Branksome Hall, Canada

Founded in 1903, Branksome Hall is one of Canada’s premier day and boarding schools for girls. Educating girls from junior kindergarten to university entrance, it is an independent, non-denominational girls’ day and boarding school and teaches the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB), a qualification recognized around the world.

Branksome offers a strong liberal arts curriculum that develops critical thinking and inquiry skills, fosters a balance between academics and co-curricular choices, and emphasizes a global perspective. Boarding students at Branksome can enroll from Grades 8-12, and enjoy an enriched program within the caring residence environment.

Branksome has an international outlook, with many of its highly qualified teachers having international teaching experience, and girls from Branksome are now to be found in the top universities around the world. Notable alumni include prominent journalists, politicians, authors and actresses.

A century of excellence

Branksome Hall has over 100 years experience inspiring girls to embrace learning and affect change for a better world. From the school’s inception, the administration recognized the importance of physical fitness in promoting health and confidence, and even the earliest groups of students were engaged in outdoor activities like basketball, archery and lacrosse. 

Today, a total of 870 girls are enrolled from junior kindergarten to high school, and classes rarely involve more than 20 pupils at a time. More than 120 teachers are employed, many with international teaching experience. 

The curriculum focuses on liberal arts, and students are encouraged to fine tune their skills of critical thinking and inquiry. Participation in the IB association ensures that the highest educational standards are maintained at every grade level, so that graduating seniors are among the most qualified and university-ready in the world.

Campus life

A small contingent of students lives on campus as part of the residency program. These students live in one of three boarding halls in an idyllic 13-acre forested setting. Each girl in the residency program has a roommate assigned according to age, grade and mutual interests. Beyond this, activities including spirit week and the “Walk for the World” encourage a tighter-knit campus community.

The residence halls each have their own communal areas with cable television and comfortable sofas. There is also a computer workroom where girls can access their e-mail accounts and use the internet to help with homework assignments and projects. A piano area, kitchen and laundry room are also on hand.

Life in Toronto includes fantastic cultural opportunities, as well. Students in residence embark on weekend excursions that explore local art galleries, museums and libraries, and there is ample opportunity to head out on supervised shopping expeditions. Boarders also undergo thorough orientation, so that they can make full use of the city’s transit system, festivals and restaurants when appropriate.

To find out more about studying at Branksome Hall, visit the website, Twitter profile or Facebook page.