Bishop Strachan School: Empowering Girls to be Transformative Leaders
Bishop Strachan School (BSS), situated in Toronto’s Forest Hill neighbourhood, is Canada's oldest independent day and boarding school for girls, founded in 1867. The school serves 950 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, including 65 boarding students. BSS is renowned for its focus on leadership, academic excellence, and personal growth in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Quick Facts:
- Toronto, Ontario
- Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12
- 950 students
- Small class sizes
- All girls day and boarding school
- 209 employees
Dedicated to Excellence
Bishop Strachan School faculty are experts in girls' learning. Many hold postgraduate degrees and regularly upgrade their qualifications through professional development aligned with the school's Culture of Powerful Learning. Supported by innovative tools and resources, BSS faculty foster a dynamic environment that values continuous growth and embraces a global perspective.
Curriculum
The Bishop Strachan School follows a robust academic curriculum that includes elements of the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines while integrating enriched and specialized programs. The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in several subjects and emphasizes innovative learning approaches and global perspectives within its academic framework. For its youngest learners in Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten, the school incorporates the Reggio Emilia approach, which is inquiry-based and centers on fostering curiosity and collaborative learning. BSS also offers experiential learning opportunities through global learning, service programs, and outdoor education initiatives.
Facilities
From beautiful stained glass windows in their 105-year-old building to the wide open spaces of the modern Junior School, BSS has a campus like no other. The new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) complex was designed to spark inquiry, curiosity and collaboration in their open-concept classrooms. Their turf field provides extended playing seasons for sports, while the indoor climbing wall, dance studios, gyms, and fitness studio offer unique opportunities for physical activity. The Learning Commons and Collaboration Commons offer bright open spaces filled with learning resources where students can explore, collaborate, and engage in critical thinking.
Why Bishop Strachan?
Small class sizes: 15-20 students per class, allows for personalized learning, enabling teachers to provide individualized attention and build strong, supportive relationships that help students thrive academically and personally.
New grads welcome: New educators are welcomed with open arms, offering fresh perspectives and an exciting opportunity to begin their careers in a supportive and dynamic learning environment.
Experienced Educators: Work alongside experienced educators who are experts in girls’ learning, hold advanced degrees, engage in continuous professional development, and thrive in a globally-minded, innovative learning environment.
Inclusive Environment: The school fosters a caring and inclusive community that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a sense of belonging for all while celebrating the unique voices and experiences of every individual.
Deep connections: With a robust boarding program, staff may have opportunities to engage with students beyond the classroom, fostering deeper connections and mentorship.
Support for Extracurricular Programs: Commitment to arts, athletics, and leadership programs provides educators with the chance to mentor students in diverse extracurricular activities.
Professional Growth: Faculty members benefit from a culture of ongoing professional development, enabling educators to grow and innovate in their teaching practices.
Bishop Strachan School offers a dynamic and supportive environment, making it an excellent workplace. Faculty members enjoy small class sizes, enabling personalized teaching and strong connections with students. The school fosters professional growth through ongoing development opportunities, encourages new perspectives by welcoming recent graduates, and provides a collaborative space for educators to thrive in a globally-minded, innovative setting.
