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Crescent School

Canada, Toronto

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$46,270
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 825
Type Boys School
Opened 1913
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, Spanish, Mandarin
Typical class size 19
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

Located at 2365 Bayview Avenue in midtown Toronto, Crescent School is an all-boys private day school serving Grades 1-12. Founded in 1913, Crescent offers a Canadian curriculum with Advanced Placement and a bespoke program designed for boys. The school teaches through three guiding pedagogies - Active Learning, Experiential Learning, and Relational Learning - and awards the Crescent Diploma to students graduating from Grades 6, 8, and 12; the Diploma embodies Modern and Future-Ready Knowledge, Character-Infused Education and Signature Experiences, and aligns with Crescent's Portrait of a Graduate. Learning emphasizes inquiry, interdisciplinary work and authentic assessment across divisions, with Guidance and University Counselling to support post-secondary planning. The 30-acre campus houses the Cortellucci Family Theatre, three art studios, the Margaret Donnelly Library and a Middle/Upper School Library, plus the Field House and Innes Field. A broad co-curricular program, including Outreach and Global Learning, complements classroom learning and builds character. Campus improvements reflect ongoing investment today.

2365 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M2L 1A2, Canada

The Essentials

Crescent School has 825 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location
Midtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Crescent School sits on a 30-acre campus in midtown Toronto. It is located at 2365 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M2L 1A2, near the Bayview-York Mills corridor.

Stages
Grades 1–12; Lower School, Middle School, Upper School

Type
All-boys private school

Country affiliation
Canada
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The Board of Governors establishes and directs policy and strategy, oversees financial affairs and physical resources, and appoints the Headmaster. The Headmaster directs day-to-day operations and the faculty govern matters related to the student experience. The Board is comprised of Crescent alumni and parents of current and past students. The Chair of the Board of Governors is Rodney Hill, who assumed this position in October 2024. Crescent School's Board of Governors 2026–2027 includes 15 members.
Fees

Annual tuition at Crescent School ranges from CAD 46,270 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- Application fee: USD 225 from September 1 to October 31, 2026; USD 275 from November 1 to December 1, 2026; USD 325 for late applications received after December 1, 2026.

One-time new-student enrolment fee
- New Student Enrolment Fee: USD 10,000, payable upon notification of acceptance. This enrolment fee is non‑refundable.

Annual tuition (2026–2027 academic year)
- Annual tuition (all grades): USD 46,270. This annual tuition includes the school's daily lunch program. Families are encouraged to consider a suggested Parent Annual Giving gift of USD 2,500 per student.

Tuition billing schedules and instalment plans (detailed amounts and due dates)
- For students new to Crescent (New Student Fee included in initial payment requirement):
- Plan A — Payment in full: Amount due for new students USD 56,270 (USD 46,270 tuition + USD 10,000 enrolment fee). Due date: February 24, 2026.
- Plan B — Four instalments: 1st instalment USD 20,000 (due February 24, 2026), 2nd instalment USD 12,090 (due May 29, 2026), 3rd instalment USD 12,090 (due July 31, 2026), 4th instalment USD 12,090 (due October 30, 2026).
- Plan C — First payment plus eight monthly pre-authorized payments: 1st payment USD 20,000 (due February 24, 2026) then eight monthly payments of USD 4,633.75 (April 1, 2026 – November 1, 2026). A USD 100/month service charge is included in this plan. Pre-authorized Payment Form required.

- For returning students (payment amounts and due dates differ slightly):
- Plan A — Payment in full: USD 46,270, due January 30, 2026.
- Plan B — Four instalments: 1st instalment USD 10,000 (due January 30, 2026), then three instalments of USD 12,090 due May 29, July 31 and October 30, 2026.
- Plan C — First payment plus eight monthly pre-authorized payments: 1st payment USD 10,000 (due January 30, 2026) then eight monthly payments of USD 4,633.75 (April 1, 2026 – November 1, 2026). A USD 100/month service charge is included; a new Pre‑Authorized Payment Plan form must be submitted each academic year.

Student Billing Account and statements
- Each student is assigned a Student Billing Account to which tuition and sundry charges are posted. Parents receive a monthly notification directing them to the school's parent portal (Green Room) to view the Student Billing Account statement showing outstanding tuition and sundry charges. Interest is charged on overdue accounts at the rate shown on the statement. For billing enquiries contact the Student Billing/Accounts Receivable Coordinator.

