Armbrae Academy and Sacred Heart School of Halifax are both in Halifax, about 1 km apart. Both schools offer Canadian and Advanced Placement (AP) programmes, and Armbrae Academy also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are CA$17,342 - 34,650 at Armbrae Academy and CA$16,650 - 23,290 at Sacred Heart School of Halifax, which puts Armbrae Academy roughly 30% higher. Armbrae Academy takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Sacred Heart School of Halifax from 4 to 18.
Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum
Curriculum
Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils
Pupils
350
Pupils
—
Typical class size
Typical class size
—
Typical class size
8
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English
Opened
Opened
1887
Opened
1849
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Armbrae Academy operates across three Halifax campuses: Oxford Street Campus at 1400 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8; Coburg Campus at 6430 Coburg Road, Halifax, NS B3H 2A6; and South Campus at 1300 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8. The campuses are in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The Oxford Campus hosts the main programs; Coburg and South Campuses provide additional facilities and enrollment pathways.
Location
5820 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1X8, Canada. The campus is in the heart of Halifax. It is described as an iconic campus in the city.
Diamond model: Elementary School JP-Grade 6 is co-educational; Junior High for Grades 10-12 is co-educational; Senior School for Grades 7-9 is single-gender.
School type
School type
Co-educational.
School type
Independent private day school; Elementary and Junior High are co-educational; Senior School is single-gender.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Learning Support.
Additional learning support
Learning strategists provide support for students requiring resources or enrichment, delivered in one-on-one or small-group settings to help students be successful.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
—
Country affiliation
Canada
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
Catholic
School day structure
School day structure
BeforeCare 7:30–8:00; arrival around 8:20–8:30. The day runs 8:30–3:15 with a mid-morning recess 9:50–10:05, lunch 11:25–12:20, and a mid-afternoon recess 1:40–1:55. Co-curricular activities run 3:30–4:30 and Aftercare is 4:30–5:45.
School day structure
Doors open at 8:00am; the school day begins at 8:30am. Junior Primary is dismissed between 2:00pm and 3:15pm; Grades Primary, 1 and 2 dismiss at 3:15pm; Grades 3 to 6 dismiss at 3:30pm. After School Program runs daily until 5:30pm (JP–2 dismiss at 3:15pm; Grades 3–6 at 3:30pm).
Bus service details
Bus service details
—
Bus service details
—
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and Enrollment Fees
- Application fee: CAD 150 (non‑refundable). - Tuition deposit to secure a place: CAD 2,500 (paid with the signed enrolment contract; deducted from the first term's fees; the full deposit is non‑refundable if the applicant subsequently withdraws). - Entrance fee for new students: CAD 4,000 one‑time, non‑refundable (applies to each of the first two children in a family; separate from tuition). Installment options are available for students beginning in Preschool or PrePrimary as described below.
Entrance‑fee installment examples
- Preschool start (broken across three years): CAD 1,333 in Preschool, CAD 1,333 in PrePrimary, CAD 1,334 in Primary. The first installment is due with the enrolment contract and tuition deposit; the later installments are due with the next annual tuition payments on June 30. - PrePrimary start (broken across two years): CAD 2,000 in PrePrimary and CAD 2,000 in Primary, with the first payment due with the enrolment contract and the second due with the next annual tuition payment on June 30.
Annual tuition (2026/27 academic year)
- Preschool – PrePrimary: CAD 17,342 per year. - Lower School (Primary – Grade 5): CAD 23,090 per year. - Middle & Upper School (Grades 6 – 12): CAD 24,961 per year. - International day students (Grades PS – 12): CAD 34,650 per year (domestic day‑student tuition differs by division as shown above). - Before‑school care (4:30am–start): CAD 10 per day; After‑school care (4:30pm–5:45pm): CAD 15 per day. - Sibling discounts: CAD 1,000 off the second child's tuition and CAD 2,000 off the third and each additional child's tuition.
Billing schedule and payment terms (payment‑plan structure and sample installments)
The School publishes multiple payment plan options. The examples below reproduce the School's structured options used in recent published fee tables (dates shown are illustrative of the plan due‑date pattern used in the published fee table for the 2025/26 year). Families must select a payment plan when completing the enrolment contract.
