Early Years, Lifelong Impact: Crescent Expands to Grades 1 and 2

Crescent School is taking a bold step forward in its mission to develop Men of Character from Boys of Promise—announcing the expansion of its Lower School to include Grades 1 and 2 beginning in September 2026. This historic move allows Crescent to play a significant role in shaping character and fostering academic growth at the very foundation of a boy’s formative years.

“Research shows that Grades 1 and 2 are pivotal years in a boy’s academic, social, and emotional growth,” says Headmaster Michael Fellin. “By starting their Crescent journey at this early stage, boys will have the opportunity to build curiosity, confidence, and character from the very beginning.”

“We believe it is never too early to develop character,” Patricia Alviano, Head of Lower School, explains. “Ages six and seven are when boys begin forming their identity and beliefs about themselves and the world. By immersing them in Crescent’s values and culture at this stage, we create the conditions for lifelong impact.”

The new Grade 1 and 2 program will feature:
  • Small class sizes of 12–14 students, with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy.
  • Boy-centric teaching that integrates active, hands-on learning, outdoor play, and the arts.
  • Social-emotional learning to nurture resilience, self-regulation, and confidence.
  • Early intervention and tailored support for both academic and social development.
“Boys thrive when their learning environment reflects how they naturally explore the world—through movement, discovery, and relationships,” Alviano explains. “Our program will help boys build foundational skills while cultivating a love of learning that lasts.”

Extending Crescent’s Lower School to Grades 1 and 2 also strengthens the sense of belonging and continuity for students. “When boys join Crescent earlier, they benefit from mentorship by older students and become part of a community where character and connection are lived every day,” Fellin notes. “This is what makes Crescent distinct and one of the reasons why our expansion is so significant.”

“With few boys’ schools in Canada offering a Grades 1 through 12 pathway, Crescent’s expansion underscores our leadership in boys’ education,” Fellin notes. “It also returns Crescent to its roots as a preparatory school for young learners, while retaining the excellence we’ve built since moving to our Bayview campus in 1970.”

Crescent begins accepting applications for Grades 1 and 2 on October 6, 2025, for the 2026-2027 school year.

Click here to learn more about our Grades 1 and 2 program and how to apply. 
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