Century Private School and The Bishop Strachan School are both in Toronto, about 24 km apart. Both schools offer Canadian programmes. Century Private School also offers Montessori, and The Bishop Strachan School also offers Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are CA$19,900 - 29,700 at Century Private School and CA$500 - 86,000 at The Bishop Strachan School, which puts The Bishop Strachan School roughly 74% higher. Century Private School takes pupils from 2 to 18, and The Bishop Strachan School from 5 to 18. The Bishop Strachan School is the larger school, with around 950 pupils to Century Private School's 250. Typical class sizes are 14 at Century Private School and 18 at The Bishop Strachan School.
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Century Private School
Toronto, Canada
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The Bishop Strachan School
Toronto, Canada
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| Snapshot | Snapshot | |
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Fees / year
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Fees / year CA$19,900 - 29,700 | Fees / year CA$500 - 86,000 |
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Age range
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Age range 2 - 18 years | Age range 5 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding) |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum | Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) |
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Pupils
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Pupils 250 | Pupils 950 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 14 | Typical class size 18 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 1994 | Opened 1867 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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Location 11181 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada L4S 1L2. Century Private School is housed in a historic landmark (circa 1922) with connections to the Town of Richmond Hill. The updated facility offers bright classrooms and small class sizes, and the curriculum combines the Montessori method up to age six with an enriched Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum to grade twelve. | Location 298 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario M4V 1X2, Canada |
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Stages
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Stages Montessori Preschool; Montessori Kindergarten; Elementary School; Secondary School | Stages JK–Grade 12 |
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School type
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School type Private school | School type Private all-girls day and boarding school |
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Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix — | Pupil nationality mix — |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support — | Additional learning support Learning Specialists provide individualized academic support; School Psychologist provides psychological and mental health support; Learning Resource Centre (LRC) offers accommodations for students with IEPs, assistive technology, language resources and skill-building support, plus drop-in tutoring. |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation Canada | Country affiliation Canada |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation — | Religious affiliation — |
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School day structure
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School day structure — | School day structure — |
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Bus service details
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Bus service details — | Bus service details — |
| Fees | Fees | |
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Fee details
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Fee details Application and Registration Fees - Application fee (one-time): CAD 300. - Registration fee (one-time, per family): CAD 500. Annual Tuition — 2026/27 (by program and student type) - Montessori Pre‑School (ages 2.5–4): Local CAD 19,900 per year; International CAD 24,800 per year. - Montessori Kindergarten (ages 4–6): Local CAD 20,900 per year; International CAD 25,300 per year. - Elementary (Grades 1–8): Local CAD 21,900 per year; International CAD 26,500 per year. - Secondary (Grades 9–12): Local CAD 21,900 per year; International CAD 29,700 per year. Additional mandatory fees (where applicable) - International student health insurance (per school year, international students only): CAD 700. - Guardianship fee (secondary international students requiring a guardian): CAD 1,500 per year. - Miscellaneous fee: included for most Montessori and elementary placements; CAD 800 per year for secondary (covers items such as yearbook, student agenda, club and athletics contributions; field trips are not included). Optional and other costs - Hot lunch: included for certain early‑years and kindergarten placements; for elementary there is an optional hot lunch charge of CAD 2,000 where applicable. - Extended care (where offered): Before‑school (7:30–8:30) and after‑school (4:30–6:00) available for early years at CAD 1,500 per school year (optional). - School uniform (approximate cost for one basic set): CAD 550 per set (price varies by number of pieces). - Sibling discounts: 5% for the second child and 10% for the third child from the same family in the same academic year. Billing schedule and payment terms (structure and due dates) - Full payment: pay the full annual tuition amount in one payment at registration. - Installment plan (deposit + three scheduled instalments): a deposit is paid at registration and the remaining balance is collected through three scheduled post‑dated payments due on June 1, September 1 and December 1 (the fee schedule lists the deposit and each instalment amount for the chosen plan). The school's published plan uses a deposit equal to 10% of the plan total followed by three equal instalments. - Monthly instalments: a deposit is