- Plan A — Lump Sum / Two Installments: - Deposit: CAD 2,500 due with enrolment. - Balance: one payment due June 30 (amount varies by division). - Example 2025/26 totals shown by division: Preschool total CAD 16,516; Lower School total CAD 21,990; Middle/Upper total CAD 23,772; International total CAD 33,000.
- Plan B — Term / Four Installments: - Deposit: CAD 2,500 due with enrolment. - Subsequent instalments due on scheduled term dates (example 2025/26 pattern: June 30, September 30, January 31). - Example 2025/26 per‑installment amounts (after deposit) are published by division and produce the term totals shown in the School's fee table. Interest/fee details for this plan may be included in the fee table.
- Plan C — Monthly / Multi‑installment: - Deposit: CAD 2,500 due with enrolment. - Monthly payments over a fixed set of months (example 2025/26: monthly payments from May 31 through January 31; the School has also published a 12‑payment option for later years with payments due February 28 through January 31). - Example 2025/26 monthly amounts by division are published in the School's fee table and produce the annual totals for each division.
- Policy notes on payment timing and changes: - To change a payment schedule, families must contact the Finance Office and complete the official change form by the published deadline (the School gives specific cut‑off dates for requests). An administrative fee may apply for changes. Late or past‑due accounts are subject to interest charges.
Payment methods, penalties and administrative fees
- Accepted payment methods: online payment via the School's secure payment gateway (Veracross) using direct debit or credit card, cheque, and wire transfer. A surcharge applies to credit‑card and wire payments. - Overdue accounts: interest charges are applied to outstanding accounts; the School's published policy notes an interest rate of 12% applied to overdue amounts and the School reserves the right to impose sanctions (including suspension) for collection. - Non‑sufficient funds (NSF): CAD 50 per incident.
Boarding and family‑boarding (where applicable)
- Family boarding (host‑family / ISGC program) is available for international students in Grades 8–12. Two packaged options are published: - All‑inclusive 6‑month program (September–February or January–June): total CAD 39,900 (this total combines Armbrae program fees plus ISGC family‑boarding fees). The Armbrae program component example for a 6‑month stay: tuition with EAL CAD 21,000; entrance fee CAD 2,350; uniforms & spirit wear approx. CAD 850; co‑curricular CAD 1,000; field trips CAD 1,000; Armbrae total CAD 26,200. ISGC (family boarding) component examples for six months: homestay accommodation CAD 10,800 plus other ISGC fees (placement, coordination, insurance) producing an ISGC subtotal of CAD 13,700; combined total CAD 39,900. - All‑inclusive full‑year program (10 months, September–June): the published Armbrae program component example: tuition with EAL CAD 35,000; entrance fee CAD 4,000; uniforms & spirit wear approx. CAD 850; co‑curricular CAD 1,500; field trips CAD 1,500; Armbrae total CAD 43,850. ISGC annual family‑boarding component examples include homestay accommodation CAD 18,000 plus custodianship, placement and coordination fees (ISGC subtotal CAD 22,600), producing a combined full‑year total of approximately CAD 66,450–66,500 as published in the program summary.
Other compulsory or typical additional costs
- Uniforms: initial outfitting for a new student typically runs CAD 450–600; uniforms must be purchased from the School's approved provider. - Common incidental charges (examples): approved travel and field trips, private music lessons, tutoring, house funds, Advanced Placement (AP) exam fees, software and specific course materials or supplies; amounts vary by activity or program. For international programs, the School publishes estimated co‑curricular and field‑trip allowances (examples given above).
Refund and withdrawal rules
- Tuition and admission fees (including the Entrance Fee) are non‑refundable. Once a student is accepted, parents are liable for the full annual fee regardless of when a student leaves or the reason for leaving. The tuition deposit (CAD 2,500) is non‑refundable if the applicant withdraws after paying it.
