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The Bishop Strachan School

Canada, Toronto

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$500 - 86,000
Ages 5 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 950
Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Opened 1867
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French, Mandarin
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Located in Toronto, The Bishop Strachan School is a private all‑girls day and boarding school serving students aged 5 to 18. The curriculum follows the Ontario framework with Advanced Placement options, including AP credits and AP Capstone Diploma for senior years. The Junior School extends the Ontario curriculum with a Reggio Emilia‑inspired, hands‑on approach that integrates language, mathematics, science, social studies, design technology, engineering, design thinking and research. Specialist instruction in French, music and physical education complements core learning, with access to the Junior School Learning Commons and a Design Technology Lab. From Grades 9 to 12, students complete more than 100 credits, choose electives in business and visual/media arts, and receive university counselling; 100% of graduates gain placement at top universities. The campus blends a 105‑year‑old building with a STEAM complex, two theatres, a Royal Gym, a turf field and climbing wall to support a wide range of pursuits.

298 Lonsdale Rd, Toronto, ON M4V 1X2, Canada

The Essentials

The Bishop Strachan School has 950 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
298 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario M4V 1X2, Canada

Stages
JK–Grade 12

Type
Private all-girls day and boarding school

Additional learning support
Learning Specialists provide individualized academic support; School Psychologist provides psychological and mental health support; Learning Resource Centre (LRC) offers accommodations for students with IEPs, assistive technology, language resources and skill-building support, plus drop-in tutoring.

Country affiliation
Canada
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is offered for Grade 8–12; boarders live on campus in boarding residences; boarders come from around the world. There are 70 boarders living on campus, 12 countries represented, and 100% of boarders are accepted to their university of choice.

Uniform Requirement
All students wear a school uniform, which can be purchased from the BSS General Store; the uniform cost ranges from CAD 300 to CAD 800 depending on grade and whether items are new or used.

Food Options
Boarders' Dining Room is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Junior School lunches and snacks are included in tuition.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors that directs the core strategic plan, and a Board of Trustees that manages the Endowment and Foundation initiatives.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Bishop Strachan School ranges from CAD 500 to CAD 86,000 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration fees
- Registration fee (one-time, non-refundable): CAD 10,000 for all students (day and boarding).
- Continuing deposit (refundable): CAD 500.

Tuition fees by student type — academic year 2026/27
- Day students (annual tuition): CAD 43,800.
- Canadian boarders (annual tuition including boarding): CAD 82,200.
- International boarders (annual tuition including boarding): CAD 86,000.
- Health insurance for non-Canadian residents (annual): CAD 694 (applies to international boarders/residents where noted).

Per-term amounts and year-group detail
- The published fee schedule lists the annual tuition amounts above for the 2026/27 school year; the school's standard fee references are given as annual totals.
- Junior School note: lunches and snacks for Junior School students are included in the Junior School tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The registration fee is charged once and is non-refundable; the continuing deposit is refundable as stated above.
- Detailed billing schedules, payment deadlines, and the enrolment-related billing communications are provided to families through the school's enrolment and parent communications/portal during the acceptance and re-enrolment process.

Boarding fees (where applicable)
- Boarding tuition is presented above as a single annual figure for Canadian boarders (CAD 82,200) and international boarders (CAD 86,000); the listed boarding totals reflect the published annual charge for boarders for 2026/27. Health insurance for non-Canadian residents is CAD 694.

Other costs and typical additional fees
- School uniform: CAD 300–800 depending on grade and whether items are new or used; uniforms are purchased through the school's General Store.
- Additional variable costs: field trips, textbooks, course-specific materials, technology-related items and certain extracurricular activity costs may be charged in addition to tuition and will vary by grade and program.
- Summer and short-course programs have separate fees and stated refund terms specific to those programs (examples: some Summer Academy course fees are refundable prior to program-specific deadlines, subject to administrative fees).

Refund information
- Continuing deposit: refundable (CAD 500).
- Program-specific refunds: Summer Academy and other short-course tuition refunds are handled under program-specific deadlines and administrative fee conditions (for example, some summer programs permit refunds prior to May 1 or June 1 with specified administrative deductions).

Fee payment options
- The school provides families with payment instructions and the available payment methods as part of the enrolment and billing communications through the school's parent/enrolment portal and finance communications. Payment arrangements and schedules are managed through those enrolment/billing channels.

Notes relevant to budgeting
- Annual tuition amounts shown above are the published totals for the 2026/27 academic year. Uniforms, field trips, textbooks, technology, and certain course or trip fees are additional and vary by grade and program; Junior School tuition includes lunches and snacks. Continuing deposit and registration-fee conditions are as stated above.
Academics

The Bishop Strachan School teaches Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
Junior School extends and enriches the Ontario Curriculum with a Reggio Emilia–inspired approach, enabling hands-on, inquiry-based learning where language, mathematics, science, social science, design technology, engineering, design thinking and research are integrated. Learning is supported by dedicated teachers for core subjects, with specialist instruction in French, music and physical education, plus access to the Junior School Learning Commons and Design Technology Lab. Grades 1–6 emphasize interdisciplinary connections, collaboration and real-world contexts to build foundational skills and confident learners. Grades 7 and 8 provide a broad preparation: humanities (English, history and geography), STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), French, physical education, visual arts and band/strings; accelerated math and French allow early Grade 9 credits, and a built-in Options program enriches the Ontario curriculum with additional experiences. Outdoor education is integrated, Chapel is held weekly, and social-emotional learning is emphasized through advisory structures and leadership opportunities. Grades 9 to 12 offer a comprehensive Ontario-based program with more than 100 credit courses, electives in business, technology and visual/media arts, and enrichment that elevates the Ontario curriculum; Advanced Placement is available (14 AP credits and AP Capstone Diploma), with university counselling guiding post-secondary planning; 100% of graduates are offered placement at top-tier universities.

