St. Andrew's College

St. Andrew's College (SAC) is a prestigious residental school in Canada for boys 10-18 years old. You can study here both on a daily basis (without accommodation) and at a boarding house. In total there are two teaching departments: Middle School (grades 5-8) and Upper School (grades 9-12).

St. Andrew's College was founded in 1899 and today it is the largest and one of the most prestigious schools in Canada for boys. The educational institution is very attractive for international pupils - representatives of 34 countries of the world study here, who appreciated the highest level of the proposed academic training. The percentage of graduates successfully enrolled in universities was 100% in 2014; 133 graduates were honored to be invited to universities in Europe, the United States, Canada, Britain, Mexico and China in 2013- in total they were sent 651 offer!

In spite of the separate type of training, the young men get frequent leisure activities with the nearest women's ranking of schools in Ontario: various shows and parties, sports and intellectual competitions, performances and buffets.

Originally, Andrew's College was located in the provincial capital of Ontario - Toronto and only in 1926 moved to Aurora, about 40 kilometers from its former place. The population of Aurora is approximately 48 000 people, it is a large part of Ontario's industrial area "Golden Horseshoe". The new campus is much more spacious than the previous one - its area reaches 110 acres and is located in a quieter place: the closeness of the big city does not hinders the students, the noise of the metropolis does not distract from study. Also, the spaciousness and large area helped to expand the opportunities for the educational, residential, creative and sports infrastructure of the college.

In order to enroll in St.Andrew's College, you will need:

• Prepare the necessary documents (application, passport photo, letter of recommendation, extract with marks for the last 2 years + current year );
• Attach the results to CAT (for pupils of Grades 5-8) or SSAT (for high school students);
• If necessary, provide the results of TOEFL Junior;
• Pay the compulsory registration fee;
• Pass a telephone interview (you can pass it through the Skype).

Please, take into account the fact that the number of places in the school is limited, therefore it is strongly recommended to prepare for admission in advance For a few months.

St. Andrew's College — the largest private boarding school for boys in Canada, covering grades 5 through 12. It includes two divisions: Middle School (grades 5–8) and Upper School (grades 9–12). Students may board at the school or attend as day students. In partnership with St. Anne's School, located within a kilometer, joint theatrical, community, and extracurricular events are organized.

The school was founded on September 10, 1899, in Toronto by Reverend Dr. George Bruce, and in 1926 moved to its current campus. Throughout its history, SAC has produced many distinguished alumni.

The school's academic vision is built on boy-friendly teaching methods, the development of critical thinking, and teamwork. The school offers a wide range of programs: from advanced AP courses and the AP Capstone program to the specialized McEwen Leadership business leadership program (grades 11–12).

The academic vision of St. Andrew's College is built on four areas:

• boy-friendly teaching methods,
• collaboration and teamwork,
• development of critical thinking,
• fostering a growth mindset.

The school adheres to a philosophy of healthy masculinity, while encouraging diversity, creativity, and freedom of self-expression.

Classrooms are equipped with projectors, interactive whiteboards, and printers, and wireless network coverage extends across the entire campus. Each student is provided with a tablet, including technical support and insurance. The Makerspace in McLaughlin Hall implements constructivist learning methods, which are particularly effective in science, robotics, and engineering courses.

In the middle school, IGNITE Days are held every Friday — rotating sessions covering outdoor education, health, drone workshops, field trips, and equity and inclusion programs. The Reach-Ahead Math program allows the highest-achieving Grade 8 students to advance beyond the standard mathematics curriculum.

In the senior school, mandatory supported study sessions in mathematics and English are held every evening. The boarding house operates a peer support group system.

The McEwen Leadership program (Grades 11–12) develops leadership skills through experiential learning and case studies, paying equal attention to students' emotional well-being and academic achievement.

St. Andrew's College encompasses two academic divisions:

• Middle School (grades 5–8) — Ontario provincial academic program. Weekly IGNITE Days, weekly art classes (ceramics, printmaking, painting, sculpture, sewing) and music (wind band, pipe band drums); the Reach-Ahead Math program — the most successful grade 8 students study grade 9 math and may advance directly to grade 10 math.
• Upper School (grades 9–12) — Ontario provincial program, AP courses (advanced level), and the AP Capstone program (AP Capstone diploma: AP Seminar + AP Research + four additional AP courses). The McEwen Leadership business leadership program is available (grades 11–12, competitive admission, focus on practice and case studies), a robotics program (VEX Robotics, RoboCup, computer science and computer engineering courses for grades 10–12), and advanced Extended French (certificate upon graduation).

Available AP courses: Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science (Level A), English Language, English Literature, French Language, Geography, German Language, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Statistics, US History.

A Summer School also operates: all courses count as Ontario provincial academic credits.

