Have you ever wondered what kind of educational environment truly nurtures confident, principled, and academically outstanding female leaders? In Toronto, Ontario, there is a unique school that stands out—Hawthorn School. Renowned for its commitment to character development and academic excellence, Hawthorn School is an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality Canadian education.
The mission of Hawthorn School is to collaborate closely with parents in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. It provides a distinctive and holistic education that fosters both character and intellect, aiming to nurture confident, virtuous, and faith-filled women dedicated to improving society. The school follows the tradition of Classical Liberal Arts education, which includes the Trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and the Quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy). This approach develops students' critical thinking, communication skills, and appreciation of beauty. Hawthorn believes that through this educational model, students can understand the connections between disciplines and pursue the highest truths, shaping a rich, humanistic, and complete personality.
Founded in 1989 by a group of parents and educators, Hawthorn School is dedicated to a holistic approach to education. Located in Toronto, it is the only independent girls' school in the city offering a Catholic-inspired education and has a history spanning 35 years. As part of an international network of similar schools, Hawthorn emphasizes the idea that parents are the primary educators in their child’s life.
Hawthorn School offers education from preschool to Grade 12. The preschool to kindergarten programs are co-educational, while Grades 1 to 12 are exclusively for girls. The school’s educational model is built upon five core pillars: pursuit of academic excellence, personal mentorship, partnership with parents, leadership through service, and the advantages of single-sex education. A strong foundation in language arts and mathematics is emphasized, and in the upper grades, required courses in philosophy, Latin, ethics, and world history enrich the broader curriculum in language, math, science, and the arts.
A hallmark of Hawthorn School is its Mentoring Program, which is central to its character education. From Grade 2 to Grade 12, every student is assigned a trained and experienced female mentor who meets with them regularly to offer personalized guidance. Mentors recognize the uniqueness of each student, helping them identify areas for improvement and grow in character through daily experiences. This individualized mentorship addresses not only academic performance but also the student’s development at home, in peer relationships, and in facing life’s challenges.
Hawthorn places strong emphasis on collaboration with parents, viewing them as the most direct, powerful, and enduring educators in a child’s life. The school uses a cooperative approach to ensure a consistent and aligned effort for each girl’s academic and personal success. This philosophy is embedded in every aspect of the school, from academic instruction to character formation.
As a girls’ school, Hawthorn is uniquely positioned to meet the specific needs of its students, helping them realize their full potential as thriving young women. Girls’ school graduates are more likely to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in university and show greater confidence in these fields than their peers in co-educational schools. In an all-girls environment, students are free to discover and express their authentic voice without the distractions of a mixed-gender setting.
To apply to Hawthorn, families must submit a completed application package, including an application form with fee, teacher recommendation letters, recent photo, transcripts from the past two years, and a copy of the birth certificate or passport. Applicants from Grade 4 and up must also submit two graded writing samples. The admissions process includes a school tour, student assessment, and parent interview. For international students, these steps can be completed online to ensure convenient access for families abroad.
Hawthorn boasts an impressive 100% university acceptance rate, with students gaining admission to their top-choice schools. With small class sizes and one of the lowest student-teacher ratios in the country, each student receives individualized attention. This educational model builds confidence, develops leadership, and lays a strong foundation for future academic and career success. Leadership through service is a core value, with students participating in projects such as Canadian Food for Children and Good Shepherd Ministries to foster a sense of social responsibility.
Hawthorn School is more than just an academic institution; it is a community where character and academics go hand in hand. For families seeking a school that supports the full development of each student through a blend of classical tradition and modern teaching, Hawthorn School is well worth exploring.
