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Halifax Grammar School

Canada, Halifax

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$18,500 - 25,000
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 530
Type Co-educational
Opened 1958
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

Halifax Grammar School is an independent, co-educational day school in Atlantic Canada serving students from Junior Primary through Grade 12. The school offers the International Baccalaureate programme, with the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The campus supports about 600 students on a single site at 945 Tower Road in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In Junior Primary, emergent curriculum guides inquiry-led learning inspired by Reggio Emilia, with projects such as chocolate making from bean to bar, a study of the African Savannah, lessons on owls and habitats, and art as another language. The library anchors the campus, supporting information literacy and academic integrity with a full-time librarian. Athletics include a North Wing Gym and outdoor fields, with rowing for Grades 9–12. Extracurriculars include MUN, band and choir, and a French program. The school emphasizes service, leadership, and wellbeing through grants, mentorship, and a Student Success Team. for students.

945 Tower Rd, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y2, Canada

The Essentials

Halifax Grammar School has 530 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
The school is on a single campus at 945 Tower Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y2, in the South End of Halifax, within walking distance of Dalhousie University and across the street from Saint Mary's University.

Stages
Junior Primary (Age 4) through Senior School (Grade 12), all on one campus.

Type
Independent, co-educational day school.

Additional learning support
Learning Support and Well-being is provided in the Prep School, including a Learning Strategist who supports students with individualized strategies, small-group interventions and curriculum adaptations; literacy development and mathematics support are prioritized, and social-emotional well-being is addressed through differentiated instruction and programs such as Zones of Regulation.

Country affiliation
Canada.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school is a day school.

Uniform Requirement
Full uniform is required for Prep, Middle, and Senior.

Governance and Ownership
The School is governed by a Board of Governors drawn from the school community (parents, faculty or alumni). The Board appoints the Head of School, oversees policy and strategy, approves the annual budget and priorities, and ensures the School's financial sustainability and risk management, as described in the Articles of Association.
Fees

Annual tuition at Halifax Grammar School ranges from CAD 18,500 to CAD 25,000 for 2026/27.

Application & Admission Fees

- Application fee: No separate, standalone application fee is listed; the admission process requires the one-time Admission Fee and the enrolment deposit described below.
- Admission Fee (one-time, non-refundable): CAD 4,000. This fee is required for each of the first two children in a family and is payable by June 30 or immediately upon enrolment thereafter.
- Enrolment deposit (payable on acceptance; non-refundable): CAD 2,000. This deposit is applied to first-term fees and applies to new and returning families. Parents must confirm re-enrolment by March 6 each year.

Annual Tuition by Year Group (2026–2027)

- Junior Primary (age 4): CAD 18,500 per year.
- Senior Primary – Grade 6: CAD 22,140 per year.
- Grade 7 – Grade 12: CAD 25,000 per year.

Per-term and instalment detail

- Standard term schedule: three term payments (August, November, February). Term payments incur a 3% administrative fee. Monthly payment plan is available and incurs a 6% administrative fee. One lump-sum payment is also accepted without the instalment surcharge. When using term or monthly plans, the enrolment deposit of CAD 2,000 is applied to the first term. Interest of 1.5% per month (18% per annum) is charged on accounts over 30 days past due.
- Example instalment calculation: for parents who choose equal three-term instalments (before instalment fees), divide the annual tuition by three (for example, Grade 7–12: CAD 25,000 / 3 = CAD 8,333.33 per term) and then apply the stated 3% term-plan fee to that instalment if paying by term. The CAD 2,000 enrolment deposit is credited toward the first term. (This per-term number is a straightforward division of the published annual tuition and reflects the school's three-term schedule; the administrative surcharge and deposit rules above apply.)

Discounts

- Sibling discounts: 5% for the second, younger child; 10% for the third and each subsequent younger child.

Boarding

- Boarding: Not applicable. Halifax Grammar School is an independent day school (Junior Primary through Grade 12).

