North Bay High School is known for its unique and enriching experience for students. The school prides itself on maintaining a close-knit, family-like environment, creating a supportive atmosphere where students can thrive both academically and personally. It offers a wealth of extracurricular activities, providing numerous opportunities for personal growth and skill development outside the classroom, and maintains a strong emphasis on academics with a curriculum designed to prepare students for future educational and career pursuits. The school places importance on the overall development of students, focusing not just on academic achievement but also on personal growth and character building. This balanced developmental priority is reflected in the support provided for students with special needs, ensuring all students have access to quality education regardless of their individual challenges. North Bay High School nurtures critical thinking and intellectual curiosity as part of a comprehensive educational experience that complements academic rigor with personal development and community engagement.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"North Bay High School was originally founded in 1903. Over the decades, it has witnessed the growth and transformation of countless students. Our mission is to inspire students to discover the value of life. We are committed to providing a warm, positive environment that accompanies our students in their personal growth, enabling them to achieve academic excellence and the full development of their character. We encourage students to think independently, creatively, and foster a spirit of respect for diversity."
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"North Bay High School is dedicated to the academic success of its students, and as such, puts their needs and goals first. We are striving towards an academic program that offers...(more)
"North Bay High School is dedicated to the academic success of its students, and as such, puts their needs and goals first. We are striving towards an academic program that offers superior learning methodology and goal-achieving outcomes that will see our students help shape the future of the 21st Century. With differentiated instruction in the classroom, and a variety of extra curricular programs available on a daily basis, students have the right balance between hard work and happiness - this is the North Bay difference!"
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"North Bay High School's choice to be an academically-focused school means that this is where we have put our time, energy, and effort. As such, for students who may favour more...(more)
"North Bay High School's choice to be an academically-focused school means that this is where we have put our time, energy, and effort. As such, for students who may favour more non-academic outcomes in their futures, such as athletics or music, North Bay does not offer the kind of programs that go beyond these items as extra-curricular activities. Our students get chances to develop skills and interests in many types of programs, but NBHS does not offer music certificates or athletic scholarships at this time."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"The history of North Bay High School is long and storied, but our focus is on our latest historical moment - the opening of our first Toronto Campus. With our new campus located...(more)
"The history of North Bay High School is long and storied, but our focus is on our latest historical moment - the opening of our first Toronto Campus. With our new campus located in the heart of the city, we know that our best moments are still yet to come, even with a history stretching back more than 120 years! For all of the events that shaped the founding and development of our school, we believe our focus on the future is what helps to set us apart."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"North Bay High School is a place for the academically-focused student, who wants a quiet and scholarly environment. Our plan with every student is to give them the right...(more)
"North Bay High School is a place for the academically-focused student, who wants a quiet and scholarly environment. Our plan with every student is to give them the right environment they need to focus on what's important - their studies. Students here get the academic support they need in all areas of life to place their goals within reach. The right student fit for here is one who wishes for post-secondary education and a desire to improve their skills - this is what we do best."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"If your child is someone who is looking for an athletic scholarship or music school in their post-secondary future, NBHS may not be the right fit for them. While we do offer a...(more)
"If your child is someone who is looking for an athletic scholarship or music school in their post-secondary future, NBHS may not be the right fit for them. While we do offer a variety of extra-curricular activities related to athletics and music, our primary area of expertise is in academically-focused solutions. The only way to know for sure is to contact us and learn more!"
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"We offer a lower tuition rate than most public school boards for non-citizen students, but we also offer a level of care superior to that of public schools as well. With small...(more)
"We offer a lower tuition rate than most public school boards for non-citizen students, but we also offer a level of care superior to that of public schools as well. With small class sizes, safety abounds both inside and outside campus. In addition, our academic supports mean that students have an inherent advantage in choosing to study here, since all staff will be aware of them and their goals, and will help steer them towards their own success."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Our reputation in North Bay is long and storied; however, our reputation in Toronto is only beginning to be established. As such, we want to focus our efforts on ensuring that...(more)
"Our reputation in North Bay is long and storied; however, our reputation in Toronto is only beginning to be established. As such, we want to focus our efforts on ensuring that students in Toronto can experience the North Bay difference - an academic school, focused on the highest levels of success, and with a history in Ontario to match, we believe that we are poised to provide the best kind of success possible - one that you help create!"
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Our specialty programs, such as our Golf Program, our Car-Building Competitions, and our Model UN Preparation Club, all help us to stand out in the larger community. But what...(more)
"Our specialty programs, such as our Golf Program, our Car-Building Competitions, and our Model UN Preparation Club, all help us to stand out in the larger community. But what really sets us apart is our staff - everyone here wants to see these students succeed, and intervene to create plans and monitor progress to ensure success. At NBHS, no child is ignored, and all children will be supported to achieve their dreams."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Even though we are North Bay High School, our Toronto campus has become our main focus and is where we are initiating our new program options. As we are looking to expand this...(more)
"Even though we are North Bay High School, our Toronto campus has become our main focus and is where we are initiating our new program options. As we are looking to expand this program more in the future, now is an excellent time to join and reap the rewards of a school that is young and agile in this changing market!"
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Our biggest and most significant change is the move to our Toronto Campus and the grand opening of our new set of programs. With such dedication and focus put into the facilities...(more)
"Our biggest and most significant change is the move to our Toronto Campus and the grand opening of our new set of programs. With such dedication and focus put into the facilities and the academic program, we are confident that North Bay High School will be a fixture in the community now and in the future!"
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"North Bay High School's future is bright and ambitious - we seek nothing less than an expansion of our existing programs and to be gather and grow even more initiatives and ideas...(more)
"North Bay High School's future is bright and ambitious - we seek nothing less than an expansion of our existing programs and to be gather and grow even more initiatives and ideas that benefit our students and community as a whole. Come visit us to find out about all of these amazing new initiatives!"
Gr. 11 (current) — I’ve had such a great experience with my Chemistry teacher at North Bay High School! She makes even the toughest topics easy to understand and always finds ways to make class fun. Her lessons are super engaging, and she uses cool examples that relate to real life. I never felt shy about asking questions because she’s really patient and always encourages us to think critically. Her teaching style helped me not only get good grades but also actually enjoy learning Chemistry, which I never thought I would. I appreciate how she takes the time to help everyone in the class, making sure we all get the material. Because of her, I feel way more confident in my abilities and excited about what I can do in science. She’s truly the best!