99 Cartwright Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6A 1V4, Canada
451 Ellesmere Road, Scarborough - Toronto, Ontario, M1R 4E5, Canada
99 Cartwright Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M6A 1V4, Canada
451 Ellesmere Road, Scarborough - Toronto, Ontario, M1R 4E5, Canada
1987
2000
328
240
JK to 8
JK to 8
Boys
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Traditional
18 to 20
16 to 24
In-class adaptations
$37,000
$9,050
Yes
No
0%
0%
7 to 8
None
$37,000
$0
30
22
0%
0%
35%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Mar 30, 2023
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades JK - 2
No
No
information not available
information not available
Boys' schools often state that they know boys, or are boy-friendly, though too often those statements aren't qualified. Sterling, thankfully, defines what they mean: energy, curiosity, and exploration. Certainly, boys from K to 8 typically have those in abundance, and the program at Sterling is intended to focus things a bit, channeling those natural attributes toward higher order growth and understanding. Confidence, resilience, motivation, goals—we think that boys naturally have these, but they don't. That Sterling places those kinds of values out front is telling of the overall instructional approach. The ideal student is one who can thrive in a structured, challenging, collaborative, and close-knit learning environment. Parent involvement in the life the of the school is both welcome and encouraged.
View full reportCharacter development and academic excellence go hand in hand at Sathya Sai School. The Ontario curriculum is integrated with the values of truth, right conduct, peace, love, and non-violence. Holistic development is a major focus: yoga, prayer, and activities that teach calmness and concentration are regularly provided. Kids thrive in an environment of ample support and compassion delivered by school staff and volunteers in partnership with a parental commitment to those same values. Sathya Sai School offers a huge range of extracurriculars and clubs, as well as service projects which help build key traits and skills such as leadership and responsibility. Kids graduate with a sensitivity to the needs of others and a strong ethical framework as well as impressive academic credentials.
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"The Sterling Hall School is exclusively designed for boys from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Our commitment to fostering individual growth, cultivating curiosity, and igniting a passion for learning sets us apart. At SHS, we immerse boys in a dynamic and innovative academic environment. Our dedicated and compassionate faculty deliver a challenging curriculum that propels each boy towards academic success. We recognize the unique needs of boys during their formative years, and our programs are tailor-made to support their engagement, interests, and the development of character strengths and leadership skills. The SHS experience is about shaping well-rounded individuals poised for success. Character, community and citizenship operate in tandem at SHS. Boys learn to recognize their unique strengths as identified through the VIA character strengths, and become confident by challenging themselves to deepen them daily. To strengthen relationships, we engage in active discussion of character during our daily community circles, part of our Health & Community program. Our values of Learning, Character, and Community are not just words but the very essence of our identity. Discover why The Sterling Hall School is where boys belong."
"The Sathya Sai School is training future leaders in our community. We offer the Ministry of Ontario Curriculum integrated with a Human Values-based character education program for students from JK to Grade 8. We are a non-profit, independent school of 240 students. The school's curriculum is structured around the five universal Human Values of Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Non-violence. This focus on Human Values has led us to be ranked a #1 elementary school in Ontario by the Fraser Institute since 2006."
"Personal Connection: Every boy is known and cared for.
Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunities are abundant, creating an environment to thrive.
Transformational Programs: Our character and social-emotional programs bring about personal growth for each boy.
Inspirational Learning: Our teacher-boy relationships spark a passion for learning.
Nurturing Growth: We celebrate boys and cultivate a growth mindset.
Self-Discovery: By providing a supportive foundation, boys can truly know themselves."
"The Sathya Sai School is founded on the universal ideals of Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Non-violence. These values are inherent in each child. Our goal is to nurture these values to achieve excellence. The Sathya Sai Education in Human Values program awakens intuition and consciousness. This brings about transformation of one’s character. We provide students with an environment that helps them gain confidence to become good, intelligent and socially responsible citizens."
