Albert College

Founded in 1857, Albert College is Canada’s oldest independent day and boarding school. The school offers an engaging curriculum for students from kindergarten through Grade 12. A second home for students from across Canada and more than 20 countries around the world, Albert College welcomes boarding students from Grade 7 onward. The school is non-denominational, but takes great care to celebrate all religious traditions.

Albert College is situated on a 25-acre campus near the shore of Lake Ontario in Belleville, Ontario, Canada. Belleville lies between Ontario’s two major cities, Toronto and Ottawa, and is a two-hour drive from Toronto. Known as a friendly city, Belleville has a population of 55,000 and offers the amenities, services and conveniences of a major city in a welcoming, affordable and safe environment. Built to serve a large community, its facilities and services are on par with those of larger cities, including Via Rail service, a modern hospital, fine dining, cinemas, entertainment, performing arts, concerts and numerous shopping centres. Hiking and cycling trails are just minutes from campus and can be enjoyed year-round.

Highlights

• Founded in 1857, Canada’s oldest independent day and boarding school
• More than 70 sports, clubs and extracurricular activities
• 25-acre campus
• Student-to-staff ratio of 8:1
• 10 hours of individual career counselling for every student
• 100% of graduates are accepted to their university of choice
• Average class size of 15 students

Core Values

Individuality – We respect one another for our unique talents, expect excellence from ourselves and actively encourage students to pursue their personal best.

Compassion – Like a close-knit family, we are sensitive to the needs and feelings of every member of our community, encouraging empathy and humility in how we treat one another and the world around us.

Integrity – We are all accountable for our actions and must act honestly and with integrity in our interactions with one another and the community.

Inclusivity – As a community of diverse identities, we celebrate the contributions each member brings to the whole. By respecting both our similarities and our differences, we create a shared identity and ensure our community is safe and welcoming for everyone.

Vision

Albert College is an international university-preparatory school committed to helping students achieve academic excellence and recognized for nurturing confident global citizens in a close-knit, family-like boarding environment.

Facilities

Albert College’s senior school was built in 1923 and is a beautiful building with historic character. Among its many features are the Memorial Chapel and our elegant dining hall, Ackerman Hall. For many years, this grand hall has brought students from every culture together to share meals. The school also has a fully equipped modern gymnasium, playing fields and common rooms.

The campus includes plenty of green space, outdoor tennis courts, several separate sports fields and a beautiful indoor arena. Albert College also has access to nearby facilities, including a running track, baseball diamond, riverside walking trails, an aquatic and fitness centre, and an ice rink.

Explore the school campus

The 5 A’s

Through Albert’s 5 A’s—Academics, Arts, Athletics, Active Citizenship and Adventure—we are committed to developing character and believe in a well-rounded education. Students’ participation in these areas helps set them apart in postsecondary education.

Academics

Albert College goes beyond the standards required by the Ontario Ministry of Education at every grade level. Students learn alongside like-minded peers who are encouraged to set higher goals and achieve greater success. Our graduates are well prepared for postsecondary study. Equipped with knowledge and confidence, Albert College graduates bring determination and motivation to the challenges ahead in their postsecondary education and beyond.

Arts

The Arts program helps students become creative and confident individuals. Students take part in arts courses led by faculty members who are practicing artists with specialized training. Whole-school events, drama productions, musical performances and art exhibitions give students opportunities to share their talents and build confidence across a range of contemporary arts. Students encounter the arts in class and during Arts Period, a unique program offered three times a week in addition to regular arts classes.

Athletics

Our aspiring athletes are coached by dedicated staff and faculty members who have earned high honours in their chosen sports and bring enthusiasm and tireless commitment to their work. Students can play team sports, refine their skills, take on new challenges and develop healthy, active lifestyles. Each term offers many opportunities to compete in sports, grow through competition or simply enjoy recreational activities. Our athletes regularly compete against teams from the Conference of Independent Schools and local associations.

Active Citizenship

Our vision is to develop courageous global citizens in every grade. Middle and senior school students have countless opportunities for leadership and community service, allowing them to participate actively in civic life at school, in the local community and around the world.

Students volunteer for a variety of local, national and international causes as they work toward the more than 40 community service hours required before graduation. Each year, students in Grades 9 through 12 can take part in the annual International Active Citizenship trip during March Break. Past destinations include Kenya, India, Ghana, Ecuador and Tanzania.

Adventure

The Adventure program gives students opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, challenge themselves in new areas, develop personal leadership and teamwork skills, make wonderful memories and build lasting friendships. A number of outdoor adventure trips take place throughout the year, with destinations chosen based on students’ interests.

Students aged 14 and older can explore Canada through different expeditions as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, an internationally recognized Canadian program focused on personal development, achievement and challenge. Let the adventure begin!

Middle School

Middle School is the learning centre for students in Grades 7 and 8, aged 12 to 14. The program is designed to guide students through the challenging transition from childhood to adolescence. Students learn alongside like-minded peers and are guided, supported and encouraged by their classmates. A supportive faculty team encourages students to develop positive learning skills and habits. Middle school students receive care and support tailored to their individual needs. They also enjoy numerous day trips and overnight excursions that put classroom learning into practice and help them explore Canada, including visits to well-known destinations such as:

• Camp Tamakwa, Algonquin Park
• Fort Henry, Kingston
• Tree Top Trekking, Ganaraska Forest
• Ontario Science Centre, Toronto
• St. Donat Ski Resort, Quebec
• Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Daily Schedule

Senior School

Albert College offers a full-year program for students in Grades 9 through 12, taught by a passionate faculty, many of whom have advanced professional qualifications and master’s degrees. As a university-preparatory school, our academic program is tailored to meet each student’s needs and provides a challenging course of study to encourage them to pursue ambitious postsecondary goals.

