Senior School - Hillfield Strathallan College
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Senior School

Where dreams take shape
and futures begin.

At HSC, your child will discover an inclusive and dynamic environment where academic excellence, artistic expression, athletic achievement, and leadership development come together to inspire growth and success. Backed by a strong support system, our Senior School prepares students for post-secondary success while nurturing their personal and academic passions.

While attending Senior School, your child will have the opportunity to tailor their learning experience through a wide range of elective credits, from arts and technology to specialized courses in business, languages, and more—all complementing the compulsory credits.

At this important stage before graduation, small class sizes, access to faculty outside of class, and weekly tutorial groups—designed to foster connection, mentorship, and academic growth—provide students with the support they need to excel. Leadership, service, and character education are also integral to the Senior School experience.

Guidance and support are central to the HSC experience. Through the Student Success Centre (SSC), eight dedicated faculty and staff members provide personalized academic and course counselling, post-secondary planning, learning support, and social-emotional assistance. Additionally, three qualified teaching assistants are available daily to offer extra academic support, ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed.

HSC Senior School principal with students

“Our Senior School is a vibrant, dynamic community where students flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. We offer a truly supported yet challenging program that prepares every student for post-secondary success. Here, students are empowered to explore their passions—whether in academics, athletics, arts, leadership, or community service—all while receiving individualized support tailored to their unique goals. With high expectations and an inclusive, welcoming culture, our students don’t just prepare for their futures—they create them with confidence and purpose!”

- Taya Cicchetti, Senior School Principal

Senior School
at a Glance

19
students

is the average class size

100 +
academic courses

to challenge and inspire students

9
AP subjects

offered per year, with 100+ AP exams written annually

95 + %
of HSC graduates

are Ontario scholars

100 %
of grads

receive a post-secondary school offer

50 +
acres

of outdoor campus, athletic fields and courts to explore

senior students

Curriculum

Senior School offers a post-secondary preparatory academic program that includes more than 100 different courses. These include compulsory and elective credits as well as AP courses. A balanced program is delivered through academic, physical activity, arts, leadership and service activities designed to meet the needs of individual students and their post-secondary aspirations.

“HSC offers so much more than academic achievement, we are here to help students grow personally and find passions that fuel their success long after they graduate.”

- Mr. Dawn, Senior School Faculty

 

 

Senior School Program Highlights

Extensive Course Offerings & Electives

With over 100 course options, students can personalize their academic journey and explore diverse interests. This breadth includes both compulsory credits and a wide range of electives.

Advanced Placement (AP) Program

High-achieving students can challenge themselves with university-level content through the Advanced Placement (AP) program, beginning in Grade 10. This prepares them for post-secondary studies and can even earn them university credits.

Comprehensive University and Career Planning

The Student Success Centre (SSC) offers dedicated guidance with academic and course counseling, comprehensive university planning (including applications to Canadian, US, and international institutions), learning support, and social/ emotional assistance.

Experiential Learning (E-Week & Co-op)

Learning extends beyond the classroom with significant experiential opportunities. This includes "E-Week" adventures (from international voyages to local arts and science modules) and a robust Co-operative Education Program, allowing students to gain real-world experience in areas of passion.

Focus on Wellbeing and Character Development

Alongside academic rigour, the Senior School prioritizes student wellbeing with support staff (RN, RPN, Athletic Therapist, College Counsellor) and intentionally weaves character development, integrity, respect, community, determination, and individuality into the student experience.

HSC Alumni Mentorship

Senior School students can tap into expert advice through one-on-one career consultations with alumni, employees, and parents, offering insights into career paths, industries, resume building, and interview skills.

gr8t start ved

Gr8T Start Program

The HSC Gr8T start program is the essential first step in the journey for all Senior School students as they consider joining us in Grade 9. This crucial programming kicks off with an engaging evening event designed to welcome both current and new families, providing a comprehensive look at all that awaits them in the Senior School experience. During the event, guided tours take guests through insightful presentations highlighting the breadth and depth of our curriculum, with a special focus on the exciting elective courses available. To ensure families have all the details at their fingertips, we encourage everyone to explore the official program resource, the Gr8T Start Guidebook, available at hsc.on.ca/gr8tstartguide

students standing over desk

Academic Enrichment

The Senior School offers students opportunities to excel beyond the core curriculum, beginning with early exposure to advanced topics like math and French. Starting in Grade 10, students can access Advanced Placement (AP) courses, offering rigorous, university-level study for academic advantage. We actively foster a competitive spirit, encouraging participation in math contests, science fairs, and academic competitions through dedicated teams and faculty support. This support is bolstered by staff with specialized subject-specific degrees, ensuring expert mentorship. Additionally, our flexible extension programs provide specialized, hands-on learning experiences in niche areas—such as coding or Model UN—to further spark curiosity and connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications.

students at desk

Student Success and Guidance

The Student Success Centre (SSC) is the hub of personalized guidance, offering every Senior School student a dedicated pathway to post-secondary education. Anchored by four dedicated Guidance Counsellors and administrative staff, the SSC ensures success through personalized, one-on-one support for students and families, covering everything from academic planning to career exploration. The centre actively connects students with higher education through various events and fairs, hosting representatives from universities worldwide. By offering dedicated support for applications, scholarship searches, and ensuring a smooth transition, the SSC prepares students to confidently embark on their next chapter beyond HSC. Learn more by viewing our school profile.

hsc students group photo outside campus

Beyond Senior School

Designated guidance counsellors work with students throughout their high school journey for personalized support, discuss academic plans, and make informed, realistic decisions about the future. They support them as they transition into Grade 9 and stay with them through graduation. This continuity allows them to individualize learning paths, fosters personalization and allows for meaningful connections with students and families. HSC grads have been accepted at universities worldwide, including universities in the UK, US and across Canada. Recent grads are majoring in Business, Commerce, Law, Social Science, Engineering, Science, Medicine and Arts.