doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
T

Trafalgar Castle School

Canada, Whitby

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$34,000 - 86,500
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 231
Type Girls School, Girls School (boarding)
Opened 1874
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French, Mandarin
Typical class size 14
Strengths STEM, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

Founded in 1874 as Ontario Ladies' College, Trafalgar Castle School is an independent day and boarding school for girls in Whitby, Ontario. The school delivers the Canadian Curriculum with Advanced Placement courses offered in grades 11 and 12, and the Senior School provides more than 94 courses, including wrap-around options that award extra credits through experiential learning. Grade 9 Civics and Citizenship introduces students to municipal, provincial and federal governments with guest speakers from NGOs, while Grade 11–12 Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership develops leadership in sport and wellness. The school's Full STEAM Ahead program integrates STEM and STEAM across grades 4–12, with robotics, coding, 3D printing and design thinking. On-campus facilities include boarding rooms, a sunlit dining hall, lounges, tennis courts, a swimming pool and two fitness centres. A rich extracurricular program features robotics, arts ensembles, Spanish club and Citizenship and Outreach initiatives that foster service and awareness.

401 Reynolds Street, Whitby, Ontario, L1N 3W9, Canada

The Essentials

Trafalgar Castle School has 231 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.

Location
Whitby, Ontario, Canada. Address: 401 Reynolds Street, Whitby, Ontario L1N 3W9.

Stages
Junior School (Grades 4-6); Middle School (Grades 7-8); Senior School (Grades 9-12).

Type
Independent day and boarding school for girls.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Countries represented: 20.

Additional learning support
Learning supports include English Language Learning (ELL) programs and peer tutoring.

Country affiliation
Canada

School day structure
Grades 4-6: 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; Grades 7-12: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Bus service
A shuttle runs between Whitby GO Station and Trafalgar Castle School Monday to Friday after school; other transportation options include parent drop-offs, carpooling, public transit, or driving.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is offered for girls in Grades 4 through 12. Boarding Students are supported on-site 24/7 by Boarding Dons and a member of Maintenance and Operations, with the Director of Boarding residing close to campus.

Uniform Requirement
The school has a dress/uniform code. Number One Dress is required for special school functions.

Food Options
Boarding provides three meals per day. The menus accommodate vegan, vegetarian and Halal options.

House System
There are four Houses.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Directors. The Trafalgar Castle School Foundation oversees the school's $15.5 million endowment fund to support its strategic direction.
Fees

Annual tuition at Trafalgar Castle School ranges from CAD 34,000 to CAD 86,500 for 2026/27.

Application and enrolment fees

- Application fee (new applicants): Day students CAD 100; Boarding students CAD 200.
- One-time acceptance fee (new students): CAD 4,000, payable with the signed Offer Letter and non-refundable.
- Deposit on acceptance: Day students CAD 6,500 applied toward tuition; Boarding students CAD 15,000 applied toward tuition and boarding. These acceptance deposits are non-refundable and are forfeited if the student does not attend.

Tuition and boarding fees (annual totals by year group)

- Day students (Grades 4–8): CAD 34,000 per year.
- Day students (Grades 9–12): CAD 37,000 per year.
- Domestic boarding students (7-day): CAD 79,000 per year.
- Domestic boarding students (5-day): CAD 72,000 per year.
- International boarding students: CAD 86,500 per year.

Billing schedule and payment terms (schedules and penalties)

- Fees are billed in advance; accounts receive monthly statements and payment is due upon receipt. Outstanding fees at billing are subject to late payment interest at a rate of 18% per annum, calculated monthly.
- Standard payment plan options (examples of permitted plans and timelines):
- Single payment (full payment) due on the school's stated early-payment date.
- Two-installment plan with fixed dates (first installment due in spring, second installment due later in the summer/early fall).
- Monthly installment plans across a set range of months (school-specified monthly schedule).
Specific installment amounts, due dates and any early-payment discounts are applied according to the School's published payment-plan structure and are billed through the Finance Office. Accounts not paid in accordance with the selected plan are subject to the School's late-payment policies.