Supplemental charges and typical additional costs
- Estimated supplemental charges for 2026–2027 (amounts vary by student and participation):
- Agenda: USD 20–30. Experiential trips: USD 100–1,200 (varies by trip). Crescent Parent Association membership: USD 50. Graduation photos: USD 100. Art supplies: USD 30–150. Lower/Middle School supplies: USD 50–150. Upper School textbooks: USD 600–1,000. Workbooks/subscriptions: USD 60–250. Yearbook: USD 70. Uniform (if purchased new; used items may be available): USD 750–1,250.
- Optional/user-based charges (examples): CoyoteCare before/after school supervision (USD 25/hr AM, USD 35/hr PM or approx. USD 3,300/year), AP exams USD 100–150 per course, PSAT USD 25, athletics team costs USD 150–2,500 per team, athletics tournaments USD 200–4,500 per tournament, drama/production or festival trips USD 200–2,500, international trips USD 5,000–12,000, instrument rental approx. USD 300 per instrument, robotics/team tournaments USD 250–5,000. Lost access cards USD 25.
- Applicable supplemental charges are billed to the Student Billing Account and appear on monthly statements.

Uniforms and campus store (Coyote's Den)
- The Coyote's Den campus store supplies required uniform items (including blazers) and school supplies. New families can schedule fittings. Typical new-uniform cost range is USD 750–1,250. The store accepts Visa, Mastercard and debit cards; purchases under USD 100 may be charged to the Student Billing Account (beginning September 2026). The Coyote's Den does not offer shipping.

Boarding / residence
- Crescent School is a day school. Students are required to live full‑time with a parent or legal guardian during their studies; boarding is not offered. International students with proficiency in English are welcome to apply but the School does not offer an ESL program.

Refunds and fees payable on withdrawal
- New students: A non‑refundable deposit of USD 20,000 (USD 10,000 first tuition payment + USD 10,000 enrolment fee) is required to reserve a place. If written notice of withdrawal is received: after May 29, 2026 but on or before July 31, 2026 — USD 32,090 is payable; after July 31, 2026 but on or before September 4, 2026 — USD 44,180 is payable; after September 4, 2026 — 100% of the tuition fee is payable. The enrolment fee (USD 10,000) is non‑refundable.
- Returning students: A minimum non‑refundable payment of USD 10,000 is required to reserve a place. If written notice of withdrawal is received: after May 29, 2026 but on or before July 31, 2026 — USD 22,090 is payable; after July 31, 2026 but on or before September 4, 2026 — USD 34,180 is payable; after September 4, 2026 — 100% of the tuition fee is payable. Written notice must be sent to the Director of Enrolment. The School may require withdrawal of any student at any time.

Accepted payment methods and international payment options
- Domestic and international payment methods accepted for tuition and Student Billing Account charges include:
- Online banking (supported Canadian institutions listed: BMO, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC, Scotiabank, Tangerine, TD Canada Trust). The student's ID (Record ID) is required as the account number for bill payments.
- Cheque (make payable to Crescent School; include student name and grade). For Plan B cheque payments, provide four post‑dated cheques.
- Pre‑authorized debit (available only for Plan C monthly pre‑authorized payments; a signed Pre‑Authorized Payment Plan form is required).
- Credit card via Plastiq (third‑party service; processing fees apply).
- PayMyTuition.com (recommended for international payments; supports multiple currencies and payment methods; fees may apply — domestic transaction fee noted).
- AliPay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay for payments originating from China (processed through SnapPay).
- Additional service or processing fees may be charged by third‑party payment providers and are the responsibility of the payer.

Other fee-related details
- Lunches are provided to all students each school day at no additional charge; no extra charge for the daily lunch program is billed separately. Parents receive monthly Student Billing Account statements via the Green Room with details of tuition and any sundry/supplemental charges. Overdue balances accrue interest as shown on billing statements. For billing enquiries, contact the Student Billing/Accounts Receivable Coordinator.
Academics

Crescent School teaches Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
From Grade 1 to Grade 12 Crescent School delivers an integrated, character-infused curriculum. Three pedagogies guide teaching: Active Learning, Experiential Learning, and Relational Learning. The Crescent Diploma was developed with the Centre for Curriculum Redesign and is awarded to students graduating from Grades 6, 8, and 12; it embodies Modern and Future-Ready Knowledge, Character-Infused Education, and Signature Experiences, and aligns with Crescent's Portrait of a Graduate. Learning emphasizes inquiry, interdisciplinary work, and authentic assessment across divisions. Guidance and University Counselling support post-secondary planning, while signature experiences and a broad co-curricular program complement classroom learning.

