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Armbrae Academy

Canada, Halifax

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$17,342 - 34,650
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 350
Type Co-educational
Opened 1887
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French
Strengths Sport, Academic Enrichment, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Armbrae Academy is an independent, university-preparatory, co-educational day school in Halifax, Nova Scotia, serving Pre-K through Grade 12. It is CAIS accredited and offers the Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement courses, and a Bespoke Curriculum tailored to individual students. The school operates across three campuses—Oxford, Coburg and South—providing a PreK–12 community with campuses at 1400 Oxford St, 6430 Coburg Rd, and 1300 Oxford St. The preschool uses a play-based, integrated approach with Jolly Phonics, daily French, outdoor play and teacher- and student-led activities. Lower School emphasizes literacy, numeracy, science, French, drama, music, art, health and field trips. Middle School aligns with Nova Scotia requirements, adds advisory, health and wellness, and co-curricular options; Upper School offers AP courses such as Psychology, World History, Environmental Science, plus the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Career and University Guidance begins in Grade 9. Be Kind | Work Hard underpins character education, community service, athletics and wellbeing.

Oxford Campus — 1400 Oxford St, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8; Coburg Campus — 6430 Coburg Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 2A6; South Campus — 1300 Oxford St, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8

The Essentials

Armbrae Academy has 350 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Armbrae Academy operates across three Halifax campuses: Oxford Street Campus at 1400 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8; Coburg Campus at 6430 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 2A6; and South Campus at 1300 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8. The campuses are in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Oxford Campus hosts the main programs; Coburg and South Campuses provide additional facilities and enrollment pathways.

Stages
Preschool & PrePrimary; Lower School; Middle School; Upper School.

Type
Co-educational.

Additional learning support
Learning Support.

School day structure
BeforeCare 7:30–8:00; arrival around 8:20–8:30. The day runs 8:30–3:15 with a mid-morning recess 9:50–10:05, lunch 11:25–12:20, and a mid-afternoon recess 1:40–1:55. Co-curricular activities run 3:30–4:30 and Aftercare is 4:30–5:45.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Family Boarding at Armbrae is available for international students in Grades 8–12. Host families are carefully vetted by ISGC, with over 15 years of family boarding experience. Armbrae's international team works closely with these hosts to ensure life outside the classroom is rich, engaging, and supportive. Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Armbrae offers international students a true Canadian experience within a close-knit school community.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are compulsory for Armbrae students. The uniform is described in the Preschool & Preprimary Uniform Requirements and spans from P to 12. The cost of outfitting a new student in the compulsory school uniform will run from $450–$600 initially, and the uniform must be purchased from TOPMARKS, the school uniform provider.

Governance and Ownership
Armbrae Academy is an independent school governed by an independent board of governors and funded through tuition payments, auxiliary income, and charitable contributions; it does not receive government funding. Armbrae is CAIS accredited.
Fees

Annual tuition at Armbrae Academy ranges from CAD 17,342 to CAD 34,650 for 2026/27.

Application and Enrollment Fees

- Application fee: CAD 150 (non‑refundable).
- Tuition deposit to secure a place: CAD 2,500 (paid with the signed enrolment contract; deducted from the first term's fees; the full deposit is non‑refundable if the applicant subsequently withdraws).
- Entrance fee for new students: CAD 4,000 one‑time, non‑refundable (applies to each of the first two children in a family; separate from tuition). Installment options are available for students beginning in Preschool or PrePrimary as described below.

Entrance‑fee installment examples

- Preschool start (broken across three years): CAD 1,333 in Preschool, CAD 1,333 in PrePrimary, CAD 1,334 in Primary. The first installment is due with the enrolment contract and tuition deposit; the later installments are due with the next annual tuition payments on June 30.
- PrePrimary start (broken across two years): CAD 2,000 in PrePrimary and CAD 2,000 in Primary, with the first payment due with the enrolment contract and the second due with the next annual tuition payment on June 30.

Annual tuition (2026/27 academic year)

- Preschool – PrePrimary: CAD 17,342 per year.
- Lower School (Primary – Grade 5): CAD 23,090 per year.
- Middle & Upper School (Grades 6 – 12): CAD 24,961 per year.
- International day students (Grades PS – 12): CAD 34,650 per year (domestic day‑student tuition differs by division as shown above).
- Before‑school care (4:30am–start): CAD 10 per day; After‑school care (4:30pm–5:45pm): CAD 15 per day.
- Sibling discounts: CAD 1,000 off the second child's tuition and CAD 2,000 off the third and each additional child's tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms (payment‑plan structure and sample installments)

The School publishes multiple payment plan options. The examples below reproduce the School's structured options used in recent published fee tables (dates shown are illustrative of the plan due‑date pattern used in the published fee table for the 2025/26 year). Families must select a payment plan when completing the enrolment contract.