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"Discover why families choose SHS. Here's what some have told us:
"What makes SHS so unique is its integration of emotional intelligence and character development into all aspects of the curriculum and co-curriculars. Kindness and empathy are prioritized...and they are consistently role-modelled by faculty and staff." (Alyssa, Parent)
"SHS is more than just a school - it is a community that supports everyone to ensure our sons achieve their full potential." (Maryse & Evan, Parents)"
"Families choose the Sathya Sai School because of its highly rated academic programs and integration of character education. Families regularly comment on their child's awareness of social issues and social responsibilities. Many parents have noted that their child's behaviour at home and in the community have been recognized as exemplary. While reaching toward their highest potential, they have also changed the lives of people around them with their compassion, self-discipline and wisdom."
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"At SHS, we prioritize character development and academic success through research-based practices that are tailored to boys' learning. Actively engaged in global education initiatives, we are a longstanding member of the International Boys' Schools Coalition (IBSC). Rick Parsons, our Principal, serves on the IBSC Board of Trustees, contributing to the development of boys worldwide. Our affiliation reflects our commitment to shaping a rich environment for boys' success and character growth."
"Meditation/Silent Sitting. Parents report that their children continued to engage in silent sitting/meditation at home, even after graduating from the school. There were observable improvements in their children's behaviour - they were calmer and able to handle stress better. Meditation and silent sitting have had a long-term impact on their performance in higher grades."
"1. Boys engage in global perspectives, tackling complex concepts in intimate class settings with low student-teacher ratios.
2. Sterling Hall is committed to providing safe, guided adventures through our Experiential Learning Program. Our scaffolded approach means that boys receive increasingly challenging learning opportunities that enable boys to develop their individual character strengths.
3. Our inspired service-learning program builds compassion and empathy in our boys."
"Sathya Sai School students love coming to school. When they are ill and cannot attend, they feel sad to have to miss even one day of school. A student who joined in grade 7 had been bullied at his previous school and did not want to attend school. After joining the Sathya Sai School, he was jumping out bed early in the morning and could not wait to come to school to learn and share with his friends. Many families appreciate the fact that their child has introduced meditation to them."
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Dear Families:
I have been asked with some regularity to describe the “typical” Sterling Hall boy. My answer always remains the same: there is no such thing as a “typical” Sterling Hall boy.Welcome to Sathya Sai School, a non-denominational, unique elementary school (JK-Gr.8) that integrates character development with academic excellence. The result has been the blossoming of human excellence through self-transformation in hundreds of students.
The universal human values, namely Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Nonviolence and the five teaching techniques – Universal Prayers, Silent Sitting, Story Telling, Group Singing and Group Activities - help develop a child holistically. Our faculty members strive to be exemplars of human values.
At Sathya Sai School of Toronto-Canada, the advanced academic programme is balanced with Daily Prayers, Meditation, Yoga, Music, Choir and Band, Physical Education, team sports, leadership and extracurricular activities. Service activities (local, national and international) are integral to the school culture.
The harmonious trilateral partnership between parents, teachers and volunteers ensures a child’s physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual well-being. The parents must attend "Dynamic Parenting" classes to understand human values and inculcate the same in their children.
The universal human values, which underlie all the learning at our school, have resulted in a high level of academic achievement in our students, together with a sensitive awareness of the needs of others. This has made them welcome additions to the high schools, universities, and workplaces of their choice, where they shine as examples to others through their diligence, ethical conduct and sense of community service.
Please visit our website to learn more about our school programs.
Sincerely,
Revathi Chennabathni
Traditional
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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.
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.
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In our inquiry-based learning environment, we develop the whole boy. We provide enrichment opportunities where appropriate and strategies for success for all of our students. Known by every member of the faculty and staff, each boy is supported in all aspects of school life as he develops and discovers his unique interests and love of learning. SHS’ low student-to-teacher ratio allows academic specialists to facilitate how your son learns best. At SHS, boys are taught to collaborate and create partnerships to enhance problem-solving abilities, social interactions and group learning, whether working through the steps of a challenging equation, brainstorming structural ideas or working with a teacher in the Guided Reading program. Small groups are proven to be highly effective and many classrooms are arranged in pods to ensure collaborative work is achieved. Assessment is integral to improving the educational experience. We provide boys with clear achievement markers to reach their goals. This enables student self-assessment and goal setting culminating in student-led conferences as boys pursue areas of passion and interest.
