REVIEW OF Sacred Heart School of Halifax BY Alum, Kogie Esteban

Overall Experience 5

My time at Sacred Heart School of Halifax was honestly life-changing. It wasn't just a school, it was a community where I always felt supported, seen, and valued. As an international student, being part of a smaller, tight-knit environment made all the difference. I always felt supported, encouraged, and truly known, which helped me build the confidence to flourish in university and beyond. The values of faith, hope, and love weren't just words at Sacred Heart, they shaped how we lived every day. The school's focus on being the best for the world, not just in it, really stuck with me. Today, I carry that mindset into my work in green energy research, where I'm not just striving for personal success, but working towards solutions that can have a real, positive impact on the planet. What stood out most was how personalized the education felt. Teachers really took the time to understand our strengths, passions, and dreams. Sacred Heart prepared me not just academically, but personally, teaching me how to lead, collaborate, and think globally. For any prospective student: expect a community that will challenge you, believe in you, and inspire you to grow into your best self.

School Leadership 5

The leadership at Sacred Heart School of Halifax always felt approachable and genuinely invested in us. They treated students with respect, and you could tell they wanted the best for everyone. One thing that stood out was how the head of school at the time made the effort to know each student personally, not just by name, but by who they were. That kind of leadership created a real sense of being seen and valued. Students trusted them and felt comfortable bringing up concerns, knowing they'd be taken seriously. When issues came up, they handled them fairly and with compassion. Their leadership made the school feel like a safe, supportive place to grow. Communication with students and parents was clear and consistent, which helped build trust. Looking back, the strong leadership helped shape the positive, close-knit community I remember so well.

Teaching 5

The teaching at Sacred Heart School of Halifax was truly exceptional. The teachers were not just educators — for me, especially as an international student far from home, they became like second parents. They provided constant support, encouragement, and guidance, and they played a huge role in helping me flourish both academically and personally during my freshman years and beyond. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) program was more than just a language support. It served as a bridge, connecting international students and fostering a sense of community. The international team participated in various outings, which helped us integrate into the broader school community and Canadian culture, something that simply can't be learned in a classroom. The dynamic between teachers and students was respectful but also warm and approachable. Teachers were extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and that passion made learning exciting. They communicated clearly, provided thoughtful and constructive feedback, and always challenged us to do our very best, without ever making it feel intimidating. They helped spark a genuine love of learning in me, and several teachers, through their mentorship, directly inspired me to pursue chemistry in both my undergraduate and graduate studies. Looking back, it's clear that the teachers at Sacred Heart were not only highly competent and well-prepared, but they also deeply cared about shaping students into thoughtful, confident, and compassionate people. For prospective families, expect teachers who truly know, care for, and believe in their students far beyond graduation.

Academics 4.5

The academic program at Sacred Heart School of Halifax was rigorous, personal, and incredibly supportive. The Advanced Placement (AP) program gave me a strong advantage in transitioning into university. The workload and depth of study helped me adjust quickly, and I even found myself using notes from my high school classes during my first year. The academic culture was motivated yet collaborative: students aimed for excellence while maintaining a respectful, supportive environment. One limitation was the smaller range of elective options compared to larger schools. Additionally, while the AP program prepared me well for university in Canada, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program available at other institutions offers a broader, more globally integrated curriculum. Nevertheless, Sacred Heart's focus on academic excellence, critical thinking, and independent learning ensured thorough preparation for university-level expectations.

Extracurriculars 5

Sacred Heart School of Halifax offered a strong range of extracurricular activities that encouraged students to explore different interests. I was able to participate in senior school musicals and try physical activities like cross country, even without a competitive background. The atmosphere around extracurriculars was welcoming and supportive, with opportunities both for serious involvement and for trying new things for fun. Sacred Heart emphasized well-rounded students, and participation in activities outside the classroom was always encouraged and celebrated.

Students 5

The student body at Sacred Heart School of Halifax was small, tight-knit, and incredibly diverse. Even with gender-based learning, there was a strong, united community spirit. What stood out to me the most was the vibrant international presence. As an international student myself, it was inspiring to be part of a community where students from different cultures were welcomed and celebrated. It helped me appreciate other cultures even more and broaden my perspective. While it was a private school, scholarship opportunities and tuition assistance allowed for a socio-economically diverse student body, enriching the community with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. The typical student was motivated, kind, and respectful, and students earned admiration through leadership, integrity, and inclusiveness. The atmosphere was supportive rather than competitive, and students encouraged one another. Sacred Heart's diverse environment and shared values of community, respect, and service made it a place where everyone, no matter their background, could feel at home and thrive both academically and personally.

School Life 5

The overall quality of student life at Sacred Heart School of Halifax was outstanding. I genuinely loved going to school there. What contributed most to that experience was the welcoming, close-knit community and the support available both inside and outside the classroom. As an international student, the school's homestay program was especially meaningful. My host family quickly became like second parents; they helped me transition to life in Canada, supported me throughout high school, and were instrumental during my university application process. I'm still in contact with them today, which speaks to how impactful and lasting that support was. Students were generally happy, motivated, and engaged. While academics were undoubtedly challenging, the atmosphere was never overwhelming or overly competitive. Overall, Sacred Heart provided a well-rounded, caring environment where I felt supported every step of the way.

Community 5

One of the most memorable aspects of Sacred Heart School of Halifax is its strong and lasting sense of community. As a graduate of Fountain Academy's Class of 2020, I was part of a small cohort. We weren't just classmates, we were like brothers. That closeness, combined with Sacred Heart's vibrant international community, meant I left with friendships that now span across the globe. The school does an excellent job of keeping those connections alive. Regular alumni events offer meaningful opportunities to reconnect with peers, former teachers, and the broader Sacred Heart network. I've stayed in touch with many classmates, and there's a lasting sense of support and pride in being part of the Sacred Heart community. These relationships have continued to shape my life well beyond graduation, grounded in shared values and a truly global perspective.

School Location 4.5

I loved being in downtown Halifax. The school's location felt vibrant yet safe, and I often spent lunch breaks at the nearby Public Gardens. The waterfront was also within reach whenever I needed a quiet escape. One drawback of being in the city was not having a large open field on campus, which limited certain outdoor sports and large group activities. However, nearby parks and green spaces helped fill that gap, and the accessible, walkable neighbourhood still provided a healthy environment for learning and student life.

Admissions 5

The admission process at Sacred Heart was surprisingly personal and welcoming. It felt more like a genuine conversation rather than an evaluation. The admissions team truly wanted to understand who I was as a person, not just look at my grades or achievements. That made the experience feel thoughtful and encouraging rather than stressful. My advice to the applicants is to be authentic, open, and share what genuinely excites you, both inside and outside the classroom. They want to know the whole person.

University placement and counselling 5

The university counselling program at Sacred Heart School of Halifax was a key strength during my senior year. The mandatory University Preparation class provided clear, step-by-step support throughout the application process. We learned how to research programs, write strong personal statements, explore scholarship options, and manage deadlines. Universities frequently visited the school, giving us direct access to admission officers and first-hand insight into various programs. As an international student planning to stay in Canada, I received valuable guidance on selecting the right schools and identifying scholarship opportunities. The uni prep team was approachable, responsive, and always willing to help with personalized advice. I felt well-prepared to apply confidently to Canadian universities. The program helped me understand the process, meet deadlines, and transition successfully into post-secondary life.