• The largest day and boarding school for boys in Canada.
• The school's musical ensembles have performed at the Olympic Games and Carnegie Hall (New York).
• The pipe and drum band has existed since 1915, competing worldwide as part of leading pipe bands.
• The robotics team regularly qualifies for local tournaments (VEX Robotics and RoboCup platforms).
• Admitted to the Council of AP Schools in Ontario (CAPSON). On average, 50% of students take at least one AP exam, with 90% of scores being 3 points or higher.
• A graduate of 1906 subsequently became the first Canadian-born Governor General.

• The school was founded on September 10, 1899 — it is one of the oldest and largest private schools for boys in Canada.
• In the first year of opening, about 50 boys attended the school, 15 of whom were boarders.
• The pipe and drum ensemble was founded in 1915 — one of the leading ones in Canada, with students performing in competitions around the world.
• In 1926, the school moved to its current 126-acre campus in Aurora, built in Georgian style.
• In 2024, as part of the school's 125th anniversary, named paving stones appeared along the campus — this is the SAC-125 Paver Stone project.
• The school grows greens and herbs for its own kitchen.
• 1,400 meals are prepared daily in the dining hall.
• The Andrean magazine is published twice a year for alumni, parents, and friends of the school.
• The 5-Day Boarding Pass program allows day students to experience boarding life.
• The Parents' Guild has been supporting students since 1934 — all parents automatically become members upon their child's enrollment.
• The partner school St. Anne's School is located one kilometer from the main campus, so students attend both campuses.

In total, 256 students live in 4 comfortable residences: 1 hostel is intended for secondary school and 3 for high school students. International students live in rooms by two persons, each room is provided with a bed, a desk and a lamp and a wardrobe. For order in the rooms the students monitore on their own, bed linens are changed weekly. The residences have common cozy living rooms with a fireplace, billiard tables, table games, TV, own libraries and kitchens (equipped with kettles and toasters). Also in common use are showers and laundries.

St.Andrew's College has constantly staff: a doctor, psychotherapist, nurses (around the clock) and 2 sports doctors. Here you can put the necessary vaccinations and even prepare for a trip to exotic countries.

The meals in the school canteen are delicious, varied and balanced: on weekdays it is three meals a day plus evening snacks, and on holiday pupils are waiting for festive dinners. Here a wide choice of various salads, soups, hot dishes, omelettes and sandwiches, useful and tasty desserts are constantly organized. Mostly local products are used - they are more natural and fresh, not frozen or processed for long storage. In addition to the general diet, there are separate vegetarian tables and an individual menu (for example, for students with allergies and other medical indicators). The collective of the school canteen has repeatedly received profile awards at competitions of healthy school meals, which emphasizes the attention that the institution pays to the nutrition of schoolchildren. Students can always express their opinions and wishes at general meetings, and the school administration will try to take into account all the comments.

Subject list: Art, geography, history, maths, Natural science

In extra-curricular activities, students can best demonstrate their leadership and team skills, personal talents and abilities. For students, a huge number of events of various orientations are organized: sports, music, art, theater and drama, cadet corps, ecology. A mutually beneficial student exchange with Quebec colleges is established (it helps students learn French), as well as with Australian educational institutions. Various excursions and exciting trips are organized, a separate mention is the regular participation of the school team in the World robots football championship.

Secondary school is divided into 4 clans: they constantly compete with each other in all types of activities - studies, extracurricular activities and leisure, sports, creativitу. The winning clan is rewarded with memorable prizes and awards. Such an approach develops cohesion, collective spirit, strengthens relations between students, gives the opportunity to show leadership qualities.

There are approximately 60 sports teams in St.Andrew's College in 22 sports:

• In autumn - football, running, volleyball;
• In winter - hockey, swimming, basketball , skis, curling, squash, fencing;
• In sping - tennis, baseball, badminton, rugby, golf, lacrosse, track and field athletics and triathlon, cricket.

Much attention is also paid to environmental education. At the head of training is the principle of sustainability: it is the satisfaction of personal needs without harm to nature, conservation of resources and natural values. This includes saving water and paper, using energy-efficient and economical equipment, constantly searching for sources of renewable energy right on campus.
Students of secondary and high school are constantly participating in art sections: one can choose music, a debate club, theater and dramatic art, ISO.

A separate mention is the Cadet Corps, students of grades 7-12:

• Leadership development;
• Physical and theoretical training;
• Participation in expedition;
• First aid training;
• Socio- Useful activity;
• Biathlon;
• Scuba diving;
• Shooting;
• And, of course, fighting for the Duke of Edinburgh Prize.

Classes are held once a week - a pupil can take part in a brass band instead of classical cadet training, In the ensemble of bagpipes and drums and accompany music performances of the Cadets, as well as perform at a variety of competitions, festivals and events throughout the year. Cadet parades - an unforgettable, bright and impressive spectacle, which invariably gathers a lot of ​​spectators.

