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Sacred Heart School of Halifax

Canada, Halifax

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$16,650 - 23,290
Ages 4 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 1849
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 8
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Sacred Heart School of Halifax is an independent private day school serving ages 4 to 18 on a central Halifax campus at 5820 Spring Garden Road. The school delivers Canadian curricula with Advanced Placement options for first‑year university credit and a dedicated University Preparation program, supported by English as an Additional Language services in the Senior School. Learning follows the Diamond Model of Education, with a co‑educational Elementary School (JP–Grade 6) and Junior High, and a single‑gender Senior School (Grades 7–9) with a co‑ed Senior High (10–12). The Elementary program includes an Enhanced French Program in Grades 1–2 and daily core French in Grades 3–6. Facilities include a theatre, two gyms, a library, a university partnerships library with English and French databases, and a modern playground. A broad co‑curricular program emphasizes leadership, social justice, and global perspectives, and offers exchanges and online courses. Programs feature small classes and experienced faculty.

5820 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1X8, Canada

The Essentials

Sacred Heart School of Halifax has typical class sizes of 8, instruction in English.

Location
5820 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1X8, Canada. The campus is in the heart of Halifax. It is described as an iconic campus in the city.

Stages
Diamond model: Elementary School JP-Grade 6 is co-educational; Junior High for Grades 10-12 is co-educational; Senior School for Grades 7-9 is single-gender.

Type
Independent private day school; Elementary and Junior High are co-educational; Senior School is single-gender.

Additional learning support
Learning strategists provide support for students requiring resources or enrichment, delivered in one-on-one or small-group settings to help students be successful.

Country affiliation
Canada

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
Doors open at 8:00am; the school day begins at 8:30am. Junior Primary is dismissed between 2:00pm and 3:15pm; Grades Primary, 1 and 2 dismiss at 3:15pm; Grades 3 to 6 dismiss at 3:30pm. After School Program runs daily until 5:30pm (JP–2 dismiss at 3:15pm; Grades 3–6 at 3:30pm).
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school does not offer a boarding program; international students live with Canadian host families in Halifax. The Homestay Program is managed by International Student Guardianship Canada (ISGC), with 24-hour emergency support and guardianship services.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required. A 2026-27 Uniform Guide and an Ordering Guide govern purchases; Lands' End is the uniform partner. International students should contact Sigrid Davis for assistance.

Food Options
The school runs a hot lunch program focusing on quality, variety, nutrition, and food sensitivities, with local restaurant partners.

House System
The School has a House System. Students compete for the annual House Cup.

Governance and Ownership
The School is governed by a Board of Governors made up of present and past parents, alumni, Religious of the Sacred Heart, a faculty appointee, and members of the wider community. The Board is accountable to the Provincial of the US-Canada Province of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
Fees

Annual tuition at Sacred Heart School of Halifax ranges from CAD 16,650 to CAD 23,290 for 2026/27.

Overview (2026–27)

All fees below are stated in Canadian dollars (CAD). The school offers three main tuition levels: Junior Primary, Elementary (Primary–Grade 6), and Senior School (Grades 7–12).

Application and Admission fees
- Application Fee: CAD 0 (no application fee).
- One-time Admission Fee (new students, Primary–Grade 12): CAD 3,000 due August 1 or prior to attending in the case of late enrollment. This one-time admission fee is applied to each child for the first two children enrolled per family and is waived for Junior Primary and for third and subsequent children under the school's family policy.

Enrollment deposit (new students)
- Enrollment deposit: CAD 1,000 payable when the enrollment contract is completed. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Of the CAD 1,000 deposit, CAD 900 is applied against tuition and CAD 100 is an administration fee.

2026–27 Tuition fees (Domestic students) — by school level
- Junior Primary: CAD 16,650 (total under the published 2026–27 Financial Guide payment schedule).
- Elementary School (Primary–Grade 6): CAD 21,135 (total under the published 2026–27 Financial Guide payment schedule).
- Senior School (Grades 7–12): CAD 23,290 (total under the published 2026–27 Financial Guide payment schedule).