Summary of how fees can be paid
- Online: secure Veracross payment gateway (direct debit or credit card). - Paper/wire: cheque or wire transfer (credit card and wire payments incur a surcharge). - Administrative/penalty items: NSF fee CAD 50; interest on overdue accounts (12% as published); administrative fees may apply for payment‑plan changes.
(End of fee overview.)
Fee details
Overview (2026–27)
All fees below are stated in Canadian dollars (CAD). The school offers three main tuition levels: Junior Primary, Elementary (Primary–Grade 6), and Senior School (Grades 7–12).
Application and Admission fees - Application Fee: CAD 0 (no application fee). - One-time Admission Fee (new students, Primary–Grade 12): CAD 3,000 due August 1 or prior to attending in the case of late enrollment. This one-time admission fee is applied to each child for the first two children enrolled per family and is waived for Junior Primary and for third and subsequent children under the school's family policy.
Enrollment deposit (new students) - Enrollment deposit: CAD 1,000 payable when the enrollment contract is completed. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Of the CAD 1,000 deposit, CAD 900 is applied against tuition and CAD 100 is an administration fee.
2026–27 Tuition fees (Domestic students) — by school level - Junior Primary: CAD 16,650 (total under the published 2026–27 Financial Guide payment schedule). - Elementary School (Primary–Grade 6): CAD 21,135 (total under the published 2026–27 Financial Guide payment schedule). - Senior School (Grades 7–12): CAD 23,290 (total under the published 2026–27 Financial Guide payment schedule).
Payment plans, per-term and installment details - Single payment plan (no administration fee): - Enrollment deposit CAD 1,000 upon contract signing; balance due July 1. Example balances for July 1, 2026: Junior Primary CAD 15,650; Elementary CAD 20,135; Senior CAD 22,290 (total equals the amounts listed above). - Two-payment plan (CAD 300 administration fee): - Enrollment deposit CAD 1,000 on contract signing; first payment due July 1 and second payment due November 30. Example first/second payment amounts (July 1 / Nov 30, 2026): Junior Primary CAD 7,975 / CAD 7,975; Elementary CAD 10,218 / CAD 10,218; Senior CAD 11,295 / CAD 11,295. Total for each level includes the CAD 300 administration fee. - Ten-payment plan (CAD 600 administration fee): - Enrollment deposit CAD 1,000 on contract signing; monthly payments from July 1, 2026 through April 1, 2027. Example monthly payments: Junior Primary CAD 1,625; Elementary CAD 2,074; Senior CAD 2,298. Total for each level includes the CAD 600 administration fee.
Mid-year enrollment and prorating - Tuition for students who enroll after the school year begins is prorated: a full month is charged for start dates on or before the 15th of the month; a half-month is charged for start dates after the 15th. The one-time admission fee applies for students in Grades Primary–12 when applicable.
Family discounts and scholarships - Family discount: CAD 750 credit against the second child's tuition; CAD 1,000 discount for the third and any subsequent child's tuition. - Scholarships and bursary support are available (merit scholarships for Grades 7–12 and need-based bursaries for Primary–12) and will be reflected on invoices when awarded. Payment-plan totals and invoices reflect any applied scholarships or tuition assistance.
Additional mandatory and optional fees - English as an Additional Language (EAL) fees (when EAL support is required): Grades Primary–6: CAD 2,000; Grades 7–12: CAD 9,000 (added to the student's account when EAL support is required). - School uniform (approximate cost): Junior Primary–Grade 6: CAD 400–600; Grades 7–12: CAD 500–700. A second-hand uniform sale is run by the Parents' Guild annually. - After-School Program (JP–6): CAD 5.50 per half hour or part thereof (billed monthly). Complimentary care windows are noted for specific early years; after-school program fees apply beyond complimentary periods. After-school day camp rate: CAD 80 per day. A CAD 75 school supplies fee is added for Grades Primary–6. - Field trips and activities: compulsory local travel and activities are included in tuition; activities outside Nova Scotia incur additional fees based on travel and activity.
Boarding and homestay - The school does not offer a boarding program. International students are placed with Canadian host families through a managed Homestay program; homestay is arranged and overseen by a professional partner (host family accommodation is provided for a stipend paid to host families). There are no boarding fees; homestay arrangements and any related fees or stipends are managed through the homestay program partner.
