North Albion Collegiate Institute, established in 1962 and located in the culturally diverse Rexdale neighborhood of Toronto, ranks 12th among the best high schools in Toronto, Ontario as of 2025. Known for its inclusive environment, the school offers strong academic programs alongside pioneering arts initiatives like being the first in North America to offer steel band as a credit course.
With approximately 827 students, a diverse staff, and comprehensive facilities that include science labs, computer labs, vocational shops, and multiple gymnasiums, North Albion balances academics, athletics, and arts. It maintains a commitment to student leadership and community service while continuously improving student outcomes. Its reputation for academic and athletic excellence, combined with a multicultural student body representing over 50 languages, makes it a compelling choice for families seeking a vibrant and supportive public high school in Toronto.
Did You Know??
North Albion was the first high school in North America to offer a high school steel band for credit, making it a pioneer in music education and Caribbean cultural celebration within Toronto.
General Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Public, co-educational |
| Motto | Virtus, Officium, Veritas (“Excellence, Service, Truth”) |
| Established | 4 September 1962 |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Enrolment (2024) | ~827 students |
| Campus Size | 12.16 acres (4.92 hectares) |
| Campus Type | Suburban |
| School Colors | Orange, blue & white |
| Teaching Staff | About 74 teachers |
| Affiliation | Toronto District School Board (TDSB) |
Facilities
| Facility Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Classrooms | 29 |
| Science Labs | 6 |
| Computer Labs | 7 |
| Music Rooms | 2 |
| Visual Arts Rooms | 1 |
| Drama Rooms | 1 |
| Vocational Shops | 3 (automotive and construction) |
| Auditorium | 750-seat auditorium |
| Cafeteria | Includes servery |
| Gymnasiums | 3 |
| Library | Fully equipped library |
| Child Care Centre | Located on campus |
Leadership & Administration
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Principal | Carolyn Vranesic |
| Vice Principals | Christina Papaiconomou, Louise Tedoldi |
| Superintendent | Ali Jahangir |
| Trustee | Dennis Hastings |
Did you Know??
North Toronto Collegiate Institute is known as the first school in North America to offer steel band as a full credit course, reflecting its unique cultural and music education legacy.
Address Information
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 2580 Kipling Avenue |
| Locality | Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Postal Code | M9V 3B2 |
| Coordinates | 43°44′50″N 79°35′06″W |
Contact Information
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Phone | +1 416-394-7550 |
| Fax | +1 416-394-6902 |
| northalbion@tdsb.on.ca |
Notable Negatives/Past Incidents
- 2014 Stabbing Incident:
In September 2014, a tragic incident occurred when a student, Hamid Aminzada, was fatally stabbed while reportedly trying to break up a fight in the school’s hallway. This event raised citywide concerns about school safety and led to enhanced security protocols and mental health measures at NACI and across the TDSB.
- Campus Accessibility:
The facility is only partially accessible—the building lacks an elevator, so only the first floor is wheelchair accessible, which can pose challenges for some students.
- No IB or AP:
While North Albion is strong in practical science and business programs, it does not offer programs like IB (International Baccalaureate) or Advanced Placement (AP), which some Toronto high schools feature.