Additional and Ancillary Fees

- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma surcharge: approximately CAD 1,000 in additional, cumulative costs over Grades 11 and 12 (tax-deductible; T2202 slips issued annually).
- English as an Additional Language (EAL): CAD 7,000 per year for 2026–2027 when EAL enrolment is required. EAL placement is determined by assessment; continuation is reviewed annually.
- Incidental/optional costs that vary by grade and student: school trips, specific athletic costs, and similar activity charges. These are billed as required to the incidental account.
- After School Program (Junior Primary to Grade 7): Full-time (five days/week) CAD 3,010 per year; Part-time CAD 630 per day-of-week for the year. A non-refundable ASP registration deposit of CAD 100 per child is required to hold a space. ASP charges are billed to the student incidental account. Drop-in service is not available; spaces are committed for the full academic year once registered.
- Uniform and Grammar Gear: Official uniform spending is typically CAD 440 or less annually for required uniform items. Grammar-branded clothing (‘Grammar Gear') is required on certain days and is available through the school's supplier. Additional optional spirit items (backpacks, hoodies, etc.) are available for separate purchase.

Refunds & Non-Refundable Items

- Admission Fee: non-refundable.
- Enrolment deposit: non-refundable and applied to first-term fees.
- After School Program registration deposit: non-refundable (CAD 100 per child).
- Other refundable or pro-rated tuition matters are governed by the school's standard finance and enrolment policies; interest and late-payment penalties apply as stated above.

Billing Schedule, Payment Terms & Methods

- Billing and payment timing: the school offers the following payment schedules—one lump-sum, three term instalments (August, November, February), or monthly instalments. The three-term option carries a 3% fee; the monthly option carries a 6% fee. The enrolment deposit is payable on acceptance and is applied to first-term fees. Accounts more than 30 days overdue incur interest at 1.5% per month (18% per annum). Re-enrolment confirmation deadline: March 6 each year.
- Accepted payment methods: online bill payment, pre-authorized debit (PAD), cheque, and wire transfer.

Summary (key numeric items)

- Annual tuition: Junior Primary CAD 18,500; Senior Primary–Grade 6 CAD 22,140; Grade 7–12 CAD 25,000.
- Admission Fee (one-time, non-refundable): CAD 4,000. Enrolment deposit (non-refundable): CAD 2,000.
- EAL (if required) for 2026–2027: CAD 7,000/year. IB Diploma additional cost: approx. CAD 1,000 over two years. ASP full-time CAD 3,010/year; part-time CAD 630 per day-of-week per year; ASP deposit CAD 100 per child (non-refundable). Uniform typically CAD 440 or less.
Academics

Halifax Grammar School teaches IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
Emergent Curriculum is used in Junior Primary, where student inquiry drives learning. Emergent curriculum originated in Reggio Emilia and emphasizes children choosing subjects to investigate through questions, ideas, and theories. Projects in Junior Primary include chocolate making (from cocoa bean to chocolate bar), a study of the African Savannah, learning about owls and their habitats, and working with art media as another language. The goal is for students to learn how to learn. The school serves students from Junior Primary through Grade 12.

Higher Education Progression
The school has a Director of Academics and University Counselling who leads university preparation and counselling. Laura Brock holds this role on the Academic Leadership Team.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The School has a multidisciplinary Student Success Team (SST) that provides coordinated support in social, emotional, personal and academic integration. The SST identifies students of concern, determines the best supports, and develops and implements a plan, with follow up to assess progress. The Grade 10 Academic Advisor supports students during transitions to the Senior School and provides social and emotional guidance, while the University Counsellor assists with university planning and wellbeing. The Health & Wellness Coordinator fosters a healthy and supportive school environment and chairs the Grammar Student Success Team, and the Learning Strategist and English as an Additional Language (EAL) Coordinator provide learning and language supports for students.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Halifax Grammar offers a continuum of support for all learners. The Learning Strategist helps develop individualized learning plans and accommodations in collaboration with families and outside service providers as needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The EAL Coordinator supports additional language students with English language training, academic content help, and personalized programming to develop confidence and independence. The EAL Coordinator collaborates with teachers and support staff to plan and deliver programming and works with EAL families to integrate students into the Grammar experience.

