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.
by Fraser Bertram, Director of Athletics, and Ari Hunter, Middle School Faculty
A different take on an old saying that “sports build character” is that “sports don’t build character, they reveal it.” Unfortunately, in youth and school sport, the latter phrase is too often applicable to the spectators.
I have often wondered what it would be like if everyone at a kids’ game had to sit next to the parents or friends of the other team and the referee. Would the same comments be made knowing that you are all there to cheer on your friends or sons?
A sign at a community baseball diamond recently made the rounds on social media. The sign read:
These are kids
This is a game
Coaches are volunteers
Umpires are human
It is a sad commentary that such a sign needs to be posted for kids’ sports, but it speaks to the reality of the rise in pressure around youth games.
We have been fortunate at Crescent to have positive peer and parent spectators who recognise that players, coaches and referees are doing their best to fulfill their roles in competitive matches.
As winter playoffs and our annual Friday Night Basketball game approach, it’s timely to share some reminders about how to be a good Crescent fan at the games that our kids play for fun.
Mr. Ari Hunter, our Senior D1 Basketball coach, says the home team feeds off the positive energy of the crowd. When our fans are chanting “De-fense!” in unison with the bench, or cheering loudly when we make a great play, that energy lifts our players and helps wear down the opponents. In late game situations, the support of the crowd fuels our players to dig deep in the face of fatigue. When done properly, a strong home court crowd is a powerful advantage.
However, cheering at a game with 200 people is much different from cheering in a stadium with 20,000 people. It is important to understand that what might be anonymously shouted in a huge stadium is heard clearly in a small gym or arena. It is great to cheer for our team, and it is okay to make a consistent noise during an opponent’s foul shot – but it’s not okay to boo the opposition, single out players with comments or shout out during foul shots.
On a basketball court, the referee is watching 10 players battle for a ball and watching for many more rules to be followed. Contrary to popular belief, the refs are watching the same game as you. Yes, they may make mistakes and sometimes they may not help our team. They are human. This happens and it is to the coach to decide how to manage these situations.
Again, we mainly see positive interaction from Crescent spectators at our matches. It is great to have crowds out to support our boys. Please come and enjoy watching the games. The boys will play. The coaches will coach (and maybe banter with referees). The referees will do their best job refereeing. As spectators, you can sit back, cheer on our Coyotes and not worry about the other three roles in the show.