Refund and cancellation specifics - The enrollment deposit (CAD 1,000) is non-refundable and non-transferable. Tuition for students who join mid-year is prorated as described above. Other refund and cancellation details are handled according to the enrollment contract and Business Office terms.
Billing schedule, payment terms, penalties, and receipts - Billing schedule: families select a payment plan when completing the enrollment contract and must notify the Business Office by July 1 to change plans prior to the school year. Due dates under each plan are specified (see Single, Two-, and Ten-payment plans above). - Accepted payment methods: online bill payment from a Canadian bank account (recurring payments can be set up), cheque or bank draft made payable to SACRED HEART SCHOOL OF HALIFAX, and credit card via the school billing portal (a 2.6% credit-card processing fee applies to credit-card payments). A CAD 45 fee applies to returned payments (NSF). - Late payments: accounts 30 days or more in arrears are charged interest at 1% per month (12% annually). Overdue accounts may result in withholding of report cards and transcripts, suspension, or declined future enrollment until the account is settled. Families with accounts in arrears as of April 30 will not receive report cards or transcripts until the account is paid in full. - Tax receipts: receipts for eligible child-care and other items are issued by the Business Office in February; Junior Primary tuition and After-School Program fees have specified tax receipt treatments.
Summary of key amounts (CAD) - Application Fee: CAD 0. - Admission Fee (one-time, new students P–12): CAD 3,000. - Enrollment deposit (new students): CAD 1,000 (non-refundable; CAD 900 toward tuition + CAD 100 admin). - Tuition (total, 2026–27): Junior Primary CAD 16,650; Elementary CAD 21,135; Senior CAD 23,290. - EAL fees (if required): Grades P–6 CAD 2,000; Grades 7–12 CAD 9,000. Uniforms approx. CAD 400–700 depending on level. After-School Program CAD 5.50 per half hour; camps CAD 80/day. Field trips outside Nova Scotia may incur additional charges.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
—
Boarding arrangements
—
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
—
Food options
Food options
—
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
—
Governance and ownership
—
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Armbrae Academy is an independent, university-preparatory, co-educational Pre-K to Grade 12 day school in Halifax, Nova Scotia, CAIS accredited. Preschool & PrePrimary (ages 3-5) uses a play-based, integrated curriculum with Jolly Phonics; includes daily French class, outdoor play and a mix of teacher- and student-led activities. Lower School follows the Nova Scotia curriculum with enrichment, small class sizes and a focus on literacy, numeracy, science and French, along with drama, music, art, physical and health education, library and field trips. Middle School (Grades 6-8) aligns with the Nova Scotia curriculum for Grades 6-9, includes an advisory program, health and wellness focus, and co-curricular options such as art, music, speaking arts and service learning. Upper School (Grades 9-12) meets graduation requirements with Foundation Years and Specialization Years; it offers an Advanced Placement program with courses such as Psychology, World History, Environmental Science and more, plus the Duke of Edinburgh Award program. Career & University Guidance provides post-secondary planning from Grade 9 onward, including university visits and admissions support, and lists UCAS code 45203 and CEEB code 825385.
Curriculum details
Diamond Model of Education with a co-ed Elementary School (JP–Grade 6) and Junior High, and a single-gender Senior School (Grades 7–9) with a co-ed Senior High (Grades 10–12). The Elementary School provides age-appropriate French instruction, including an Enhanced French Program in Grades 1–2 with daily instruction in both English and French and a daily core French class in Grades 3–6. The Senior School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for first-year university credit and a University Preparation program, with English as an Additional Language support. The program emphasizes leadership, social justice, and a broad co-curricular program, including exchange programs and online courses, with small classes and experienced faculty.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
—
Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes.
Exam results
Exam results
—
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Career Education starts in Grade 9 and continues through Grades 10-12, with post-secondary guidance embedded in the academic program. University representatives visit annually to discuss options, and students receive individualized admissions support to prepare applications. The guidance team assists with course selections aligned to post-secondary goals and admissions requirements, and UCAS code 45203 and CEEB code 825385 support applications.