Exam Results
strong results in AP courses

Higher Education Progression
All graduates are offered placement at top-tier universities. University Counselling uses a personalized approach beginning in Grades 7–8, with ongoing guidance as students tailor their post-secondary plans and prepare applications to Canada, the United States and beyond.

Gifted and Talented
Advanced Placement offered with 14 AP credits and the AP Capstone Diploma; accelerated math and French programs in Grades 7–8.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Well-being is essential for learning and flourishing and is integrated into BSS from JK through Grade 12. The program is rooted in positive psychology and emphasizes agency, connection and resilience. It includes Circle of Care and a Tiered Support system to address students' needs, and is organized around seven well-being domains: Adaptable Mindset; Empathy and Compassion; Gratitude; Mindfulness; Self-Regulation; Kindness and Connection; and Character Strengths.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Specialists provide individualized support. The Learning Resource Centre enhances learning skills, offers accommodations for students with Individual Education Plans, provides assistive technology and language resources, runs skill-building workshops, and includes a drop-in peer tutoring program.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Language resources are available through the Learning Resource Centre to support language development.

Mental Wellbeing
Well-Being Counsellors are experts in the social and emotional life of girls and provide one-on-one support and development of relevant programs. The School Psychologist provides psychological and mental health support. Well-being is addressed across academic, social-emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions.

Safeguarding
Circle of Care centers the child in education and relies on continuous communication among parents and educators to support students' journeys. It responds to students' diverse identities and needs with parents integral to the network.
Parent Experience

History
On the first day of school in 1867, The Bishop Strachan School opened its doors to educate girls and prepare them to lead. Rev. John Langtry founded the school as a Church School designed to provide a curriculum co-extensive with first-class schools and within reach of people of moderate means. There were 31 students in the first year. The school moved to the city's growing locations around College and Yonge, and later to its current property. Today, more than 150 years after its founding, BSS has over 900 students.

Community
The school has a Parent Association that builds a welcoming community for all BSS families. Parent volunteers come from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds. They are dedicated to enhancing school spirit and involvement and coordinate a broad program of inclusive initiatives and events across the school, involving students, employees, families and alumnae. News, events and volunteer opportunities are shared through the Parent Corner on myBSS, and involvement can be initiated by contacting communityengagement@bss.on.ca. 298 Lonsdale Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4V 1X2 • (416) 483-4325.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Association serves as the school's primary parent organization, bringing together families, staff and alumnae to support BSS. The group relies on active parent volunteers who contribute to school life and ensure broad involvement across grade levels. It organizes inclusive initiatives and events throughout the year, engaging students, employees, families and alumnae in learning and community life. Information about opportunities to get involved is shared through the Parent Corner on myBSS, and inquiries can be directed to communityengagement@bss.on.ca. The school's address and main contact details are listed for inquiries via the Parents page.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus blends a 105-year-old building with gleaming modern learning spaces. The STEAM complex features open-concept classrooms designed to spark inquiry and collaboration. Two state-of-the-art theatres anchor the campus. The athletics footprint includes a Royal Gym with two gyms, two dance studios, a fitness studio and a turf field.

Sports Facilities
Royal Gym includes two gyms, two dance studios, a fitness studio and a turf field. The turf field enables extended seasons for field sports and provides a high-level training and competition space. A climbing wall supports PE programs.

Academic Facilities
The STEAM complex features open-concept classrooms designed to spark inquiry and collaboration. Junior School spaces are light-filled and ideal for collaborative, hands-on learning. The Learning Commons provides a large collection of books and learning resources for JK–12.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Arts and Athletics programs include Junior School Athletics, Middle and Senior School Athletics and the High Performance Athlete Program. Collaboration Commons hosts activities, learning and events throughout the year. Two state-of-the-art theatres support performing arts, and a climbing wall enhances physical activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Academic Groups include DECA, HOSA, Math Society, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Club, Science Olympiad and Speaker's Union. Co-curricular opportunities include the Global Ideas Institute, Global Hackathons and Experiential Career Workshops with Harvard Student Agencies. These activities foster collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving beyond the classroom.

Arts & Creative
The arts are integrated from JK to Grade 12 with opportunities to learn a musical instrument, join a dance class, sing in a choir or take a role in a stage production. Arts programs cultivate creativity, critical thinking, resilience and well-being and connect with other subjects through interdisciplinary projects. In the Junior School, vocal and percussion skills are taught through Grade 5; Grade 6 adds instrumental music; the Junior Choir and the Fun Plus program offer opportunities for vocal, musical theatre and dance performances. A Director of the Arts leads a comprehensive program across the school with facilities that include theatres, studios and media and design labs.

