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Hillfield Strathallan College

Canada, Hamilton

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$22,847 - 36,750
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1200
Type Co-educational
Opened 1901
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Montessori Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French
Typical class size 19
Strengths STEM, Sport, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent, co-educational day school in Hamilton, Ontario, serving ages 1 to 18. It offers Montessori education and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with the Senior School providing more than 100 courses, including AP from Grade 10. The program supports post‑secondary planning through the Student Success Centre, with university and career guidance for Canadian, US, and international applications, plus a Co‑op program and E‑Week for experiential learning. The curriculum emphasizes wellbeing and character development, with alumni mentorship and Gr8T Start program introducing Grade 9 students to elective pathways. The 50‑acre campus houses classrooms, visual arts studios, music rooms, performing arts centre, and science laboratories. The facilities include eight outdoor fields, multiple gyms, tennis courts, climbing walls, and an athletics complex. The school offers over 100 activities, including Model UN, robotics, theatre, ensembles, and service initiatives, plus leadership opportunities such as Student Councils and Duke of Edinburgh Award.

299 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, ON L9C 1G3, Canada

The Essentials

Hillfield Strathallan College has 1,200 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location
Hillfield Strathallan College is located at 299 Fennell Ave W, Hamilton, Ontario L9C 1G3. It sits on the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, Ontario. The campus spans more than 50 acres with outdoor learning spaces. Transport to and from the campus is provided by a network of 31 bus routes with morning, evening, and late buses.

Stages
Montessori School (18 months to 9 years); Junior School (JK–Grade 4); Middle School (Grade 5–8); Senior School (Grade 9–12); overall program from toddler/Pre-K to Grade 12.

Type
Independent, co-educational day school

Additional learning support
Student Support Services with specialized education leaders and teachers

Country affiliation
Canada

Bus service
Network of 31 bus routes offering morning, evening, and late bus options
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school is an independent day school. For international students aged 14 and up, HSC offers a family homestay program with The Canada Homestay Network (CHN), placing students with screened local host families accessible by HSC's private bus network. Supervision and support are provided by CHN 24 hours a day, and the HSC International Student Specialist assists with accommodations.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are worn by all students. There are many uniform options available.

Food Options
Daily hot lunch is provided to all students. Nutrition services offer nutritious meals as part of the daily program.

House System
Hillfield Strathallan College has a four-house system. The houses are Cedar-More, Birch-Earn, Pine-Yre, and Maple-Tay. Houses provide mentorship, activities, competitions, and a sense of belonging across generations.

Governance and Ownership
HSC is governed by two boards: the Board of Governors and the Board of Trustees. The HSC Corporation is the legal foundation overseeing the College's mission, finances, and strategic plans. The Corporation operates separately from the two boards.
Fees

Annual tuition at Hillfield Strathallan College ranges from CAD 22,847 to CAD 36,750 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Domestic (Canadian) applicants: a one-time, non-refundable application fee of CAD 150 is required at submission (paid by credit card).
- International applicants (Study/Work Visa): a one-time, non-refundable international application fee of CAD 250 is required at submission (paid by credit card).

Registration / enrolment deposits

- New domestic students: a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of CAD 2,000 is required to secure an enrolment place.
- New international students: a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of CAD 4,500 is required at acceptance; receipt of full tuition may be required to release an immigration Letter of Acceptance (LOA).
- Ongoing enrolment model: an Ongoing Enrolment Deposit of CAD 1,000 will be charged to each student account in January each year (applies while a student remains enrolled under the College's ongoing enrolment process).

Tuition fees by year group (Domestic fee schedule — 2026–2027)

Note: amounts shown are annual tuition amounts and the schedule also shows the Expansion Fund Fee and the per‑payment amounts under the available payment plans.

- Montessori / Toddler – PK2 (MT/PK2): Tuition CAD 22,847. Expansion Fund Fee CAD 1,150. Total if paid as one payment CAD 23,997. Three-payment instalment amount CAD 8,290 (per payment). Nine-payment instalment amount CAD 2,800 (per payment). Twelve-payment instalment amount CAD 2,130 (per payment).

