1367 Altona Rd, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 1M2, Canada
16945 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 4X2, Canada
1367 Altona Rd, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 1M2, Canada
16945 Bayview Avenue, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 4X2, Canada
2014
1842
75
510
Nursery/Toddler to 6
JK to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Day, Boarding
French
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Progressive
5 to 18
18 to 20
Dedicated gifted school
$8,400 to $17,000
$34,700
$70,235 to $73,520
No
Yes
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
7
34
0%
22%
0%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades 2 - 6
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
information not available
Pickering College was founded as the West Lake Seminary by Quakers in 1842 and, as you might expect, has had a long and interesting history since. Canada became a dominion, the school amalgamated, some buildings burned down, others were built up. It began as a co-ed school, something unique at the time, and as such provided an expression of the Quaker ideal that both sexes should be educated equally. It was also the first school in North America to offer a course in typewriting, symbolic of the school's desire to encorporate new ideas and technologies, and to educate students with an eye to the world they would enter upon graduation. Times of course have changed, though certainly many of the values that the school upholds today reflect those with which it was founded, including a desire to embrace new ideas and to support a diversity of interest. The ideal student is one who will thrive in a supportive yet challenging academic environment.
Read The Our Kids Review of Pickering College
The French immersion programs that Canadians are most familiar with were born out of the multicultural movement of the 1970s, and to some extent, they continue to reflect their age. The public school immersion programs begin, most typically, with Grade 1. Which is strange, given what we know about language acquisition, including uptake as well as the overall academic benefits of leering a second language. Ecole Montessori offers a rich program that addresses precisely that, providing an early and authentically immersive French-language program. Given what we know about what learning languages can do for cognition, confidence, and just general academic engagement, the question isn’t “should we enroll in immersion?” but “why not?” The Ecole Montessori program has a lot to offer, including a strong basis for children to advance to immersion programs in the primary years. Class sizes are small, allow for a high level of student-teacher engagement. The summer camp programs offer a nice opportunity for students to continue in a familiar environment outside the standard academic year.
View full reportPickering College was founded as the West Lake Seminary by Quakers in 1842 and, as you might expect, has had a long and interesting history since. Canada became a dominion, the school amalgamated, some buildings burned down, others were built up. It began as a co-ed school, something unique at the time, and as such provided an expression of the Quaker ideal that both sexes should be educated equally. It was also the first school in North America to offer a course in typewriting, symbolic of the school's desire to encorporate new ideas and technologies, and to educate students with an eye to the world they would enter upon graduation. Times of course have changed, though certainly many of the values that the school upholds today reflect those with which it was founded, including a desire to embrace new ideas and to support a diversity of interest. The ideal student is one who will thrive in a supportive yet challenging academic environment.
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"The other students were also very helpful towards her and helped her to speak and read French."
Sutha Ananthakumar - Parent (Sep 15, 2021)
My child’s experience at Ecole Montessori is great. She entered the school with no knowledge in Fr...
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"...the teacher took our feedback to work with our daughter to develop her leadership skills."
Dianne Tamburro - Parent (Sep 21, 2021)
Our daughter loved her first year at Ecole Montessori. She loved everything from the curriculum to t...
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"My daughter likes the smaller class sizes and the attention she receives from the teachers."
Tina Cox - Parent (Aug 05, 2022)
My daughter started attending École Montessori in grade 2 during the Fall of 2020 and has now compl...
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"...encouraged by their teachers to develop their learning skills."
Amy Wang - Parent (Dec 13, 2018)
My sons are always happy in the school. They have got the teachers’ help on their academics and ma...
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"I believe that the teaching at Pickering College is one of the strongest features of the school."
Shyam Subramanyam - Student (Mar 08, 2021)
As of writing this review, I am currently a grade 10 student at Pickering College. I began my journe...
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"...opportunities to mature, develop and demonstrate ownership, accountability, and responsibility."
Sonya Bonerath - Parent (Mar 22, 2021)
My daughter and son started their studies at Pickering College in grades 7 and 9. My daughter's joy ...