paid at registration followed by nine monthly post‑dated payments dated June 1, July 1, August 1, September 1, October 1, November 1, December 1, January 1 and February 1; the school's published structure treats the deposit as 10% of the plan total and each monthly instalment as approximately 10% of the plan total. Example instalment amounts (calculated using the school's published instalment structure applied to the 2026/27 annual tuition figures) - Montessori Pre‑School — Local (annual CAD 19,900): - Deposit (10%): CAD 1,990. - Three‑installment plan: three equal instalments of CAD 5,970 (deposit + three instalments cover the full annual tuition on the published schedule). - Monthly plan: nine monthly instalments of CAD 1,990 after the deposit. - Montessori Pre‑School — International (annual CAD 24,800): - Deposit (10%): CAD 2,480. - Three‑installment plan: three equal instalments of CAD 7,440. - Monthly plan: nine monthly instalments of CAD 2,480. - Montessori Kindergarten — Local (annual CAD 20,900): - Deposit (10%): CAD 2,090. - Three‑installment plan: three equal instalments of CAD 6,270. - Monthly plan: nine monthly instalments of CAD 2,090. - Montessori Kindergarten — International (annual CAD 25,300): - Deposit (10%): CAD 2,530. - Three‑installment plan: three equal instalments of CAD 7,590. - Monthly plan: nine monthly instalments of CAD 2,530. - Elementary — Local (annual CAD 21,900): - Deposit (10%): CAD 2,190. - Three‑installment plan: three equal instalments of CAD 6,570. - Monthly plan: nine monthly instalments of CAD 2,190. - Elementary — International (annual CAD 26,500): - Deposit (10%): CAD 2,650. - Three‑installment plan: three equal instalments of CAD 7,950. - Monthly plan: nine monthly instalments of CAD 2,650. - Secondary — Local (annual CAD 21,900): - Deposit (10%): CAD 2,190. - Three‑installment plan: three equal instalments of CAD 6,570. - Monthly plan: nine monthly instalments of CAD 2,190. - Secondary — International (annual CAD 29,700): - Deposit (10%): CAD 2,970. - Three‑installment plan: three equal instalments of CAD 8,910. - Monthly plan: nine monthly instalments of CAD 2,970. Payment mechanics and terms - Post‑dated cheques: some instalment options require post‑dated cheques dated to the payment due dates; cheques are to be made payable to Century Private School. A returned cheque (NSF) fee of CAD 50 applies. Late or arrears payments of 30 days may be treated as withdrawal. Tax receipts are issued for any portion of tuition considered childcare. Boarding and accommodation - No boarding fees are listed in the school's published fee schedules; the school does publish a guardianship fee for secondary international students (CAD 1,500 per year) for students who require a designated guardian while studying. No residential boarding program or boarding fees are shown. Refund information and timing - Domestic (local) students: a withdrawal and refund request for the upcoming school year must be received by May 1 (school year deadlines are published); the registration fee, deposit and September tuition are non‑refundable. Refunds are issued to the original payer and are processed within 30 days of an approved written refund request. No partial refunds are issued for late arrival, holidays, sickness or missed days. - International students: refunds of tuition and applicable fees are issued only upon receipt of an official rejection letter from the Canadian mission (study permit/visa refusal). The application fee (CAD 300), registration fee (CAD 500) and a specified portion of tuition (CAD 2,850, as published) are non‑refundable; refunds following study permit refusal are issued to the person who provided the original payment and are processed within 30 days of a written refund request with the required documentation. No refunds are issued after a study permit is granted or for student withdrawals for reasons other than official study permit refusal. Points to note about charges and changes - The school's fee schedules show program‑specific additional charges (uniforms, optional hot lunch, extended care, miscellaneous fees) and sibling discounts. Fees are subject to change and the school's published schedules identify which items are non‑refundable; returned cheque and late payment penalties are specified. Fee payment options summary - Accepted/explicitly published payment mechanisms include post‑dated cheques and standard cheques payable to Century Private School; a returned cheque (NSF) fee of CAD 50 is charged where applicable. Instalment schedules require a deposit at registration and post‑dated cheques for the scheduled payment dates. Tax receipts are issued for eligible childcare portions. | Fee details Application / Registration fees - Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable): CAD 10,000 for all students (day and boarding). - Continuing deposit (refundable): CAD 500. Tuition fees by student type — academic year 2026/27 - Day students (annual tuition): CAD 43,800. - Canadian boarders (annual tuition including boarding): CAD 82,200. - International boarders (annual tuition including boarding): CAD 86,000. - Health insurance for non-Canadian residents (annual): CAD 694 (applies to international boarders/residents where noted). Per-term amounts and year-group detail - The published fee schedule lists the annual tuition amounts above for the 2026/27 school year; the school's standard fee references are given as annual totals. - Junior School note: lunches and snacks for Junior School students are included in the Junior School tuition. Billing schedule and payment terms - The registration fee is charged once and is non-refundable; the continuing deposit is refundable as stated above. - Detailed billing schedules, payment deadlines, and the enrolment-related billing communications are provided to families through the school's enrolment and parent communications/portal during the acceptance and re-enrolment process. