What does King's-Edgehill School do differently or uniquely well?

We provide a unique blend of academic excellence, personalized attention, and strong community values. Our small class sizes foster individualized learning, ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive. With a strong emphasis on both academics and character development, we cultivate critical thinking, leadership, and resilience. Our rich co-curricular offerings, including arts, athletics, and community service, ensure that every student discovers and develops their passions. The result is a well-rounded, confident graduate who is not only prepared for university but also equipped with the skills to make a meaningful impact in the world. Our diverse, inclusive environment encourages students to engage with different perspectives, shaping them into compassionate, globally-minded leaders.

What tradeoffs has King's-Edgehill School made to serve families in this way?

We prioritize individualized learning and holistic student development, which means making trade-offs in certain areas. We intentionally limit class sizes to provide personalized attention, which requires fewer students per grade. We also emphasize traditional teaching methods and character development, which may occasionally take precedence over rapid technology integration. While we do embrace technology in the classroom, we focus on fostering deep, critical thinking over simply preparing students for a digital world. These trade-offs ensure that our students receive a balanced education focused on academic rigour, personal growth, and strong ethical values, preparing them to become well-rounded, thoughtful leaders.

What key junctures in King's-Edgehill School's history have most shaped its present?

Our rich history has shaped our present through several key milestones. Founded in 1788, we are Canada’s first independent school, with a legacy of academic excellence and leadership. A pivotal moment came in 1976 when King’s College School and Edgehill School for Girls amalgamated to form King’s-Edgehill School, embracing diversity and fostering a more inclusive environment. Another turning point was the establishment of our rigorous International Baccalaureate program in 1980, aligning with our commitment to global education. Over the years, we’ve focused on strengthening our balance of academic rigour, personal development, and community values. These milestones underscore our school’s identity as a nurturing yet challenging environment, where tradition and innovation meet to prepare students for leadership in a changing world.

What type of student is a good fit for King's-Edgehill School?

We seek students who are curious, motivated, and eager to grow both academically and personally. Our ideal student is someone who thrives in a small, supportive environment, values individual attention, and is open to exploring a range of academic and co-curricular opportunities. Students who are self-disciplined, collaborative, and ready to engage with diverse perspectives will excel here. Families who align with our values appreciate a holistic approach to education, where character development and academic excellence go hand in hand. They are committed to supporting their child’s growth, understanding that success at our school comes from hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to contribute to our close-knit community.

Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing King's-Edgehill School?

King's-Edgehill School may not be the best fit for families seeking a highly standardized, one-size-fits-all approach to education. Our small class sizes and emphasis on individualized learning mean we may offer less structure compared to larger institutions. Families who prioritize a fast-paced, technology-centric curriculum may find our more traditional methods less aligned with their expectations. Additionally, our strong focus on character development, discipline, and academic rigour may not suit families who prefer a more structured environment or a focus primarily on test preparation. Families who value independence over community involvement may also find our close-knit, collaborative approach less appealing.

To your knowledge, why do families choose King's-Edgehill School over others?

Families choose King’s-Edgehill School for our personalized approach to education and strong focus on both academic excellence and character development. Many are drawn to our small class sizes, which allow for individualized attention and a close-knit community. Our commitment to developing leadership skills, critical thinking, and resilience resonates with families who value a well-rounded education. Additionally, the diversity of our co-curricular offerings, including the arts, athletics, and community service, provides students with a chance to explore their passions. Families also appreciate our rich history, traditions of excellence, and the balance we strike between academic rigour and personal growth, knowing their child will be well-prepared for post-secondary and life beyond.

How would you characterize King's-Edgehill School's image amongst the public?

We are known publicly for our long-standing tradition of academic excellence and strong sense of community. The school’s image is often associated with our rich history as Canada’s first independent school and commitment to developing well-rounded, ethical leaders. People recognize King’s-Edgehill School for our small class sizes, personalized approach to education, and the balance we strike between academic rigour and character development. Our emphasis on fostering leadership, resilience, and a sense of responsibility sets us apart. As a result, King’s-Edgehill is viewed as a school that not only prepares students for post-secondary but also shapes them into thoughtful, compassionate global citizens.

What aspect of King's-Edgehill School is underappreciated?

One underappreciated aspect of King’s-Edgehill School is the depth of our character development programs. While families often recognize our academic strength and co-curricular offerings, the profound impact of our focus on leadership, resilience, and ethical decision-making can sometimes be overlooked. These programs are integral to our students' growth, preparing them to navigate challenges with confidence and integrity. The skills and values instilled through our character development are essential not only for post-secondary success but for life beyond school. This holistic approach is what truly sets our graduates apart, shaping them into thoughtful, responsible leaders who make a meaningful impact in their communities and the world.

What do families find surprising about King's-Edgehill School?