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"F4T École Montessori is Durham Region's premier French Montessori and private school for students aged 2.5 to 12. École Montessori students master French while balancing an academically enriched environment. Our students are given freedom and support to question, probe deeply, and make connections in all the academic avenues in the classroom. Our students are confident, enthusiastic, and self-directed learners who seek knowledge and understanding of the world around them."
"At Pickering College, our fully-integrated Global Leadership Program (JK to Gr 12) inspires students to become agents of courageous, ethical and positive change with the confidence, knowledge and skills to shape the future. Our co-educational day and boarding school of 510 students is a safe and respectful community, offering exceptional academic and co-curricular programs. Our graduates leave us to attend the university of their choice, prepared to make a difference in the world."
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"Our students experience a school that is intimate in size and global in perspective. The school is small enough that we are able to truly get to know each child, while welcoming a diverse and co-educational group of students both locally and from around the world. Along with our Global Leadership Program, this provides students with countless opportunities to consider the global context and discover their own place in the world."
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"As a Pickering College parent once put it: “I would encourage other parents to enrol their child at Pickering College because quite simply, it is an oasis in the storm. A place of safety, strong community, values-based education, and leadership training. As a parent, I too am relearning along the way in terms of the importance of servant leadership and responsibility to others in our community at large.”"
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"We often say “The People are Pickering.” When you choose a school for your child, you are choosing more than a formal education, but the community of caring faculty and staff that will empower and inspire them. We refer to this as “finding the light” within each child - that inner potential that is waiting to shine upon the world. It is important to find a school that shares your family’s values, and we hope the welcoming and inclusive nature of our community will be that place."
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"Retaining a close relationship with our Quaker heritage provides a solid philosophical, moral and operational framework for our school. Our Morning Meetings play a fundamental role in the life of the school as a time that we join together in an atmosphere of respect, listening, trust, integrity, compassion and silence. The silence in Morning Meeting provides us time to reflect and take comfort, strength and joy from being in the presence of friends and find a sense of power and enlightenment."
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At École Montessori, our highest dream is that every single child who passes through our school doors will be inspired and become so courageous to follow the highest calling in their lives. We desire that every student will dream impossible dreams and be so audacious as to know that they can achieve them.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Pickering College. Since our founding in 1842, thousands have walked our halls as Pickering College students. Our alumni have gone on to make a difference in just about every imaginable field and endeavour, both here in Canada and globally.
We are the only independent day and boarding school in Canada for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 that provides a comprehensive Global Leadership Program founded on Quaker values.
We celebrate diversity in all aspects. Whether through our commitment to providing a co-educational environment, or our unique approach to educating and developing the whole child through a focus on academic excellence, co-curricular distinction, character, and leadership development.
Our dedicated teachers deliver a fully integrated program that encourages students to realize their full potential within a challenging academic learning environment and where students are empowered to develop into courageous and compassionate global citizens fully equipped to contribute and provide leadership to their communities and the world at large.
As the new Head of School, I was drawn to Pickering College for its unique and inspiring community, not to mention its values, guiding principles and vision that embraces each student as an emotional, physical, and spiritual being.
I encourage you to proceed through these pages to learn how a Pickering College education uncovers all aspects of your child’s unique talents and gifts – academic, artistic, athletic and altruistic.
