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.
“Food, glorious food!” I never really understood this line from the musical Oliver! until later in life. But it has become a touchstone for me, and sharing good food with our loved ones is even more important when our daily routines and holiday traditions are disrupted by the pandemic.
When I was growing up, our Sunday meal at Grandma Volpe’s house was the thing I looked forward to every week. Grandma Volpe always cooked like it was going to be your last meal. Over the holidays though she would do it all: roast beef (thinly sliced of course), roasted potatoes and gravy, pasta, breaded veal, peas, creamed corn, steamed carrots, the whole shebang. Plus for dessert she would make five or six different kinds of cookies: pizzelles, mice (made with peanut butter and chocolate shortbread), date squares, sugar cookies – the list would go on and on. Dinner at Grandma’s was always a family affair. No need to call, just show up. My dad and I often arrived late at night after my hockey games and Grandma would make me a salami sandwich with provolone cheese and crispy lettuce. I didn’t have to ask. I knew she loved me. Food was often her way to let me know that.
As I grew older, food became an important part of my own family. My wife and I did everything we could to eat dinner together with our kids every day. It was and always will be important to me. The frenetic energy that can often surround dinner with your family is special and should never be overlooked.
Meals are how I share my love of food. Watching my cousin, a professional chef and restaurateur, prepare even the simplest ingredients inspired me to learn as much as I could in the kitchen. Over the holidays we would always host a big family dinner. I would prepare multiple dishes and a few desserts – the more food the better. Leftovers were always sent home for my family to enjoy during the week after our get-together.
Unfortunately this year will be quite different. My wife and I will be celebrating the holidays alone and our traditional big family dinner will only be for two instead of 20. A few less dishes and perhaps only one dessert this time.
Over these next few weeks, celebrate your family by cooking something together. Slow down your day and spend some quality time in the kitchen with the people you love. That’s what I am going to do, because there is nothing better than food. Glorious, homemade, sprinkled with love, shared with family, food.
Follow Mr. Volpe’s cooking posts on Instagram at @volpeskitchen