities for all. If we don't have what your son or daughter is looking for, then we will create it. We believe that the...(more)
"Crestwood offers an abundance of extra curricular opportunities for all. If we don't have what your son or daughter is looking for, then we will create it. We believe that the inclusion of all is absolute necessary in order for everyone to enjoy their time while at Crestwood. Teachers continue to volunteer their time outside of the classroom in order to ensure that everyone is happy."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Crestwood offers a family feel. We are a community who believes strongly in the old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Each and every teacher, administrator,...(more)
"Crestwood offers a family feel. We are a community who believes strongly in the old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. Each and every teacher, administrator, cafeteria staff and fellow students proudly take a hand in helping to make Crestwood feel like a close knit community."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"In the next five years, Crestwood will continue to inspire excellence and nurture individuality. We will continue to do this by integrating the latest technology and continuing...(more)
"In the next five years, Crestwood will continue to inspire excellence and nurture individuality. We will continue to do this by integrating the latest technology and continuing to expand and meet the academic needs of all of our students. Crestwood also aims to continue to focus on wellness and mental health while still providing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives."
Gr. 10 (current) — Crestwood is a great school. There are so many sports that are offered and a lot of fun activities to do throughout the entire year. The teachers are very helpful and I could get extra help every day if I wanted to. The size of Crestwood makes it a welcoming place where you will not only have friends in your own grade but will have the opportunity to know almost everyone in the entire school. I came to Crestwood as a grade 10 student so I was very worried that the transition would be difficult for me but it was the exact opposite especially since I came during COVID. Crestwood did its best to still try and have events to help new students get involved and feel like we are a part of the school, this made it so much nicer for me.
Starting high school at a brand new school, not knowing many people, and being one of the younger ones in the school can be super nerve-racking and intimidating. This was me when I first started at Crestwood in Grade 9. But, after the first day of school, I knew that I was going to love it, and there was absolutely nothing to be nervous about. These last three years at Crestwood have been some of the best years of my life (COVID aside)! The one thing I tell people when they ask me what is so great about Crestwood, and what makes it different from other schools is that it feels like a family. Everybody knows one another even if they are in a different grade. The relationships that you build at Crestwood are special ones. Whether it’s with your teachers, fellow students, and other members of the school. Crestwood has also granted me a plentiful amount of opportunities. There are more clubs and teams than you can imagine. This is why it is such an inclusive place. I feel as though we have great school spirit, but I do wish that there were more events throughout the year that can get everyone involved. Being a student-athlete, I was not prepared for the amount of homework I had. Trying to balance school with sport is something that many Crestwood students struggle with. In my opinion, it would help a lot if we were given some class time to work on homework. I don’t really have many cons to the school as it is such an inclusive, fun, and safe space. Crestwood has really shaped me into the person I am today.
I have two daughters at Crestwood Preparatory College, one who just graduated and they both have had a great experience at Crestwood. There are many sports teams for everyone to get involved in and other clubs to join. My daughter went to Crestwood for their women’s basketball team but she also played many other sports at the school and was encouraged to get involved with all the school clubs. She was also a prefect for the four years at the school The academics is outstanding and teachers are always available for the students to get extra help either before or after school, Which they appreciate. Their experience at Crestwood Preparatory College has been a very positive one and it has been a pleasure having my daughters attend the school.
My son attended Crestwood from grade 7-grade 10. My daughter started this year in grade 8. Both kids loved the sports and extracurriculars offered at the school. My son and daughter have had the opportunity to be coached by enthusiastic and knowledgeable coaches and both appreciated the time spent before, during and after school by staff. My son and daughter loved the relationships and connections made with the staff. Teachers genuinely care and take an interest in all students' lives. During my son's hockey playoffs in Toronto, Crestwood teachers came to cheer him on, outside of school hours which meant so much to him. The commitment staff has to Crestwood and their students cannot be matched. My son appreciated the support he always felt from staff and encouragement to reach his goals and be the best possible person. My daughter said it just "feels" good to be a student at Crestwood and part of the Crestwood family.
My son started attending Crestwood Preparatory College in Grade 7 and has just now completed Grade 10. His experience over the last four years at CPC has been extremely enriching. He has made friendships with like-minded and goal-driven students that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. He has been inspired by both staff and fellow students through creative educational activities and discussion, as well as friendly classroom competition amongst his peers, to be the best he can be academically. Through a very attentive administration that is in tune with the personalities of individual students, he has been encouraged, at times with a gentle nudge, to expand his horizons and partake in extracurricular activities above and beyond the many sports programs which my son has no issues signing up for on his own initiative. All this in a very friendly and inclusive environment.
CPC was truly the best environment for me and I would not be alive today if it wasn't for my time there. While I was a student that was incredibly smart and excelled academically, I had significant struggles outside of school. The school made sure that my entire self was taken care of. They went above and beyond, which is something that will forever stay in my mind. They saw beyond the challenges and believed in me when I could not. I liked the familial feel of the school, while not being a super small school. The atmosphere was very supportive. The only thing I would change is stuff in the physical building. Everything worked great, but it definitely isn't a modern feeling. I definitely feel like I was prepared for my life's next steps. A prospective student should expect to be challenged both academically and personally. The teachers actually care about you as a human being.