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Boarding tuition is presented above as a single annual figure for Canadian boarders (CAD 82,200) and international boarders (CAD 86,000); the listed boarding totals reflect the published annual charge for boarders for 2026/27. Health insurance for non-Canadian residents is CAD 694. Other costs and typical additional fees - School uniform: CAD 300–800 depending on grade and whether items are new or used; uniforms are purchased through the school's General Store. - Additional variable costs: field trips, textbooks, course-specific materials, technology-related items and certain extracurricular activity costs may be charged in addition to tuition and will vary by grade and program. - Summer and short-course programs have separate fees and stated refund terms specific to those programs (examples: some Summer Academy course fees are refundable prior to program-specific deadlines, subject to administrative fees). Refund information - Continuing deposit: refundable (CAD 500). - Program-specific refunds: Summer Academy and other short-course tuition refunds are handled under program-specific deadlines and administrative fee conditions (for example, some summer programs permit refunds prior to May 1 or June 1 with specified administrative deductions). Fee payment options - The school provides families with payment instructions and the available payment methods as part of the enrolment and billing communications through the school's parent/enrolment portal and finance communications. Payment arrangements and schedules are managed through those enrolment/billing channels. Notes relevant to budgeting - Annual tuition amounts shown above are the published totals for the 2026/27 academic year. Uniforms, field trips, textbooks, technology, and certain course or trip fees are additional and vary by grade and program; Junior School tuition includes lunches and snacks. Continuing deposit and registration-fee conditions are as stated above. |
| Diving deeper | Diving deeper | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements Boarding is offered for Grade 8–12; boarders live on campus in boarding residences; boarders come from around the world. There are 70 boarders living on campus, 12 countries represented, and 100% of boarders are accepted to their university of choice. |
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Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement School uniform program; price about $550 per set (approximately). | Uniform requirement All students wear a school uniform, which can be purchased from the BSS General Store; the uniform cost ranges from CAD 300 to CAD 800 depending on grade and whether items are new or used. |
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Food options
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Food options Hot lunch is included for Montessori Preschool and Montessori Kindergarten. For Elementary, hot lunch is available as an optional extra at $2,000. Secondary does not offer hot lunch. Two snacks a day are included with hot lunch. | Food options Boarders' Dining Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Junior School lunches and snacks are included in tuition. |
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House system
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House system House Teams: Earth – Lions, Wind – Owls, Fire – Dragons, Water – Sharks. | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership Governance is provided by an Advisory Board; notable members include Chair of the Advisory Board David Tsubouchi. The Leadership Team includes Antonietta Savo (Secondary School Principal) and Charlene Cannito (Elementary School Principal). | Governance and ownership The school is governed by a Board of Governors that directs the core strategic plan, and a Board of Trustees that manages the Endowment and Foundation initiatives. |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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Curriculum details The Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum is followed, enriched and extended to Grade 12. Specialists teach French, Visual Arts, Drama, Music, and Physical Education, with Grades 5–8 receiving additional focus in Math, Language, Science and Social Studies, and international students receive ESL support and access to an Academic Pathway Program. The Mathematics Program builds a solid conceptual foundation across five strands, includes financial literacy, and uses a mix of traditional and hands-on, differentiated instruction. The Language Arts Program emphasizes Reading, Writing, Oral Communication, and Media Literacy, with exposure to influential authors and strong grammar and writing skills. The Science Program covers chemistry, physics, astronomy, zoology, and botany, complemented by field trips to connect theories to real-life applications. The Arts Program encompasses Visual Arts, Music, Drama, and Performing Arts, with specialists, a Grade 4 band, and regular concerts. | Curriculum details Junior School extends and enriches the Ontario Curriculum with a Reggio Emilia–inspired approach, enabling hands-on, inquiry-based learning where language, mathematics, science, social science, design technology, engineering, design thinking and research are integrated. Learning is supported by dedicated teachers for core subjects, with specialist instruction in French, music and physical education, plus access to the Junior School Learning Commons and Design Technology Lab. Grades 1–6 emphasize interdisciplinary connections, collaboration and real-world contexts to build foundational skills and confident learners. Grades 7 and 8 provide a broad preparation: humanities (English, history and geography), STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), French, physical education, visual arts and band/strings; accelerated math and French allow early Grade 9 credits, and a built-in Options program enriches the Ontario curriculum with additional experiences. Outdoor education is integrated, Chapel is held weekly, and social-emotional learning is emphasized through advisory structures and leadership opportunities. Grades 9 to 12 offer a comprehensive Ontario-based program with more than 100 credit courses, electives in business, technology and visual/media arts, and enrichment that elevates the Ontario curriculum; Advanced Placement is available (14 AP credits and AP Capstone Diploma), with university counselling guiding post-secondary planning; 100% of graduates are offered placement at top-tier universities. |
