REVIEW OF The Bishop Strachan School BY Alum, Allison D.

(5) Overall Experience

BSS was always a nurturing place for me. From JK to grade 12 I felt supported by my peers and teachers. As someone with an IEP, the school, helped me work through my weaknesses while lifting my strengths. The array of course options allowed me to take creative classes such as visual and media arts and entrepreneurship where I thrived while offering support in the LRC for courses that I found more challenging. Many of the skills that I learned at BSS both inside and outside the classroom have been valuable in my post-grad life. From my media arts class where I learned Photoshop and Illustrator to my role as a Prefect where I learned how to lead others. I am very grateful to have been able to attend BSS

(5) School Leadership

The leadership at BSS was fantastic during my time at school. Whenever I walked through the halls and encountered members of the leadership team, I always received a warm smile and a friendly hello. They would genuinely ask my classmates and me how we were doing and truly cared about our response, showing a deep level of empathy. If there was ever an issue or concern, they were approachable and open to discussions. They fostered a kind, supportive, and caring environment that positively impacted all aspects of the school community.

(5) Teaching

The teachers at BSS demonstrated great enthusiasm for their subjects and showed a deep commitment to their students' success. In courses with more challenging content, teachers would go above and beyond to offer extra help sessions outside of class, whether during lunch or after school. For students who excelled in a subject, teachers would provide more challenging material to further their learning. The teachers at BSS maintained a high level of professionalism while ensuring that students felt comfortable and enjoyed their classes. Ms. Ziniuk, in particular, had a profound impact on my learning experience. Before her class, I disliked math and believed I was terrible at it. However, through her engaging lessons and extra help, I discovered that math could be fun and that I wasn’t as bad at it as I thought.

(5) Academics

When I attended BSS, the academic program was robust and diverse, offering a wide range of classes across different disciplines, from English and the Creative Arts to Math and Science. Each department was supported by a strong faculty and a well-structured curriculum, which made me feel confident in the quality of education I was receiving in every class. The school was also diligent in providing students with the necessary resources to succeed in their courses. For instance, students had access to the Adobe Suite in art and design classes and could utilize the school's workout room for gym classes. While some students were competitive about their grades, the overall atmosphere was more collaborative, with students often helping each other rather than competing against one another. The school's emphasis on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning equipped me with the tools needed for success in higher education and beyond.

(5) Extracurriculars

When I attended BSS, participating in extracurricular activities was highly encouraged, and it was truly one of the highlights of my time at the school. BSS offered a broad range of extracurricular options, allowing students with diverse interests to find something that matched their passions outside of the classroom. These options included sports teams, clubs, leadership roles, and creative pursuits. While some activities required applications, auditions, or tryouts, making them more competitive, many others simply required students to sign up. These opportunities not only allowed students from different grades to interact and build relationships but also helped them develop valuable skills in collaboration and leadership.

(4) Students

The student body at BSS was small, fostering a close-knit community. While there was some cliquiness, the overall atmosphere remained friendly and inclusive, with most students being kind and supportive. The typical BSS student was academically motivated, actively involved in extracurriculars, and eager to contribute to the school community. Traits like kindness, involvement, and academic drive were highly respected by peers. When I started at BSS in JK, my grade was predominantly white, but over time, the school’s demographics evolved, becoming more diverse with students from various backgrounds. Despite the presence of some cliques, the small class sizes encouraged interaction and a sense of unity among peers. Overall, BSS promoted a culture of respect, collaboration, and inclusiveness, providing a supportive environment for all students.

(5) School Life

I loved my time at BSS. During senior school, I often found myself counting down the days until summer break ended because I couldn’t wait to return and see my friends and teachers. Like everyone, I experienced both academic and social ups and downs, but overall, my experience was incredibly positive. BSS consistently brought out the best in me, allowing me to be as spirited and outgoing as I wanted in extracurricular activities, explore courses that genuinely interested me and work toward my university goals. Many of my classmates also enjoyed their time at BSS; they were generally happy, engaged, and passionate about their learning. While there were moments of stress, the school’s supportive environment helped create a strong sense of community and belonging.

(5) Community

The BSS community is incredibly welcoming. While I was at the school, my mom was actively involved in parent rep initiatives, and both she and my dad felt warmly embraced by the BSS community. After graduating, I went to school in New York, where BSS hosted various engaging alumni events. These events allowed me to reconnect with former classmates who had also moved to New York and to meet new alumni. They also helped me connect with BSS alumni in my industry, who provided valuable career and life advice. I’ve stayed close with my BSS friends, who remain some of my closest friends today. The supportive and inclusive atmosphere of BSS has continued to positively influence my life long after I left the school.

(5) School Location

BSS is situated in Forest Hill which is a very safe area surrounded by quiet streets and family homes. The school is also very close to both the St. Clair Street Car and St. Clair West subway station making it easy for students to commute. One of my favourite parts of BSS’s location was its proximity to the Village. An area with shops and restaurants where students could go during lunch breaks or spares in the senior school.

(5) Admissions

I applied to BSS when I was three years old and started attending the school in JK. The only memory I have from my application process was playing with Clifford in a boardroom which seemed to help me get into the school but I doubt that playing with Clifford is good advice to help others get into the school. My advice would be to be yourself in your interview and share what makes you unique as the school embraces uniqueness and individuality.

(5) University placement and counselling

I felt well-supported by both the guidance department and my teachers during the university application process. Throughout high school, the guidance team arranged for university representatives to speak with students about their institutions before applications were submitted. They also organized tours of Ontario-based schools when I was in grade 11. When it came time to apply, I had already decided on my preferred university, and my guidance counsellor was instrumental in helping me organize and submit all the necessary materials on time. She also aided me in researching backup options, including some I hadn’t considered before. As I applied to art schools, my art teachers were invaluable; they reviewed my portfolio and ensured I included strong content. Overall, BSS’s university counselling program effectively supports students, making them confident and organized throughout the application process.