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.
Each start of the school year brings forth memories from our own experience. My first year of high school was anything but an easy transition. I vividly recall my dad dropping me at school with my agenda in hand to find my first class. There was no orientation, no camp program to ease the entry into what would be five challenging but highly memorable years. (Interestingly, the first person I met that day became my best friend and remains so today.) I survived day one but soon, as the enriched curriculum of study piled up, I fell behind and my confidence dwindled. And yet, despite not achieving the overall average my parents or I hoped for at the end of the year, something more important happened in my Grade 9 year. I heard my calling.
At our opening school assembly this month, our Head Boy Ted Ferris inspired the school with the prefect theme for the year: “Find Your Calling.” He said we should all “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.” Ted couldn’t be more right.
Midway through my Grade 9 year, I was assigned a geography project that required a short class presentation. I was terrified. But with some coaching from my mom and dad, and a little practice, I rose to the occasion and delivered what I thought was a pretty good “B” product. However, what happened immediately following the presentation has remained with me to today. My teacher pulled me aside and said, “well done, Michael… you should really think about becoming a teacher.” He was the first person to plant that seed in my mind.
I lost touch with that teacher after his retirement until I bumped into him again a few years ago. I mustered up some courage and decided to approach him to express gratitude for his impact on my life. I thanked him by recounting, in some detail, the events following my Grade 9 geography presentation so many years ago. He listened, smiled, and paused only to then respond, “Michael, I’m sorry but I don’t remember that moment, but I’ve been following what you’ve been up to with your teaching career. Good for you. What I do remember is that you always paid attention in class.” Whether that was entirely true or not, I won’t say. But I did feel obliged to share this exchange with our boys at assembly.
We find our calling by first paying attention, by listening, and by following the lead of someone who sees our distinct promise. The pursuit of this calling, I believe, creates a life of purpose. And living a life of purpose reflects our moral character. I am grateful for many things in my life, but I am always thankful for what the start of school allows me to remember.