Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy League school in the US, or somewhere else? Whatever your inclinations, check out a school’s university placement record and the support they offer for university applications and decisions.
Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation
100%
Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada
8%
Students who attended a Ivy+ school
Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)
1
Services Offered to Students
Type
Offered
Career planning
Internships
N/A
Mentorship Program
University counseling
Post-Secondary Schools Attended
Learn the top five post-secondary schools Pickering College graduates attend, and the percentage of graduates that attend each of these schools.
This chart shows the main subject areas Pickering College graduates have pursued in post-secondary studies. If post-secondary studies are a major goal, this is an important factor to consider in choosing a school for your child.
Pickering College Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:
This information is not currently available.
Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:
24% - Liberal Arts and Sciences 24% - Engineering and Applied Sciences 23% - Business/Commerce 6% - Fine and Performing Arts 15% - Applied Health Sciences 2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma) 6% - Other
Qualitative insights
These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.
Students benefit from a balanced and supportive academic environment.
Thoughts from parents and students reflect an environment at Pickering College where the academic program combines structure and support, fostering both personal growth and preparedness for university challenges.
The academic program at Pickering was clear and organized. You always knew what was expected, even when the workload felt heavier than usual. The strength of the program, in my opinion, was the structure. Every class had a purpose, and you could see how it fit into the larger picture. Students worked hard, but the atmosphere was not overly competitive. People helped each other a lot, especially before tests or big assignments. I felt supported whenever I did not fully understand something. Teachers stayed after class, and other students often offered help without making it awkward. That mix of support and independence prepared me well for university. I learned how to manage my time and how to ask questions when I needed to. If a family is considering Pickering, I would say the academics push you, but not in a way that feels harsh.
—Heather Golding, alum (2011-2024), Camp counsellor (see full review)
I began my journey with Pickering College in grade 9, as my parents and I wanted to shift to an educational path that would best prepare me for university. From my first day to now, the student experience has been great. The school is filled to the brim with opportunities for any interest, from sports teams to the math club. There truly is something for everyone. The students were extremely welcoming, and I had no trouble making new friends. The teachers are extremely helpful, and it is very clear that they enjoy teaching and working with the students. When I first came to the school, I wasn't sure about the concept of uniform. I love sneakers and clothes, and I thought I would hate them. It took a little getting used to, but I am now thankful for the lack of thought required in the morning to get ready. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Pickering College thus far, and I look forward to continuing my high school journey.
—Shyam Subramanyam, student (beginning 2019) (see full review)
The small school feel of Pickering college allows the students to have a sense of belonging and get to know other students in other grades as well as teachers and staff throughout the entire school. Teacher advisors provide students the additional support and sense that there is always someone that they can go to whether they are having academic or social challenges. Boarding students from other countries provide day students with the opportunity to gain a global perspective. Prior to the pandemic, field trips were always a highlight of our children’s experience. Once circumstances have normalized, Pickering College could add more class field trips for students to develop their independence and as part of their overall experience. They may also consider offering grade 12 students the opportunity to prepare for university by allowing them to spend a week or two in boarding to give them the experience of living on campus and experience developing skills to be disciplined and organized.
—Sonya Bonerath, parent (beginning 2019) (see full review)
The school offers diverse opportunities that foster global awareness and integration.
Insights from current students and alumni emphasize the multitude of extracurriculars and programs at Pickering College, including the innovative Global Leadership Program, which cater to varied interests, aid in social integration, and promote critical thinking with a global perspective.
Pickering College senior school courses are from the Ontario curriculum and prepare students for university. There are opportunities to reach ahead in course selection and there are several courses that are enhanced with advanced STEM content. More grade 12 AP classes have been added, thereby increasing the overall number of AP classes being offered. In middle school my daughter was able to learn hands-on in outdoor classes on the Pickering College Farm. A unique academic opportunity for all grades at Pickering College is the Global Leadership Program. The Global Leadership Program develops students critical thinking abilities as well as the inspiration, motivation and competencies to make a difference in the world.
—Sonya Bonerath, parent (beginning 2019) (see full review)
My children like most of the teachers. Teamwork helps students learn from others. I hope the school could encourage students to develop their academic degree. For example, the scholarship or awards can be applied to those students with high academic scores. The only concern for me is AP courses. We only have one AP math for Grade 12. I hope the school can provide more AP courses, such as AP physics, AP Computer Science and AP Chemistry. For students who want to apply for the universities in U.S, they need more courses to support their applications. If they can get support from school, it will be more effective.
—Amy Wang, parent (beginning 2016) (see full review)
Comprehensive university counselling empowers individual aspirations.
Experiences shared by students reveal how the university counselling at Pickering College is both supportive and empowering, offering organized guidance that respects individual aspirations and ensures students are well-equipped for life beyond high school.
The university counselling at Pickering was straightforward and very, very helpful. The counsellors shared information early enough that I never felt confused about deadlines or requirements. They met with us individually and checked our progress without hovering, but instead with genuine concern, and most of the time would go way past school time just to ensure everything was in order. I appreciated that they did not pressure students into one path. They asked what we were hoping for and helped us build a plan around that. I did most of the applications myself, but the counsellors were there whenever I needed someone to look over something or answer a question. There were moments when I wished for more updates, but overall, the support was solid. The process felt manageable, and I left feeling confident in the choices I made.
—Heather Golding, alum (2011-2024), Camp counsellor (see full review)
The counselling team kept everything organized during university applications. They sent reminders at the exact moment you needed them. I appreciated how easy it was to book time with them. They walked me through deadlines, programs and requirements without making it stressful. If anything could be added, maybe more early planning in earlier grades like grade 11 would help students who like to understand the full picture. Still, the support I received was steady and useful. When application season came, I felt calm, mostly because they had already prepared us well. By the time I entered university, I knew how to handle course planning and communication of which that made the transition way easier. Pickering gave me more confidence in that area more than I actually eixpected.
—Thomas Bianco, alum (2010-2024), Engineering Co-Op Software Quality Assurance (see full review)
