5820 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1X8, Canada
1921 Snake Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7P 4Y2, Canada
5820 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1X8, Canada
1921 Snake Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7P 4Y2, Canada
1849
2012
515
92
JK to 12
9 to 12
Coed, Girls, Boys
Coed
Day
Day, eSchool, Boarding
English, French, Spanish
English
Academic
Arts
Traditional
Liberal Arts
15 to 20
6 to 12
In-class adaptations
$13,820 to $19,360
$15,800 to $23,800
$44,800
Yes
No
13%
0%
1 to 12
None
$7,120
$0
34
23
0%
13%
78%
85%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
The school describes its campus as iconic, and to be sure, it really is. The school was founded in 1849, and the campus shows its age in all the best ways. The location is iconic as well, in the heart of Halifax and across from the historic public gardens. As those things signal, Sacred Heart is a part of the historical culture of the city, and arriving here each day delivers its own frisson of excitement. As with any school of this vintage, much has changed, and today the program is iconic in other ways. The provision of single gender education through Grades 7 to 12 is one of them, offering the best of both worlds. As a member of a global network of schools, the gaze is international, with emphasis on social justice and social action. While there are many longstanding traditions and events, the school also distinguishes itself as cutting edge, both in the curriculum it offers—the broad Advanced Placement offering, for one—but also through its delivery, with lots of hands-on, project oriented, collaborative learning. That said, the biggest draw for many is simply the spirit of the school. There is a keen desire to get students involved in a wide range of activity, including a robust program of service learning, while also engaged within the daily life of the school. Sacred Heart has a proven ability to deliver all of it.
View full reportA personalized focus on learning sets Laureate College apart as an option for Grades 9 through 12. With a blended learning model that allows students to gain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma as well as ESL (English as a Second Language) and EAP (English for Academic Purpose) certifications if needed, Laureate College prepares kids for higher education success no matter where they end up. Laureate College also offers a complete online learning model that runs parallel to its in-class programs. Class sizes are kept small, and an inclusive culture helps kids feel like they belong there. Specialized arts, science and engineering, and international business programs offer unique opportunities for students. And, Laureate’s partnerships with schools around the globe give kids the opportunity to study abroad for Grade 12.
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"My daughter's teachers demonstrated an understanding of my daughter's unique learning style, her interests and her potential."
Anna Stuart - Parent (Mar 08, 2021)
Our daughter joined Sacred Heart School as a shy student whose early years experience robbed her con...
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"They all have a sense of pride in the school, and they talk about their experiences with joy and feel secure as soon as they walk through the doors each morning. "
Jennifer Derwey Deane - Parent (Mar 08, 2021)
My partner and I are parents of 3 girls. When our youngest daughter was ready to begin Primary we we...
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"SHSH creates the conditions that challenge him to do his best academically, where the primary goal is learning and preparation for university..."
Gord Cooper - Parent (May 03, 2021)
We have four children at Sacred Heart School of Halifax (SHSH). If I think about our eldest son, who...
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"Founded in 1849, Sacred Heart School of Halifax teaches the whole child — mind, body, spirit. Our iconic campus in the heart of Halifax offers co-ed education for JP-Grade 6 and single-gender education for Grades 7-12. Sacred Heart has earned a stellar reputation for the quality of our academics and university preparedness, and through leadership and community action, our students are well prepared to conquer the world. As part of a global network, we educate to a strong moral code prescribed by our Five Goals."
"Our experienced faculty will lead Laureate College to give all students equitable opportunity to pursue their interests, nurture their strengths by establishing sustainable learning as well as finding their potential through academic and personal investigation. S.T.E.A.M. are embedded in our Specialized pathways in International Business, Science and Engineering, and the Arts and Design. Located on a magnificent campus of natural expansion, the learning environment promotes student engagement and focused learning."
"Sacred Heart School of Halifax is different and we’re proud of it. We believe in Faith, Hope, and Love as guiding principles and as a result, we’re more like a family than a school. In addition to our tailored education, we are the only school in the region that offers single-gender education on a co-ed campus and the Advanced Placement (AP) Program in high school. And, our unique heritage and traditions give us a special character that can’t be duplicated anywhere in this region."
"Laureate College is located on a spectacular campus that has access to the Niagara Escarpment creating a learning environment where students feel safe and engaged by its surroundings and interactive learning spaces. Where every student can succeed, they receive personalized learning, student-centred activities, and an inclusive environment. Students can select specialized pathways such as the arts, international business, or science & engineering using project-based learning."
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"Strong academics combined with a tailored approach in a nurturing and supportive environment is Sacred Heart’s calling card. Our academic excellence is thanks to an outstanding faculty who are passionately committed to their students’ success. And as a Catholic school that welcomes all faiths, families also appreciate our spiritual grounding and emphasis on love."
"Choosing Laureate will give students choices and opportunities to advance their learning to receive multiple offers from top colleges and universities. Students will be prepared for their next stages of growth where learning is forever. Their growth is developed through grit, curiosity, and imagination. Every Laureate student will understand the importance of research to substantiate their opinions but also value acts of kindness, gratitude, and setting goals."