- M3 / PK3: Tuition CAD 24,601. Expansion Fund Fee CAD 1,150. Total one-payment CAD 25,751. Three-payment CAD 8,896 (per payment). Nine-payment CAD 3,004 (per payment). Twelve-payment CAD 2,286 (per payment).

- M4 / Junior Kindergarten (JK): Tuition CAD 24,985. Expansion Fund Fee CAD 1,150. Total one-payment CAD 26,135. Three-payment CAD 9,029 (per payment). Nine-payment CAD 3,049 (per payment). Twelve-payment CAD 2,320 (per payment).

- M5–9 / Senior Kindergarten – Grade 4 (SK–4): Tuition CAD 29,375. Expansion Fund Fee CAD 1,150. Total one-payment CAD 30,525. Three-payment CAD 10,545 (per payment). Nine-payment CAD 3,561 (per payment). Twelve-payment CAD 2,710 (per payment).

- Middle School (Grades 5–8): Tuition CAD 34,876. Expansion Fund Fee CAD 1,150. Total one-payment CAD 36,026. Three-payment CAD 12,446 (per payment). Nine-payment CAD 4,203 (per payment). Twelve-payment CAD 3,198 (per payment).

- Senior School (Grades 9–12): Tuition CAD 36,750. Expansion Fund Fee CAD 1,150. Total one-payment CAD 37,900. Three-payment CAD 13,093 (per payment). Nine-payment CAD 4,422 (per payment). Twelve-payment CAD 3,365 (per payment).

Expansion Fund Fee (capital contributions)

- Expansion Fund Fee is assessed on the two oldest children in each family: CAD 1,150 for the first student and CAD 500 for the second student. Expansion Fund Fees are not required for third and subsequent children.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment plans available (subject to College approval):
- Plan A (single payment): payment due July 31, 2026.
- Plan B (three payments): payments due July 31, October 31, and January 31.
- Plan C (nine monthly payments): monthly from July 31, 2026 through March 31, 2027.
- Plan D (twelve monthly payments): monthly from June 30, 2026 through May 31, 2027.
(Plans B, C and D are subject to approval and may not be available for students enrolling after October 31, 2026.)

- Instalment amounts shown on the fee schedule are the per‑payment amounts for each plan (the instalment totals exceed the single-payment total due to processing/administrative charges applied to instalment plans). Administrative fees are charged at 1.0% per month (12% per annum compounded monthly) on Plans B, C and D. Changes to fee plans after the first billing of the year are subject to a CAD 150 processing fee.

- Late payment charges on account balances are assessed at 1.5% per month (18% per annum compounded monthly). Optional tuition refund insurance is offered at 2.25% of the total annual fees.

Boarding / residence

- Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school; boarding/residence options are not part of the regular domestic day-school program. (International students who require accommodation may be assisted with homestay arrangements; separate homestay and insurance charges apply under the international admissions process.)

International students (Study/Work Visa) — key fee items and process

- International application fee: CAD 250 (one-time, non-refundable). Enrollment acceptance and LOA issuance: although the registration fee is CAD 4,500 at acceptance, the receipt of full tuition may be required to release an LOA for immigration purposes; many international applicants request a single invoice for registration plus tuition to facilitate a single wire transfer. Additional mandatory items for international students can include international health insurance, homestay registration and homestay deposits or placement fees (amounts and arrangements depend on the individual international fee schedule and homestay provider).

Other costs and common ancillary fees

- Daily hot lunch and the College's school bus services are included in tuition for domestic students (these services are listed as part of the operating budget covered by tuition). Additional optional program fees, field trips, extended care, extracurricular activity fees, and certain program-specific charges may be billed separately.

- Uniforms are supplied through the school-authorized supplier (InSchoolwear). Example retail pricing for a uniform item (Navy HSC Essex short) was listed at CAD 39.95; full uniform cost varies by items purchased and student grade.