Mental Wellbeing
The Health & Wellness Coordinator fosters a healthy and supportive school environment, ensuring student wellbeing is considered in all aspects of school life. The Health & Wellness Coordinator chairs the Grammar Student Success Team, a multidisciplinary group that supports students' social and emotional wellbeing as well as supporting teachers in their roles.
Parent Experience

History
Halifax Grammar School is an independent, co-educational day school serving Junior Primary through Grade 12 in Atlantic Canada. Governance is provided by the Board of Governors, made up of volunteers from the school community including parents, faculty and alumni. In 2011, the Board established an Advancement Office to coordinate development, alumni relations and communications. The school is located at 945 Tower Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the Board leads campaigns to support the school's priorities.

Community
Halifax Grammar School describes its community as one where a love of learning is fostered by coaches and advisors and where students develop a lasting commitment to helping others. The calendar features a range of student activities and events such as Band Camp, M2s visits, Grade 9 trips, and concerts like the Prep Choir Spring Concert. The school also engages parents through events organized by the Parent Advisory Council (PAC), including the PAC Spring Fair. Ongoing school life is reflected in regular activities and events listed on the calendar.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A Parent Advisory Council (PAC) supports the Halifax Grammar School community and organizes events such as the PAC Spring Fair. The school also coordinates parent involvement and community engagement through the Advancement Office, which handles development, alumni relations and communications. The Board of Governors is composed of volunteers from the school community, including parents, faculty and alumni, and provides governance and oversight for fundraising efforts. The school conducts annual campaigns and capital campaigns to support its priorities and improvements. PAC involvement and parent participation are part of the school's broader approach to community engagement and advancement.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Halifax Grammar School operates on a single campus at 945 Tower Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y2. It enrolls about 600 students from Junior Primary through Grade 12. The library sits at the centre of the campus and offers print and electronic resources to support teaching and learning. A North Wing Gym provides space for physical education and indoor team activities. Outdoor playing fields on campus support athletics and games.

Sports Facilities
A North Wing Gym (N114) provides indoor space for physical education and indoor team sports. Basketball and volleyball are part of the school's athletic program. Outdoor playing fields on campus support soccer and other outdoor activities, including Burnside Field. The school offers rowing as part of its athletics, with Grade 9-12 rowing tryouts. The athletics calendar includes CAIS basketball events and tournaments.

Academic Facilities
The Halifax Grammar School Library is located at the centre of the campus and offers print and electronic resources to support teaching and learning. The library supports information literacy and academic integrity, preparing students to engage with university resources after graduation. A school librarian coordinates library services and supports classroom teachers. Emergent curriculum is used in Junior Primary, guiding projects driven by student questions. The library collection covers topics from rainforest to the solar system to ocean chemistry.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Band Camp is offered at Halifax Grammar School. Model United Nations (MUN) Club is part of student life. Choir performances and music events are part of the program, including events such as Prep Choir. Grade 3 field trips to Halifax Central Library are part of the program. Grammar Gear Day is scheduled as part of the school calendar.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The Grammar School provides a comprehensive academic curriculum designed to bring out the best in students. Teachers across programs focus on engaging students in meaningful learning. Middle School challenges students to develop literacy, numeracy, and learning skills in preparation for the Senior School IB Programme. The Middle School experience also exposes students to a wide variety of art forms, competitive sports, leadership opportunities, and community service to keep them engaged beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
Visual Arts, Media Arts, and Performing Arts are offered. A dedicated performing arts space supports learning, collaboration, composing, and taking creative risks. Arts are highlighted as a core part of Grammar's offerings.

Cultural & Language
The French Program offers an immersive, bilingual experience for Middle and Senior School with a focus on language skills, culture, and critical thinking. Junior Primary begins French with activities led by a dedicated French specialist, and Grade One onward uses gesture-supported storytelling to foster early fluency. From Grades One through Four, classes include substantial French language use during instruction. The program also prepares students for IB and DELF exams and emphasizes engagement with francophone culture and global citizenship.

Social & Hobbies
Model United Nations lets students act as delegates, draft position papers, and work with peers to solve real-world problems. Battle of the Books is a reading-competition with teams from schools in the HRM area. The Middle School Book Club discusses diverse authors and topics related to social justice. The program also includes the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Junior Jazz Band, Chess Club, Drama Club, and Gardening Club, providing social, creative, and collaborative outlets.