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Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio — | Student teacher ratio — |
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Exam results
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Exam results 52 Polar Expressions Writing submissions were selected. 59 students received Awards of Distinction in the Mathematica Centrum National Competition, and 12 students earned Honor Roll with one Grade 8 student achieving first-place honors. A Century Private School student was awarded the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship in 2023. CPS Secondary students have earned over $1 million in university scholarships and consistently rank in the top 25% in North America for the University of Waterloo CEMC competition. | Exam results strong results in AP courses |
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Higher education progression
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Higher education progression Graduates are admitted to top universities across Canada and beyond. Notable achievements include the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship awarded to a CPS student in 2023. CPS Secondary students have earned over $1 million in university scholarships. | Higher education progression All graduates are offered placement at top-tier universities. University Counselling uses a personalized approach beginning in Grades 7–8, with ongoing guidance as students tailor their post-secondary plans and prepare applications to Canada, the United States and beyond. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented — | Gifted and talented Advanced Placement offered with 14 AP credits and the AP Capstone Diploma; accelerated math and French programs in Grades 7–8. |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning The CPS Experience focuses on leadership, character development, and community service. | Social & emotional learning Well-being is essential for learning and flourishing and is integrated into BSS from JK through Grade 12. The program is rooted in positive psychology and emphasizes agency, connection and resilience. It includes Circle of Care and a Tiered Support system to address students' needs, and is organized around seven well-being domains: Adaptable Mindset; Empathy and Compassion; Gratitude; Mindfulness; Self-Regulation; Kindness and Connection; and Character Strengths. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN) — | Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Specialists provide individualized support. The Learning Resource Centre enhances learning skills, offers accommodations for students with Individual Education Plans, provides assistive technology and language resources, runs skill-building workshops, and includes a drop-in peer tutoring program. |
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English as an additional language
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English as an additional language The school provides ESL through its International Programs to help students become proficient in English. | English as an additional language Language resources are available through the Learning Resource Centre to support language development. |
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Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing — | Mental wellbeing Well-Being Counsellors are experts in the social and emotional life of girls and provide one-on-one support and development of relevant programs. The School Psychologist provides psychological and mental health support. Well-being is addressed across academic, social-emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions. |
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding — | Safeguarding Circle of Care centers the child in education and relies on continuous communication among parents and educators to support students' journeys. It responds to students' diverse identities and needs with parents integral to the network. |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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Facilities overview Century Private School is housed in a historic landmark dating back to 1922, within the Loyal True Blue and Orange Home, and is deeply connected to the Town of Richmond Hill. The updated facility offers bright, spacious classrooms and small class sizes. The Montessori method is used for children up to age six, transitioning seamlessly into an enriched Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum through grade twelve. The campus includes an expansive outdoor field and a dedicated playground for younger learners. The athletic spaces include three soccer fields and a basketball court. | Facilities overview The campus blends a 105-year-old building with gleaming modern learning spaces. The STEAM complex features open-concept classrooms designed to spark inquiry and collaboration. Two state-of-the-art theatres anchor the campus. The athletics footprint includes a Royal Gym with two gyms, two dance studios, a fitness studio and a turf field. |
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Sports facilities
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Sports facilities Three soccer fields and a basketball court are available on campus. A gymnasium supports indoor sports and physical education. An expansive outdoor field provides space for recreational activities and practice sessions. A dedicated playground is provided for the youngest learners. | Sports facilities Royal Gym includes two gyms, two dance studios, a fitness studio and a turf field. The turf field enables extended seasons for field sports and provides a high-level training and competition space. A climbing wall supports PE programs. |
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Academic facilities