Payment plans, per-term and installment details
- Single payment plan (no administration fee):
- Enrollment deposit CAD 1,000 upon contract signing; balance due July 1. Example balances for July 1, 2026: Junior Primary CAD 15,650; Elementary CAD 20,135; Senior CAD 22,290 (total equals the amounts listed above).
- Two-payment plan (CAD 300 administration fee):
- Enrollment deposit CAD 1,000 on contract signing; first payment due July 1 and second payment due November 30. Example first/second payment amounts (July 1 / Nov 30, 2026): Junior Primary CAD 7,975 / CAD 7,975; Elementary CAD 10,218 / CAD 10,218; Senior CAD 11,295 / CAD 11,295. Total for each level includes the CAD 300 administration fee.
- Ten-payment plan (CAD 600 administration fee):
- Enrollment deposit CAD 1,000 on contract signing; monthly payments from July 1, 2026 through April 1, 2027. Example monthly payments: Junior Primary CAD 1,625; Elementary CAD 2,074; Senior CAD 2,298. Total for each level includes the CAD 600 administration fee.

Mid-year enrollment and prorating
- Tuition for students who enroll after the school year begins is prorated: a full month is charged for start dates on or before the 15th of the month; a half-month is charged for start dates after the 15th. The one-time admission fee applies for students in Grades Primary–12 when applicable.

Family discounts and scholarships
- Family discount: CAD 750 credit against the second child's tuition; CAD 1,000 discount for the third and any subsequent child's tuition.
- Scholarships and bursary support are available (merit scholarships for Grades 7–12 and need-based bursaries for Primary–12) and will be reflected on invoices when awarded. Payment-plan totals and invoices reflect any applied scholarships or tuition assistance.

Additional mandatory and optional fees
- English as an Additional Language (EAL) fees (when EAL support is required): Grades Primary–6: CAD 2,000; Grades 7–12: CAD 9,000 (added to the student's account when EAL support is required).
- School uniform (approximate cost): Junior Primary–Grade 6: CAD 400–600; Grades 7–12: CAD 500–700. A second-hand uniform sale is run by the Parents' Guild annually.
- After-School Program (JP–6): CAD 5.50 per half hour or part thereof (billed monthly). Complimentary care windows are noted for specific early years; after-school program fees apply beyond complimentary periods. After-school day camp rate: CAD 80 per day. A CAD 75 school supplies fee is added for Grades Primary–6.
- Field trips and activities: compulsory local travel and activities are included in tuition; activities outside Nova Scotia incur additional fees based on travel and activity.

Boarding and homestay
- The school does not offer a boarding program. International students are placed with Canadian host families through a managed Homestay program; homestay is arranged and overseen by a professional partner (host family accommodation is provided for a stipend paid to host families). There are no boarding fees; homestay arrangements and any related fees or stipends are managed through the homestay program partner.

Refund and cancellation specifics
- The enrollment deposit (CAD 1,000) is non-refundable and non-transferable. Tuition for students who join mid-year is prorated as described above. Other refund and cancellation details are handled according to the enrollment contract and Business Office terms.

Billing schedule, payment terms, penalties, and receipts
- Billing schedule: families select a payment plan when completing the enrollment contract and must notify the Business Office by July 1 to change plans prior to the school year. Due dates under each plan are specified (see Single, Two-, and Ten-payment plans above).
- Accepted payment methods: online bill payment from a Canadian bank account (recurring payments can be set up), cheque or bank draft made payable to SACRED HEART SCHOOL OF HALIFAX, and credit card via the school billing portal (a 2.6% credit-card processing fee applies to credit-card payments). A CAD 45 fee applies to returned payments (NSF).
- Late payments: accounts 30 days or more in arrears are charged interest at 1% per month (12% annually). Overdue accounts may result in withholding of report cards and transcripts, suspension, or declined future enrollment until the account is settled. Families with accounts in arrears as of April 30 will not receive report cards or transcripts until the account is paid in full.
- Tax receipts: receipts for eligible child-care and other items are issued by the Business Office in February; Junior Primary tuition and After-School Program fees have specified tax receipt treatments.