- Processing / administrative extras: there is a CAD 150 fee for changes to fee plans after the first billing; optional tuition refund insurance is available at 2.25% of total annual fees; administrative fees of 1.0% per month apply to instalment plans B, C and D; late payment charges are 1.5% per month. An ongoing enrolment deposit of CAD 1,000 is charged in January each year under the College's automatic re-enrolment model.

Refund information and withdrawal notes

- The one-time registration fee is non-refundable. Optional tuition refund insurance (available at 2.25% of total annual fees) is offered to provide coverage in eligible circumstances. Late-payment penalties and administrative fees are specified and apply as published. Detailed refund, withdrawal and pro‑rata refund conditions for tuition or deposits are documented in the College's enrolment/fee agreement and international enrolment materials; the international enrolment process includes specific refund and documentation conditions for study-permit applicants.

Fee payment options

- The published fee schedule describes the four payment-plan structures (single payment, 3, 9 or 12 instalments) and states that the College accepts many forms of payment; instalment plans, due dates, processing fees and applicable administrative charges are defined in the schedule and billing notices. Families receive monthly email notifications when billing statements are processed. Specific payment channels (credit card, bank transfer, Interac/e‑Transfer, third-party payment portals for international wires, pre-authorized debit, etc.) are handled through the College's payment facilities and invoicing process and are reflected in the available payment plan offerings.

Summary of immediately billable items at acceptance (examples)

- Domestic: Application fee (CAD 150) at application; Registration fee (CAD 2,000) at acceptance; first instalment or one-payment tuition as per selected Plan at the published due date; Expansion Fund Fee where applicable; Ongoing Enrolment Deposit (CAD 1,000) charged in January annually.

- International: International application fee (CAD 250) at application; Registration fee (CAD 4,500) at acceptance (receipt of full tuition often required to release LOA); additional items such as international health insurance and homestay registration/deposit where required by the international enrolment package.

All figures above are stated in Canadian dollars (CAD) and follow the College's published Domestic and International fee schedules for the 2026–2027 academic year and the College's admissions documentation. Key numeric items and payment-plan details are taken from the College's 2026–2027 fee schedule and Admissions/International Admissions pages.
Academics

Hillfield Strathallan College teaches Montessori Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
Senior School offers a post-secondary preparatory academic program with more than 100 courses, including compulsory and elective credits and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP courses begin in Grade 10, providing opportunities for university-level study and potential university credits. The program includes comprehensive university and career planning via the Student Success Centre, which offers academic and course counselling and guidance for Canadian, US, and international applications. Experiential learning is integrated through E-Week and a Co-operative Education (Co-op) program. The curriculum emphasizes wellbeing and character development, with access to alumni mentorship and a Gr8T Start program that introduces Grade 9 students to elective pathways. This structure supports individualized learning and post-secondary aspirations.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 19 students.

Exam Results
95+% of graduates are Ontario Scholars. 100% of grads receive a post-secondary school offer.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have been accepted at universities worldwide, including in the United Kingdom, the United States, and across Canada. Post-secondary planning is coordinated by the Student Success Centre, which offers guidance for Canadian, US, and international applications. University representatives participate in events and fairs to support applications.

Gifted and Talented
Advanced Placement (AP) courses begin in Grade 10, offering university-level study and potential credits. The Senior School offers extensive course options and enrichment, including early exposure to advanced topics such as math and French, Gr8T Start for Grade 9, and specialized extension activities like coding or Model UN.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-emotional learning is integrated into the curriculum and daily life, with mindfulness initiatives and health education supporting resilience and wellbeing. A dedicated wellbeing team includes two Registered Nurses, an Athletic Therapist, and College Counsellors to support student health and wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Senior School offers learning support and academic counseling through the Student Success Centre (SSC), with eight dedicated faculty and staff providing personalized guidance, learning support, and social-emotional assistance.

