Once upon a time a group of men wanted to provide a sound academic education for their daughters at Havergal College. Havergal College stands as a beacon of girls’ education in Toronto. Established in 1894 the school was named after Frances Ridley Havergal. She was a composer, author, and humanitarian. Havergal began as a Church of England Ladies’ College. Ellen Mary Knox was the first principal. She was a graduate of Oxford University.
Havergal’s history is rich. In 1894, the school started at 350 Jarvis Street. A group led by H. Blake took over the building. They wanted to create Havergal College. These men believed in Canada’s future. They wanted a strong academic foundation for their daughters. As strong followers of the Anglican Church of Canada they made its beliefs part of the school. Ellen Mary Knox served as the first Principal for 30 years.
Later, in 1898, a new building was built at 354 Jarvis Street for Havergal College. By 1903, Havergal College had grown significantly. There were 120 boarders and 200 day girls. The staff included 20 resident teachers. Most came from English universities.
Today, Havergal College is located on a 22-acre campus at 1451 Avenue Road. It sits at Avenue Road and Lawrence Avenue in midtown Toronto. The facilities are modern. They include an Upper School, an athletic center, music studios and computer labs. The athletic center has a pool and fitness center.
Havergal College has several symbols. The Havergal Crest includes maple leaves and laurel branches. It also has a torch and a lamp of learning. The crest symbolizes the school motto. The motto is Vitai Lampada Tradens passing on the torch of life. The Marguerite was chosen as the school flower. Ellen Knox said it grew cheerily. Its heart was pierced with purest gold. Its petals were the purest white.
Havergal College’s official mascot is the HaverGator. It is an alligator in the school uniform. The HaverGator is known as Allie Gator. It represents the Havergal Athletics program and school spirit. The Upper School includes Middle School and Senior School grades 7 to 12. The building was completed in 1926.
Havergal offers a broad curriculum. The Liberal Arts program goes beyond Ontario Ministry of Education standards. All courses prepare students for college. Students can take Advanced Placement exams. Graduates receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
The Languages Department offers courses in French Spanish, Latin, and Mandarin. Students also learn technology. They study web design, video production, animation, and graphic design. Students use industry-standard software. This includes PhotoShop, InDesign, and Flash.
Havergal’s Advanced Placement program is strong. It offers university-level material. Students can earn university credit. AP courses are available in biology, calculus, and French.
The boarding school houses about 50 students in grades 9 to 12. These students come from all over the world. Boarding students participate fully in school life. They join life skills programs and recreational activities.
Havergal College has a house system. Houses are named after women who helped the school. Each house has colors and a mascot. Agnes Hansen is pink and white with a panther. Catherine Steele is purple and silver with a unicorn. Ellen Knox is green and white with a frog.
Havergal College is affiliated with many organizations. These include the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools and the Conference of Independent Schools.
Havergal College prepares young women to lead. It equips them to make a difference in an ever-changing world. Since its founding Havergal College has fostered a passion for lifelong learning in more than 9500 alumni who have gone on to lead and serve with purpose across Canada and the world.