Families might be surprised by how deeply integrated our focus on character development is within every aspect of school life. While many expect academic rigour and strong extracurriculars, they often discover that our emphasis on cultivating leadership, resilience, and ethical decision-making is just as important. Students don’t just learn facts – they learn how to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate effectively in a supportive, tight-knit community. Our commitment to personal growth is woven into the fabric of our school culture, and families often remark on how their children develop greater confidence, independence, and emotional intelligence during their time here. This holistic approach to education may be more extensive than initially anticipated but ultimately equips students for lifelong success.

What improvements or changes has King's-Edgehill School made recently?

Recently, we have made significant improvements to enhance our students’ learning experience. We’ve expanded our outdoor education program, integrating environmental sustainability and hands-on learning into the curriculum, aligning with our commitment to developing responsible, global citizens. We’ve also enhanced our technology infrastructure, ensuring students have the tools and skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world, while maintaining our focus on critical thinking and problem-solving. Additionally, we’ve renovated key areas of our campus to create more collaborative and flexible learning spaces, fostering creativity and teamwork. These changes reflect our commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and preparing students for future challenges while staying true to our strong traditions and values.

How will King's-Edgehill School change in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, we will continue to grow while remaining committed to our core values. We plan to further enhance our personalized learning approach, incorporating more innovative educational technologies and teaching practices to better equip students for the future. Our focus on leadership, resilience, and global citizenship will remain central, with new opportunities in outdoor education and community service. We will also invest in campus facilities to create more collaborative and flexible learning environments. These changes will strengthen our ability to provide a well-rounded, future-focused education, preparing students to lead with confidence and integrity in an ever-changing world.

King's-Edgehill School: A Detailed Report with Information, Reviews, and Insights

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
King's-Edgehill School

REPORT CONTENTS

School Overview

Reviews

Insider Reviews

Analysis

School overview

Pages in this report:

Grades
Gr. 6 — Gr. 12
Gender
Coed
Class Size
15 — 17 students
Tuition
$25,650 to 76,150/year
Language of instruction
English
Associations
CAIS, IB
Enrolment
170 day students, 210 boarding students
Curriculum
Traditional & International Baccalaureate
EBROCHURE
N/A

View address

Next open house
N/A
Application Deadline
Rolling (Day students), Rolling (Boarding students)

The big picture on King's-Edgehill School

We summarized the school ourselves

King's-Edgehill School is the oldest independent school in Canada and was founded as King's Collegiate by United Empire Loyalists in 1788. It was given royal assent by King George III the following year, the first instance that honour was bestowed outside Britain. The initial goal of the school was to prevent young men from traveling abroad to receive an education, men that would be needed to stay to administer and defend the colonies. While the school remained small, its alumni took prominent roles in military, legal, religious, and political life (including two fathers of Confederation).

So, yes, there’s an impressive history here, in all kinds of ways. That said, the school has changed considerably over the years. The historic buildings have been augmented by recent, and very sympathetic, development, all set on a 92-acre campus. It’s, frankly, beautiful. The academic program is as rigorous as it is supportive, and the school attracts students from around the world, creating a diverse, vibrant, exceedingly modern student population.

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"“Be More” at King’s-Edgehill School, an IB Plus school since 1979 and Canada’s first independent school. Surrounded by the unparalleled beauty of our 92-acre campus in the safe and friendly province of Nova Scotia, study at a school that offers more at every turn and expects that by doing more and giving more, you will become one of the School’s highly successful graduates. Graduates who attend the world’s top universities and earn more than $2 million in university scholarships annually."

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"We provide a unique blend of academic excellence, personalized attention, and strong community values. Our small class sizes foster individualized learning, ensuring students...(more)

3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

"We prioritize individualized learning and holistic student development, which means making trade-offs in certain areas. We intentionally limit class sizes to provide personalized...(more)

4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

"Our rich history has shaped our present through several key milestones. Founded in 1788, we are Canada’s first independent school, with a legacy of academic excellence and...(more)

5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?

"We seek students who are curious, motivated, and eager to grow both academically and personally. Our ideal student is someone who thrives in a small, supportive environment,...(more)

6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

"King's-Edgehill School may not be the best fit for families seeking a highly standardized, one-size-fits-all approach to education. Our small class sizes and emphasis on...(more)

7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"Families choose King’s-Edgehill School for our personalized approach to education and strong focus on both academic excellence and character development. Many are drawn to our...(more)

8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

"We are known publicly for our long-standing tradition of academic excellence and strong sense of community. The school’s image is often associated with our rich history as...(more)

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"One underappreciated aspect of King’s-Edgehill School is the depth of our character development programs. While families often recognize our academic strength and co-curricular...(more)

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

"Families might be surprised by how deeply integrated our focus on character development is within every aspect of school life. While many expect academic rigour and strong...(more)

11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

"Recently, we have made significant improvements to enhance our students’ learning experience. We’ve expanded our outdoor education program, integrating environmental...(more)

12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?

"In the next five years, we will continue to grow while remaining committed to our core values. We plan to further enhance our personalized learning approach, incorporating more...(more)

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

King's-Edgehill School: Alumni Review from Julia Field

Watch our alum interview with Julia Field to learn about the unique experience of attending King's-Edgehill School.

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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
King's-Edgehill School