Meet The Bishop Strachan School's admission team at the Private School Expo: Toronto (Oct 04). RSVP NOW
The big picture on The Bishop Strachan School
We wrote a book reviewing the school
The 50-page review of The Bishop Strachan School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
"The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day and boarding school for girls. Through our challenging inquiry-based program, students learn core academic skills that become a springboard for new ideas. BSS students find their voice, take risks, work collaboratively and learn to lead. Our 7.5-acre campus includes STEAM-focused learning spaces, arts, design and athletics facilities, including a turf field. For over 150 years, BSS has inspired girls to be fearless and educated them to be leaders."
Inspiring girls to be fearless and educating them to be leaders for over 150 years
BSS allocates more than $2 million in financial assistance every year.
Students explore their interests through co-curricular activities, academic teams and clubs.
100 per cent of the graduates in 2024 are accepted at university and are Ontario Scholars
Students learn outdoor skills, confidence and grit in Outdoor and Environmental Education
14 Advanced Placement courses offered, including the AP Capstone Diploma
One way students learn to be ethical citizens is through global and experiential learning
Students give back to the community and form meaningful connections through service learning
Girls develop new skills, self-esteem and sportsmanship through our comprehensive athletics program
BSS girls are leaders in the classroom, on teams, in formal roles and in all aspects of school life
1. Who are you, as a school?
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"The Signature of a BSS Girl is an evidence-based set of personal attributes that are encouraged, nurtured and taught at The Bishop Strachan School. It is the product of intensive...(more)
"The Signature of a BSS Girl is an evidence-based set of personal attributes that are encouraged, nurtured and taught at The Bishop Strachan School. It is the product of intensive research on girls’ psychology, well-being, character development and leadership.
We believe it is vital for students to look both inward at themselves and outward, understanding and caring about their impact on others. Curiosity, self-awareness, grit, voice and leadership are viewed through the lens of a growth mindset when focused on the self, and ethical citizenship when focused on the self in relation to others.
Taken as a whole, these attributes are critical to the development of character and set the stage for success. Everything that happens at BSS, from academics to co-curricular activities, is designed to help students develop these traits. Through a supportive environment and our unique Culture of Powerful Learning, each student is able to reach her full potential and make a difference in the world."
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?
"On the first day of school in 1867, our founders opened their doors with the intention of educating girls and teaching them how to be leaders. Rev. John Langtry, the father of...(more)
"On the first day of school in 1867, our founders opened their doors with the intention of educating girls and teaching them how to be leaders. Rev. John Langtry, the father of four daughters, envisioned a Church School for girls designed to provide a curriculum “co-extensive with that of first-class schools” and “within the reach of people of moderate means.” There were 31 students enrolled that first year. Although women were not admitted to the University of Toronto until 1884, The Bishop Strachan School's curriculum always prepared students for academic excellence. The school grew and evolved with the city around it, moving first to College and Yonge, and then to the current property. Today, more than 150 years since its founding, we have more than 900 students. In 2017, we proudly celebrated our 150th anniversary and the opening of our new STEAM wing, a collaborative space with everything needed to make design ideas real."
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?
"We're proud of our unique approach to girls' education. We are dedicated to empowering students to become capable, confident leaders who embody the Signature of a BSS Girl –...(more)
"We're proud of our unique approach to girls' education. We are dedicated to empowering students to become capable, confident leaders who embody the Signature of a BSS Girl – girls who lead with empathy, curiosity and grit. Girls who are not afraid to try, to fail and to get up again. Girls with a thirst for the endless pursuit of learning.
We believe all girls' schools create a strong foundation for students to grow into and thrive as leaders. With opportunities to lead the student body, participate in academic clubs, volunteer, and take part in sports and performing arts, girls at BSS take action. As an inclusive all-girls' school, we offer unique opportunities for students to find and pursue their aspirations without limitations. Our environment fosters exploration and innovation, preparing students to lead confidently beyond our school."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"A BSS education allows girls to be leaders in the classroom, on sports teams and clubs, in formal roles and in every aspect of school life. Student voice is at the centre of our...(more)
"A BSS education allows girls to be leaders in the classroom, on sports teams and clubs, in formal roles and in every aspect of school life. Student voice is at the centre of our leadership program. By collaborating and taking action on issues they are passionate about, students develop their leadership skills and style in a purposeful and impactful way. They build the foundational skills of strong leaders (such as self-awareness, decision making and effective communication) through training and workshops, and they put these skills into practice in various roles across the school. Through a structured research-informed process, faculty provide feedback that allows students to learn and grow throughout the year, and as they take on more responsibility. Students actively create a culture of belonging by responding to the needs of the community and designing relevant initiatives. They learn that leadership is more than a title; it’s about empowering, mentoring and supporting their peers."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Financial assistance is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing inclusive and accessible education. It ensures that more girls of grit, character and promise can discover...(more)
"Financial assistance is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing inclusive and accessible education. It ensures that more girls of grit, character and promise can discover themselves at BSS, and go on to do great things. Financial assistance is offered to students entering Grades 6 to 12. Every year, BSS allocates over $2 million in financial assistance, the most of any girls’ school in Canada."