The essence of the Sathya Sai School lives in our five universal human values of Peace, Love, Non-Violence, Right Conduct, and Truth. It permeates all that we do by balancing character with academic excellence. Student voice and choice are embedded in the school environment so that students become active partners in the learning process. We encourage students to engage with the materials, promote collaboration, and encourage self-reflection to evaluate their learning. Learning is implemented through science fair projects, role plays, public speaking events, and service-learning assignments that run through all grades. Through hands-on methods, students inquire and draw meaningful conclusions. We are also committed to building a 21st-century skill-set critical to student success. Digital literacy begins early in primary grades, and students learn digital ethics. French also starts early in the primary grades. Teachers gather evidence of learning from various sources (triangulation of data) that accurately reflect how students work towards expectations. Assessment as of and for learning also plays a critical role in improving student achievement.
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.
We use an innovative approach based on Singapore Math in our Primary and Junior Divisions. Singapore Math is a teaching method based on Singapore’s national math curriculum. It is designed to connect math learning to a great variety of learners and its framework focuses on an in-depth understanding of essential math skills with a special emphasis on problem solving. The program emphasizes mastery of foundational skills on the well-tested assumption that higher levels of math learning require a students’ deeper understanding of math as a basis of success. Singapore’s three step learning model of concrete, followed by visual representation, followed by the more abstract (questioning and solving written equations) has become a finely tuned method for math learning in many educational jurisdictions worldwide.
Since each student in a mathematics classroom has a unique identity and readiness to learn new concepts and skills, learning begins with a focus on fundamental concepts and foundational skills, delivered through carefully planned direct instruction using a variety of platforms. Our resources include textbooks/workbooks, Jump Math, Mathletics, and websites such as IXL, Prodigy, SplashLearn, and manipulatives. Following that, problem-solving tasks are assigned to introduce, clarify, or apply the concept and skills learned using strategies which are then enhanced further by contests such as Gauss and Spirit of Math. This balanced pedagogy engages students and allows them to demonstrate their learning by representing, connecting, and justifying their thoughts as they find relevance in what they learn. Teachers also raise awareness of math-related careers by exploring real-world applications and providing opportunities for career-related project work, such as a business fair, where students can learn financial literacy and become budding entrepreneurs.
Balanced Literacy
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.
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.
Guided Reading has become a proven method of helping boys use and develop strategies to read with greater independence and fluency. Each boy in Grades 1 – 3 receives direct support from a reading teacher as he reads and processes texts at increasingly challenging levels of difficulty. Reading teachers work with small groups of boys ( 6 or 8 boys) reading at a similar ability. Guided reading tends to deliver greater enjoyment of reading over the long term, because it helps boys to construct meaning from what they read and to master an understanding of increasingly complex words and grammatical structures. Interaction with their teacher and reading peers keeps boys' confidence with reading intact and evolving as they learn.
At Sathya Sai School, we aim to ensure that our students become proficient, thoughtful readers and writers, who can think critically and communicate confidently and purposefully. To achieve these goals, we follow the balanced literacy approach to teaching language. Teachers engage students through read-aloud, modeling reading, thinking, and comprehension strategies. This enables students to see what good reading looks like and it initiates many habits of the mind necessary for proficient readers. Our classroom libraries provide students with leveled books that cater to the different interests of our young readers. Book talks, guided reading, reading buddies, book clubs, and annual book fairs are some of our successful reading programs and events that get our children excited about reading. Upper grades move to analyses of writing structures and archetypes connections.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
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.
Writing is not just a matter of convenience but also a form of art to explore and express. The approach to teaching writing is also similar to reading. The teacher prepares, facilitates, guides, and models students--leading them to independence through a gradual release of responsibility. Most grades use the 6+ One Traits of Writing Model. Reflections and journal writing are aids to inculcate introspective skills. Vocabulary enrichment and phonic instructions are used to enhance reading and writing competencies as part of our balanced literacy program. Writing activities that students see as meaningful and that challenge them to think creatively about topics and concerns. Students explore various forms and styles of writing in different genres and engage in the creative process as they plan, draft, revise, and publish their work.
Equal Balance
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.
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.
