REVIEW OF Scholars’ Hall BY Alum, Sara Codat

Overall Experience 5

When I think of Scholars’ Hall I think of support, inclusion, and welcoming. I started at this school in junior kindergarten and graduated high school this past spring. To me, Scholars’ Hall was more than a school– it was a home. With small class sizes, it is easy to develop close relationships with other students and teachers. At Scholars’ Hall, you quickly learn what it means to belong in a safe and welcoming community. I know from my experience and the experience of my peers that the relationships created at this school can lead to life-long friendships. Along with this, Scholars’ Hall is committed to nurturing each student’s potential and is an incredibly transformative experience. I am grateful for the way Scholars' Hall played a role in the way I grew and developed as a well-rounded student and person.

School Leadership 5

What sets Scholars' Hall apart from other schools is its exceptional leadership program. From kindergarten to grade 12, students are introduced to the “7 Habits of Highly Successful People” with activities planned around these principles and promote school spirit. Every Friday afternoon is dedicated to leadership development as elementary students engage in team-building activities while high school students participate in different committees which are overseen by the student government. Every committee is responsible for organizing specific events and students are encouraged to work together to plan events. Through this, Scholars’ Hall creates a collaborative and welcoming environment where students thrive and feel truly valued.

Teaching 5

Passionate, knowledgeable, attentive, and caring are just a few of the adjectives that describe the teachers at Scholars' Hall. As a student, I have always felt that I was encouraged and challenged to do my best. I was consistently supported from an academic and personal standpoint. Smaller class sizes allow teachers to spend more time with each student individually, making it easier to address any struggles with concepts in class. Additionally, the teachers are attentive to the different learning styles of their students and tailor their teaching to each individual. Their consistent dedication to ensuring their students' success is truly impressive. Even beyond academics, the teachers at Scholars’ Hall work on building relationships outside of academics with students, serving as role models and trusted adults in their lives.

Academics 5

At Scholars’ Hall, the academic program is well-thought-out and regularly updated to ensure that every student achieves effective learning. From my experience, I found that the coursework was challenging but manageable. What makes Scholars' Hall stand out is that students are introduced to homework and tests in elementary school, which helps instill a strong work ethic from a young age. The high school program offers a wide range of elective courses, allowing students to explore various interests and discover their passions. Additionally, the teachers are constantly adapting to each student's needs, consistently going above and beyond to help each student reach their full potential. Overall, the academic program at Scholars’ Hall promotes both academic and personal growth, preparing students for success in all areas of their lives.

Extracurriculars 5

There are many opportunities for elementary and middle school students to participate in clubs. Some clubs are academic-focused, like the Math Club and French Club while others are for fun such as the Running Club. High school students also have many opportunities to get involved in extracurriculars. The gym is open three times a week for sports activities, including volleyball, basketball, badminton and football. There are often tournaments and friendly competitions between students and teachers. High school students can also participate in the student government and different committees. For example, at the start of every semester, a group of students organize a breakfast event as a way for the high school student body to socialize. With different extracurricular activities and opportunities for socializing, Scholars' Hall does an excellent job of developing well-rounded students.

Students 5

The student body at Scholars' Hall is diverse, with every student reflecting a different range of talents, interests and backgrounds. Generally, students are respectful toward their peers and teachers as Scholars' Hall strongly emphasizes respect, teaching to "treat others the way you want to be treated". Along with this, Scholars' Hall enforces a zero-tolerance policy on bullying. Students are actively involved in participating and planning school events, passionate about spreading school spirit. Many are committed to their school work and comfortable with asking for help from their peers when they are struggling in class. With a smaller student body compared to other schools, there is a sense of belonging and community among the students. Overall, students often work well together and demonstrate respect, creativity and passion.

School Life 5

The overall quality of student life at Scholar's Hall is excellent. The school clearly prioritizes the well-being of its students, creating an environment where students feel supported and valued. They are always encouraged to engage in different events and team-building exercises through the leadership program. Along with this, Scholars' Hall promotes open communication among teachers and students, giving students the opportunity to speak up and voice any concerns they may have. When students find the coursework too challenging or feel unprepared for tests, they are understood and supported by their teachers. Generally, students are usually happy, engaged and passionate. The teachers do an incredible job at maintaining a supportive atmosphere in class that encourages students to actively participate in classroom learning. The flexibility and support from the staff at Scholars' Hall largely contribute to an excellent school life and experience.

Community 5

Scholars' Hall is truly a tight-knit community where lasting connections are made. Having grown up at Scholars' Hall, I can honestly attest to the strong bonds formed here; I still keep in touch with friends from kindergarten even after graduating. I have always felt comfortable in the student-body environment because of the supportive and friendly atmosphere among students and staff. New students quickly acclimate to the community because of this. These class sizes make it easy for the opportunity to create these close-knit friendships. Additionally, parents are welcome to be involved in the life of the school and their involvement in different activities is greatly appreciated and encouraged by the school. Scholars' Hall is not just a place of learning, but an incredible community of students.

School Location 5

Scholars’ Hall is located in a very safe area and is close to the Huron Natural Area. This promotes the opportunity for a lot of outdoor activities and even allows for hands-on learning about the environment. It has great access to public transport which allows for easy access to the school for students and staff. Along with this, the school is within walking distance of coffee shops, fast food restaurants, grocery and convenience stores. High school students are given the chance to leave campus during breaks.

Admissions 5

As someone who began at Scholars' Hall at a very young age, I don’t recall much about the admission process. However, from what I have heard from my peers, it is a smooth process. The process typically includes a meeting with the principal, the student and their family, a tour of the school, and, if transferring mid-year, a chance for the prospective student to "try out" a day to see how they fit in with the students and the environment.

University placement and counselling N/A