Higher Education Progression
Guidance & University Counselling supports post-secondary planning. Crescent graduates go on to excel in a wide variety of disciplines.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school has a Health & Wellbeing program with access to school social workers. The program uses a scaffolded approach to mental health care and education by integrating wellness projects into classrooms, Mentor Group sessions, and co-curricular programming in each division. The aim is to foster student autonomy and to guide behaviour through a values-based framework both at Crescent School and beyond.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides academic support and social-emotional counselling through Student Services, along with health services to support students' well-being.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is prioritized through initiatives such as a dedicated mental health committee, wellness education, and events, including structured programs and activities aligned with Crescent's strategic planning.

Safeguarding
Rowan's Law compliance and a concussion policy with a formal protocol for recognition, medical diagnosis, and management of suspected concussions. The Code of Conduct supports a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment.
Parent Experience

History
Crescent School was founded in 1913 by J.W. 'Jimmy' James to provide a solid education in a gentler environment. Early locations included 43 Rosedale Road and 76 Collier Street. In 1930 Walter Williams became Crescent's second Headmaster, and the curriculum expanded to include music, art and drama; the House system was inaugurated with the Greens and the Greys. In 1933 Susan Denton Massey donated her 40-acre Dentonia Park estate to Crescent. The school moved to its Bayview Avenue campus in 1970, began offering higher grades, and celebrated its centenary in 2013; in 2021 Crescent acquired the Bob Rumball Centre property at 2395 Bayview Ave.

Community
The Ladies' Guild was established in 1971–1972 and later became the Crescent Parent Association (CPA). The Crescent School Old Boys' Association was founded in 1978, and the 'Sons of Crescent' school song was published that year. The Crescent community supports family involvement through giving programs such as Parent Annual Giving and Legacy Giving, and Ways to Give including International Gifts. Outreach programs within Crescent's Character-in-Action engage the community beyond the classroom.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Ladies' Guild was established in 1971–1972 and later became the Crescent Parent Association (CPA). The CPA is Crescent School's parent association. The Crescent School Old Boys' Association was founded in 1978, and the 'Sons of Crescent' school song was published. The Crescent community supports campus development, signature programs and student financial assistance through giving. Giving channels include Parent Annual Giving, Legacy Giving, and Ways to Give, including International Gifts. In addition to giving, parents participate in Crescent's school life through engagement with programs and events.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Crescent School campus spans 30 acres in midtown Toronto and houses modern academic, athletics and arts facilities. A major capital-improvement project funded by Our Way Forward added the Alumni Community Hall and created new gathering spaces, with a more welcoming entrance for Lower and Upper School students. In 2021 Crescent acquired the seven-acre Bob Rumball Centre property on the northern campus border, with redevelopment plans. The campus-improvement effort began in 2024 and is scheduled for completion in spring 2026.

Sports Facilities
The Field House is a 30,000-square-foot, year-round, bubbled facility with an indoor track and courts for tennis and basketball. Innes Field is an artificial turf surface used for soccer and rugby. In winter, an athletics dome extends the outdoor season by up to 26 weeks. The campus also includes two gymnasiums, squash courts, a low ropes course, track and field training areas and many cross-country trails. Nearby community pools and hockey rinks provide additional facilities.

Academic Facilities
The Centre for Creative Learning houses a professionally equipped theatre, now named the Cortellucci Family Theatre. Three art studios offer natural light and a wide range of materials to support Visual Arts, with student art shows held during the year. The drama program produces three major productions annually in the theatre. The Margaret Donnelly Library serves learning and events, and a Middle/Upper School Library opened in 2014 as part of campus expansions. Earlier expansions in 1982–1988 added a gym, library, squash courts, art and music rooms, and the Field House, Centre for Creative Learning and Innes Field opened in 2000–2008.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Character-in-Action programs are Crescent's co-curricular activities that provide clubs and teams in the arts, business, robotics and athletics. The Arts program includes drama, music and visual arts, with drama productions staged in the Centre for Creative Learning theatre and a robust music program with multiple ensembles. Crescent Athletics features flagship teams in soccer, basketball and rugby, with a wide range of intramurals and competitive opportunities, including participation in CAIS tournaments and OFSAA, and occasional international tours. Robotics, outreach, and other clubs are part of Crescent's co-curricular landscape, and Crescent Camps run week-long sessions for ages 4–13 in the summer.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Character-in-Action programs are Crescent's co-curricular activities that provide boys with opportunities to develop character outside the classroom. Through clubs and teams in the arts, business, robotics and athletics, Crescent boys discover new interests and build their leadership skills. Examples of clubs include Architecture & Urban Development, Chemistry, Debating, Coding, Maker Space, Financial Literacy, Model UN and Science. The 40 in 9 Program and Global Learning and Adventure Trips expand intellectual and global perspectives.

