“It’s a unique school because of the (music) program,” said Choir School principal Barry White. “When boys come here they audition to see if they have a singing voice but we also make it clear that when they come here it is a commitment to the mission of the school, which is to educate boys to become men through the service of sacred music.”
Unlike most high schools that rely on elementary and/or intermediate feeders for fresh students, St. Michael’s educates boys from eight to 18 years old, providing a constant in student expectation levels.
“The continuity from Grade 3 to Grade 12 contributes to their success,” said White, adding this helps students develop mentoring bonds. “We keep our minds on where they are headed, what are the graduate expectations, what are we looking for at the end of the line.”
Last year the school earned a 9.8 ranking to capture first place among more than 700 Ontario high schools evaluated. The first time the school was ranked three years ago it achieved a 7.4 ranking, placing it 134th in the province.
St. Mike’s Choir School ranked Ontario’s top high school
By Evan Boudreau, The Catholic RegisterTORONTO - Toronto’s St. Michael’s Choir School topped the list in the Fraser Institute’s Ontario high school rankings for the second consecutive year.
The semi-private Catholic school — famed for its music program — earned a 9.6 out of 10 ranking, soaring above the provincial average of six. These figures are based on the provincial Grade 9 math and Grade 10 literacy test results.
The Fraser Institute — an independent think tank that conducts peer-reviewed research into economic and public policy — released its rankings April 1. The annual school report cards offer tables showing how well schools perform in academics over a number of years.
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