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Academic facilities Bright, spacious classrooms accommodate students with small class sizes. The Montessori method is used through age six, transitioning to an enriched Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum through grade twelve. The campus design supports engaged learning with a focus on individual attention and continuity of curriculum from early childhood to secondary schooling. The updated facilities complement the integrated Montessori-to-Ontario curriculum. | Academic facilities The STEAM complex features open-concept classrooms designed to spark inquiry and collaboration. Junior School spaces are light-filled and ideal for collaborative, hands-on learning. The Learning Commons provides a large collection of books and learning resources for JK–12. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities An expansive outdoor field, a dedicated playground, three soccer fields, a basketball court, and a gymnasium support activities beyond the core curriculum. These spaces enable outdoor recreation and team sports, as well as after-school physical activity. The campus layout supports group work and active learning outside traditional classrooms. | Extra curricular facilities Arts and Athletics programs include Junior School Athletics, Middle and Senior School Athletics and the High Performance Athlete Program. Collaboration Commons hosts activities, learning and events throughout the year. Two state-of-the-art theatres support performing arts, and a climbing wall enhances physical activities. |
| Parent experience | Parent experience | |
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History
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History Century Private School was founded in 1994 by Ms. Sybil Taylor as a Montessori school. It is housed within the Loyal True Blue and Orange Home in Richmond Hill and has grown into a comprehensive educational institution offering preschool through secondary education. The preschool and kindergarten programs follow Montessori principles, while the elementary program uses an enhanced Ontario curriculum, continuing into the secondary program. The school has more than 30 years of history in education. | History On the first day of school in 1867, The Bishop Strachan School opened its doors to educate girls and prepare them to lead. Rev. John Langtry founded the school as a Church School designed to provide a curriculum co-extensive with first-class schools and within reach of people of moderate means. There were 31 students in the first year. The school moved to the city's growing locations around College and Yonge, and later to its current property. Today, more than 150 years after its founding, BSS has over 900 students. |
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Community
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Community CPS is committed to fostering community service, giving back, and supporting those in need by being involved in the community and serving others. It supports initiatives such as the Terry Fox Run, Thanksgiving Food Drive, The Shoebox Project, Doctors Without Borders, and Jump Rope for Heart. Recent activities include Jump Rope for Heart 2025: Century Students Jump into Action, the 2024 Terry Fox School Fundraiser, and Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser events. | Community The school has a Parent Association that builds a welcoming community for all BSS families. Parent volunteers come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds. They are dedicated to enhancing school spirit and involvement and coordinate a broad program of inclusive initiatives and events across the school, involving students, employees, families and alumnae. News, events and volunteer opportunities are shared through the Parent Corner on myBSS, and involvement can be initiated by contacting communityengagement@bss.on.ca. 298 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4V 1X2 • (416) 483-4325. |
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Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association — | Parent teacher association The Parent Association serves as the school's primary parent organization, bringing together families, staff and alumnae to support BSS. The group relies on active parent volunteers who contribute to school life and ensure broad involvement across grade levels. It organizes inclusive initiatives and events throughout the year, engaging students, employees, families and alumnae in learning and community life. Information about opportunities to get involved is shared through the Parent Corner on myBSS, and inquiries can be directed to communityengagement@bss.on.ca. The school's address and main contact details are listed for inquiries via the Parents page. |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual Century Private School's Secondary School curriculum is structured to challenge students and cultivate a deep understanding of academic subjects, with emphasis on developing analytical thinking and effective communication. The school provides an individualized program and pathway to help each student graduate and pursue post-secondary education. Beyond academics, extracurricular activities include sports, arts, and community service, balancing academic life and character development. The curriculum also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses to align with university expectations. | Academic & intellectual Academic Groups include DECA, HOSA, Math Society, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Club, Science Olympiad and Speaker's Union. Co-curricular opportunities include the Global Ideas Institute, Global Hackathons and Experiential Career Workshops with Harvard Student Agencies. These activities foster collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving beyond the classroom. |
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Arts & creative