Boys revel in our active, hands-on inquiry - a mainstay of Sterling Hall School science curriculum. Experiences are enhanced by adhering to a scientific method, in which boys become increasingly autonomous through their years at our school. Their experiential learning is deepened through a strong foundation in science concepts and thought. In addition to traditional classroom experiences, our boys enjoy the use of project-based learning challenges, opportunities for group and independent research and learning through experiments. Through innovative academic practices and boy-focussed programming, students are inspired and empowered to engage deeply in the sciences. We know that boys need to have strong relationships with their teachers in order to learn. Old Boys have even come back to SHS in their free time to pursue independent inquiry projects, accessing the resources of beloved teachers and our up-to-date learning environments and tools.\n
Students are provided hands-on opportunities in school or through science field trips in order to develop and refine their inquiry skills, problem-solving skills, and critical and creative thinking skills while discovering fundamental concepts through direct instruction. The activities offered enable students to Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate, promoting collaborative, active learning in which students work together to solve problems and investigate new concepts by asking questions, observing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions. Science fairs are held at the school with little guidance, allowing students to become freethinkers while they analyze how the science behind everything works. Opportunities to relate knowledge and skills to wider contexts by integrating science with other subjects motivates students to learn in a meaningful way and become lifelong learners.
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.
Guided Reading has become a proven method of helping boys use and develop strategies to read with greater independence and fluency. Each boy in Grades 1 – 3 receives direct support from a reading teacher as he reads and processes texts at increasingly challenging levels of difficulty. Reading teachers work with small groups of boys ( 6 or 8 boys) reading at a similar ability. Guided reading tends to deliver greater enjoyment of reading over the long term, because it helps boys to construct meaning from what they read and to master an understanding of increasingly complex words and grammatical structures. Interaction with their teacher and reading peers keeps boys\' confidence with reading intact and evolving as they learn.
The study of Language and Literature in Sathya Sai School is focused on developing language skills essential to students for understanding themselves and others so that they find fulfilling careers and become responsible citizens. Students are encouraged to exercise their higher-order thinking skills to voice their perspectives as they read various forms of literature. The school uses strategies and resources that recognize and reflect diversity in the classroom and cater to the individual strengths and needs of students. Students are encouraged to connect with their own experiences as well as with the world through different lenses. Students read and analyse works of recognised, diverse writers from their own time as well as earlier eras. Thus by reading from a wide spectrum of materials they are challenged to become receptive to varying ideas and perspectives as they grow in their ability to think independently and critically.
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.
Conceptual understandings learned through the social sciences are universally experienced by students through their years at SHS. Continuity and change, historical significance, ethics, perspective, cause and consequence and factual evidence are lenses through which our students experience and learn about their own communities and those around the globe. Our boys enjoy learning engagements that ignite their curiosity and require them to practice critical and creative thinking in social studies. Sterling Hall boys are ignited by the opportunity to engage in relevant, age-appropriate issues and share learning with authentic audiences. SHS boys are known for their exemplary community citizenship, a key criteria in how and what they learn in social studies. It is not unusual to find boys taking action from their learning and reaching out into their community to help. \n
Social Science at the Sathya Sai School, especially for the early grades, is highly linked with the backgrounds and experiences of the local community. More traditional geography and history lessons are used at the lower grades. However, the emphasis overall is on projects about family and community histories. Social justice also plays a central role. Children learn quite a lot about the historical experiences of minority communities in Canada and are encouraged to think critically about their own communities and the roles they played.
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.
Humanities and social sciences in the Sathya Sai School provide a vehicle for our moral philosophy of universal human values. History and geography are used to examine past and current social and moral issues in the world which are then linked back to our understanding of universal human values. More traditional geography and history lessons are used at the Junior and Intermediate levels, focusing on the development of Confederation, settlers, and their impact on Indigenous communities. In geography at the higher levels, the focus is on World Human Patterns and Economic Systems and Immigration with an emphasis on Canada. However, the emphasis overall is on projects about family and community histories. Social justice also plays a central role. Children learn quite a lot about the historical experiences of minority communities in Canada and are encouraged to think critically about their own communities and the roles they play.
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.
