One of the top independent schools for boys in Canada, Crescent School spans 37 acres in midtown Toronto. Now in our second century, we provide rich and diverse experiences and opportunities for boys in Grades 3–12 to learn, grow and thrive. Character has always been at the centre of a Crescent education supporting our mission, Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
Since 1913, Crescent School’s focus has been on character development. It is part of our DNA and involves a deep, uncompromising commitment to three essential areas we believe bring out the best in boys: relational learning, mentoring and character-in-action. A school that truly understands what makes boys tick, Crescent is here to meet your son’s development needs every step of the way.
Finding the right school for your son is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Thank you for considering Crescent School. We invite you to apply through our online application form. Learn more about us by attending an Open House or taking a virtual tour. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus.
A Crescent education is exciting, fulfilling and broad. Our curriculum is taught by highly motivated, supportive teachers who understand that establishing a relationship with your son unlocks the door to learning and engages him in his character development. Your son will be celebrated for both his work and his work ethic as we guide him academically and emotionally on his journey to becoming a Man of Character.
Character-in-Action programs are Crescent's co-curricular activities that provide boys with ample opportunities to develop character outside the classroom. Through clubs and teams in the arts, business, robotics and athletics, your son will discover new interests and build his leadership skills. And our outreach programs will allow him to gain compassion for others both in our community and abroad.
The generosity of our Crescent community provides vital support for our campus development, signature academic and co-curricular programs, and Student Financial Assistance. Contributions, no matter what their size, allow us to deliver the best possible education for our boys and help ensure that we continue to fulfill our mission: Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
Crescent School doesn’t slow down when regular classes are out. We offer a Summer Academic Program available to all high school students, as well as summer camps for children 4 to 13 years old. Our Successful Start program is a special academic prep program exclusively available to Crescent students.
Employment at Crescent School is an opportunity to build a rewarding career and belong to a dynamic community where all are respected for their contributions. Our employees share a commitment to excellence that has made us one of the top schools for boys in the world. An equal-opportunity employer, we offer competitive compensation and benefits and believe strongly in workplace accessibility.
As the end of the school year approaches, I have been thinking about the character strength of grit – a critical ingredient in our vision of the graduate. Our Prefects, under Head Boy Andrew Youngson’s excellent leadership, challenged all Crescent students to “Make Your Mark” this year. When I think of this challenge, I think of grit. Truly making your mark is not just discovering your unique promise, it is about doing something with it, leaving something behind – in other words, living your character.
Sometimes, however, our promise can distract us from the hard work, dedication and persistence required to turn that promise into achievement.
I recently attended a talk by Angela Duckworth. She is a celebrated researcher and professor at the University of Pennsylvania and founder of the Character Lab. Duckworth argues that what drives success is not “genius” but a unique combination of passion and perseverance. As her 2013 TED Talk describes, having promise or talent is not enough, you need skill and effort to put it to use in order to be truly successful.
That’s why Stephen Curry has the NBA record for the most three-pointers in the regular season, why Steve Jobs was able to launch two of the most valuable and creative companies in modern times, why Will Smith is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors: because people who perform at a world-class level know that without the pain of deliberate practise there is no gain of sustained success. They don’t rely on their promise alone – they aim to grow it through regular and routine rehearsal, exercise and training. Thus, “making your mark” is a call to practise your character again and again and again so that you can be a good and successful person over your entire life. It follows that becoming a good person requires you to practise being good.
Every day, our students have opportunities to develop and demonstrate these qualities – the repeated habits of being – through our “Character-in-Action programs: the Arts, Athletics, Business, Robotics and Outreach.
Our Character-in-Action programs require the dedication of the teachers, mentors, coaches, non-teaching staff and volunteers. Together they are the most important feature of a Crescent education.
There were many Character-in-Action highlights this year. Under the direction of Dr. Sandra Boyes, the Lower and Middle School boys started their year strong during BEAR week, shone during LUNA and in the recent staging of Madagascar Jr., competed so well in the U11 soccer and CISAA cross-country championships, and encouraged new student-led House Leadership activities to promote the betterment of the school community.
Through the leadership of Mr. Nick Kovacs, the Upper School boys were at their best in the highly professional and memorable performance of The Laramie Project; while competing on the world stage in Robotics and DECA; through the inspiring run of OFSAA basketball and CISAA rugby; and through their service leadership nationally and internationally.
We also have staff members who exemplify Character-in-Action without fanfare. At our school assembly this month, we acknowledged our facilities and kitchen staff. They do not typically prefer the spotlight, but deserve to be celebrated for their hard work, dedication and persistence. They work tirelessly to keep our school clean, our parking lot safe and our bellies full. Their “grit” is truly making a mark on our school, and playing an important part in the education of all our Boys of Promise.