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?
"Our world needs more female leaders in every role across all endeavours. The Bishop Strachan School has been a leader in girls’ education since 1867. We help talented girls...(more)
"Our world needs more female leaders in every role across all endeavours. The Bishop Strachan School has been a leader in girls’ education since 1867. We help talented girls become fearless women who are able to navigate the world with intellectual curiosity, agility and compassion. We teach them to find purpose, feel confident and speak with a strong, independent voice. We are proud of our accomplishments, but we are not satisfied. We are doubling down on our challenging, innovative and comprehensive program. We are nurturing a culture that helps students find meaning. We are expanding our financial assistance to attract motivated, talented students. We are broadening the opportunities for experiential education and global learning. And we are improving our facility to take our school's strengths to a new level of excellence. The Bishop Strachan School will be a world leader in evidence-based education. Learn more about our strategic plan at bssourplan.ca."
Watch our The Bishop Strachan School Q&A discussion with Ashley (Alum), Stephanie (Alum), Vanessa (Parent) to gain fresh insight into the school’s culture, values, and strengths.
Gr. 7 (current) — Arriving at BSS on my first day of Grade 7 was nerve-wracking. I didn't know my classmates, was unsure about the structure of the day, and felt very lost in this new environment. However, from that day until the present, I have never once felt alone. I quickly got involved in clubs, immersed myself in daily life, and took every opportunity I could to learn, try new things, and branch out. Since the start of BSS, I have played 3 sports, become involved in 9 student-run clubs/associations, and made more friends than I can count. The welcoming environment that BSS offers, coupled with the constant opportunities to try new things, has made me love this place. Looking back on my first day, I wish I had known that I was not isolated in my position. BSS did, and still does, a great job of uniting the student body through events, field trips, and other experiences, making my transition and the years to follow a very positive experience.
Looking into what BSS could have done more of, I feel as though the "how-to-do-high-school" course in Grade 8 was very helpful; however, I wish that the guidance counsellors were more available in the earlier years of high school to continue that education and check in. In my later high school years, I also wish that there were more opportunities to learn outside the classroom, as that was something I really enjoyed and benefited from in Middle School. Other than that, I have loved my time at BSS and feel that it has shaped me into a well-rounded person.
JK to Gr. 12 — BSS was always a nurturing place for me. From JK to grade 12 I felt supported by my peers and teachers. As someone with an IEP, the school, helped me work through my weaknesses while lifting my strengths. The array of course options allowed me to take creative classes such as visual and media arts and entrepreneurship where I thrived while offering support in the LRC for courses that I found more challenging. Many of the skills that I learned at BSS both inside and outside the classroom have been valuable in my post-grad life. From my media arts class where I learned Photoshop and Illustrator to my role as a Prefect where I learned how to lead others. I am very grateful to have been able to attend BSS
Gr. 5 (current) — Our daughter has truly enjoyed her time at BSS and we have seen tremendous growth in both her academic and social and emotional skills. BSS has pushed her to step outside of her comfort zone and in turn, gain confidence in herself as a learner and a leader.
I think our daughter appreciates her whole school experience. She appreciates the curriculum, co-curriculars, her teachers, and of course, the amazing friendships she has made. Together, all of these things have created an incredibly supportive learning environment that will give her the skills she needs for continued success in her post-secondary education and beyond. We are really thrilled with the school and our daughter's journey so far and look forward to seeing her continued growth in her final year this Fall.
Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 — My 6 years at BSS were filled with incredible opportunities both academically and personally. I launched headfirst into playing in the band, a sports team every term, debate club, contest writing, and leadership roles, built lifelong friendships, and developed great skills that have helped me to succeed in academia and beyond. I was lucky enough to be taught by incredible teachers (Mr. Stewart, Ms. Woolley, Mrs. Pfaff, Ms. Fleming, Mr. Moffatt, Ms. Drover, and Ms. Jameson) who were dedicated to their student's successes. The camaraderie of the BSS soccer team is unparalleled - and the sacrifices made by coaches to travel with us to tournaments near and far were incredible. I felt like I got to try and experience many different subjects and explore what I enjoyed most as well as what subjects I excelled in. I was always encouraged to continue to challenge myself and expand my horizons. Most importantly, I developed my love of Canadian history under the guidance of Mr. Stewart, which has been the anchor of my career. I owe him so much. I like to think I make him proud by the work I do now, and remain grateful for his mentorship.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at The Bishop Strachan School.
BSS has a strong academic program which prepared me for university and graduate school. Learning in small classes with teachers that paid attention gave me the skills to succeed in more independent learning environments.
I also really enjoyed the all girl learning environment. Comparing this with university, I found it was much easier to ask questions and engage in classroom discussion at BSS... which likely made me more confident to do so in a co-ed learning environment later on.
Additionally the peers I had while a student at BSS were wonderful. Parents take an active interest in their children's lives and there is a strong parent community. I would recommend BSS to anyone who has daughters for this reason alone.
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