Boarding-specific fees and conditions

- Boarding fees listed above include room and board and the boarding component of school services as specified by the School. Eligibility rules apply for 5-day domestic boarding (parents must live in Ontario).
- Health insurance for all international students is mandatory: CAD 925 per year, billed to the student account.

Other mandatory and ancillary fees

- Technology fee for lower grades (Grades 4–6): CAD 400.
- Transportation fee (when applicable): CAD 200.
- Parents/guardians living outside Canada are required to provide a CAD 1,000 deposit on account to cover incidental extras (textbooks, personal supplies, co-curricular extras, uniform, etc.).
- Additional charges that may be billed to student accounts include (but are not limited to): textbooks and online resources; musical instrument rental/purchase; select co-curricular activities and athletic team fees (e.g., robotics, rowing); school-store purchases; personal supplies; uniform; optional transportation; additional ESL support where applicable; and after-care services.

Refunds and cancellation terms

- Acceptance deposits and the one-time acceptance fee are non-refundable and will be forfeited if the student fails to attend.
- For international students who cannot obtain a Canadian Study Permit or Student Visa and who provide written notice with supporting documentation, the School's reimbursement policy provides set refunds depending on the date of notice:
- Notice prior to May 31: full refund less the application fee and one-time acceptance fee.
- Notice between June 1 and August 31: full refund less CAD 3,000 and the one-time acceptance fee.
- Notice after September 1: full refund less CAD 5,000 and the one-time acceptance fee.
- The School reserves the right to withhold refunds of deposit and fees in other withdrawal or dismissal circumstances as described in its fee policy; outstanding balances remain the financial responsibility of the parents/guardians.

Fee payment methods

- Accepted payment methods include cheque, online banking, Interac e-transfer to finance@trafalgarcastle.ca, wire transfer, WeChat Pay and Alipay. Credit-card payments (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) can be accepted via a third-party processor (Plastiq) and are subject to a third-party processing fee.

Discounts and financial assistance

- A limited Financial Assistance program is available and awards are based on demonstrated need up to a maximum percentage of tuition as determined by the School's Financial Aid Committee. A sibling/alumnae discount applies as specified by School policy. Application timing and eligibility rules apply.
Academics

Trafalgar Castle School teaches Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP).

Curriculum
The Senior School offers a comprehensive curriculum with more than 94 courses, including wrap-around courses that grant extra credits through experiential, real-world learning. Grade 9 Civics and Citizenship includes trips to municipal, provincial and federal governments and guest speakers from NGOs. Grade 11–12 Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership provides opportunities to develop leadership. The program includes Specialized Programs such as Full STEAM Ahead. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available in Grades 11–12 to undertake university-level work in preparation for post-secondary study.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size is 14 and the teacher-to-student ratio is 1:6.

Exam Results
The school reports a 100% university acceptance rate for graduates, with about 89% receiving scholarships. About 85% of students are on honour roll, and 80–90% earn high honours.

Higher Education Progression
Advanced Placement (AP) courses for Grades 11–12 provide university-level work to prepare students for post-secondary study.

Gifted and Talented
AP courses provide accelerated, university-level work for high-ability students.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is integrated into Trafalgar Castle School's core program. Traf Steps for Grades 7-8 promote self-awareness, collaboration, and resilience. Twice-weekly Advisor groups support personal development and positive relationships. The Circle of Care is a collaborative team that includes the School Nurse, Dean of Students, Director of Boarding, and other staff who actively support student wellbeing. Boarding students have dedicated guidance and access to the Health and Wellness Centre. The school emphasizes belonging and connections as key to student success.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support is available for students with varying learning needs. The Hub provides daily academic assistance to help with coursework and study skills. Dragons Den offers targeted math support. Students can demonstrate mastery through personalized approaches to learning. The program aims to ensure all learners access and engage with the full curriculum.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Learning (ELL) programs are available for students who need additional language support. The school has an English as a Second Language Specialist on staff who provides individualized language assistance. An International Counsellor supports international students with university planning and transition. Admissions include a language assessment for international applicants, and language support pathways are available as part of the student experience. The International Counsellor coordinates with academics and guidance to help students settle in.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health and wellbeing are priorities at Trafalgar Castle School. The wellbeing team guides students to additional support inside and outside of school when needed. Tutoring staff are encouraged as first points of contact, and any staff member can be approached about concerns. The school provides a range of mental health resources and activities to support emotional resilience. Boarding students have access to the Health and Wellness Centre as part of their wellbeing support.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding and welfare are coordinated through a Circle of Care approach. The Circle of Care team includes the School Nurse, Dean of Students, Director of Boarding and other staff who work proactively to maintain a safe and positive school culture. This network extends to Boarding Students through dedicated guidance and access to the Health and Wellness Centre.
Parent Experience

