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.
Educators are in the midst of a challenging yet exhilarating time. For the past 15 months, we have sought to provide a continuous, flexible teaching and learning environment that prioritizes wellbeing and connection for our boys. It has never been more pressing to partake in what Dr. Michael Reichert calls, “the vitality of the process of inquiry”. To do this, we must examine what external resources are available and explore questions for answers we do not have. These two things together determine the best teaching and learning practices for our students.
At Crescent School, academic research conducted by trusted partners like Challenge Success, the Centre for Curriculum Redesign and Independent School Management has been invaluable. The insights from these academic leaders have supported the strategic decisions needed to reimagine the why, how, when, and what we teach our boys.
Our staff and student researchers explore the questions that inform and refine our teaching and learning practices. This year, CCBE added “Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging” alongside Character, Wellbeing, and Three Pedagogies as the fourth area of research focus. Though distinct, these four areas are interconnected and mutually supportive and have guided the action research projects you can find on our website.
To determine the path forward for the 2021-22 academic year, the CCBE team (Trish Cislak, Rob Messenger and I) met in April with our Advisory Panel. This group of international thought leaders helped us determine what research questions we need to ask next year in order to best support our boys as learners.
The conversation was inspiring. Many ideas were brought forth, each with the invitation to share feedback and increase collaboration. Here are some of the action research themes we are considering:
How are teachers measuring the impact of their pedagogical practice on student character and competencies?
What common language and experiences would enhance a student’s sense of belonging?
What are the gaps between our DIB action plan and our existing curricular and co-curricular programs?
How does Crescent School’s relational learning framework support a culture that promotes diversity, inclusion and belonging?
There is clearly much to learn and so much to do! While there is light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, Crescent’s commitment to an exemplary learning environment that prioritizes connection and wellbeing is enduring. We are so fortunate to be part of a community of educators who are curious and committed to developing their practice in pursuit of how boys learn best. Dr. Sandra Boyes is Executive Director of Professional Learning & Research and Head of Lower School at Crescent.