Established in 1963 Brebeuf College School stands proudly in Toronto. This all-boys Catholic high school has a rich history. It’s a testament to faith academic excellence and community spirit. Named after Saint Jean de Brebeuf a French Jesuit priest Brebeuf College School holds a special place in Toronto’s educational landscape. Saint Jean de Brebeuf journeyed to what is now Midland Ontario. He preached to the Huron people. Tragically in 1649 he was captured tortured and killed by the Iroquois. His martyrdom cemented his legacy. He was canonized as a saint in 1930.
Brebeuf College School began with just one hundred students in grades nine and ten. The first graduating class in 1966 numbered only thirty. The school initially operated under a unique arrangement. Grades nine and ten were part of the public school system. Grades eleven twelve and thirteen remained private. This was common among Catholic high schools in Ontario at the time. A significant shift occurred in 1984. The Jesuits who founded Brebeuf relinquished operational control. The Presentation Brothers a religious order dedicated to Christian education took over. This association continues to this day.
In 2001 a new building replaced outdated facilities. This Can$23 million investment modernized Brebeuf. Architect Rod Robbie who designed the SkyDome oversaw the project. The school temporarily relocated to Bathurst Heights Secondary School. The new Brebeuf opened its doors in 2004 exactly forty years after its solemn blessing. It’s a testament to the enduring commitment to education.
Today Brebeuf College School thrives. It offers a wide range of programs. These include an enriched program preparing students for Advanced Placement exams. A STEAM program focusing on science technology engineering arts and mathematics was added in 2020. The school boasts a house system. Each house is named after one of the five Canadian Jesuit Martyrs. Students engage in academic and athletic competitions. Extracurricular activities abound from debating and robotics to theatre and youth ministry. Brebeuf College School continues to educate young men. It fosters their faith academic pursuits and community involvement. Its legacy echoes the life of its namesake. Saint Jean de Brebeuf’s spirit of service and dedication to faith lives on within its walls.