REVIEW OF Hillfield Strathallan College BY student, Kerrington Johnston

(5) Student Experience

HSC has provided me with the space to flourish into my best self. The community is unmatched both within each of the four schools and as a full college. Rooted in tradition (like our house system), HSC is a second home for all its students. The extracurricular opportunities are second to none, from the arts to sports and academics, there is something for everyone. Teachers are always available to help and are genuinely invested in your learning experience. There is always a space to work, but also to socialize, striking a balance for students. I would recommend HSC to anyone, no matter what age you start — but as a lifer, I'm especially sad to see my time in this vibrant community come to a close.

The Best Part

Community without a doubt. Everyone, from teachers and admin to your peers, truly wishes to see you succeed. The relationships you build in your time here will stay with you far beyond HSC.

Suggested Improvements

The emphasis on leadership is extreme, leaving many feeling upset in their final years, as there are only so many roles to go around. However, these roles are important and help to foster the vibrancy of the community.

Hidden Details

Because we have such expansive facilities (7 gyms, 2 libraries, 10 fields, etc), we host many large tournaments here on campus. This helps contribute to our expansive co-curricular offerings.

(5) School Leadership

I really respect the school leaders at our school, especially the administration team. They are incredibly approachable, supportive, and welcoming, which makes students feel comfortable and valued. The teachers and guidance counsellors also put a lot of effort into helping students succeed both academically and personally. I think the staff does an excellent job creating a positive and encouraging school environment where students feel connected and involved. Their dedication and kindness make a real difference in the overall student experience and contribute greatly to the strong sense of community within the school.

(5) Teaching

This is definitely a rigorous program, but the teachers are always there to support students and help them succeed. Expectations are communicated clearly, and there are many opportunities to get extra help during flex times or after school whenever it is needed. The teachers genuinely want to see students do their best and encourage both academic growth and personal development. When they talk about success, I think they mean putting in effort, challenging yourself, and striving to reach your full potential while continuing to grow and learn throughout the process. They recognize that every student has different strengths and encourage students to build confidence, stay motivated, and take pride in their accomplishments both inside and outside of the classroom. The workload isn't there to beat you down; it's there to build you and your confidence.

(5) Academics

The work at our school is challenging, but in a positive and manageable way. It pushes students to think critically and develop strong study habits without feeling overwhelmed. For the most part, the workload feels just right because it encourages growth while still being achievable with good effort and the available support. I also believe what we are learning will be useful later in life, especially skills like time management, problem-solving, communication, and independent thinking. These life skills translate not only to university but beyond. A mix of exams and summative assessments as culminating activities, along with written, oral, and creative assignments during the semester, encourages you to become comfortable with all formats. Overall, the learning experience feels purposeful because it prepares students not only for further education but also for real-world situations where determination and responsibility are important.

(5) Extracurriculars

There are so many opportunities to get involved at HSC! There are tons of sports, from swimming to volleyball, rugby, and badminton, as well as many more opportunities to get involved in athletics. There are also academic clubs like HOSA, MUN, and Reach for the Top, which allow students to challenge themselves intellectually and develop leadership skills. In addition, creative outlets such as art club and theatre performances give students space to express themselves. All of these encourage that sense of community, allowing you to make new friends and try new things in a judgment-free zone.

(5) Students

The student community at HSC is very strong and plays a big role in the overall school culture. There is a wide range of students with different interests, but what connects them is a shared sense of involvement and deep-rooted pride in the school and how they contribute. It feels more like a busy, connected city than a small town, with lots of opportunities happening at once. This means that sometimes you have to prioritize, teaching you not to take on too much. Students who tend to do best here are those who are self-motivated, curious, and willing to take initiative in getting involved and making the most of what is offered. Since there are so many opportunities available, success often comes to students who actively seek them out and engage with them.

(5) School Life

I would start the tour in our student commons because it really feels like the heart of the school. It’s where you get a real sense of everyday student life, and it connects all parts of the senior school while still linking to the middle and early education areas. From there, you can see the house trophy displays and student artwork, which show a lot of school pride and creativity. You can also look into the triple gyms, where we have our chapel assemblies and host a variety of sports tournaments. The space is always active, with students studying, talking, or working together, so it gives visitors a really genuine feel for the community. It’s the best place to understand the energy and spirit of the school right away.

(5) Community

The school does feel like home to me in many ways because of the strong sense of community and the supportive environment; granted, I have been here for most of my life. There are familiar spaces, routines, and people that make it feel comfortable and welcoming on a daily basis. Teachers and admin know you personally, which contributes significantly to a sense of belonging. I also think the school does a good job of making students feel included and appreciated through its wide range of activities, clubs, and opportunities to get involved. While everyone’s experience is different, there is a general culture of respect and encouragement that helps students feel like they belong. Overall, it feels like a place where students are known, supported, and given many chances to connect with others and be part of something bigger than just the classroom.

(4) School Location

You can go off campus starting in Grade 11, so at that point, some students will walk over to Mohawk to grab lunch or snacks. Otherwise, most students tend to stay on campus throughout the day and spend their breaks here. A few students who have cars might head out occasionally, but overall, there is truly no need. Lunch is spectacular, with something for everyone, and there is lots to keep you busy in your spare time at HSC.

(N/A) Admissions

As a lifer but also an admissions ambassador, the admissions process has changed over the past 15 years, but it has always and will always feel welcoming and supportive. From visit days to interviews, everything is designed to help ensure that each student will thrive in the environment. The admissions team is genuinely kind and approachable, which makes the experience feel comfortable rather than stressful. My advice would be to just be yourself and show genuine interest in the school community.