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Arts & creative The Arts Program encompasses Visual Arts, Music, Drama, and Performing Arts. Specialists teach Visual Arts, Music, and Performing Arts, and the program emphasizes hands-on learning, self-expression, and collaboration. In Music, students have two lessons per week and participate in ensembles, with Band beginning in Grade 4 and major concerts in December and June, along with an elective choir for Grades 3–8. The Visual Arts curriculum focuses on observation, design, and the use of multiple media. | Arts & creative The arts are integrated from JK to Grade 12 with opportunities to learn a musical instrument, join a dance class, sing in a choir or take a role in a stage production. Arts programs cultivate creativity, critical thinking, resilience and well-being and connect with other subjects through interdisciplinary projects. In the Junior School, vocal and percussion skills are taught through Grade 5; Grade 6 adds instrumental music; the Junior Choir and the Fun Plus program offer opportunities for vocal, musical theatre and dance performances. A Director of the Arts leads a comprehensive program across the school with facilities that include theatres, studios and media and design labs. |
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Cultural & language
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Cultural & language French as a Second Language (FSL) is offered to help students communicate confidently in French and understand the culture of Canada and the world. The FSL curriculum emphasizes reading, writing, and oral communication, with grammar and language structure underpinning long-term success. International students receive English as a Second Language instruction with a specialized ESL teacher and daily support, and an Academic Pathway Program supports transition to Canadian education. New international students participate in an Orientation Program to ease the transition. | Cultural & language Global learning provides leadership opportunities through trips and events that emphasize belonging, cultural competency and ethical citizenship. Reciprocal language exchanges and language immersion with Ermitage International School in France, along with virtual exchanges with partner schools, broaden linguistic and cultural understanding. Co-curricular experiences include the Global Ideas Institute, Global Hackathons and Experiential Career Workshops. Past local and global experiences include language, culture, history and arts explorations in Spain, performing arts trips to New York, Ireland and other locations, and cultural explorations in London and Paris. |
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Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies Sports clubs and intramural sports supplement the Health and Physical Education program, providing opportunities for teamwork and skill development. The CPS Experience emphasizes leadership, character development, and community service as part of student life. Extracurricular activities extend to sports, arts, and community service, balancing personal interests with academics. | Social & hobbies There are 40 student-led clubs across the school giving students diverse options beyond class. Clubs include DECA, HOSA, Math Society, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Club, Science Olympiad and a range of topics from poetry to video production to photography. Community groups include Asian Student Union, Black Student Union, Muslim Student Union, Jewish Student Union, Peer Connections, Moral Courage Task Force, Gender Sexuality Alliance and Spectrum, the school newspaper. |
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Community & service
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Community & service Century Private School is committed to fostering community service and giving back through involvement in the local community. Initiatives include Terry Fox Run, Thanksgiving Food Drive, The Shoebox Project, Doctors Without Borders, and Jump Rope for Heart. The school highlights ongoing community service activities such as Jump Rope for Heart 2025 and the Terry Fox School Fundraiser 2024. | Community & service Service learning is a powerful, often life-changing experience and a core part of BSS culture. Student-led service initiatives increase accessibility, justice and equity for marginalized groups, with projects such as food and clothing drives, peer tutoring and Pride Week. In the Junior School, Grade 5 and 6 students tutor younger peers; in Middle and Senior School, students turn classroom learning into action through service initiatives and community projects. |
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Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional The school's mission in secondary education is to inspire excellence by building character, developing leadership, and promoting service. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, with options for AP courses to align with university expectations. Extracurricular life includes leadership opportunities and community service that complement academics. | Leadership & professional Student leadership centers student voice; leadership is learned through training and workshops and practiced across councils, clubs and teams. Senior students can be elected or appointed to formal leadership roles, including Head Prefect, Head Boarder, Grad Prefect, House Prefect and various Council and Academic Team leadership positions. The Leadership Retreat provides development for senior student leaders, and Councils (Arts, Academics, Athletics, Boarding, Business, Chapel, Communications, Events, Environment, Global Awareness, Grad, and others) support student leadership and initiative. Academic Groups include DECA, HOSA, Math Society, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Club, Science Olympiad and Speaker's Union. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing Health and Physical Education extends beyond the gym to foster physical fitness, health, and well-being, and to promote active participation. The program develops self-image, self-esteem, confidence, and teamwork. Century also runs STEAM Summer Camp with Sports & Outdoor Adventure and STEAM sessions that include physical activity and outdoor education. | Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics is a powerful tool for personal growth, fostering mental well-being, confidence and resilience. BSS offers 80+ athletic teams across 21+ sports with a focus on progress, perseverance and teamwork. Facilities include a turf field, two gyms, a pool, dance studios, a rock-climbing wall and a fitness centre. The High Performance Athlete Program provides academic advising and mentorship for advanced athletes, and the Lang Scholar Program offers leadership development opportunities while well-being is supported through Circle of Care, Tiered Support and seven domains of well-being. |
