5820 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1X8, Canada
3120 The Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, H3Y 1R9, Canada
1849
1947
515
168
JK to 12
K to 6
Coed, Girls, Boys
Coed
Day
Day
English, French, Spanish
English, French
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive
15 to 20
12 to 24
$13,820 to $19,360
$19,300 to $21,110
Yes
Yes
13%
0%
1 to 12
None
$7,120
$0
34
24
0%
0%
78%
75%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades K - 6
No
No
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 reportBelieving that a child’s first learning years are the most important, in 1947 The Priory School’s Founding Mothers, Frances Ballantyne and Alphonsine Paré-Howlett, succeeded in developing a school far ahead of its time. The Priory School's mission and philosophy is to nurture each child’s inherent curiosity, enable them to develop an enthusiasm for learning, and promote intellectual and creative growth and initiative. This also prepares their students to be responsible, tolerant, and self-confident global citizens. The Priory School has remained true to its roots throughout its 75 years of evolution, specializing in elementary education and providing its students with an environment that's caring, inspiring, and recognizes and addresses each child's individual needs.
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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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" .... outstanding from beginning to end."
Suzanne Csik - Parent (Feb 07, 2018)
Our son's experience at The Priory was outstanding from beginning to end. The Priory curriculum and ...
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"my daughter loved going to school"
Ana Desmaison - Parent (Feb 10, 2018)
My daughter loved The Priory. She flourished because she felt safe and loved by everyone, her teache...
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"There is no way around it; Priory School's location is idyllic."
Lisa Bagchi - Parent (Mar 22, 2023)
My children both enjoy the friendships they've made at Priory School. Socially in the early years, t...
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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."
"The Priory is a premier co-educational school renowned for its leadership in early childhood education, where all stakeholders recognize that 'Happy Children Learn Best.' The Priory is a place where a child's imagination and creativity are nurtured, and meaningful learning takes place in a caring and nurturing environment. Excellence in teaching and a passion for learning are at the heart of the school's mission. A Certificate for English Eligibility is not required."
"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."
"As an intentionally small school, we firmly believe that every child is gifted. Our small class sizes and personalized approach to learning enable us to nurture and celebrate each child's unique talents and strengths. With our passionate and dedicated faculty, we provide a personalized learning experience where every child's needs are met, ensuring they have the tools and support necessary to thrive and reach their full potential."
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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."
"The Priory School is an intentionally small school, where each child receives individualized attention and a personalized education. The school offers a rigorous academic program that challenges and engages students, helping them to reach their full potential. The faculty members are passionate and dedicated educators who are committed to the success and well-being of every child. The Priory School fosters a supportive learning environment, where each child feels valued, respected and loved."
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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."
"The Priory School places a strong emphasis on character development, helping students to develop the skills and values they need to become responsible, compassionate, and engaged members of their communities."
"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."
"The Priory School teaches mindfulness techniques as part of its character development program. Students learn how to manage stress, cultivate resilience, and improve focus and concentration. The Priory School offers a global perspective on education, with an emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity. Students learn about different cultures and traditions, and are encouraged to develop an understanding and appreciation of the world around them."
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Dear Parents,
I am privileged to be the Head of School at The Priory, and I am honoured to be part of this caring and vibrant learning community. The Priory, a co-educational elementary school, specializing in early childhood education, provides an enriched learning environment empowering students to explore their interests while nurturing their inherent curiosity through meaningful learning experiences.
The Priory prides itself in providing an environment and philosophy which supports the development of the whole child. The core values of Caring, Community, Curiosity, Creativity and Respect for others are interwoven throughout all elements of school life, enabling each child to feel confident enough to take risks with their learning and try something new. Throughout each child’s educational journey at The Priory, they are equipped to explore their strengths, foster a sense of belonging and develop confidence while taking on leadership roles. A Priory education fosters the joy of learning, embraces the individual needs of each child and enhances personal growth and world awareness.
Our talented faculty and staff are deeply committed to cultivating compassionate, kind, responsible and confident individuals, prepared with a solid foundation for their life-long learning journey ahead.
I welcome you to visit The Priory School to see and feel why I am so proud of our Priory Community.
Progressive
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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.
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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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.