Each student is paired with a faculty member who serves as their advisor. In addition to regular daily contact, advisors meet with students weekly or whenever they need guidance, support or a conversation. With postsecondary education as the goal, advisors encourage and facilitate each student’s path to success after graduation.

Daily Schedule

Boarding Life

Students and staff at Albert College soon become an extended family. Albert College offers boarding to students in Grades 7 through 12. As a second home for students from around the world, we give them the opportunity to explore and learn about other cultures. On weekends, boarders take part in organized activities supervised by boarding staff. Students are encouraged to get involved, step outside their comfort zones and try new things.

Generations of students, both boarders and day students, have considered Albert College home. Boarding staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to offer support, conversation and guidance. Nurses at our Health Centre are also available to help with health concerns. At Albert College, students learn about different cultures, make friends and discover more about themselves. We see our boarding community as an extended family that learns, works, plays and grows together. We look forward to welcoming you to our family!

Daily Life

Albert College’s dining services prepare fresh, high-quality meals from scratch and serve them seven days a week in our elegant, impressive dining hall. We understand that variety and nutrition matter, so we prioritize healthy, delicious choices on our daily menu. Options include a light soup and salad with every meal, along with fresh-baked items each day. Menus are planned with each student’s food preferences, dietary restrictions and allergies in mind. Popular, nutritious snacks are available in all living areas for evenings and weekends. Our dining staff take great care in preparing every meal, follow Canada’s Food Guide and use local produce when available. At Albert College, our Food Services team will quickly get to know your specific dietary needs.

Our dining staff recognize the many cultures represented at Albert College and work closely with students from specific countries to celebrate and prepare special dishes for their occasions. For Thanksgiving, we host a traditional family dinner with turkey and all the trimmings. At Christmas, we hold a traditional formal dinner for all students and faculty to enjoy. Everyone is encouraged to dress semi-formally and join the school for this special evening!

The study hall is open from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Students are supervised by boarding staff, who are available to help with homework as needed. After classes, students often play soccer or basketball in our gym or spend time with friends.

Our students learn to embrace and respect their peers’ cultures and diversity. Alongside the 5 A’s—Academics, Arts, Athletics, Adventure and Active Citizenship—experienced boarding staff teach students important life lessons and help them become leaders in their generation. Although our students come from around the world, the friendships and skills they gain through boarding life will stay with them for a lifetime.

Baker House & Graham Hall

Albert College has two boarding residences on campus. Graham Hall houses senior boarders, while Baker House is home to junior boarders, starting in Grade 7. Both are located in the main building, giving students access to many campus amenities. Each residence has private washrooms and common rooms equipped with televisions and game consoles.

“Albert College has been an amazing experience for me. Going from a girl living on an island to becoming a Victoria Manor Prefect has been wonderful. Albert College offers so many opportunities and pushes each of us out of our comfort zones through Academics, Arts, Athletics, Active Citizenship and Adventure.” – A boarder from Barbados

“When I first walked into Baker House, all the students welcomed me with a big hug and a huge smile. I immediately knew I wasn’t alone. I was truly impressed by how much everyone cared for one another. You might think you’re on your own, but you’ll leave with more than friends—you’ll leave with a family.” – A boarder from Mexico

Victoria Manor

Victoria Manor is a two-minute walk from the main campus. Students at the Manor have access to their own fitness centre and a kitchen where they can cook authentic dishes and snacks with friends. Victoria Manor has several shared spaces, including a television and recreation room, dining room, study room and living room, as well as plenty of outdoor green space.

“I toured the school and immediately fell in love with it. When you study at Albert College, you become really close to the staff and students in the residences. It’s a truly wonderful bond. There are so many friends from different places, and I made many lifelong friendships while I was there.” – A boarder from Brazil

Graduation

Our students are encouraged to pursue ambitious postsecondary goals. In addition to individual guidance counselling, they receive advice and support with course selection and university preparation. Students receive individual help with university applications and admissions procedures in Canada and abroad, including scholarship and bursary applications. Each graduate receives an average of at least 10 hours of career guidance and direct support during Grade 12.

A total of 41 graduates gathered with family and friends, near and far, to celebrate their achievements at Albert College. An impressive 98% of the Class of 2022 graduated as Ontario Scholars, with an average of 80% or higher. Of those, 70% achieved an average of 90% or higher.

Most popular university choices among students:

1. University of Toronto
2. Western University
3. Queen’s University
4. University of Guelph

100% of graduates go on to attend leading universities and colleges in Canada and abroad. The most popular fields of study among students continuing their education in 2022 included:

• Engineering 10%
• Science 44%
• Business 20%
• Liberal Arts 26%

It was a wonderful day to celebrate an important milestone for our son, especially with so many challenges happening around the world, including the pandemic and other conflicts. The graduation ceremony our son attended has been held for 165 years, and there will be many more to come. I believe that through the 5 A’s, the school has inspired each student to make a contribution to society. My sincere thanks to everyone at Albert College. – The Leung family

The idea of ‘home’ can be defined as the place where you live as part of a family or household, or the place you instinctively return to after being away. Home is where we belong and where we can be our true selves. At Albert College, we are home. We all come from different places around the world, with different educational backgrounds and cultures. I will always remember my temporary home and hope that one day we can meet again. – Joshua, Class of 2022 Valedictorian