Community & Service
The Gordon Stirrett Community Service Grant provides seed money up to 1000 for student-led community projects. Established in 2010, the grant supports Grammar students in Grades 7–12 undertaking service initiatives. Recipients have organized projects such as Ronald McDonald House dinners and various other community campaigns, reflecting a long-standing commitment to service locally, regionally, and globally.

Leadership & Professional
The Alumni Mentorship Program connects alumni to current students to provide guidance and to help develop leadership and professional skills. Mentors demonstrate leadership, share knowledge, and support mentees in building confidence and planning their futures. Mentees gain knowledge and communication skills through mentor guidance, and the program is designed to align matches with students' career goals and interests.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics are a key part of Grammar, promoting self-discipline, teamwork and leadership in students. The Grammar Basketball Academy is a formal part of the Athletics program. The School also emphasizes wellbeing through the Student Success Team, a multidisciplinary group that supports social, emotional, and academic needs, led by the Health and Wellness Coordinator.
Languages

Language Provision
French is the language of instruction within the French program; English is the primary language of instruction throughout the school, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program provides support for students learning English. The EAL program is offered to Middle and Senior School students and consists of four 55-minute instruction sessions per week (during the scheduled French class) for the full year. Regular testing occurs in December and May, with results guiding continued EAL enrollment, and reporting occurs in December, March, and June. EAL teachers are available for parent conferences.

Bilingual Teaching
French is taught through an immersive program. From Grade One through Grade Four, students communicate entirely in French during class time. This early immersive experience fosters bilingual proficiency. The Middle and Senior School offer a comprehensive, immersive French program. The program uses Accelerated Integrative Methodology (AIM) and the Rassias oral drilling method to build fluency. It prepares students for International Baccalaureate (IB) and DELF exams, with most students opting to take the DELF toward the end of Grade 12.

Immersion Programs
The French program begins with Junior Primary (age 4) with theme-based, language-rich instruction. Grades One through Four are conducted entirely in French during class time, an immersive approach that leads to bilingual proficiency. The Middle School and Senior School offer a comprehensive, immersive French program that targets reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and uses the Accelerated Integrative Methodology (AIM) and the Rassias oral drilling method to develop fluency. The program also emphasizes cultural contexts and current francophone topics.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Complete and submit the application form. A complete application consists of the online application form, a non-refundable CAD 125 application fee, copies of the current and previous year's school reports, a Teacher Reference Form, and any other pertinent information, awards, or assessments that will assist in the admission decision. The school uses the information to determine the best educational fit for the child. Applications are accepted year-round when spaces are available. 2. Schedule an entrance assessment. Entrance assessments are required for each student entering Grammar from Junior Primary to Grade Twelve and will be arranged after an application has been submitted. Assessments are conducted in person, but may be done virtually if an in-person assessment is not possible. Junior Primary students must be four years old by December 31 in the enrolment year; Senior Primary students must be five by December 31. Students whose first language is not English may be required to undertake an English language assessment; if a student has completed three years of English-language study and demonstrates proficiency on the entrance assessment, a separate language assessment may not be required. If the language assessment is required, options include IELTS or an interactive EAL assessment with Grammar's EAL instructor ($275). 3. Arrange a follow-up meeting. Following the assessment, the school will call to arrange a meeting with the prospective student and parents with the Director of Admissions and appropriate faculty once the entrance assessments and submitted information have been fully evaluated. 4. Respond to an offer of acceptance. After all steps are complete, the school will send a letter confirming whether a placement is offered. If a space is offered, the family is asked to respond within two weeks to the Admissions Office accepting the space, with the enrolment deposit.

Scholarships
New students applying to Grammar in Grade 9 and up may apply for an entrance scholarship. Scholarships are financial awards with a minimum value of $1,000 per academic year and are awarded to students based on merit. For a list of available entrance scholarships, click here. The Grammar Scholarship Committee will begin reviewing applications annually on March 31. To request a scholarship application package, email our Admissions office.

Waitlist
Spaces are filled when available. Classes can be full from year to year, though, so students may have to apply for positions in the wait pool at certain grade levels.
School Events
The school has not added events
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