One of the top independent schools for boys in Canada, Crescent School spans 30 lush rolling 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. Or, learn more about us by exploring our website or attending an Open House. We look forward to providing your Boy of Promise with the support he needs to become a courageous Man of Character.
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 new facilities, signature academic programs and Student Financial Aid. Contributions, no matter what their size, allow us to deliver the best possible education for our boys – and help ensure that we continue to fulfil our mission: Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
Crescent School doesn’t slow down when regular classes are out. Our Summer Academic Program helps high school students "reach ahead" to accelerate learning or lighten next year’s course load. Our March Break and Summer Camps offer girls and boys the best of Crescent in a day camp setting, with programs in robotics, athletics, business, leadership, the arts and more.
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 Canada. An equal-opportunity employer, we offer competitive compensation and benefits and believe strongly in workplace accessibility.
Crescent School is founded by J.W. “Jimmy” James to provide a solid education in “…a far gentler place than the fierce caning world” of other private schools at the time. Educating boys in Grades 5 to 8, Crescent’s early locations included 43 Rosedale Road and 76 Collier Street.
1930
Walter Williams becomes Crescent’s second Headmaster. An expanded curriculum introduces music, art and drama ahead of other schools of the day. The House system is inaugurated, with the Greens and the Greys.
1933
Susan Denton Massey generously donates her 40-acre Dentonia Park estate, located in eastern Toronto, to Crescent School.
1935 - 1937
Grades 1 to 4 added and Crescent School opens to student boarders.
1956 - 1967
A time of transition. Crescent has four Headmasters over a 10-year period: I.S. Carroll, J.S. Buckley, E.E. Senior and W.L. Burridge. The House system is revamped, creating three new houses: Hudson, Mackenzie and Wolfe. Kindergarten and nursery classes are added.
1970
Crescent moves to the current Bayview Avenue campus and C.B. Gordon is appointed Headmaster. The boarding, nursery and kindergarten programs end. Over the next five years, a high school grade is added and the lowest is dropped, until Crescent offers Grades 3-13. Enrolment grows dramatically.
1971 - 1972
The Ladies’ Guild is established, later becoming the Crescent Parent Association (CPA), and Simcoe is added to the House system.
1974
Crescent School wins its first Independent School Athletic Association championship (in soccer).
1978
Crescent School Old Boys’ Association is founded. The “Sons of Crescent” school song is published.
1982 - 1988
John Tansey is appointed Headmaster and school facilities are expanded with the opening of a new gym, library, squash courts, art and music rooms.
1991 - 1997
Cartier and Massey are added to the House system and the science and technology wing is constructed.
2000 - 2008
Geoff Roberts is appointed Headmaster and the Field House, Centre for Creative Learning and Innes Field open.
2010 - 2011
Crescent launches its Great Boys capital campaign with a $30 million fundraising goal and the Lau Family Wing opens.
2013
Crescent School celebrates its 100th anniversary.
2014
Michael Fellin is appointed Headmaster. The Latifi Family Commons and the new Middle/Upper School Library open.
2015
The Great Boys capital campaign is completed, having raised over $34 million.
Launch of Strategic Plan 2015-2020
2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Crescent School closes its campus and transitions to its Virtual Learning Program from March to June 2020.