Summary of key amounts (CAD)
- Application Fee: CAD 0.
- Admission Fee (one-time, new students P–12): CAD 3,000.
- Enrollment deposit (new students): CAD 1,000 (non-refundable; CAD 900 toward tuition + CAD 100 admin).
- Tuition (total, 2026–27): Junior Primary CAD 16,650; Elementary CAD 21,135; Senior CAD 23,290.
- EAL fees (if required): Grades P–6 CAD 2,000; Grades 7–12 CAD 9,000. Uniforms approx. CAD 400–700 depending on level. After-School Program CAD 5.50 per half hour; camps CAD 80/day. Field trips outside Nova Scotia may incur additional charges.
Academics

Sacred Heart School of Halifax teaches Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
Diamond Model of Education with a co-ed Elementary School (JP–Grade 6) and Junior High, and a single-gender Senior School (Grades 7–9) with a co-ed Senior High (Grades 10–12). The Elementary School provides age-appropriate French instruction, including an Enhanced French Program in Grades 1–2 with daily instruction in both English and French and a daily core French class in Grades 3–6. The Senior School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for first-year university credit and a University Preparation program, with English as an Additional Language support. The program emphasizes leadership, social justice, and a broad co-curricular program, including exchange programs and online courses, with small classes and experienced faculty.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes.

Higher Education Progression
Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide first-year university credit, and a University Preparation program guides post-secondary planning.

Gifted and Talented
Enrichment Program with Differentiated Teaching and Learning and Enrichment Clusters; Advanced Placement courses offer higher-level study.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Sacred Heart School of Halifax provides intentional support for students' academic, physical, social-emotional and spiritual health and growth. Social-emotional learning is prioritized in both Elementary and Senior School, with School Counsellors dedicated to student well-being. The curriculum includes health in Elementary School and Core in Senior School, and assemblies, advisories, and guest speakers address meaningful issues to develop character and core values.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
A Learning Strategist supports academics in both Elementary and Senior Schools, and a School Counsellor focuses on student well-being. Small class sizes and a relational learning approach help ensure that each student is known, nurtured, and supported.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English as an Additional Language is available for any student in Primary to Grade 12 who requires extra assistance. Before entry into the program, students receive an official language assessment to determine their level. In addition to regular courses, EAL classes are tailored and content-based, held one to four times a week to develop language skills and learning strategies toward fluency.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is prioritized through dedicated School Counsellors and a focus on student well-being in both Elementary and Senior Schools. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, physical education, and personal wellness as part of a holistic education. Assemblies, advisories, and guest visits support well-being and the development of healthy habits.

Safeguarding
For safeguarding, the Homestay Program provides safeguarding measures for international students, including 24-hour emergency support, a dedicated ISGC guardian, and access to ISGC's guardianship resources. Host families offer a safe, caring, and supervised environment with 24-hour supervision and a student emergency number.
Parent Experience

History
The school has roots in France, with St. Madeleine Sophie Barat founding the Society of the Sacred Heart (RSCJ) to educate the whole child. In 1849, Sisters of the RSCJ came to Halifax and opened a school; in 1851 the RSCJ moved into the present building and operated it as the Convent of the Sacred Heart until 1985 when it was reincorporated and named Sacred Heart School of Halifax. In the mid-1900s, the RSCJ also ran the College Street School on the same campus. In 2005, a boys' high school division was created and housed temporarily at the Canadian Martyrs Church on the SMU Campus; in 2010 the Fountain Academy of the Sacred Heart was built on the current campus. Today there are over 150 Sacred Heart schools in 33 countries, educating students to lead lives of meaning guided by shared values.