Arts & Creative
Arts is a signature co-curricular area at Crescent. Music Ensembles include Band, String, Jazz and Vocal, and Film Club provides opportunities for creative expression. Architecture & Urban Development and Maker Space also contribute to creative design projects, connecting art with real-world applications. Crescent supports collaboration and performance as part of Character-in-Action.

Cultural & Language
Model UN and Debating develop public speaking and understanding of global issues. Global Learning and Adventure Trips extend cultural learning and international perspectives through Crescent's Outreach programs. The school offers a range of activities that encourage cross-cultural engagement and global awareness.

Social & Hobbies
Students can join Badminton, Baseball, Chess and Board Games, Gaming, Golf, Tennis and Volleyball. Intramural sports include basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, dodgeball, floor hockey and badminton. Yearbook and other interest-based clubs also provide social and hobby-based opportunities for students.

Community & Service
Outreach is a Crescent activity area that provides opportunities to engage in service and social responsibility both locally and abroad. The 40 in 9 Program and Global Learning and Adventure Trips broaden perspectives while emphasizing compassionate action in Crescent's community and beyond.

Leadership & Professional
Student Leadership is a Crescent program that develops leadership through roles within the school. Debating, Model UN and business-related clubs such as Financial Literacy foster professional skills, communication and teamwork in preparation for future opportunities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Meditation is offered as a co-curricular activity to support mental well-being. Crescent provides extensive athletic opportunities with intramural programs and a range of sports, including basketball, cross country, hockey, rugby, soccer, squash, swimming, track and field and ultimate frisbee, contributing to physical and overall well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
Modern Languages are offered in the Upper School, including French, Spanish, and Mandarin. French is taught from Grade 9 through Grade 12 with Core French, Enriched Core French, and University Preparation options, plus a French plus AP French Language and Culture Preparation course in Grade 12. Spanish is offered from Grade 10 through Grade 12 with University Preparation options and ongoing language study. Mandarin is offered from Grade 10 through Grade 12, including a Mandarin course for students with no prior knowledge in Grade 10, University Preparation in Grade 11 and 12, and an AP Chinese Language and Culture Preparation option in Grade 12.
Reputation

Awards
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Accreditations
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Admissions

Admissions
Step 1. Complete the online application form. The form saves automatically, a confirmation webpage appears after submission and payment is processed, and a confirmation email is sent. Processing typically takes one business day. Step 2. Upload the required documents to the application checklist. This includes final report cards from the most recent year, a government-issued photo identification, and a teacher assessment form from a current or previous year. Step 3. In-person assessment and interviews are required where applicable. For grades entering seventh and above, an in-person assessment (math and literacy) is required with registration details issued in October 2026; interviews are by invitation and scheduled throughout the admissions season, with invitations to book an interview sent no later than January 22, 2027. Step 4. Attend grade-specific admissions events. Grade 1 participants have a mandatory Grade 1 Experience Crescent Day on January 7 or 8, 2027, with Grade 1 interviews conducted January 18–29, 2027. Grades 3–5 participate in a mandatory Experience Crescent Day on January 16, 2027; Grades 2 & 6 have a half-day admissions visit in January in place of Experience Crescent. Grade 7 applicants also participate in a mandatory Experience Crescent Day on January 16, 2027. For applicants seeking financial assistance, the enrolment office can provide information.

Scholarships
Financial assistance is available to more than $1.4 million annually to help eligible boys access Crescent School education, with needs assessed by a third-party organization called Clarity for Grades 7–12. A small portion of the financial aid budget is allocated to Headmaster's Merit Awards, and all applicants are automatically considered for this award. The deadline for prospective families to apply for financial assistance for the 2027–2028 school year is January 8, 2027, while current families must reapply by December 4, 2026; families must reapply annually if their financial circumstances change. The program is administered mainly as needs-based aid; the school also notes that financial assistance is available to eligible students in Grades 7–12 and that more than $1.4 million is available each year. The application for financial assistance will be available in early October 2026.
School Events
The school has not added events
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