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.
[This speech was given at Crescent's Opening Assembly on September 5, 2019.]
It was seven years ago – almost to the day – that I first sat in this very gym, listening to the first of what would be many speeches from a variety of Head Boys. I struggled to make sense of the words that the man in the blue blazer was saying. Besides, Grade 5 me had much more pressing issues, like what lunch was going to be like at this strange new place, or whether or not I packed my soccer cleats that morning. (I didn’t.)
At that time, there was no reason to contemplate where I would be in seven years. 2020 was nothing more than a speck in the distance. But each year, as I inched further back on the gym floor, I understood the Head Boy’s message a bit more. 2020 slowly grew less and less absurd. And now, seven years later, here we are.
Mr. Fellin, members of the platform party, faculty, and students, good morning and welcome to the 2019-2020 school year. I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing summer, and is looking forward to the upcoming year. This time of year is one of change – students returning from summer break and starting in a new grade, or at a new school, with new classes to get accustomed to.
But amid a whirlwind of new and exciting change, there always seems to be one constant – our culture. Crescent is a place that has so much to offer beyond academics, and all these activities are what fuel our culture of support and innovation. The aim of sustaining and developing this culture was the driving force behind the discussion of this year’s motto, and was what ultimately led us to settle on our motto for the 2019/2020 school year: “Find Your Calling”.
This should serve as a message of encouragement for all of us to be willing to step outside our comfort zones. It should also be a reminder for us to keep an open mind when entering any situation, because you never know what that experience may hold. Most importantly, though, it should always serve as a reminder to be true to yourself.
Boys, for the past seven years, I have sat where you sit.
To the Lower School: Stay curious. Be willing to try something new, even if it scares you. These new experiences will help you get an idea of how your Crescent journey may look, and the friendships you make will last for your time here and far beyond.
To the Middle School: Don’t be afraid to fail. You will learn more from your failures, and the most important thing is that you always get up after you’re knocked down. Seek guidance from those around you, the teachers and mentors you come to know will prove invaluable over your Crescent career.
To the Upper School: Commit. Whatever your calling may be, you will get out of it what you put in. Nothing worthwhile will come easily, but you will quickly come to learn that the most daunting tasks are often the most rewarding. It may be a grind, but if you learn to love it, then nothing will stand in your way.
To the Faculty: From early-morning practices to BEAR week to long hours in the robotics lab or drama studio and everything in between, each and every one of you takes the time to foster relationships with students, making each and every one of us feel welcome and cared about. These relationships are what makes Crescent such a special place. But it isn’t just the teachers; from the lunch staff and maintenance to administrators, every person plays a crucial role in keeping Crescent operating at such a high standard.
To the Class of 2020: I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to spend the past 7 years with. You are truly a special group, filled to the brim with individuals gifted in so many different ways. We have had all the time to find our calling, now all that’s left to do is hit the ground running and dive head-first into whatever this last ride may hold for us.
To Everyone: Find your Calling. Let’s have an amazing year. Thank you.