- Plan A — Lump Sum / Two Installments:
- Deposit: CAD 2,500 due with enrolment.
- Balance: one payment due June 30 (amount varies by division).
- Example 2025/26 totals shown by division: Preschool total CAD 16,516; Lower School total CAD 21,990; Middle/Upper total CAD 23,772; International total CAD 33,000.

- Plan B — Term / Four Installments:
- Deposit: CAD 2,500 due with enrolment.
- Subsequent instalments due on scheduled term dates (example 2025/26 pattern: June 30, September 30, January 31).
- Example 2025/26 per‑installment amounts (after deposit) are published by division and produce the term totals shown in the School's fee table. Interest/fee details for this plan may be included in the fee table.

- Plan C — Monthly / Multi‑installment:
- Deposit: CAD 2,500 due with enrolment.
- Monthly payments over a fixed set of months (example 2025/26: monthly payments from May 31 through January 31; the School has also published a 12‑payment option for later years with payments due February 28 through January 31).
- Example 2025/26 monthly amounts by division are published in the School's fee table and produce the annual totals for each division.

- Policy notes on payment timing and changes:
- To change a payment schedule, families must contact the Finance Office and complete the official change form by the published deadline (the School gives specific cut‑off dates for requests). An administrative fee may apply for changes. Late or past‑due accounts are subject to interest charges.

Payment methods, penalties and administrative fees

- Accepted payment methods: online payment via the School's secure payment gateway (Veracross) using direct debit or credit card, cheque, and wire transfer. A surcharge applies to credit‑card and wire payments.
- Overdue accounts: interest charges are applied to outstanding accounts; the School's published policy notes an interest rate of 12% applied to overdue amounts and the School reserves the right to impose sanctions (including suspension) for collection.
- Non‑sufficient funds (NSF): CAD 50 per incident.

Boarding and family‑boarding (where applicable)

- Family boarding (host‑family / ISGC program) is available for international students in Grades 8–12. Two packaged options are published:
- All‑inclusive 6‑month program (September–February or January–June): total CAD 39,900 (this total combines Armbrae program fees plus ISGC family‑boarding fees). The Armbrae program component example for a 6‑month stay: tuition with EAL CAD 21,000; entrance fee CAD 2,350; uniforms & spirit wear approx. CAD 850; co‑curricular CAD 1,000; field trips CAD 1,000; Armbrae total CAD 26,200. ISGC (family boarding) component examples for six months: homestay accommodation CAD 10,800 plus other ISGC fees (placement, coordination, insurance) producing an ISGC subtotal of CAD 13,700; combined total CAD 39,900.
- All‑inclusive full‑year program (10 months, September–June): the published Armbrae program component example: tuition with EAL CAD 35,000; entrance fee CAD 4,000; uniforms & spirit wear approx. CAD 850; co‑curricular CAD 1,500; field trips CAD 1,500; Armbrae total CAD 43,850. ISGC annual family‑boarding component examples include homestay accommodation CAD 18,000 plus custodianship, placement and coordination fees (ISGC subtotal CAD 22,600), producing a combined full‑year total of approximately CAD 66,450–66,500 as published in the program summary.

Other compulsory or typical additional costs

- Uniforms: initial outfitting for a new student typically runs CAD 450–600; uniforms must be purchased from the School's approved provider.
- Common incidental charges (examples): approved travel and field trips, private music lessons, tutoring, house funds, Advanced Placement (AP) exam fees, software and specific course materials or supplies; amounts vary by activity or program. For international programs, the School publishes estimated co‑curricular and field‑trip allowances (examples given above).

Refund and withdrawal rules

- Tuition and admission fees (including the Entrance Fee) are non‑refundable. Once a student is accepted, parents are liable for the full annual fee regardless of when a student leaves or the reason for leaving. The tuition deposit (CAD 2,500) is non‑refundable if the applicant withdraws after paying it.

Summary of how fees can be paid

- Online: secure Veracross payment gateway (direct debit or credit card).
- Paper/wire: cheque or wire transfer (credit card and wire payments incur a surcharge).
- Administrative/penalty items: NSF fee CAD 50; interest on overdue accounts (12% as published); administrative fees may apply for payment‑plan changes.

