Roundtable Q&A Discussion About Hillfield Strathallan College (2024)

HSC has definitely met and exceeded both of our expectations. My husband is an alum of the school, as are his two sisters, so it was always in the back of our minds—especially his—that we wanted our kids to go there. I also attended an independent school in Toronto and was aware of HSC’s great reputation. The school has changed a lot over the past 20 years, but the sense of community and caring, along with strong academics and programming, has remained constant.

I thought of three characteristics that define Hillfield: encouraging, thoughtful, and well-rounded. From an encouraging perspective, I always feel like there is someone motivating our kids to do their best, try more, and explore new opportunities—whether in music, sports, or creative pursuits at the Learning Common. Thoughtfulness is another key characteristic. I never feel rushed when speaking with the school; conversations are always considered and meaningful. Even small details, like the school administrator giving me a heads-up about upcoming emails, demonstrate that thoughtfulness. Finally, the school provides a well-rounded experience, offering not just academics but also sports teams, skating lessons in senior kindergarten, creative opportunities, drama, and music. It’s an incredibly enriching environment for our children.

The well-rounded experience extends beyond the junior school. Even though our children are only in the junior division, they have already been exposed to so many activities and opportunities. It makes us excited to see what awaits them in middle and senior school. Our youngest, now in senior kindergarten, has already developed leadership skills and a sense of responsibility. She loves taking on small leadership roles, and even at five and six years old, she is thriving in that environment. Across all three of our children, we see amazing opportunities that have contributed to their growing confidence, and we attribute much of that to Hillfield.

One of the most significant impacts we have seen is in our oldest daughter. Before COVID, she was confident and independent, but she lost some of that during the pandemic. When she started at Hillfield, we noticed an immediate change—she quickly returned to her old self. The school’s encouragement and gentle push to try new things helped her regain her confidence. There are opportunities presented to our children that, as parents, we might have had to push them towards, but the school fosters their growth naturally. We are truly grateful for that.

Our kids simply love going to school. We have never had an issue with them not wanting to go, except when it comes to putting on tights! They come home excited and happy, which speaks volumes about the positive experiences they are having. The unique opportunities, the confidence-building environment, and the sense of belonging all contribute to their enthusiasm for school life.

As parents, we are also excited about the changes happening at HSC. Education today looks different from what we experienced 20 years ago, and while it can sometimes be challenging to understand new approaches, we are eager to see how the school continues to grow. With our youngest having another 12 years ahead at Hillfield, we are looking forward to being part of this journey and witnessing the school's evolution.

Hillfield’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is another aspect we deeply appreciate. Our children have had the opportunity to participate in various cultural celebrations, which enriches their understanding of different traditions. Environmental stewardship is also a priority at the school, with initiatives such as the green roof, gardening programs, and waste management efforts. Additionally, Hillfield fosters strong partnerships with parents, ensuring that we feel connected and engaged with the school community, whether we are on campus regularly or not.

Community engagement is another standout feature. The school is actively involved in outreach initiatives, such as supporting food banks and running holiday programs. These efforts even extend to the students—our grade four daughters recently had a special experience thanking local businesses for their donations. It was a meaningful, full-circle moment that reinforced the school’s values. Lastly, academic excellence is a source of pride at Hillfield. It is one of the key reasons we chose this school for our children, and it continues to be a priority for both educators and families alike.

My oldest one was in Grade 11 when he joined HSC, and I had one who joined in Grade 9, and my youngest joined in Grade 5 in middle school. My oldest son graduated and is now at McMaster University. I have one son in Grade 11 and a daughter in Grade 7. 

The students at Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC) exhibit confidence, drive, and courtesy. This was one of the most noticeable differences when transitioning from the public school system. The students here are purposeful in their actions and not just aimlessly wandering through the hallways. They understand their goals and move with intention. The level of courtesy among students was particularly striking compared to our previous experience in the public system.

After hearing positive experiences from friends whose children attended HSC, we applied only to this school. Thankfully, all three of my children were accepted. Within three months, I noticed a significant positive change in their personalities. They became more focused, and their enthusiasm for school grew. My middle child, in particular, embraced new academic challenges and extracurricular opportunities. HSC has played a key role in their development, helping them become well-rounded individuals.