Mental Wellbeing
Focus on wellbeing and character development is central in the Senior School, with support staff including Registered Nurses, an Athletic Therapist, and College Counsellors. The Student Success Centre provides social-emotional assistance and guidance for academic planning and post-secondary preparation.

Safeguarding
International students receive safeguarding through guardianship services with Canadian Education Student Services (CESS). The program provides a guardian as a 24-hour emergency contact, arrival and enrollment assistance, advocacy for academic and attendance matters, and support throughout visa processes.
Parent Experience

History
Hillfield Strathallan College was founded in 1901 as Highfield School for Boys by John H. Collinson. Hillcrest School opened in 1920 and Strathallan School followed in 1923; Hillfield School was built in 1929. In 1962 the two schools moved to the current 50-acre campus on Fennell Avenue West, forming Hillfield Strathallan College. In 1999 an addition created the Montessori School, the Virtue-Fitzgerald Theatre, and new music facilities. In 2014 the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Excellence was completed, including the Senior School (opened in 2012), an athletic complex and enhanced arts spaces; Head of College Marc J. Ayotte has led since 2010.

Community
The school presents itself as a vibrant network of students, alumni, parents, faculty, and friends who work together to create a supportive and enriching environment. It fosters belonging through a variety of events, programs, and initiatives and is anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and lifelong learning. The community highlights an active Alumni network, a Parents' Guild, camps during school breaks, and facility rentals on a modern campus.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents' Guild is a volunteer-run, essential part of the HSC community, dedicated to friendship and collaboration and to fundraising in partnership with the Advancement Office to enhance the learning environment. Every parent or guardian with a child at HSC is a member and can participate in a variety of activities. The Guild hosts fundraising events throughout the year, including Winterfest and Monster Mash, and oversees the Student-to-Student Uniform Program. The Leadership Steering Committee works with the Head of College and the Advancement Office to foster community and coordinate fundraising. To get involved, parents are encouraged to email the Guild and share their interests.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus spans 50 acres and features modern classrooms equipped with the latest technology, vibrant visual arts studios, dedicated music rooms, and a performing arts centre. It also houses comprehensive science laboratories, spacious athletic complexes, and inviting common areas for collaboration and community. Expansive outdoor learning spaces complement the buildings and support outdoor education and exploration. The campus emphasizes eco-friendly practices and environmental stewardship across facilities. From early education through Senior School, the spaces are designed to support diverse learning styles and activities.

Sports Facilities
Outdoor fields number eight and are professionally lined for recreational and competitive field sports. There are seven multi-purpose gyms, including facilities for Early Education. Tennis courts total five for lessons and league play. Three fitness centres host conditioning and training with an Athletics Studio. Two climbing walls provide bouldering and related training. Two black tops are available for recess and outdoor programming. The athletics program includes 12 varsity sports and a focus on leadership, perseverance, and the mind-body connection.

Academic Facilities
Modern classrooms equipped with the latest technology support daily learning. Visual arts studios and dedicated music rooms enhance arts education. A performing arts centre provides spaces for performances and practice. Comprehensive science laboratories enable hands-on science exploration. Collaborative spaces and inviting common areas encourage teamwork and project-based learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
More than 100 co-curricular activities are available across Early Education, Middle School, and Senior School. Arts options include visual arts, drama, music, dance, school plays, ensembles, art exhibitions, and workshops such as jazz band, pottery club, video production, and design. Athletics include soccer, basketball, swimming, yoga, rock climbing, and other team or individual sports. Leadership opportunities appear in every classroom and campus project, including student council, community outreach, peer tutoring, and global awareness initiatives. Service programs engage students in volunteer work, fundraising, and leadership development. All co-curricular activities extend beyond the school day and are included in tuition.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
AP courses are available starting in Grade 10. The Senior School offers a dedicated Student Success Centre with four guidance counselors to support post-secondary planning, including university applications and career exploration. The SSC assists with academic planning and learning needs, ensuring personalized guidance for students and families. Flexible extension programs provide hands-on learning in niche areas such as coding and Model UN to connect classroom knowledge with real-world applications.

