Founded in 1903, Branksome Hall stands as one of Canada’s most prestigious independent schools, offering an exceptional all-girls education from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Located in Toronto’s upscale Rosedale neighborhood, the school’s 13-acre campus blends historic architecture with cutting-edge facilities, including STEM labs, a professional theatre, and an Innovation Hub with AI/VR technology. With approximately 900 students and an impressive 8:1 student-teacher ratio, Branksome provides personalized learning through the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum (PYP, MYP, and DP) alongside the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Branksome’s programs are designed to foster leadership and global citizenship. Signature offerings include a Women in STEM initiative with university partnerships, a Global Leadership Diploma, and a student-run investment fund managing real capital. The school boasts a 100% university acceptance rate, with graduates regularly admitted to top institutions like Harvard, McGill, and UBC. Beyond academics, students choose from 50+ clubs and competitive varsity teams, including championship-winning basketball and rowing programs.
The school’s residential program accommodates 60 girls in Grades 7–12, featuring modern dormitories and communal spaces that promote a tight-knit community. Tuition ranges from $42,000 for day students to $78,000 for boarders, with robust financial aid available. Branksome is also committed to inclusivity, offering ESL support, wheelchair accessibility, and wellbeing programs like mindfulness rooms and nutritionist-designed meals.
Notable alumnae, such as author Margaret Atwood and former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, reflect the school’s legacy of empowering women. Accredited by CAIS and ranked #1 among Canadian girls’ schools, Branksome Hall continues to set the standard for excellence in female-centered education, combining rigorous academics with a mission to develop compassionate, globally minded leaders.
Basic Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | Branksome Hall |
| Year Founded | 1903 |
| School Type | Independent, All-girls |
| Gender | All-girls (Co-ed for Junior Kindergarten) |
| Grade Levels Offered | JK–12 |
| Enrollment | ~900 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 8:1 |
| School Motto | “Keep Well the Road” |
Mission Statement: To empower girls to become transformative leaders through rigorous academics, global perspectives, and wellbeing-focused education.
Interesting Facts?
| Only all-girls IB continuum school in Toronto$2M+ in university scholarships annually1:1 iPad/MacBook program |
Facilities
- Academic Facilities:
- STEM labs with 3D printers/robotics
- Two libraries (25,000+ volumes)
- Digital media labs
- Arts Facilities:
- Professional art studios (ceramics, painting)
- 350-seat theatre with fly gallery
- Music rooms with recording studios
- Sports Facilities:
- Double gymnasium
- Indoor climbing wall
- Athletic field with track
- Yoga/Pilates studio
- Boarding Facilities:
- Residence for Grades 7–12 (capacity: 60)
- Shared/common rooms with kitchenettes
- Special Facilities:
- Innovation Hub (AI/VR labs)
- Rooftop learning garden
- Mindfulness rooms
Programs & Curriculum
- Curriculum Type: IB (PYP, MYP, DP) + OSSD
- Language(s) of Instruction: English (French bilingual option)
- Specialty Programs:
- Women in STEM (Partnerships with UofT/MIT)
- Global Leadership Diploma
- Entrepreneurship Program
- University Pathways: 100% acceptance to top universities (e.g., Harvard, McGill, UBC)
- Extracurricular Activities:
- 50+ clubs (e.g., Model UN, Investment Fund)
- Varsity teams (top-ranked basketball, rowing)
- Annual international service trips
Student Support & Wellbeing
- Counseling Services: 4 full-time counselors (academic/personal)
- Learning Support: Dedicated learning strategists
- Health & Wellness:
- On-site nurse
- Nutritionist-designed meals
- Safety Measures: 24/7 security, anonymous reporting system
Admissions & Tuition
- Admissions Process:
- Application + SSAT/entrance assessment
- Interviews (student/parent)
- Application Deadlines: November (Boarding), January (Day)
- Tuition Range:
- Day: $42,000/year
- Boarding: $78,000/year
- Financial Aid: Needs-based bursaries (up to 100% coverage)
Community & Alumni
- Notable Alumni:
- Margaret Atwood (Author)
- Adrienne Clarkson (Former Governor General)
- Parent Involvement: Branksome Parents’ Association (volunteering/fundraising)
- School Events:
- Annual STEM Symposium
- Alumnae Networking Week
Recognition & Compliance
- Awards & Accreditations:
- CAIS, IB World School
- Ranked #1 Girls’ School in Canada (Fraser Institute)
- Education Board Affiliations: CIS Ontario