(End of fee overview.)
Academics

Armbrae Academy teaches Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Armbrae Academy is an independent, university-preparatory, co-educational Pre-K to Grade 12 day school in Halifax, Nova Scotia, CAIS accredited. Preschool & PrePrimary (ages 3-5) uses a play-based, integrated curriculum with Jolly Phonics; includes daily French class, outdoor play and a mix of teacher- and student-led activities. Lower School follows the Nova Scotia curriculum with enrichment, small class sizes and a focus on literacy, numeracy, science and French, along with drama, music, art, physical and health education, library and field trips. Middle School (Grades 6-8) aligns with the Nova Scotia curriculum for Grades 6-9, includes an advisory program, health and wellness focus, and co-curricular options such as art, music, speaking arts and service learning. Upper School (Grades 9-12) meets graduation requirements with Foundation Years and Specialization Years; it offers an Advanced Placement program with courses such as Psychology, World History, Environmental Science and more, plus the Duke of Edinburgh Award program. Career & University Guidance provides post-secondary planning from Grade 9 onward, including university visits and admissions support, and lists UCAS code 45203 and CEEB code 825385.

Higher Education Progression
Career Education starts in Grade 9 and continues through Grades 10-12, with post-secondary guidance embedded in the academic program. University representatives visit annually to discuss options, and students receive individualized admissions support to prepare applications. The guidance team assists with course selections aligned to post-secondary goals and admissions requirements, and UCAS code 45203 and CEEB code 825385 support applications.

Gifted and Talented
Advanced Placement Program offers university-level courses and exams. AP offerings include Psychology, World History, Environmental Science, Calculus AB/BC, Biology, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, and Computer Science Principles.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Advisors are assigned to every student and meet regularly to discuss academics, organization, and personal well-being, building a safe, nurturing space. The Advisory Programme emphasizes relationship-building and restorative practices, with weekly advisory lessons and an emphasis on self-advocacy, goal setting, and active participation in the school community. Caring Schools (Grades 7–8) directly teach social skills and foster a calm, orderly learning environment, supporting students' social and emotional development. The Rugged & Resourced (R2) framework supports resilience and connected learning through school programs and activities. The Be Kind | Work Hard philosophy underpins the community, reinforcing belonging and positive relationships.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Inclusive Education Support (IES) provides targeted support to students from historically marginalized communities—Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, Newcomer, and LGBTQ+IA—promoting a safe, supportive climate and improved self-esteem. The O'Connor Student Success Centre offers individualized support for diverse learning styles, with learning strategists, self-advocacy development, time-management and study-skill coaching, and ongoing progress monitoring. A psychoeducational assessment may be recommended to deepen understanding of a student's learning profile, with accommodations and strategies reviewed with parents and teachers. English language learners receive integrated support through Learning Support, with EAL instruction in the Lower School and placement in EAL courses in the Middle and Upper Schools.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English language proficiency is supported through acceptance of Duolingo, IELTS, and TOEFL with no fixed minimum scores; applications are reviewed holistically and EAL support may be recommended as needed. If English is not your first language, proof of English proficiency is required as part of the application. An International team, including three Admissions Directors, a Registrar, a Business Development Director, and an EAL Director, is dedicated to supporting international students and families with care and clarity.

Mental Wellbeing
Advisors serve as the first point of contact for students' academic, organizational, and personal well-being, with regular check-ins and a focus on safe, supportive student development. Caring Schools (Grades 7–8) foster SEL by building caring relationships, teaching social skills, and promoting self-discipline in a supportive classroom climate. The O'Connor Student Success Centre provides individualized support for students, addressing diverse learning needs and helping them develop self-advocacy, resilience, and effective learning strategies. The school's advisory and inclusion initiatives aim to create a sense of belonging and emotional safety across the community.
Parent Experience

History
Armbrae Academy was incorporated in association with the Presbyterian Church of Canada by an act of the Nova Scotia Legislature on May 3, 1887. It began as Halifax Ladies College and was affiliated with Dalhousie University and the Halifax Conservatory of Music immediately after establishment. Classes were divided into the Collegiate, the Preparatory, and the Primary Department, with Kindergarten introduced later. The school started as a finishing school for young ladies not pursuing a career and as a university preparatory school for those who were. In 1980, the school became known as Armbrae Academy and is now a coeducational day school with more than 350 students from diverse backgrounds, focusing on character education, community service, athletics, and other pursuits. Be Kind | Work Hard is the updated motto that underpins the Armbrae experience.

Community
Armbrae maintains a tight-knit, nurturing community. School belongingness is a hallmark of the Armbrae experience. The Advisory Programme supports student development, while Diversity & Inclusion and Learning Support are part of the school's offerings. Camps & Summer Programmes and ongoing activities like the Osprey Basketball League and Summer Academy contribute to a vibrant community life, with Armbrae Today providing updates on events, academics, athletics, and co-curricular activities.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Armbrae has a Parents' Association (APA). Every student's parent or caregiver is a member of the Armbrae Parents' Association. Volunteers are a huge part of life at Armbrae and the APA engages families and community members in volunteer activities. The association supports the school through fundraising and by contributing time and expertise, with multiple options for support including financial donations and in-kind gifts. Community volunteers, alumni, faculty and staff, former parents, grandparents, the Board, and friends of the school participate in APA-led initiatives and events to enhance the educational experience.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Three Halifax campuses serve preschool through Grade 12: Oxford Campus at 1400 Oxford St, Coburg Campus at 6430 Coburg Rd, and South Campus at 1300 Oxford St. The Oxford Campus includes on-site facilities such as a gym and a games room, with outdoor spaces that include an outdoor playground and a wooded area. These spaces support on-campus learning and a range of athletic and recreational activities. The campuses form a single Armbrae community that accommodates the full PreK–12 program.