Arts & Creative
Visual arts studios, theatre productions, and diverse musical ensembles (bands, choirs, orchestras) form the core of the arts offerings. Students participate in school plays, exhibitions, and specialized workshops, with examples including jazz band, pottery club, video production, and design. The arts are integrated across divisions, supporting self-expression and collaborative creativity.

Cultural & Language
Co-curricular activities include Model UN, debate, and environmental groups, along with student newspaper, yearbook, and culinary arts. These clubs foster collaboration, global awareness, and community engagement across the school. Model UN and other cultural clubs provide venues for international dialogue and critical thinking.

Social & Hobbies
Robotics Club (e.g., VEX Robotics), green team, chess club, and culinary club are among the clubs students can join. A wide range of additional clubs and activities supports varied interests, from journalism to arts initiatives. Students build friendships and skills through these social and interest-based groups.

Community & Service
Community service is a core focus, with volunteer work, fundraising initiatives, and leadership development programs such as student council and community outreach projects. Peer tutoring and global awareness initiatives are part of the service framework. Students are encouraged to engage in meaningful service projects that benefit both local and global communities.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities are integrated across all divisions, including Student Councils, House Captains, peer mentorship, and various committee roles. The House System fosters belonging, intramurals, spirit days, and charitable initiatives, providing extensive leadership experiences. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award offers a structured framework for developing skills, physical activity, volunteering, and adventurous journeys.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Dedicated support staff, including two Registered Nurses, an Athletic Therapist, and College Counsellors, are available to support health and wellness needs. Mentorship programs and a safe, inclusive environment support social and emotional wellbeing. Social-emotional learning is integrated into daily life to promote resilience and overall wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language used for teaching and communication at HSC. French is taught as a core language in Middle School and Senior School. DELF certification is offered for French language learners, including preparation for the Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française, an official certification awarded by the French Ministry of Education. This certificate is internationally recognized.
Admissions

Admissions
Arrange a visit (open house or private tour) to learn about HSC. Request an application to begin the enrolment process. The admissions process applies to Montessori and Junior School as well as Middle and Senior School, with steps: Step 1 Arrange your Visit; Step 2 Request an Application; Step 3 Collect files for the application: birth certificate and/or passport; a photo of the applicant; the applicant's final report cards from the last two academic years and any reports from the current year; vaccination proof for children four and under per the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014; birth date information to obtain a confidential credit report to determine eligibility for deferred tuition; Step 4 Create a myHSC account and pay a non-refundable $150 application fee; Step 5 Visit Day at HSC; Step 6 Enrolment Decision: to secure an enrolment offer, the contract must be completed and returned within seven (7) business days, along with a one-time, non-refundable $2,000 registration fee; For Grades 5–12, a digital portfolio with three exemplars is required, including a writing sample of at least 150 words; Families applying are guided by an HSC admissions officer through each stage.

Scholarships
HSC offers merit and needs-based scholarships and bursaries annually. Over $250,000 in merit-based scholarships is awarded each year. Scholarships include: HSC Ascent Entrance Scholarship (Grades 6–11) with a value of $2,000 or $1,000 (no separate application required); Manbert/Serniuk Family Scholarship (Grade 5–8) valued at $1,000; Qin/Yang Family Scholarship (Grade 5–9) valued at $1,000; HSC Academic Scholarship Competition Math/English (Grade 7) up to $3,000; HSC Academic Scholarship Competition Math/English (Grade 9) up to $7,000; Morgan Family Scholarship (Grade 9) provides full tuition and costs renewable for four years; Alumni Leadership Award. Scholarship information is published in an overview and some scholarships have additional submission requirements. Important dates in 2026 include January 7 (registration opens) and January 22 (registration closes), with related dates for scholarship exams and essays.
School Events
The school has not added events
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