We provide engaging second language instruction suitable for the age and stage of each boy. In JK - Grade 5, students benefit from oral repetition in which they participate actively and receive immediate feedback. Using the Accelerated Integrative Method (AIM), students build a foundation through role play, dramatizations, rehearsal of gestures and related vocabulary. This active method of learning a second language that mimics first language development increases risk taking, a skill that leads to greater language acquisition. Boys further develop their thinking and communication in the Grade 6-8 French program. In addition to explicit grammar instructions, they enthusiastically debate, role play, and collaborate on projects and presentations for authentic audiences. Throughout the years of study, SHS students are encouraged to communicate only in French. Technology enhances learning, providing access to the greater French community. Our goal is to develop our students’ love and appreciation for language learning.
At Sathya Sai School, the teaching of Core French begins from Junior Kindergarten (JK). Our students are introduced to the fundamentals of the French language through recitations, poems, songs, dialogues, and other modes of communication. French is taught once a week from JK to Grade 3. However, it is taught everyday from Grade 4 to Grade 8, in line with the Provincial Ontario Curriculum. The students go through the four strands of learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The students learn a lot through various audio visual means, as well as group and individual project work. This boosts their confidence in writing, speaking or expressing themselves in the French language.
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
Information not available
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.
Unique to our school, our Visiting Artists Program offers Sterling Hall boys the opportunity to meet, observe and interact with a professional Canadian artist. This interpersonal connection adds life to our curriculum and lets our students observe artistic excellence and achievement first-hand.
The Sathya Sai School offers an enriched arts education for students in music, drama, yoga, dance, digital arts and visual arts. Visual Art is taught independently as a subject and is integrated into other subjects. The school's philosophy of universal human values is embedded into Performing Arts curricula. The goals of the school are to enrich and accelerate aesthetic development; to stimulate creativity and original thinking; and to create an enduring respect and passion for learning within a climate of artistic and academic excellence.
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.
Computers and technology play a fairly central role at the Sathya Sai School despite not being an explicitly "technology-focused" school. Nonetheless, coding is a central part of every grade's curriculum. Technology should be implemented into education as quickly as possible, but only when it is relevant. When nothing else works, technology can often achieve educational goals, but only when it is employed as a tool to boost learning. Students at this age require more scaffolding, but technology can help them develop higher-order thinking skills if used responsibly.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Our Athletics Program is specifically designed for boys in their formative years. Boys receive daily physical education as well as many co-curricular athletics opportunities. As a small school, we are able to offer athletics activities for each boy, from the newest player to the competitive athlete, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Boys of all skill levels can try a new sport, strive competitively and enjoy inclusive team play with classmates and friends. The main goals of our athletics program are to help boys develop physically, socially and emotionally, build positive relationships with their teachers and peers, develop a lifelong ability to make healthy lifestyle choices and foster a love for physical activity.
The Sathya Sai School's Physical Education curriculum endeavours to create a healthy mind in a healthy body alongside a good sense of fair play. Good morals and manners come first and so sportsmanship is the first priority. Students are to be strong competitors while still being fair competitors. Basketball, badminton and cricket are some of our top sports and teams either exist for them or are in the works. There is also an all-grades sports day that runs every year.
Play-based
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
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.
Kindergarten is the beginning of an exciting learning journey for children and their families. We welcome our youngest learners by offering a safe, supportive and stimulating environment in the Kindergarten classrooms. This is a time of discovery, growth and wonder when we foster independence, self-help skills, confidence and a love for learning. The foundational program follows a rigorous curriculum to ensure that students are well-prepared for entry into Grade 1 while also providing opportunities for learning through play-based exploration and inquiry. Students engage in activities that are hands-on and that offer opportunities for differentiated learning.
We focused on teaching and learning within the four frameworks namely: Belonging and Contributing, Self-Regulation and Well Being, Demonstrating Literacy and Mathematics Behaviour, Problem Solving and Innovation. This school creates a heart culture that enables everyone to feel welcomed and belonged. Our twice-a-day Meditation and bi-weekly Yoga practices play an integral part in the student’s self-regulation and well-being. This balances their overall mental and emotional health. The children gain Mathematics and Literacy concepts through various learning experiences in a play-based inquiry method. The kindergarten teachers create opportunities for students to render service which ultimately leads to individual transformation because the school believes that a student’s holistic growth is an inspiration and contribution to society.
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.
