GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q: How do I apply?
A: Just head to hsc.on.ca/admissions and click “Apply Now.” It’s all online.
Q: When should I apply?
A: Applications that are submitted by December 1 are considered for an “early offer” at the end of December. That way, there’s time for a visit day and to be considered for early offers in December. If there isn’t a spot for you at that time, there is a waitlist and students are called as spots open up.
Q: What do I need to submit with my application?
A: You’ll need your last three report cards and a few samples of your schoolwork. Sometimes extra documents are requested depending on your application.
Q: What makes a strong application?
A: Students who are doing well in their courses, showing good effort and learning skills, and who are genuinely excited to be part of the HSC community. I know the admissions team likes to see your passions, both in and outside the classroom.
Q: When will I find out if I’ve been accepted?
A: If you apply in the fall, early offers go out in December, right before the winter break. After that, offers are made on a rolling basis if spots are available.
Q: I’m really involved in sports/music/dance/ equestrian outside of school. Will I still have time?
A: Absolutely. Co-curricular activities in Senior School aren’t mandatory, but most students take advantage of them and participate in something every term. With over 55 choices of things to do, you will find something that interests you, and it is a great time to be with friends.
Q: What makes HSC different from other schools?
A: Definitely the community. Everyone feels like they belong here. Plus, classes are small, the teachers really care, you get personalized university guidance, and there’s a huge range of co-curricular options.
Q: How much is tuition, and what’s included?
A: HSC is like an all-inclusive resort; almost everything is included with tuition, such as our lunch, activities and transportation. Things like trips and competitive teams may have an additional fee attached. You can check out the fees at hsc.on.ca/domesticfees.
Q: What about buses? Where do they run?
A: HSC has a wide bus catchment area. If you’d like to know about your specific route, email your admissions officer with your address and they’ll help you out, you can see where the buses go in general at hsc.on.ca/busroutes HSC is cool in that the bus picks you up in the morning and then you have a choice to take the early bus home at 3:30 p.m. or the late bus at 5:00 p.m.
Q: Do Grade 9s go on trips?
A: Yes! Grade 9s head to Camp Onondaga early in the year for a big community-building trip. After that, you’ll get to look forward to E-Week in Grades 10–12, which includes some really cool Canadian and international travel options. There are also ad hoc service trips to consider and competitive team trips like Model United Nations, or one of our athletic teams that make it to a national championship.
STUDENT LIFE AT HSC
Q: Will I make friends easily?
A: Definitely. Grade 9 is a fresh start for everyone, and the Camp Onondaga trip at the beginning of the year helps you connect right away. Most people find their friend group pretty quickly because everyone’s open to meeting new people.
Q: What’s a typical day like in Grade 9?
A: You’ll have four classes a day, with breaks and lunch in between. The schedule rotates, so you’re not always stuck with the same class first thing in the morning. It keeps things interesting and balanced.
Q: How much homework should I expect?
A: It depends on the courses, but usually an hour or two a night. Teachers are really supportive if you need help, and you’ll learn how to manage your time with everything else going on. There are Teaching Assistants at the ready if you need support during lunch, or after school, as well as peer tutors that you can sign up for. Also, our teachers are incredibly helpful and will always make time for you even outside of their office hours.
Q: Do Grade 9s get lockers?
A: Yes! Everyone gets a locker in Senior School. It’s a good place to stash your books, lunch, and gym gear — plus, decorating your locker is a bit of a tradition. If you have a musical instrument you also get a music locker.
Q: What’s the food like at HSC?
A: Honestly, it’s really good. There are lots of options every day — hot meals, salads, soups, and snacks. There’s usually something for everyone, even if you’re picky. If you want to check out what we are having today, visit the website hsc.on.ca click on our AI chatbot, and ask what the menu is.
Q: Is there a dress code or uniform?
A: Yes, but it’s pretty simple. You’ll wear the HSC uniform, which everyone gets used to quickly. It also makes mornings easier because you don’t have to think about what to wear. In the Sr. School, you have #1 dress, which is your formal Friday uniform and then MondayThursday you have your #2 uniform, which is just more casual. There are actually lots of options for different looks.
Q: Can Grade 9s join clubs and teams?
A: For sure. There are tons of co-curricular options, from sports to arts to leadership and service, plus there are affinity groups and interest clubs. I promise you there is something for everyone, and this is often where you connect to friends, so get involved!
Q: What’s the best part about being a Grade 9 at HSC?
A: The community. People are really welcoming, teachers get to know you, and you have so many opportunities to get involved. You don’t feel like “just another student.”