Community
The school has a strong sense of community and emphasizes that the Sacred Heart experience is as much about community as education. Goal 4 calls on us to build community, with involvement from the Parents' Guild, past parents, the RSCJ, families, and faculty and staff, all playing a role in supporting and elevating each other. Students have a wealth of opportunities inside and outside the classroom that foster leadership, service, and global awareness, and connect them to communities of shared interests. There is something for every student and many ways to grow as a person, humanitarian, and community member.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Parents' Guild that is a dynamic and active group with two primary goals: enhancing the Sacred Heart school community and raising funds to support Sacred Heart programs. Every Sacred Heart parent is a member of the Guild, and involvement can include volunteering at events, attending events such as the Christmas Fair, Pancake Supper, Parent Socials, and Ice Cream Social, or serving on the Guild Executive. The Guild fosters connection and socialization among families, and funds raised support theatre productions, leadership conferences, clubs, art programs, and sports equipment.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Located in central Halifax at 5820 Spring Garden Rd, Sacred Heart School of Halifax sits on a campus with a theatre, a lunch room, two gyms, and a library. The state-of-the-art playground supports daily outdoor play, including up to 2 1/2 hours of outdoor activity for Junior Primary. The Campus Library serves the entire student body with print and digital resources, and offers English- and French-language databases and access to university resources through partnerships. The school operates a single-gender Senior School (Grades 7-9) and a co-educational Senior School (Grades 10-12) as part of its program structure. The Arts, Athletics, and Library spaces are integrated to support learning across Elementary and Senior levels.

Sports Facilities
In the Elementary School, the gym supports physical education for all grade levels, and the playground includes a state-of-the-art play area and a Gaga Pit, plus basketball courts and other designated sports spaces. Our Senior School teams compete in basketball, soccer, volleyball, table tennis, cross country, badminton, skiing, golf, track and field, and field hockey, with recreational offerings in tennis, hockey, swimming, and ultimate frisbee. The Athletics program emphasizes personal growth, teamwork, and sportsmanship through both recreational and competitive opportunities.

Academic Facilities
The Campus Library is a 21st-century resource with a large print and digital collection, hosting author visits, year-long reading programs, and personalized reading lists. It provides access to academic databases in English and French and offers online resources via its library website, including a catalog that lets students personalize reading lists. The Librarian provides classroom support and guidance on research and information literacy from early grades. The library supports partnerships that allow borrowing privileges at Dalhousie University, Saint Mary's University, and Mount Saint Vincent University. In the Senior School, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and University Preparation programs are offered to support university entry, with virtually all graduates going on to higher education and tailored university preparation for each student. English as an Additional Language support is also available in the Senior School, and a Diamond Model of Education guides the overall approach to learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A wide range of clubs and activities is available, including Robotics, Karate, Chess Club, Battle of the Books, Choir, Creative Writing Club, Guitar, International Student Society, Performing Arts Club, Excelsior Club, Yearbook Club, Band, Girls at Bat, Pixel Pioneers, and Running Club. Arts programs include a strong Music program with choirs and bands, Performing Arts productions, and Visual Arts integrated across the curriculum.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Robotics, Battle of the Books, Pixel Pioneers, and Yearbook Club are among the clubs that support academic enrichment. These activities promote STEM skills, reading comprehension, digital literacy, and scholarly writing beyond the regular curriculum. They foster teamwork, communication, and critical thinking across grade levels. Participation in these clubs complements academic learning and supports academic growth.

Arts & Creative
Music is a core part of school life, with senior choral presentations and a Senior Choir and Liturgy group performing at events. The Elementary Choir regularly performs at school events and in the wider community, and the Band program offers Beginner, Intermediate, and Senior levels. The Performing Arts program features the senior school musical production and the elementary school musical, with weeks of rehearsals and elaborate production elements. Visual Arts are integrated into school life, with student work showcased on campus and in public displays such as the Dresden Row mural.

