REVIEW OF Hillfield Strathallan College BY student, Henry Tierney
- Date of Review
May 12, 2026 - Grades
JK - Gr. 12 (current) - Gender
Male - Enrollment
Day Student
(4.5) Student Experience
I have significantly enjoyed my time at HSC. Since my first year at HSC in kindergarten, my learning has been fostered in a way that is simultaneously challenging and supportive. It is clear that HSC stays true to its core mantras and ideals, especially "Learn with joy, live with purpose." This is because the welcoming, spirited community at HSC does an excellent job of ensuring its students are fulfilled academically, socially, and physically, both on and off campus. Despite the college having four separate schools, the connections between them are incredibly enriching. For instance, I had a great time visiting my old classrooms in the Junior School when I volunteered for some of their extracurricular groups. Through these experiences, I have been able to both reflect on my time in the Junior School and help ensure that the younger students' experiences at HSC are as positive as mine was.
The Best Part
While it may not be the most obvious highlight, eating lunch at the Lawson Hall is one of the best parts of HSC. Beyond the many delicious options, dining in the Lawson Hall is a perfect example of the spirit and community that the college promotes. The hum of various conversations, smiling faces, and sounds of laughter are nothing but welcoming and make me feel proud to be enrolled at such a supportive school. After I graduate, I will always look back on Lawson Hall as a space where I stepped away from the stresses of the day and relaxed with my friends, which is extremely valuable in terms of mental well-being.
Suggested Improvements
If I could change one thing about HSC, I would recommend changing its older facilities. From a student perspective, recent renovations/projects have brought amazing learning opportunities and areas for enrichment, but older buildings such as the Middle School and the Lawson Hall are not as accessible. Specifically, steep staircases with no alternatives (elevators, ramps, etc) and poorly insulated hallways are their biggest issues. To address this, HSC is currently in the process of planning a new Middle School building, which is definitely something to look forward to in order to make the student experience that much better.
Hidden Details
Something surprising about HSC is how tight-knit the community actually is. As one of HSC's core ideals, it is clear that community is emphasized with the current students/faculty on campus. Beyond the HSC campus, however, there is a vast community of alumni, friends, and family. It is often said at HSC that once you're a member of its community, you're always a member. This is because of the thousands of connections in a wide variety of careers and locations around the world, and from the perspective of a Gr.12 student, these connections are priceless as I approach my post-secondary career and beyond.
