How about stepping back in time right here at Jarvis Collegiate Institute? This isn’t just any school. It is a place brimming with history. Jarvis Collegiate Institute has been a cornerstone of Toronto education since 1807.
Jarvis Collegiate Institute started as the Home District Grammar School. Imagine just five students in a small building. It was attached to the headmaster’s home. That home was once at King St E and George St.
In 1812, John Strachan became headmaster. He later became the first Anglican Bishop of Toronto. Under his guidance, Jarvis Collegiate Institute gained respect. It was known for high educational standards. Classes even moved to a barn at Yonge and King Streets for a time.
By 1816, the school needed more space. A new building was built near Adelaide St E and Church St. It was known as the “Old Blue School” because of its blue paint.
In 1871, the Toronto High School opened on Jarvis Street. Architect William Kauffmann designed it. It was made of white brick with a slate roof. The name changed to Toronto Collegiate Institute. Then, in 1890, it became Jarvis Street Collegiate Institute.
The Jarvis Collegiate Institute building you see today opened in 1924. Charles E. C. Dyson designed it. He was the Toronto Board of Education’s Chief Architect. The style is Collegiate Gothic. It features arched entrances and a tower.
On opening day, 800 students marched here from the old school. Jarvis Collegiate Institute could hold 1,360 students. It had a swimming pool, an art room, and a library. There was also a biology conservatory, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and a gym.
Jarvis Collegiate Institute has seen many changes over the years. But it remains a vital part of the community. It received heritage designation from the city in 1991. The school is named after Jarvis Street. The street is named after the Jarvis family. They once lived on this land.
Did you know that Stephen King’s movie “Carrie” was filmed here? Many famous people have walked these halls. They include Roy Thomson, Conn Smythe, Olivia Chow, and Drake.
So, as you stand here, remember the long history of Jarvis Collegiate Institute. It is a place where education and community come together. Jarvis Collegiate Institute has shaped Toronto for over two centuries.