180 Duncan Mill Road, 4th Foor, North York, Ontario, M3B 1Z6(MAP)
3601 Highway 7 East, Suite 808, Markham, Ontario, L3R 0M3(MAP)
Busing not available
Our Perspective
How we see Merit College
Since it was founded, Merit College has served primarily the Chinese Canadian community, with homestay available for students arriving from overseas. The focus at Merit College is very firmly placed on academics, leadership, and communication skills, and it has gained its reputation through preparing students to thrive within a North American university setting. The school community is small, personal and close-knit, and while the school may lack some of the bells and whistles of larger schools—such as breadth of extra-curricular or athletic offerings—the students that enroll here are looking for a challenge, and to gain academic confidence and language skills with an eye to gaining acceptance at leading universities in Canada and the US.
School's Perspective
Compare with:
How Merit College sees itself
The school administration answered our questions
Who are you, as a school?
"For fifteen years, Merit College has been helping thousands of talented students from local communities and around the world reach their full potential and gain admission to top universities. We offer rigorous academic programs, including OSSD, AP, French and Mandarin immersion, STEM, and arts, all individualized in small class settings. Our highly qualified teachers cater to each student's needs. We pride ourselves on developing tomorrow's leaders who are confident, caring, and responsible global citizens."
Over a decade of educational excellence.
Helps thousands of local and international students achieve their dream.
Rigorous programs: OSSD, AP, STEM, arts.
French and Mandarin immersion programs.
Small class sizes for personalized learning.
Highly qualified and dedicated teachers.
Focus on developing confident, caring leaders.
Mission to achieve academic and personal growth.
Prepares students for top universities in Canada, US and around the world.
Fosters responsible global citizenship.
What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"At Merit College, we excel in individualized education, rigorous academics, and fostering holistic development. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention from highly qualified teachers, helping students reach their full potential. We offer a diverse curriculum, including OSSD, AP, STEM, arts, and French and Mandarin immersion.
Our approach emphasizes character, service, leadership, and ethical values, ensuring students become confident, caring, and responsible global citizens. We provide a supportive environment with comprehensive academic advising, counseling, and mentorship. Our global perspective, through language immersion programs, prepares students for a connected world.
Innovative teaching methods and state-of-the-art facilities enhance learning, while strong community ties encourage engagement and social responsibility. Graduates leave Merit College with exceptional academic achievements and as compassionate leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to society."
What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At Merit College, our commitment to individualized education and holistic development involves several trade-offs.
We prioritize small class sizes and individualized instruction over large-scale standardization, ensuring tailored education.
We emphasize creativity and critical thinking over rigid, rote learning, nurturing innovators.
Our holistic approach covers academics and character building.
We foster a global perspective through language immersion and international programs.
We balance technology use with classical education methods, ensuring tech-savviness and strong foundational skills.
We value collaboration over intense competition, fostering a supportive community.
These trade-offs reflect our dedication to developing confident, caring, and responsible global citizens, ready to contribute meaningfully to society."
What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Merit College's history includes several milestones that have shaped its current identity:
2008: Founding of Merit Education
Established with a mission to help new immigrant and international students quickly and smoothly adapt to North American education system and society, and attend top universities.
2010: Founding of Merit College
Became a fully accredited Private Inspected High School in Ontario, and offered Integrated comprehensive character education and counseling programs.
2014: Scholarships
Established scholarships, with the first international students graduating and entering top universities.
2016: Innovation Award
Received an innovation award, reinforcing our commitment to excellence.
2018: 10th Anniversary
Celebrated our 10th anniversary, and marked our 10th year of philanthropy including annual donation to UNICEF.
2020: Online Education
Launched an online education platform, adapting to modern educational needs.
2024: New Campus
Expanded campus in North York"
What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"At Merit College, we thrive with students who are curious, motivated, and eager to take advantage of our rigorous academic programs and holistic development opportunities. Our ideal student embraces challenges, values personal growth, and is open to new experiences and ideas. They are enthusiastic about learning and demonstrate a strong desire to reach their full potential, both academically and personally."
Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Merit College excels in providing a balanced, individualized education focused on academic excellence and personal growth. However, our approach may not align with every family's expectations or priorities."
To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Personalized Attention: Small class sizes and individualized instruction cater to each student's needs, fostering growth.
Academic Excellence: Rigorous programs (OSSD, AP, STEM, arts, French, Mandarin) prepare students for top universities.
Holistic Development: Emphasis on character education, leadership, and social responsibility ensures well-rounded individuals.
Qualified Teachers: Dedicated teachers create a supportive environment encouraging success.
Supportive Community: Collaborative and inclusive atmosphere where students support each other.
Innovation and Tradition: Blending modern methods with classical principles provides comprehensive education.
Global Perspective: Focus on global citizenship through language immersion and international programs appeals to globally-minded families.
Proven Track Record: Successful alumni in higher education and professional fields reassure families of our education."
How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Merit develops global citizenship and inter-cultural skills. Every year students lead a fundraising initiative for UNICEF, raising over $35 000 a year to donate. Last year, this money went to children in Gaza. Students put on a talent show, auction art items and host the event. It is a proud moment for parents and students alike to acknowledge the excellent academic and social responsibility that young people can offer."
What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"Merit specializes in all types of students and seeks to develop young people where they are at. Our goal is to move the student forward in their personal development, academically and as contributors in society. We will nurture your child and help them develop their personal best."
What might families find surprising about your school?
"Families might find the level of individual attention that each students gets surprising. Principal Joe Lu spends time with the family and students at the beginning, middle and end of the high school journey. But the goal is always to get the students to the next level."
What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Merit offers AP courses in all subjects and is a certified AP school"
How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Merit is committed to developing French and Arts programs. As a very strong STEM school, in math, physics and science, we seek to broaden out our liberal arts programs to offer more well rounded programs."
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Message from school leadership
Peever, Michael
For almost a decade, Merit College has been helping young and talented students from all over the world reach their full potential and get accepted into a suitable post-secondary program. Merit offers a rigorous academic program that is individualized in a small class learning environment. Our highly qualified teachers attend to each student’s needs. We pride ourselves on developing young leaders of tomorrow who are confident, caring and responsible global citizens.
On behalf of Merit College and our dedicated staff, I would like to invite you and your family to our school for a visit. I’m confident that you’ll quickly find out why Merit is the right choice for you and your family.