The Priory School follows a child-centered approach to education, which focuses on creating a positive and engaging learning environment that meets the needs of each student based on their interests, strengths, talents, and learning styles. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in both academic and personal development, with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, reading, writing, and oral communication skills in both English and French. The Priory School values character education, preparing students to become responsible and compassionate members of their community.
Equal Balance
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.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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Diverse mathematical materials and resources are used to enrich the program. Problem solving is the major focus of the mathematics curriculum. At the cycle 3 level, students learn to decode the elements of more complex situational problems. They further expand their repertoire of problem solving strategies. Students are encouraged to use manipulative materials as they model problems, to use appropriate mathematical language as they share ideas, and to validate their own solutions. Significant attention is also given to the development and practice of basic skills.
http://pearsonerpi.com/en/primaire
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Phonics-intensive
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.
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.
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The school's Learning Specialist works collaboratively with the classroom teachers to tailor instruction and curriculum to help each Priory student flourish academically. The Learning Specialist runs the Priory Enrichment Program (PEP) which provides both in-class and small-group support for students, and also provides enrichment opportunities for students who would benefit from the additional challenge. The Learning Specialist is also responsible for implementing the Cycle One (Grades 1 & 2) individualized reading program which provides weekly one-on-one differentiated reading instruction to Cycle One students with reading material that matches their reading ability.
Systematic approach
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.
The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.
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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
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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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
Core Knowledge
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.
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
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À la fin du troisième cycle, votre enfant pourra établir les contextes géographique et historique des sociétés du passé. Il reconnaîtra l'influence des personnages et l'incidence d'événements sur les organisations territoriale et sociale, ou sur des changements qu'elles ont connus. Il pourra aussi repérer des traces du passé dans des réalités patrimoniales actuelles. Votre enfant pourra aussi vous parler de ses forces et de ce qu'il peut améliorer.
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Communicative
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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.
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À la fin du troisième cycle, votre enfant devrait exprimer plus couramment en français ses besoins personnels et sociaux et communiquer plus spontanément et efficacement, tant à l'oral qu'à l'écrit, avec ses pairs. Il devrait se sentir à l'aise avec la littérature française et capable de choisir des livres par rapport à ses intérêts personnels. Il pourra diversifier ses lectures, établir des liens entre différents textes et les communiquer à différents interlocuteurs. Votre enfant approfondira ses connaissances par rapport à la langue française et à la culture québécoise. Il pourra participer à de nombreux échanges en français avec ses pairs et la communauté francophone.
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
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at The Priory enhances learning. Students use ICT in a variety of ways: creating, composing, exploring, analyzing, communicating and collaborating. Technology is used as a tool and is integrated into the curriculum at all grade levels. The goal of the ICT Program is to provide students with the skills to thrive in a continuously changing world.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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The physical education program at The Priory School is designed to provide students with a range of activities that promote physical fitness, motor skills, and sportsmanship. These activities include team sports and fitness activities. The program also aims to develop students' leadership and collaboration skills through team-building exercises and group activities. The school also emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship and fair play in all physical activities. Students are encouraged to respect their peers and their opponents, and to work together to achieve common goals.
Play-based
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.
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.
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.
Learning through play, exploration and experimentation are important components of the Kindergarten program. Through these mediums, children learn to express themselves confidently, interact harmoniously with others and gain a better understanding of the world around them. Learning through play allows each child to build a strong foundation from which to begin elementary school.
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.
Information not available
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.
The Priory School values academic performance and creates a culture of excellence by setting high expectations, providing support and resources, and recognizing and celebrating academic achievements. Students are encouraged to take an active role in their own learning, and teachers use a range of instructional strategies to engage and challenge them.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
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.
The Priory School believes that its purpose is to provide a holistic education that supports the development of the whole student - academically, socially, and emotionally. The school aims to prepare its students for success in secondary school and beyond, by providing them with a well-rounded education that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. The school believes that education is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills, but also about developing character and values. The Priory School promotes values such as respect, caring, community, curiosity, and creativity, and encourages its students to become compassionate and responsible members of their community.
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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
13%
0%
$7,120
$0
78%
75%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades K - 6
No
No
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.
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.
Submit an Application