With our focus on individual attention to accommodate different learning styles, The Sterling Hall School provides every opportunity for students to be successful. Academic Success helps students with varying abilities achieve their academic goals.
We have a student-centred approach based on their learning abilities. We encourage students to think out-of-the-box, with curiosity and creativity.
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.
Our foundational philosophy at the Sathya Sai School is to leave no student behind. Towards this end, our teachers ensure that all students’ academic styles and learning approaches are understood and that teaching material is delivered in a student-centred manner. We know that each student is unique, and our program is designed to help students reach their highest potential. Our teachers inspire students to be confident lifelong learners, responsible global citizens and champions of excellence.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"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.
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."
Our core value of Sterling Character states that we value and develop confidence and resilience, kindness and respect, with the courage to advocate for oneself and for others. We aim to instil in each of our graduates a strong moral and performance character that will equip him to be a capable contributor and leader within his communities and an outstanding world citizen.
We inspire human excellence through our approach that balances the child's emotional, physical and intellectual needs. This holistic style uses the five Universal Human Values of Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Non-Violence. We realize that every child is innately divine. Our teaching method employs direct instruction through songs, storytelling, meditation and group activities. We integrate these five human values into the more comprehensive curriculum and enrichment activities.
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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
7 - 8
1%
0%
$37,000
$0
35%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Mar 30, 2023
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades JK - 2
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades JK - 8
Yes: grades 3 - 8
No
No
No
No
We admit families with a wide range of backgrounds, provided we feel confident that the boy will be successful in our program and the parents will be partners in his educational journey. During the interview process, we get to know you and your son in order to discover whether SHS is where you belong.
Students of the Sathya Sai School are expected to strive to: - Achieve academic excellence; - Apply the five Human Values in daily life; - Develop good study and work habits such as concentration, time management and commitment; - Display friendliness and cooperation by forming positive relationships with peers and adults; - Show respect for other people’s feelings, values and beliefs; - Show initiative and willingness to accept responsibility; and - Render selfless service to the community.
|
Sterling Hall Admissions Process Step 1: Get to know us |
| Step 2: Apply It is easy to submit an application through our Admissions Portal; simply follow the checklist. We ask for the following documentation to be submitted with your application:
|
| Step 3: Student Learning Snapshot and Family/Parent Interview Once your application is fully submitted, a student Learning Snapshot and family/parent interview help our Admissions Team to better understand your son. Family/Parent Interview On the same day as your son's assessment or shortly after, our Director of Enrolment Management will meet you to learn more about your family and find out how the goals envisioned for your son might align with SHS's mission and core values. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the school. Junior Kindergarten (JK) - Grade 2 Learning Snapshots These assessments take place in groups and consist of grade-appropriate activities that allow us to observe your son's social and emotional development, including working independently, collaboratively and following directions. We will also have the opportunity to observe his developing skills in math, language and critical thinking. Grade 3 - Grade 8 Learning Snapshots Along with any necessary support from the Admissions Team, your son will complete some in-house, grade-appropriate literacy and math tasks to assess his current academic level. These tasks provide insights into how well your son will manage our curriculum. Boys will also engage in casual conversation and critical thinking problem solving with a group. This is not a pass or fail test, but rather a way to gain further insight into your son's academic, learning and personal profile. |
| Step 4: Communication Admission offers will be made to our Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, and Grade 1 and 2 applicants by early February. Grade 3-8 applicants will be notified by the last week of February. |
| Step 5: Enrolment and Onboarding Activities Registration must be returned with the first tuition instalment fee by the date indicated in order for your space at Sterling Hall to be confirmed. From April onwards, we have a number of onboarding activities for families and new boys to help ease the transition to SHS. |
The application must be made using the online Application for Admission.
All applicants and parents for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 2 will receive an in-person interview to determine whether our school and your family are a good fit. Applicants will then be placed in a pool and students will be selected by lottery.
All applicants for Grades 3 to 8 will write a Placement Test, based on the curriculum of the student’s current year. Applications are open to siblings of students already enrolled, subject to the same criteria as other applicants.
The decision of the Admissions Committee will be final.
Applicant must be either a Canadian Citizen, a Permanent Resident, or on a Student Visa.
