The 50-page review of The Bishop Strachan School is part of our series of in-depth accounts of Canada's leading private schools. It provides a unique and objective perspective on the school's academics, programs, culture, and community.
Read our in-depth review"The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day and Boarding school for girls. Through our challenging inquiry-based program, students learn core academic skills that become a springboard for new ideas. BSS students find their voice, take risks, work collaboratively and learn to lead. Our 7.5-acre campus includes STEAM-focused learning spaces, arts, design and athletics facilities, including a turf field. For over 150 years, BSS has inspired girls to be fearless and educated them to be leaders."
The Signature of a BSS Girl is an evidence-based set of personal attributes that are encouraged, nurtured and taught at The Bishop Strachan School. It is the product of intensive research on girls’ psychology, well-being, character development and leadership.
We believe it is vital for students to look both inward at themselves and outward, understanding and caring about their impact on others. Curiosity, self-awareness, grit, voice and leadership are viewed through the lens of a growth mindset when focused on the self, and ethical citizenship when focused on the self in relation to others.
Taken as a whole, these attributes are critical to the development of character and set the stage for success. Everything that happens at BSS, from academics to co-curricular activities, is designed to help students develop these traits. Through a supportive environment and our unique Culture of Powerful Learning, each student is able to reach her full potential and make a difference in the world.
At The Bishop Strachan School, academic excellence is at the core of our program from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. Our curriculum challenges students to think critically, solve problems creatively and engage deeply with their learning at every stage of their academic journey. In the Senior School, students have the opportunity to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These university-level classes deepen subject knowledge while developing essential skills in research, writing and time management and support a smooth and strong transition to post-secondary studies. BSS students graduate with the confidence, resilience, and work ethic needed to thrive in university and beyond as they pursue their goals with purpose.
On the first day of school in 1867, our founders opened their doors with the intention of educating girls and teaching them how to be leaders. Rev. John Langtry, the father of four daughters, envisioned a Church School for girls designed to provide a curriculum “co-extensive with that of first-class schools” and “within the reach of people of moderate means.” There were 31 students enrolled that first year. Although women were not admitted to the University of Toronto until 1884, The Bishop Strachan School's curriculum always prepared students for academic excellence. The school grew and evolved with the city around it, moving first to College and Yonge, and then to the current property. Today, more than 150 years since its founding, we have more than 900 students. In 2017, we proudly celebrated our 150th anniversary and the opening of our new STEAM wing, a collaborative space with everything needed to make design ideas real.
BSS is an ideal environment for girls who are curious, motivated, and eager to embrace new experiences. Our students thrive on asking thoughtful questions, collaborating with peers and stepping into leadership roles in a variety of settings. Whether in the classroom, on the field or through service initiatives, BSS students develop into lifelong learners who confidently step outside their comfort zones, take risks, and rise to every challenge with resilience and determination.
We encourage all families interested in The Bishop Strachan School to connect with one of our Enrolment Associates to learn more about what makes BSS unique. Visiting our campus is a great way to experience our vibrant community firsthand and meet our passionate faculty, speak with Student Ambassadors, and explore our classrooms, Arts and athletic spaces. Learning about our rigorous academic program, diverse arts and athletics offerings, and the wide range of clubs and student-led councils helps families understand our balanced and enriching approach to teaching and learning. These conversations and experiences are key to determining whether BSS is the right fit for your child.
We're proud of our unique approach to girls' education. We are dedicated to empowering students to become capable, confident leaders who embody the Signature of a BSS Girl – girls who lead with empathy, curiosity and grit. Girls who are not afraid to try, to fail and to get up again. Girls with a thirst for the endless pursuit of learning.
We believe all girls' schools create a strong foundation for students to grow into and thrive as leaders. With opportunities to lead the student body, participate in academic clubs, volunteer, and take part in sports and performing arts, girls at BSS take action. As an inclusive all-girls' school, we offer unique opportunities for students to find and pursue their aspirations without limitations. Our environment fosters exploration and innovation, preparing students to lead confidently beyond our school.
The Bishop Strachan School is widely recognized for its rigorous academic program, outstanding and experienced faculty and staff and its inclusive, welcoming community. Grounded in over 150 years of tradition and leadership in girls’ education, BSS offers a forward-thinking, research-based approach that prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our innovative programs are designed to foster curiosity, confidence, compassion, and resilience. Students are empowered to use their voice, pursue their passions, and lead with integrity. Through a well-rounded and future-focused education, BSS prepares girls with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to succeed at university and beyond.
A BSS education allows girls to be leaders in the classroom, on sports teams and clubs, in formal roles and in every aspect of school life. Student voice is at the centre of our leadership program. By collaborating and taking action on issues they are passionate about, students develop their leadership skills and style in a purposeful and impactful way. They build the foundational skills of strong leaders (such as self-awareness, decision making and effective communication) through training and workshops, and they put these skills into practice in various roles across the school. Through a structured research-informed process, faculty provide feedback that allows students to learn and grow throughout the year, and as they take on more responsibility. Students actively create a culture of belonging by responding to the needs of the community and designing relevant initiatives. They learn that leadership is more than a title; it’s about empowering, mentoring and supporting their peers.
Financial assistance is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing inclusive and accessible education. It ensures that more girls of grit, character and promise can discover themselves at BSS, and go on to do great things. Financial assistance is offered to students entering Grades 6 to 12. Every year, BSS allocates over $2 million in financial assistance, the most of any girls’ school in Canada.
BSS is proud to offer exceptional facilities that support innovation, collaboration, and community. Our new state-of-the-art STEM wing features nine IdeaLabs, a design technology studio, a black box theatre, a dedicated art studio, and a range of flexible spaces where students can gather to collaborate or work independently in quiet, focused environments. Outside, our new turf field has extended athletic seasons and supports year-round physical activity, complemented by an outdoor skating rink in the winter months. Our newly renovated Boarding Commons provides a warm, welcoming space for boarding students to relax, study, watch movies, bake, and connect with friends. These dynamic spaces reflect our commitment to providing an outstanding learning environment where students can explore, create, and thrive.
Our world needs more female leaders in every role across all endeavours. The Bishop Strachan School has been a leader in girls’ education since 1867. We help talented girls become fearless women who are able to navigate the world with intellectual curiosity, agility and compassion. We teach them to find purpose, feel confident and speak with a strong, independent voice. We are proud of our accomplishments, but we are not satisfied. We are doubling down on our challenging, innovative and comprehensive program. We are nurturing a culture that helps students find meaning. We are expanding our financial assistance to attract motivated, talented students. We are broadening the opportunities for experiential education and global learning. And we are improving our facility to take our school's strengths to a new level of excellence. The Bishop Strachan School will be a world leader in evidence-based education. Learn more about our strategic plan at bssourplan.ca.
Hear directly from The Bishop Strachan School families and alumni as they share insights.
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