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"Sacred Heart is the only high school in Atlantic Canada that offers the AP Program instead of the IB Program. Families, and especially students, prefer AP because it allows students to pick and choose ONLY those subjects they excel in and want to concentrate on, they don’t have to take a year-long program of all advanced courses. Widely accepted around the globe, students in AP can earn first-year university credit(s) before they even enter university — an excellent head start."
"Laureate College is designed to be affordable and deliver quality programs and provide excellent teachers. Students need to be encouraged to take ownership of their learning and develop their strengths through inquiry-based learning and student-centred activities. Laureate's reputation is defined by the people who work, live, and learn together on this beautiful campus or virtually through our on-line learning platforms."
"It may surprise some families to discover how seriously we live our Five Goals. Yes, we provide an academically excellent education, but also a deeply meaningful one based on our founder St. Madeleine Sophie Barat’s vision that education transforms society. We are dedicated to faith, intellectual values, social justice, building community, and personal growth and these can be seen throughout school life day in and day out."
"To ensure every student is able to achieve success, learning is a shared process among staff and students where Laureate instills the belief of forever learning for all. Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom but learning is a state of mind to continuously expand our knowledge, understanding, and critical-thinking for students, staff, and other partners Becoming a self-directed learner and being excited about discovery will enrich our lives to be an active contributor in our communities."
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Laureate College offers multi-dimensional learning that is essential for students to develop the global competency skills through student-centred activities, inquiry-based learning, and differentiated instruction. Students excel and reach their potential when learning is personalized and focus on deeper learning. Student engagement comes when they understand the purpose of learning, develop the mastery of a concept, recognize the connections to our communities, and become self-directed learners.
Liberal Arts
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Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
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Students develop a strong foundation of academic excellence, through good study habits, solid organizational skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence. We also use an Advanced Placement (AP) program in Senior School.
Laureate College was founded on the belief that every student is unique and possesses an inherent yearning for learning, growth, and the ability to acquire knowledge, creating a meaningful pathway for life purposefully. At Laureate, every student actively shapes their learning experiences within an inclusive environment characterized by innovative teaching, personalized learning, abundant resources, and global connections. Through our vision, mission, and values, we aspire to create a transformative learning experience that empowers students to embrace opportunities and challenges with confidence, leveraging the knowledge and skill sets they acquire throughout their Laureate journeys.
Traditional Math
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
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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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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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Expository
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.
Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions.
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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
Physiology
Traditional
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
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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
Not applicable
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.
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
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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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Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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.
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Creative: 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 to use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos. Expressive: Creativity is inherently subjective. Our goal is to create an open and non-judgmental environment for students to experiment, innovate, and find the artist within"
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Heavy integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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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Technology is heavily integrated. Students are taught to be digital citizens and to understand the responsibilities of being online. With our learning management system, Moodle, and Microsoft Teams, students are able to access and submit assignments at all times throughout the course. Students are required to have a laptop or computer with access to the Internet in all classes.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Physical Education at Laureate College is characterized as a fun reprieve from learning during the course of the day. Students get to take a break from their studies and participate in games and activities working on teamwork, coordination, and strength that help them grow as students outside of the classroom. A relaxed environment not only gives students a break from classes but allows them to release stress and get good exercise.
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Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
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In our JP program, play is encouraged, yet purposeful, and structured learning is enriching, exciting, and fun. We nurture the best in your child while laying the foundation for spiritual, emotional, and social growth.
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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.
Teachers will cover all the required expectations and meet the individual needs of the students because of the small class size.
Supportive
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 “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
Laureate focuses on providing students with quality education, small class sizes, and opportunities to be successful in and out of the classroom. We are committed to whole student development, allowing students to meet their educational goals and ultimately be successful as a human being outside of their education.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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.
First and foremost we are an educational institution committed to meeting the intellectual needs of our students. However, we firmly believe that students need more than just a strong academic portfolio, meaning we also focus on their social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs.
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
1 - 12
9 - 12
13%
0%
$7,120
$0
78%
85%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Rolling
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades 9 - 12
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 7 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Sacred Heart students are kind to their peers and teachers, intellectually curious, and socially conscious young women and men who show their school spirit in ways that are relational and constructive. Sacred Heart seeks students who want to be engaged in learning and who seek to develop their unique extracurricular gifts and talents. Becoming who one is meant to be is the key to success at Sacred Heart, and this requires self-awareness, interior listening, kind and constructive feedback, and a global outlook.
All students may apply to Laureate College as long as they strive to do their very best, attend and participate in all their classes, complete their course work including homework and wish to become a continuous learner.
Prospective families can complete the online application which is easy, free, and takes very little time. Once the Admissions Department receive the application, they will be in touch to arrange an in-person or online tour, and an appointment for the child’s admissions assessment.
The following steps are required for admissions:
1. Complete the student application form with an application fee payment of $250 CAD.