Sports Facilities
An on-campus gym supports indoor sports such as basketball and volleyball. The campus also features a games room and outdoor spaces including an outdoor playground and a wooded area to support recreational and outdoor activities. Armbrae offers a broad athletics program with seasonal sports across Fall, Winter and Spring, including cross country, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, rowing, field hockey, rugby and badminton.

Academic Facilities
Lower School operates with four 80-minute periods and 40-minute specialist periods for French, Music, Physical and Health Education, Art, Drama and Library, reflecting dedicated spaces for these subjects. Hands-on laboratory work is integral to science education. The school emphasizes a curriculum enriched beyond the Nova Scotia framework, with specialist subjects supported by appropriate facilities and resources.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Osprey Camps run on the Oxford Street campus with Signature, Discovery and Specialty camps; activities take place in the games room, gym, outdoor playground and wooded area. Armbrae maintains drama and public-speaking programs and is noted for leadership in debate and speaking arts. Co-curricular opportunities span athletics across Fall, Winter and Spring seasons, including cross country, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, rowing, field hockey, rugby and badminton, alongside leadership, the arts and service activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Math Circle, Math Contests, and Senior Robotics are offered as co-curricular academic enrichment. These activities complement the academic program and provide hands-on experiences in mathematics and engineering.

Arts & Creative
Drama 11 is an arts course. A drama teacher supports the program for Grades P-10. Armbrae notes opportunities in the arts, athletics, and STEAM.

Social & Hobbies
Fall sports include Cross Country (Junior and Senior), Junior Girls' and Boys' Soccer, Senior Boys' Soccer, Junior Girls' and Boys' Volleyball, Senior Boys' and Girls' Volleyball, Junior Tennis Club, and a Rowing Club (Grades 8–12). Winter sports include U13 and junior varsity and varsity basketball, and Senior Curling. Spring sports include Senior Girls' Field Hockey, Junior Rugby, Badminton (Junior and Senior), Junior Girls' and Boys' Flag Football, Junior Ultimate Frisbee, Junior and Senior Track and Field, Junior Futsal Soccer, and Pickleball.

Community & Service
Advisory Groups focus on team-building and self-advocacy, with active participation in community service. Advisors meet with students to discuss academics, co-curricular activities, and wellbeing, and provide opportunities for leadership.

Leadership & Professional
The school has a Board of Governors for long-term strategic direction, an Executive Leadership Team to implement strategy, and a School Leadership Team to carry out the mission. The Head of School is Stephen Clarke, and the Senior Leadership Team includes roles such as Director of Student Life and other senior leaders.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Belongingness and the Be Kind | Work Hard philosophy underpin student life. The Head of School emphasizes that Armbrae focuses on character education, community service, athletics, and other pursuits to support wellbeing. Armbrae aims to support the long-term mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of students.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the primary language of instruction. French is taught across the school, with a French class in Preschool/PrePrimary, 40-minute French specialist periods in Lower School, and French 9 in Upper School. EAL support is available for international students, and proof of English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers.
Reputation

Accreditations
CAIS accreditation — Accredited member of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS).
Nova Scotia Department of Education accreditation — Meets provincial standards set by Nova Scotia's Department of Education.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Complete an online application through Armbrae's Admissions Portal at armbrae.ns.ca/apply and follow the instructions provided. Upload supporting documents such as recent report cards or transcripts, teacher references, and proof of citizenship. If English is not your first language, include proof of English proficiency; official scores from Duolingo, IELTS, or TOEFL are accepted. A non-refundable application fee is payable at the time you apply. Step 2: Interview and entrance assessment. Once the application has been reviewed, selected candidates are invited to participate in an interview and an entrance assessment. Families in Halifax may attend in person, while international families who cannot travel will have a virtual interview and an appropriate alternative for the entrance assessment. Step 3: Admissions decisions. Admissions decisions are communicated after review. If an offer of admission is made, you'll be asked to confirm your acceptance by the deadline provided by the Admissions Office. To secure a place, a non-refundable registration fee is required.

Scholarships
Tuition Assistance is a need-based bursary for students in Grades 6-12. The Tuition Assistance Committee reviews applications based on financial need and the student's potential to contribute to the school. Families indicate interest in scholarship funding on the student's initial application for admission.
School Events
The school has not added events
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