About a fourth of the teachers are holders of the degree. The college regularly and successfully passes the test from the Ministry of Education of the province of Ontario (every two years), is a member of many national and international educational organizations and takes an active part in their activities, constantly cooperates with colleagues and exchanges experiences. The boarding schools in Canada carefully tracks all the academic successes of schoolchildren: especially gifted students can wear a scholarship tie or a badge. In addition to academic success, St.Andrew's College appreciates sports and creative achievements.

St.Andrew's College organizes all conditions for full and comprehensive development of schoolchildren - the total area of ​​the campus reaches 110 acres. There are 4 living residences, a common canteen (for 320 people), a chapel (for 250 people), a medical center (located in the residence for high school students), a library and shops. The covered courtyard is a beautiful picturesque atrium with its own artistic composition, which in itself serves as an interesting attraction.

Extensive sports infrastructure for students: various fields and playgrounds (with grass and artificial cover), 6 squash courts, a baseball field, 2 gyms and a fitness center (including power equipment), climbing wall, treadmills, a spacious indoor 25-meter pool,  2 skating rinks in the winter.

All classrooms are perfectly equipped: each has a projector, interactive whiteboard and printer, Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises. Teachers constantly use interactive techniques and modern technologies in teaching and are always glad to share their knowledge and experience with students, to exchange information with foreign colleagues. Modern and innovative sources, storage media and the latest software are actively used. Each student is provided with a laptop: most tasks, tests and training materials are provided in electronic format, not to mention the search and processing of information and the preparation of personal research and projects. Students can also rely on technical support, and if necessary - repair laptops and other equipment.

The academic year at St. Andrew's College is divided into three trimesters. Residences close at 6:00 PM on the last day of classes before each break, with return allowed after 6:00 PM and before 9:00 PM on the eve of classes resuming. During the autumn mid-term break and March holidays, classes end on Wednesday. The middle school awards ceremony is held in mid-June, and the upper school graduation ceremony takes place the following day.

In addition to tuition fees, the following mandatory and optional expenses apply:

• Registration fee (one-time, for new students): full amount for the first child from a family, reduced for each subsequent child. The fee is non-refundable,
• Refundable deposit (for new students),
• Technology fee: tablet, service support, theft and damage insurance, backpack, software,
• Personal services fee: transportation to competitions and events, clubs, yearbook, leadership programs, cadet corps uniform,
• Lunch fee (day students only),
• Textbooks and uniform,
• Transfer (school bus program along Ontario routes),
• Medical insurance and other personal expenses.

Three payment options are available: lump sum, installments, and a monthly plan. For international students, payment is arranged through a specialized payment platform.

Extras:

• Study materials 1500 CAD
• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 4000 CAD
• Deposit for a course/programme 1000 CAD
• Other 975 CAD
• Special diet food 1500 CAD

Admissions are open for grades 5 through 11 (direct entry into grade 12 is not available). Boarding student applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but places are limited — early inquiry is recommended. Smapse specialists will guide you through every stage of the admissions process.

St. Andrew's College purposefully prepares graduates for admission to the world's leading universities: the AP Capstone program, leadership courses (with credit earning), and a wide range of extracurricular activities shape a graduate ready for the requirements of the best universities in Canada, the USA, and the United Kingdom.

Admissions are open for grades 5–11. Day students must reside in the province of Ontario. Boarding student applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Required documents:

• Online application with payment of the registration fee,
• Documents via the parent portal: candidate photo, application form, document confirming age and name (birth certificate or passport),
• Confidential teacher recommendation,
• Report cards for the two previous years and the current year,
• Copies of certificates and awards (if applicable),
• Entrance test: for students from Canadian schools (grades 5–11) — CAT5 on campus or remotely, for most international applicants — SSAT,
• Interview — for shortlisted candidates only.

Smapse specialists will guide you through every stage of the application process.

St. Andrew's College annually distributes more than 3,000,000 $CAD in financial aid; approximately 26% of students receive a scholarship or bursary. Financial aid is often renewed through to graduation.

• Academic Scholarships — awarded upon admission based on academic and other achievements; available to day students in grades 5–7.
• D. Bruce Macdonald Scholarship — a named scholarship for students from the York Region and surrounding areas.
• Community Scholarship — for students who make a significant contribution to community life.
• Andrean Campus Experience (ACE) Award — a scholarship for day students transitioning to boarding. Effective from the 2026–2027 academic year, 15 scholarships are awarded annually (5 for the transition to Grade 11, 10 — to Grade 12); a trial week in residence, an essay, and an interview are required.
• Bursaries (need-based grants) — awarded based on a financial review; however, the school expects a partnership with the family and does not cover 100% of tuition costs.
• Parents' Guild — provides scholarship and bursary support to current students (established in 1934).
• Football Legacy Fund — a dedicated fund supporting the football program, including financial assistance for students.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision