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.
Bond of Brotherhood is Vital to Rugby Team Success
By Jeff Barton ’91 and Gord Wotherspoon, Lower School faculty and U13/U14 Rugby team coaches
Rugby is an important part of Crescent’s athletics culture, and it’s a centerpiece for many boys’ experiences here. Since my days as a Crescent student in the ‘80s, I’ve always felt that the rugby pitch was the best place to learn, with my brothers in arms!
For the past 15 years, we’ve been privileged to coach the U13 and U14 Rugby teams alongside Mr. Fisher. We’ve had a good run so far. The U14 team has won back-to-back championships and the U13 team won five out of the past six championships. But we believe success is about more than just winning.
Being part of a team means understanding that we all have success together and we will all have challenges, if not failures, together. Don’t get me wrong, we want to win – but there are many other great lessons to be learned on the rugby pitch.
Our team consists of roughly 30 Grade 7s (the U13s) and 25 Grade 8s (the U14s). The two teams play two very distinct games – U13s play seven-a-side rugby while the U14s play 13-a-side rugby – but they all train as one.
Now, if you know Middle School boys, you know that these two grades do not necessarily always get along or hang out together. Throw in a sport that most of the boys have never played before, that challenges their perceived notion of toughness, and you could have a recipe for disaster. What we love about coaching this team is that, due to the boy’s lack of experience with it, everyone is starting from the same place. Rugby is truly a sport that requires all kinds and sizes – short and squat, tall and lean, or anything in between.
We expect a lot from each and every boy who comes onto the pitch to play. Some of the best growth comes from the boys teaching each other. The U14 players, who often only have a year’s experience under their belt, are expected to set an example for the new players. You will see them leading warm-ups, demonstrating proper technique and constantly helping the newbies. These Grade 8 boys are expected to teach, support and befriend their Grade 7 teammates.
As a result, a special bond occurs over our rugby season – a bond of brotherhood. During practice, you will find the Grade 7s and 8s training alongside one another. If some players finished a drill early, they’ll encourage the other boys. Clapping on their teammates is an important part of the experience.
So if you happen to watch an U13 or U14 rugby game, don’t be surprised to see one team cheering on the other. That’s the sign of a successful team – one that learns from, supports and encourages its brothers.