Dr. Cinde Lock
Head of School
Progressive
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Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
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The fundamental principle of Maria Montessori’s method is to value a child’s naturally inquisitive and developing mind to foster learning in an intuitive and natural way. In our school, children learn and socialize with older children, while the older students help solidify concepts and ideas by teaching them to younger students. This way, no child is limited by his or her age group, and every student has opportunities to learn. Gifted children are curious and ask a lot of questions, they take their own approach to assignments, they have a large vocabulary and enjoy interacting with older students, they have original ideas, they are cognitively advanced and are able to self-teach new skills and they are sensitive to their environment. Montessori education is tailored to create critical thinkers
Pickering College is an independent boarding (Grades 7 to 12) and day (Kindergarten to Grade 12) school for boys and girls in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Our programs offer unique opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, global leadership development and community service. • 100% university placement at top universities in Canada and around the world • Fully integrated Global Leadership Program (JK to Grade 12) • Dedicated and caring teachers who are specialists in their field • Challenging and engaging academic curriculum • Full recreational and competitive co-curricular program • Safe and supportive nurturing environment • Dynamic boarding program • Small class sizes and personalized attention at every grade
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Balanced Literacy
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Inquiry
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Physics
Social Justice
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
In social justice- inspired programs, literature is not viewed as something to be merely decoded and “appreciated”: rather, it is viewed as a catalyst to social action. Choice of texts tends to favour contemporary works. If a classical text is used, it’s often in the context of social deconstruction: students are asked to critically examine possible prejudices and historical narratives inherent in the work. Like in traditional literature programs, students are often asked to engage in class discussion and critical essay writing, but more time might also be devoted to cooperative group projects and personal reflections. The goal is to teach students to think critically about what they read, while becoming intellectually and physically engaged in the social issues pertaining to their wider community.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Expanding Communities
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Equal Balance
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Equal Balance
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Physical literacy is desired in all students through our co-curricular program in addition to the Physical Education courses. Outdoor education is an important component of our curriculum.
Reggio Emilia
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
Reggio Emilia programs aim to develop curiosity and problem-solving skills through the liberal use of “projects”, (as opposed to “activities” or “lessons”). Teachers design projects for children around their demonstrated interests. Projects can be geared to an individual student, a small group of students, or the class as a whole. Projects can last from a few days to the whole year. Art is strongly emphasized and is typically incorporated into every project. Teachers actively participate in projects alongside students, rather than sitting back and observing. A high degree of parent involvement is also encouraged, particularly when forming curriculums and project plans (which happens throughout the academic year).
If you want to learn more about Reggio Emilia education, check out our comprehensive guide.
At F4T École Montessori we offer an education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play. In our classrooms, children make creative choices in their learning. Our teachers offer age-appropriate activities to guide each student in their learning. Children work in groups and individually in order to discover and explore the world around them.
Our Reggio inspired program at Pickering College, offers a dynamic, nurturing and positive learning environment where your child’s curiosity is stimulated, leadership skills are cultivated, and fun-filled interactive learning is meaningful and focused. Small class sizes provide an ideal setting for building a foundation for lifelong learning, as students develop confidence, social conscience and acquire the skills and knowledge for success.
Standard-enriched
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Each classroom is different and depends on its students. Depending on the activities, students are paired according to their strengths and weaknesses.
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Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
We have benchmarks that we have set for our students; however, as a classroom is made of up a of many different types of learners and we understand that not all students will reach the same benchmarks at the same time. In the early years of education, the learning process is most important. The love of learning is what will ensure future success. Informal activities are given during the year to see where students are in their comprehension. Observations are shared with parents.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Social
The goal is to cultivate "socially aware and active citizens, motivated to change the world (or their community) for the better."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Students who have social awareness can empathize with others and will become great citizens of the world and agents of change.
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
0%
0%
$0
$0
0%
100%
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades 2 - 6
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 6
No
No
No
No
Pickering College is truly a special place for students from Canada and around the world (Boarding from Grade 7 to Grade 12). It is a place where our students and families tell us that they feel warmly welcomed and accepted from the first day that they arrive; where students come to make friendships that last a lifetime and where they feel supported to pursue their dreams. Our programs offer unique opportunities in academics, arts, athletics, leadership development and community service. Our Global Leadership Program, fully integrated from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, builds on our longstanding mission and community service-oriented approach to education. The Global Leadership Program prepares students with the skills needed to be innovative, entrepreneurial, globally-focused and ready to tackle complex global issues. Pickering College is building future global leaders by providing a values-based education that helps students to develop the confidence, knowledge, skills and social conscience to prepare them for university and for life. At Pickering College we focus on the whole child. Students learn to excel, to develop character, to make friends and prepare for future endeavours and opportunities. It’s their community, and the experiences they have at school shape them as they become citizens of the world.
Students entering the second year of the elementary program must have prior French knowledge.