History
Trafalgar Castle School was established in 1874 in Whitby, Ontario, originally as Ontario Ladies' College. It is an independent day and boarding school for girls in grades 4–12. AP courses began in 2004, with Grade 11 students able to take AP courses and up to seven AP courses offered in the graduating year. In 2019, 77 boarders represented 10 countries, comprising 33 percent of the school population. All core courses are taught by subject specialists; 100% of graduates were admitted to a post-secondary institution.

Community
Enrolment shows 145 grade 9-12 students, with 48 boarders and a graduating class of 42 (2024). Languages represented are 16 and countries represented are 20. Clubs include Robotics, Global Ideas Institute, Ethics Bowl, Castle Singers, Wind Ensemble, Band, Yearbook, Newspaper, Magazine, Archives; affinity groups include Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association, South Asian Affinity Group, and a Gay-Straight Alliance. Future-Ready Competencies are embedded in school life and academics, and there are university partnerships for micro-credentials; sports include cross country, field hockey, basketball, volleyball, softball, badminton, swimming, track, and soccer.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Trafalgar Castle School Parents' Guild functions as a resource for all families and supports and enhances School initiatives. A PG Grade Rep represents each grade and serves as a contact for new and returning families. Initiatives and fundraisers include Castle Hugs, Birthday Hugs, Decorating the Castle, Fantasy of Lights, Poinsettia Sales, and a Staff Appreciation Breakfast. The Guild's mission is to enrich students and promote a collegial relationship among students, staff, and families and to support all School initiatives. The PG coordinates events such as Trafalgar Day, the Holiday Market, and Admissions Open Houses; inquiries can be sent to parentsguild@trafalgarcastle.ca.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Bright and spacious boarding rooms are part of the on-site living facilities. A sun-lit dining hall serves nutritious meals daily. A cozy lounge provides social space for students. On-campus facilities include tennis courts, a swimming pool, and two fitness centres.

Sports Facilities
The school has tennis courts for training and games. A swimming pool is available for aquatic activities. There are two fitness centres offering cardio and strength equipment. These facilities support physical education and school athletic programs.

Academic Facilities
The school has STEM and STEAM learning scaffolded from Grade 4 to Grade 12. Robotics, computational thinking, systems thinking, design thinking and engineering design processes are integrated into science and technology programs. Starting as early as Grade 4, students explore block code technology and engage with Sphero BOLTS, LEGO Spike, Vex VR5, Arduinos and Micro:bits, with access to AI and 3D printing. The Junior School includes computer coding and robotics as essential future-ready skills.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Clubs and activities include robotics, STEAM, archery, and Ethics Bowl, along with orchestra, choir, and art. Beyond the Castle offers off-campus experiential learning experiences each year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers a broad mix of clubs for academic enrichment, including robotics, STEAM, and archery, with Ethics Bowl as part of the intellectual program. Vex Robotics and ASL Club are among the programs that support hands-on STEM and language learning. Clubs are dynamic and evolving, and students are encouraged to start new clubs that reflect their interests.

Arts & Creative
Creative arts are a strong part of life at Trafalgar Castle. Students participate in music ensembles including orchestra and choir; the Castle Band and Junior Choir have earned Gold at MusicFest Canada 2024. Visual arts, theatre, and other performance opportunities are available through clubs and school events.