My children have participated in numerous competitions, often informing me of their achievements after the fact. In the beginning, I had to encourage them to take part, but now they take the initiative themselves. When my oldest was applying to universities, I was not heavily involved in the process. He worked closely with the guidance counselors, who provided support every step of the way. He would simply come home and inform me of his acceptances. The level of guidance and independence fostered by the school was truly beneficial.

My son won the Big Data Challenge for Eastern Canada this year as a member of the top team. When he tried to explain the project to us, we struggled to understand the details, but his excitement was undeniable. The teachers supported him throughout the process, and he traveled to Toronto for the presentation. The experience, including networking and competing, was something we never imagined four years ago. Winning the competition, along with the $1,000 prize, was an incredible achievement. The school’s support system continuously pushes students to excel in areas we, as parents, might not even be aware of.

When we first joined HSC, I did not anticipate how much it would impact me personally. I gained a new circle of friends and had leadership opportunities within the school. The sense of community is remarkable. Students, parents, alumni, and teachers are all accessible and willing to help. The level of support is outstanding, whether in planning events or making decisions that affect the school community. Parents are actively involved and feel like their input matters. The values upheld by the school create an environment where students feel empowered to communicate directly with their teachers and administrators. My son, for example, confidently emails the vice principal, something I would have been terrified to do as a student.

The confidence instilled in students at HSC is one of the school's greatest strengths. They feel that their opinions matter and that they will be heard. This sense of empowerment is invaluable, and I deeply appreciate how the school fosters this quality in its students.

I attended Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC) as a student. Now, as a parent, I have four children enrolled at the school.

The biggest takeaway from my time at HSC, both at the time and in hindsight, is the relationships I was able to develop. One of the unique aspects of Hillfield is that students can start in junior kindergarten and continue through to the end of high school. This continuity fosters long-lasting friendships. Today, some of my best friends are those I met in kindergarten and grade one. That longevity and depth of connection are truly special.

A strong sense of community and culture defines Hillfield. Given the long tenure of many students and staff, the school naturally fosters a close-knit environment. This sense of belonging contributes to the development of well-rounded, healthy individuals. The culture at HSC encourages personal growth and mutual support, reinforcing the values that shape its students.

HSC offers much more than academics. My advice to students is to fully embrace the opportunities available, whether in athletics, arts, music, or other extracurriculars. By leaning into these experiences, they can discover their passions and make the most of their time at the school. The variety of programs ensures that students can find areas that inspire and motivate them.

The values of integrity, respect, and purpose stand out at HSC. The school instills a strong sense of character in its students, shaping them into principled individuals. Respect is evident in the way students, staff, and parents interact, fostering a positive and supportive community. Additionally, HSC students have a clear sense of direction; they are purposeful, driven, and motivated to pursue meaningful goals.

My own experience at HSC provided me with a solid foundation for my future. After graduating, my wife and I lived in California for 20 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we considered moving back to Canada, and one of the key factors in our decision was whether our children could attend HSC. Once we secured their admission, the choice became clear. Fortunately, they have loved their experience at the school so far.

One of the most significant impacts on my children has been the unique opportunities available at HSC. For example, my two Grade 4 children recently performed in a choir at Roy Thomson Hall—an unforgettable experience. My oldest child has also benefited from exceptional opportunities, such as a trip to British Columbia during Education Week and the chance to apply for an exchange program in Spain. These experiences create lasting memories and contribute to their personal and academic growth.

A surprising yet delightful aspect of the school has been its lunch program. When I attended Hillfield, the options were quite limited—mostly soup and sandwiches. Today, the food offerings are much more impressive. One of my children, a huge foodie, often comes home raving about the meals, which adds to the overall positive experience of the school.

HSC is continuously evolving to enhance student learning. One of the most impressive ongoing changes is the shift toward more personalized learning. The school now offers programs and experiences that allow students to make choices about their education. A key initiative in progress is the introduction of a co-op program, which will provide high school students with real-world work experience. This will help them make more informed decisions about their future studies and career paths.

While academics remain the top priority at HSC, the school also emphasizes the development of students beyond the classroom. It values social, ethical, and moral growth, aiming to nurture well-rounded individuals. HSC strives to educate students in a way that balances academic excellence with personal development, ensuring they graduate as complete individuals prepared for future success.