Higher education progression
Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide first-year university credit, and a University Preparation program guides post-secondary planning.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Advanced Placement Program offers university-level courses and exams. AP offerings include Psychology, World History, Environmental Science, Calculus AB/BC, Biology, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, and Computer Science Principles.
Gifted and talented
Enrichment Program with Differentiated Teaching and Learning and Enrichment Clusters; Advanced Placement courses offer higher-level study.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
—
Academic calendar
—
Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
—
Social & emotional learning
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
—
English as an additional language
—
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
—
Mental wellbeing
—
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding
—
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
—
Facilities overview
—
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
—
Sports facilities
—
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
—
Academic facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
—
Extra curricular facilities
—
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
—
History
—
Community
Community
—
Community
—
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
—
Parent teacher association
—
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
—
Academic & intellectual
—
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
—
Arts & creative
—
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
—
Cultural & language
—
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
—
Social & hobbies
—
Community & service
Community & service
—
Community & service
—
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
—
Leadership & professional
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
—
Lifestyle & wellbeing
—
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
—
Language provision
—
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
—
Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
—
Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
—
Awards
—
Accreditations
Accreditations
—
Accreditations
—
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Step 1: Complete an online application through Armbrae's Admissions Portal at armbrae.ns.ca/apply and follow the instructions provided. Upload supporting documents such as recent report cards or transcripts, teacher references, and proof of citizenship. If English is not your first language, include proof of English proficiency; official scores from Duolingo, IELTS, or TOEFL are accepted. A non-refundable application fee is payable at the time you apply. Step 2: Interview and entrance assessment. Once the application has been reviewed, selected candidates are invited to participate in an interview and an entrance assessment. Families in Halifax may attend in person, while international families who cannot travel will have a virtual interview and an appropriate alternative for the entrance assessment. Step 3: Admissions decisions. Admissions decisions are communicated after review. If an offer of admission is made, you'll be asked to confirm your acceptance by the deadline provided by the Admissions Office. To secure a place, a non-refundable registration fee is required.
Admissions
Four simple steps compose the admissions process: Get To Know Us; Apply; Upload Required Documents; Book Your Child's Assessment.
Get To Know Us: Families begin by contacting the Admissions Office to learn about Sacred Heart School of Halifax. They may submit an inquiry, book a tour, attend an event, or call the Admissions Office. A visit can be arranged if a visit has not yet occurred.
Apply: Submit an online application. There is no cost to apply. After the application is received, the Admissions Office will contact the family to arrange a tour if a visit has not occurred and to schedule an appointment for the child's assessment.
Upload Required Documents: Upload the required documents through the application portal using the grade-specific checklist. Junior Primary and Primary require a copy of the child's birth certificate or passport. Grade 1-12 require a birth certificate or passport, final report cards from the past two academic years, the most recent report card if applicable, the teacher recommendation form, and the completed student profile.
Book Your Child's Assessment: All prospective students must complete an assessment to determine academic eligibility and mission alignment. If English is not the student's first language, an English Proficiency Assessment may also be required. Grades 1-9 have a visiting day and/or on-campus assessment, with online assessment available for those outside Halifax; Grades 10-12 complete the ISEE on campus, with online assessment for those outside Halifax. A member of the Admissions Team will be in touch with the outcome of your application; if accepted, a formal letter of acceptance is issued and a deposit is required to hold the spot.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Tuition Assistance is a need-based bursary for students in Grades 6-12. The Tuition Assistance Committee reviews applications based on financial need and the student's potential to contribute to the school. Families indicate interest in scholarship funding on the student's initial application for admission.
Scholarships
The school uses a Bursary Fund to provide needs-based tuition assistance. Current Sacred Heart families and new families whose child is accepted and enrolled for the coming school year can apply for tuition assistance through the Bursary Fund. The amount per scholarship ranges from $500 to $3,000 and is applied as a reduction of tuition fees. A Financial Guide outlines payment plans, enrollment contracts, and potential additional costs of the program.
