Imagine a school where outdoor adventures are as important as classroom lessons. That place is Greenwood College School. Established in 2002, Greenwood College School is a co-educational middle and high school. It stands at Mount Pleasant Road and Davisville Avenue in Toronto.
Richard Wernham, Julia West, John Latimer, and David Latimer founded it. They envisioned an alternative to Toronto’s single-sex schools. They wanted a school strong in academics. They also wanted a place for outdoor learning and leadership.
Greenwood College School grew quickly. By 2016, it needed more space. A renovation and expansion increased its size by 120%. The expansion added a second gym and a performance theatre. New science labs and a rooftop terrace were also added.
Greenwood’s sports teams use nearby facilities. These include Leaside Arena and the University of Toronto Athletic Centre. Deer Park Pool and Sunnybrook Park are also used.
David Thompson, the founding principal, left in 2008. Allan Hardy, the Vice-Principal, took his place. Sarah Bruce became Principal upon Allan’s retirement in 2018. In 2024, Heather Thomas became the new Principal.
Greenwood College School has a strong academic reputation. It also emphasizes outdoor education. The Outdoor Leadership Program includes trips across Canada. These trips aim to build character. They also foster perseverance and leadership.
The Service Learning program provides community service opportunities. Students participate in initiatives every Wednesday. Greenwood is the only Ontario school in the Hockey H.E.R.O.S. program. Students teach hockey to children from Toronto’s inner city.
The tuition fee for the 2024-2025 academic year is hefty. It costs $44,920. New students pay a one-time registration fee of $9,000. This covers all school programs. It includes the Outdoor Leadership Program. Students must also buy a laptop with required programs.
Greenwood College School is known for its inclusive community. Students are engaged, open-minded, and comfortable. The school acknowledges the ancestral lands it occupies. These lands belong to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. They also belong to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Anishinabek, and the Wendake.
Several notable alumni have attended Greenwood College School. Emma Kim is a Senior Synchronized Skating World Medalist. Tom Wilson plays hockey for the Washington Capitals. Tom Ramshaw is an Olympic Sailor.
From its unique founding to its focus on outdoor education, Greenwood College School offers a distinctive learning experience. Greenwood College School prepares students for success in a changing world. It combines academic rigor with character development. It is an environment where every student can thrive.