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St. Michael's College School logo

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
St. Michael's College School


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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
St. Michael's College School
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

Meet them
at the Expo

Toronto (Oct 04)

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School overview

Pages in this report:

  • Grades
    Gr. 7 — Gr. 12
  • Gender
    All boys
  • Class Size
    21 students
  • Tuition
    $24,250/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Associations
    CIS Ontario, IBSC
  • Enrolment
    750 day students
  • Curriculum
    Liberal Arts
  • EBROCHURE
    View eBrochure
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Special Event
  • Meet St. Michael's College School's admission team at the Private School Expo: Toronto (Oct 04).  RSVP NOW

The big picture on St. Michael's College School

We summarized the school ourselves

It's one of the oldest schools in Canada, and is steeped in legend, having descended directly from a secret school founded in the mountains of central France during the French Revolution. Today, it's the only independent Catholic boys' school in Ontario, and one of only a few in Canada. A dedication to teaching the core curriculum though a Catholic lens remains, as does a commitment to strong academics across the board. An extensive program of modernization completed in 2002 brought the school firmly into the 21st century. That said, the school is best known in the popular imagination because of its storied athletic program. The school has produced more than 180 professional hockey players, a raft of hall-of-famers among them. The school is large, and the academic program is rigorous. The ideal student is self-directed, able to thrive in a demanding, rigorous, and at times competitive environment.

We questioned the school adminstration

1. Who are you, as a school?

"Since 1852, St. Michael's College School has been educating and forming young men in goodness, discipline, and knowledge for lives of leadership and service. We are Canada's only Catholic, Basilian, faith-based independent school, educating young men from Grades 7 to 12 in a university-preparatory programme, and forming them with a foundation for life. Under the direction of the Basilian Fathers, our students discover the courage and develop the faith to be a modern man of St. Michael's: one who is free in mind, body, and soul to pursue truth, choose goodness, create beauty, and build a civilization of love and care in service to our community and to the world. Our students unleash their passion for meaning and curiosity by embracing Deep Learning. This inquiry-based learning pedagogy inspires students to explore freely the profound questions of our world and to develop the knowledge and skills for living a meaningful and productive life in the 21st century. In graduating young men who change the world through lives of faith, character, and service, St. Michael's College School brings integrity, unity, and healing to a fractured and uncertain world."

  • Founded in 1852
  • Leader in Catholic Boys' Education
  • Enriched Catholic Liberal Arts education
  • Experiential 21st Century Pedagogy
  • Financial assistance program available
  • Extensive co-curricular programme
  • Engaging Service opportunities
  • Tradition of academic, artistic, and athletic excellence

2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?

Information not yet available.

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

Information not yet available.

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

Information not yet available.

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

Information not yet available.

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

Information not yet available.

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

Information not yet available.

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

Information not yet available.

9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

Information not yet available.

10. What might families find surprising about your school?

Information not yet available.

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

Information not yet available.

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

Information not yet available.

We got insight from alumni, parents, and students

St. Michael's College School: Parent Review from Nancy Nash

Watch our parent interview with Nancy Nash to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend St. Michael's College School.

St. Michael's College School: Alumni Review from Michael Tighe

Watch our alum interview with Michael Tighe to learn about the unique experience of attending St. Michael's College School.

Alumnus, Liam Abbott (2024)

(4.7)

Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 — Overall looking back, my experience at St. Michael's College School was rewarding. I had high expectations for the school and was not really sure if these expectations were realistic. Regardless, the school has surpassed all expectations I had and has delivered a level of education that cannot be easily imitated. Each day I was really excited and expectant to go to school and see what the day held for me. St. Michael's ultimate goal is to develop strong, independent, young vibrant leaders, who will make a positive impact. This definitely made an impact in grooming my character and personal attributes. Up to this day, I'm very much grateful. When coming to St. Mike's, one should be ready to learn to be a communicator, knowledgeable, inquirer, thinker, principled with integrity, open-minded, caring, reflective and balanced.

Parent, Don Marino (2020)

(4.9)

We love who our three boys have turned out to be. The teachers give so much of themselves, and the personal time they put into the boys amazed us. The retreats our sons participated in were life-changing and inspiring. We wish all students could experience what our boys have been so fortunate to experience at St. Michael’s College School. We'll certainly miss our daily contact with this great community. In quoting our son, Matthew ’19 “Over my years at St Mike’s, I’ve been challenged by my teachers to perform my best in the classroom, by my friends to establish my options and beliefs, and by my coaches to constantly strive to be my best”. That’s what GOODNESS, DISCIPLINE, AND KNOWLEDGE mean to me.”

Parent, María Corral (2020)

(5)

Our family has been part of St. Michael's College School since the year 2017, with our 2 older sons are currently attending the school. Since the very beginning, we were very impressed with St. Mike's academic programme, its art & music curriculum, the school facilities and the human/professional quality of its teachers. The school's environment fosters the development of virtues and healthy friendships for the boys. They feel extremely proud of their school and are excited to attend every day. St. Mike's response to the pandemic has been incredibly proactive, (far beyond our expectations!) without compromising its curriculum and excellent academic level. The school also offers a variety of more than 50 different clubs, all especially designed for young men's enjoyment, and to prepare them for their future lives.

Alumnus, Michael Marcon (2020)

(5)

As an Alumnus of St. Michael's College School, I can say firsthand that my experience was excellent. I have had the pleasure of being taught by some of the best teachers around and been coached by some of the most dedicated staff one can imagine. St. Michael's in my opinion is about excellence in every part of one's upbringing - academic, spiritual, and physical. It has certainly prepared me for my personal life as well as my career. It is no surprise that it was the first, and only, choice for my son to attend St. Michael's when entering high school. What is also very special and unique is the way the broader community is involved. I have met many fathers who never attended the school themselves but now have their sons there and it's almost like they are alumni too! I still have the winged 'M' on my car and wear my Grad pin with pride after all these years.

Parent, Danielle Carroll (2020)

(5)

Our son’s journey at SMCS began at open house where he was immediately taken in by the spirit, culture and atmosphere during the school’s presentation. We recall the excitement of receiving a personalized acceptance message from a departing Grade 12 student congratulating and welcoming our son into the SMCS community. During his first week at school, his grade was whisked away to a retreat where friendships and bonds began to form. Since that time, he has not looked back, his social interactions and personal connections with his teachers, administration, and peers has been nothing but positive and memorable. He has immersed himself in diversified co-curricular programming ranging from inter-varsity athletics to student wellness and leadership opportunities, all while balancing his academic pursuits with the support of his Guidance and Learning Enrichment Centre teachers. The care and support of every teacher at SMCS has allowed our son to feel comfortable when challenged with difficult tasks. He has developed strong knowledge, discipline, and goodness in his character and continues to be curious about everything that surrounds him. We could not have selected a better place for our son to learn and develop.
See all reviews (7 total)

We reported on the school in articles

Preparing high school students for a changing world

"Our aim is to immerse students in diverse cultures, professions, and ways of life, crafting not just scholars, but responsible citizens. With experiential learning, the goal is for kids to be well-rounded global citizens. We want them to be exposed to various cultures, professions, and ways of life, making them better citizens overall," says Daniel Lumsden, the head of community engagement & learning at St. Michael's.
 

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