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.
Recently, I was on the golf course assisting with the Upper School golf team tryouts. It was my first time back on a GTA course since the fall. As each golfer approached the first tee, I announced, “Fore, please, next on the tee from Crescent School…” and they were off. I love the feeling of each new golf season.
By every measure, I was late to the game of golf. As a first-generation Canadian without parent exposure or financial means, golf was not even on my radar until one of my dad’s best friends asked me to accompany him to a driving range. “Give it a try,” he said. He knew I was a pretty athletic teen and must have known I would figure it out. I did and I haven’t looked back. In fact, people that know me well would probably say that I am a bit obsessed. I try to watch every PGA golf tournament, keep up with the professional stats, geek out on the latest technology, train with a swing coach off-season, and visit an athletic therapist to help with mobility.
I love the anticipation of playing and scoring well, especially on new tracks. I love getting my bag ready. I love driving to the golf club. I love scouting out the pro shop for a keepsake. I love warming up in the practice area. I love the nervousness of teeing off on the first hole. I love hitting a drive that lands in the fairway, a clean long iron, a crafty pitch, and especially a low-percentage putt. I love playing with my kids, a pal, or even going out alone. I love the feeling of putting in on 18 and visiting the 19th hole. I even love the ride home pondering what I did well and could have done better.
The world of professional golf isn’t perfect by any objective measure. There is the PGA versus LIV controversy, a growing divide between the haves and have-nots, and a debate about whether pros and amateurs should play the same technology. At the recreational level, while the game boomed in the COVID years, municipal courses are often packed and in poor condition while private clubs are becoming increasingly inaccessible with growing waitlists and entrance fees. Costs are rising — both to play and to purchase equipment. There are real concerns about entry pathways.
All of this sounds a lot like the state of education. I believe the game of golf in its purest form teaches skills for the game of life, especially for school. The true value lies beyond perfectly manicured greens and pristine fairways or beautiful facilities and lesson plans. It’s the game within the game that reveals preparation, resilience, honesty, and integrity — what I think of as character. And this internal game often trips up even the best talent whether on the course, at home, or in the classroom.
These days, I’m far more interested in how I play than what I score; far more appreciative of the game than competitive for results. I’m trying to play and live more creatively — to focus on the things I can control rather than worry about the things I can’t. After all, the game (and school) has changed as I have changed. My outlook is about growing and getting better as a school leader, as a golfer, and most importantly, as a person.
This year, I have fully loved the return to school — the sights, sounds, and feelings of a campus full of human activity. I also know how hard it has been to return to a full program — compounding assignments, long hours, and endless requests. In many ways, this year is similar to the “before times” but different all at once. And while I know there is no such thing as going back, I also know that when we face hardship in life (especially on the course) the only way forward is to the next shot. School will not return exactly as it was and so it shouldn’t. It’s time to think carefully about our next hole, the conditions on the course, the readiness of those playing, and the larger end in mind. In doing so, let’s also remember we have evolved a few times in 110 years. "Fore please, next on the tee from Crescent School…"