| Language provision | Language provision | |
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Language provision
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Language provision English as a Second Language (ESL) program with daily instruction by a specialized ESL teacher, offered one-on-one or in small groups depending on the student's level. The ESL program develops speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills through targeted instruction and practice. The Academic Pathway Program supports international students transitioning to the Canadian education system, and an Orientation Program helps newcomers acclimate to the school. | Language provision French is taught in the Junior School by specialist teachers; in the early grades, French introduces everyday vocabulary through stories, songs and games. From Grade 1 onward, French emphasizes conversational fluency and writing; by Grades 4 to 6, instruction includes writing, question formation and storytelling, with ongoing conversational practice and interpretation of texts in Grade 6. Spanish is offered through the Global Learning program with Level 2 and Level 3 Spanish in iEARN virtual exchanges; there is also a Spain language, culture, history and arts experience to broaden language exposure. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | Bilingual teaching — |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs Reciprocal language-immersion exchanges are maintained with Ermitage International School in France. A Spanish language exchange is conducted through iEARN with partner schools for Level 2 and Level 3 Spanish via virtual conversations. A language, culture, history and arts experience in Spain supports language exposure in real-world contexts. |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards The BSS Volunteer Service Award — recognizes outstanding volunteerism by parents or alumnae, with up to three recipients each year. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award — program for Grades 9–12 offering Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The Renata McCARTHY '59 Grade 7 Citizenship Award — endowed Grade 7 citizenship award. The Michele WATT Cassidy '75 Award for the Pursuit of a Dream — endowed award fund. The Award for Teaching Excellence — endowed fund under Endowed and Named Funds. |
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Accreditations
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Accreditations — | Accreditations — |
| Admissions | Admissions | |
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Admissions
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Admissions 1. Submit Your Application. Start your journey by completing our online application form; it's quick and easy and the first step toward joining our school community. The Admissions Staff are available to help you from your initial inquiry through to the completion of the application process. Required documents include the Enrollment Form, a copy of the student's most recent and last year (2 years) report cards, Vaccination/Immunization Record from birth, Birth Certificate, Award Certificate (if any), Personal Statement (minimum of 200 words), Completed Student Questionnaire Form, Completed School Recommendation Form, IEP/SSP Documentation (if any), and an Interview with the Principal. 2. Personalized Follow-Up. After we receive your application, the admissions team will reach out to discuss next steps and answer any questions. This is your chance to learn more about what makes Century Private School special. The team will guide you through the next steps of the process. 3. Prepare for Your Start. Once accepted, we'll help you get everything in place for a smooth beginning at our school, from orientation details to necessary materials. | Admissions 1. Apply online. The Bishop Strachan School uses an online application via MyBSS; create an account and complete the online application form, including the parent and student questionnaires; you can pause and resume your application before submitting. Early Bird and Day School deadlines apply: Early Bird Deadline November 1, 2025 ($250) and Day School Deadline December 1, 2025 ($300). 2. Assessments. Junior School applicants (JK/SK) participate in small-group activities; Grades 1–6 complete a math and English test, plus group activities and games. Middle and Senior School assessments evaluate numeracy, literacy and interpersonal skills with an age-appropriate math assessment and a written task based on a reading passage; there is no need to study or prepare in advance. Grade 7 and 9 applicants are hosted on campus in December 2025 and January 2026, with international students able to complete the assessment virtually on one of two available dates. 3. Admissions decisions and boarding options. Admissions decisions are communicated by email; the Admissions Decision Day for the 2026 cycle is February 20, 2026. Boarding applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, space permitting. 4. Financial assistance and scholarships. The deadline to apply for Financial Assistance and Scholarships is January 5, 2026. |
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Scholarships
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Scholarships The school offers substantial entrance scholarships for graduates who are admitted to top Canadian universities. These scholarships recognize student achievements. | Scholarships Financial assistance and merit-based scholarships are available for students entering Grade 6–12. A completed scholarship application form is required. The deadline to apply for all scholarships for the 2026–27 school year is January 5, 2026. |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist — | Waitlist — |
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