Cultural & Language
The school offers a Spanish Club as part of its after-school activities. Citizenship and Outreach programs promote global awareness, including the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Club and Habitat for Humanity partnerships. Co-curricular activities also include other language and cultural clubs as part of student life.

Social & Hobbies
Students have access to a wide range of after-school clubs, sports, and activities. School life emphasizes community through events such as Spirit Week, Athletics Week, and Arts Week, as well as House Competitions and the Annual Holiday Market. Clubs are dynamic and students are encouraged to create clubs to reflect their interests.

Community & Service
Citizenship and Outreach is central, with activities such as collecting goods for a women's shelter, leading the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Club, Habitat for Humanity, and tutoring younger students in math.

Leadership & Professional
An active leadership continuum of skill development is integrated into Trafalgar Castle School's program.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports and wellness are supported through Athletics and Health and Well-Being initiatives. A variety of physical activities, including swimming, archery, rock climbing, and court and field sports, are available through school programs and the Summer Camp.
Languages

Language Provision
English Language Arts is central to the curriculum. French is taught in the Lower School by DELF-qualified instructors using the Accelerated Integrated Method (AIM). Chinese Language and Culture is offered as an AP course. Spanish is a co-curricular option (Spanish Club); languages represented among the student body total 16.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Submit an application early. The school accepts applications year-round, but select grades fill quickly, so applications should be submitted early to avoid disappointment. The Admissions Team supports families from initial inquiry through enrollment. After applying, families can plan campus visits and connect with the admissions staff for guidance.
Step 2: Arrange a visit or attend an Open House. In-person Admissions Open Houses are held four times per year, and in-person tours are available through the Admissions Team. A Day Visit is available for prospective Day Students to experience a typical school day, paired with a Trafalgar student; Boarding Students can access a Virtual Tour if unable to visit in person. The Open House on October 15, 2026 is scheduled.
Step 3: If admitted, sign and return the Letter of Offer with the required payments. Upon acceptance, a one-time acceptance fee of $4,000 and a deposit toward tuition are required; day students have a $6,500 deposit, while boarding students require a $15,000 deposit toward tuition and boarding fees. These payments are non-refundable and are applied to the upcoming year's fees.
Step 4: Complete re-enrolment for returning students. Returning day students must complete online re-enrolment and provide a $4,500 deposit to hold a place for the following year; returning boarding students must provide a $15,000 deposit. Deposits are non-refundable and are applied to the next year's fees.
Step 5: Review tuition and fees. Day Students: Grades 4–6 $29,348; Grades 7–8 $30,208; Grades 9–12 $33,151. International Boarding $78,215; Domestic Boarding (7-day) $71,487; Domestic Boarding (5-day) $65,050. New Student Acceptance $4,000; Transportation $200; Technology Fee $400.
Step 6: Understand health, immunizations, and visa requirements. Under Ontario law all students must have the appropriate immunizations; medical and health forms must be submitted. Canadian students must be covered by OHIP; international students must enroll in the health insurance plan (about $925 per year). International students must have a valid Canadian Student Study Permit and/or Student Visa prior to the start of the academic year; if a permit/visa cannot be obtained, refunds are available according to notice dates.
Step 7: Explore financial aid options. The Financial Assistance Program supports families with up to 40% of tuition; applications are made at the same time as the school application via Apple Financial Services; the process is confidential and reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee. Awards are made between January 1 and March 1 each year, subject to funds availability.
Step 8: Consider discounts. A 10% tuition discount is offered to alumnae daughters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters, and to sisters of students currently enrolled in the School.

Scholarships
The school offers a Financial Assistance Program to support families, providing awards up to 40% of tuition. Applications are made at the same time as the school application through Apple Financial Services, and the Financial Aid Committee reviews them. Awards are made between January 1 and March 1 each year, with funds allocated from available aid; not all requests can be accommodated. International students must have a valid Canadian Student Study Permit/Student Visa and enroll in the health insurance plan; immunizations are required.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Canada View all schools in Whitby View all schools in Canada American curriculum schools in Canada Open days & tours in Whitby What is the American curriculum? View all schools Search all schools