Cultural & Language
International Student Society is offered to support students from diverse backgrounds. The Exchange Program invites hosting a Sacred Heart student from abroad and traveling to other Sacred Heart schools to live with a local Sacred Heart family. The Sacred Heart Network includes over 150 schools worldwide. These programs provide opportunities to learn about other cultures and languages.

Social & Hobbies
A wide range of clubs and activities includes Chess Club, Battle of the Books, Creative Writing Club, Guitar, Performing Arts Club, Yearbook Club, and Running Club. Other hobby groups such as Pixel Pioneers and Girls at Bat offer additional ways to socialize and develop skills outside class. Participating in these clubs helps students form friendships and explore personal interests. Club offerings vary by grade level.

Community & Service
The Parents' Guild is a dynamic and active group with the goals of enhancing the Sacred Heart community and raising funds to support Sacred Heart programs. Participation can include volunteering at events such as the Christmas Fair, Pancake Supper, and Ice Cream Social. The funds raised support theatre productions, leadership conferences, various school clubs, art programs, and sports equipment. Any Sacred Heart parent can get involved as a volunteer or as a member of the Guild Executive.

Leadership & Professional
There are leadership opportunities in both the Elementary School and the Senior School, including Student Council, Student Prefects, Class Representatives, and Heads of Houses. Through these roles, students engage in volunteer opportunities, clubs, and community activities. The program encourages empathy, inclusivity, boldness, decisiveness, and innovation. These experiences prepare students for future professional and civic responsibilities.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical activity and sports are an integral part of Sacred Heart's mission. The Athletics program is robust and inclusive, offering both recreational and competitive options. Senior School teams compete in basketball, soccer, volleyball, table tennis, cross country, badminton, skiing, golf, track and field, and field hockey, with additional junior intramural offerings. The focus is on personal growth, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
English and French are taught. The Elementary Program includes daily blocks of reading, writing, and French, with a goal of bilingual literacy by Grade 6. English as an Additional Language (EAL) is offered to Primary through Grade 12 for students needing extra English support. Students undergo an official language assessment before entry into EAL, and tailored EAL classes run one to four times per week to build language skills and strategies.

Bilingual Teaching
English and French literacy are taught. The Elementary Program ensures both French and English literacy by the end of Grade 6. Junior Primary has French specialists to support language learning across the Elementary years.
Admissions

Admissions
Four simple steps compose the admissions process: Get To Know Us; Apply; Upload Required Documents; Book Your Child's Assessment.

Get To Know Us: Families begin by contacting the Admissions Office to learn about Sacred Heart School of Halifax. They may submit an inquiry, book a tour, attend an event, or call the Admissions Office. A visit can be arranged if a visit has not yet occurred.

Apply: Submit an online application. There is no cost to apply. After the application is received, the Admissions Office will contact the family to arrange a tour if a visit has not occurred and to schedule an appointment for the child's assessment.

Upload Required Documents: Upload the required documents through the application portal using the grade-specific checklist. Junior Primary and Primary require a copy of the child's birth certificate or passport. Grade 1-12 require a birth certificate or passport, final report cards from the past two academic years, the most recent report card if applicable, the teacher recommendation form, and the completed student profile.

Book Your Child's Assessment: All prospective students must complete an assessment to determine academic eligibility and mission alignment. If English is not the student's first language, an English Proficiency Assessment may also be required. Grades 1-9 have a visiting day and/or on-campus assessment, with online assessment available for those outside Halifax; Grades 10-12 complete the ISEE on campus, with online assessment for those outside Halifax. A member of the Admissions Team will be in touch with the outcome of your application; if accepted, a formal letter of acceptance is issued and a deposit is required to hold the spot.

Scholarships
The school uses a Bursary Fund to provide needs-based tuition assistance. Current Sacred Heart families and new families whose child is accepted and enrolled for the coming school year can apply for tuition assistance through the Bursary Fund. The amount per scholarship ranges from $500 to $3,000 and is applied as a reduction of tuition fees. A Financial Guide outlines payment plans, enrollment contracts, and potential additional costs of the program.
School Events
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