Cultural & Language
Global learning provides leadership opportunities through trips and events that emphasize belonging, cultural competency and ethical citizenship. Reciprocal language exchanges and language immersion with Ermitage International School in France, along with virtual exchanges with partner schools, broaden linguistic and cultural understanding. Co-curricular experiences include the Global Ideas Institute, Global Hackathons and Experiential Career Workshops. Past local and global experiences include language, culture, history and arts explorations in Spain, performing arts trips to New York, Ireland and other locations, and cultural explorations in London and Paris.

Social & Hobbies
There are 40 student-led clubs across the school giving students diverse options beyond class. Clubs include DECA, HOSA, Math Society, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Club, Science Olympiad and a range of topics from poetry to video production to photography. Community groups include Asian Student Union, Black Student Union, Muslim Student Union, Jewish Student Union, Peer Connections, Moral Courage Task Force, Gender Sexuality Alliance and Spectrum, the school newspaper.

Community & Service
Service learning is a powerful, often life-changing experience and a core part of BSS culture. Student-led service initiatives increase accessibility, justice and equity for marginalized groups, with projects such as food and clothing drives, peer tutoring and Pride Week. In the Junior School, Grade 5 and 6 students tutor younger peers; in Middle and Senior School, students turn classroom learning into action through service initiatives and community projects.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership centers student voice; leadership is learned through training and workshops and practiced across councils, clubs and teams. Senior students can be elected or appointed to formal leadership roles, including Head Prefect, Head Boarder, Grad Prefect, House Prefect and various Council and Academic Team leadership positions. The Leadership Retreat provides development for senior student leaders, and Councils (Arts, Academics, Athletics, Boarding, Business, Chapel, Communications, Events, Environment, Global Awareness, Grad, and others) support student leadership and initiative. Academic Groups include DECA, HOSA, Math Society, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Robotics, Science Club, Science Olympiad and Speaker's Union.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics is a powerful tool for personal growth, fostering mental well-being, confidence and resilience. BSS offers 80+ athletic teams across 21+ sports with a focus on progress, perseverance and teamwork. Facilities include a turf field, two gyms, a pool, dance studios, a rock-climbing wall and a fitness centre. The High Performance Athlete Program provides academic advising and mentorship for advanced athletes, and the Lang Scholar Program offers leadership development opportunities while well-being is supported through Circle of Care, Tiered Support and seven domains of well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
French is taught in the Junior School by specialist teachers; in the early grades, French introduces everyday vocabulary through stories, songs and games. From Grade 1 onward, French emphasizes conversational fluency and writing; by Grades 4 to 6, instruction includes writing, question formation and storytelling, with ongoing conversational practice and interpretation of texts in Grade 6. Spanish is offered through the Global Learning program with Level 2 and Level 3 Spanish in iEARN virtual exchanges; there is also a Spain language, culture, history and arts experience to broaden language exposure.

Immersion Programs
Reciprocal language-immersion exchanges are maintained with Ermitage International School in France. A Spanish language exchange is conducted through iEARN with partner schools for Level 2 and Level 3 Spanish via virtual conversations. A language, culture, history and arts experience in Spain supports language exposure in real-world contexts.
Reputation

Awards
The BSS Volunteer Service Award — recognizes outstanding volunteerism by parents or alumnae, with up to three recipients each year.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award — program for Grades 9–12 offering Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
The Renata McCARTHY '59 Grade 7 Citizenship Award — endowed Grade 7 citizenship award.
The Michele WATT Cassidy '75 Award for the Pursuit of a Dream — endowed award fund.
The Award for Teaching Excellence — endowed fund under Endowed and Named Funds.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Apply online. The Bishop Strachan School uses an online application via MyBSS; create an account and complete the online application form, including the parent and student questionnaires; you can pause and resume your application before submitting. Early Bird and Day School deadlines apply: Early Bird Deadline November 1, 2025 ($250) and Day School Deadline December 1, 2025 ($300). 2. Assessments. Junior School applicants (JK/SK) participate in small-group activities; Grades 1–6 complete a math and English test, plus group activities and games. Middle and Senior School assessments evaluate numeracy, literacy and interpersonal skills with an age-appropriate math assessment and a written task based on a reading passage; there is no need to study or prepare in advance. Grade 7 and 9 applicants are hosted on campus in December 2025 and January 2026, with international students able to complete the assessment virtually on one of two available dates. 3. Admissions decisions and boarding options. Admissions decisions are communicated by email; the Admissions Decision Day for the 2026 cycle is February 20, 2026. Boarding applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, space permitting. 4. Financial assistance and scholarships. The deadline to apply for Financial Assistance and Scholarships is January 5, 2026.

Scholarships
Financial assistance and merit-based scholarships are available for students entering Grade 6–12. A completed scholarship application form is required. The deadline to apply for all scholarships for the 2026–27 school year is January 5, 2026.
School Events
The school has not added events
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