Junior School
Global Leadership Program
Essential Skills for Today’s World and the Future:
The Global Leadership Program (GLP) teaches students the skills they need to succeed in today’s connected world. Students consider different perspectives and connect their learning with real-world applications.
The Foundation Years Program sets the foundations of the GLP through cumulative challenges and interdisciplinary projects.
The program’s culmination is “My Key Idea,” where the student advocates on a topic of personal significance.
West Lake House
Our Newest Academic Building
West Lake House includes an assembly hall, library, science labs, music and art studios, black box drama studio, and classrooms—all designed to foster meaningful, real-world learning for our students. It is also the new home of Newmarket’s community radio station, 102.7 CHOP FM, where our students can share their voices and connect with the broader Newmarket-Aurora community.
At approximately 50,000 sq. ft., this exciting new facility almost doubles the amount of classroom space we have at Pickering College and includes:
• A full Junior School Wing with classrooms for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 4
• A Learning Commons (Library)
• An Arts Wing with specially designed classrooms for music, art and drama, including dedicated spaces for Junior School art and music
• An Assembly Hall that allows for a full range of music and drama performances as well as all-school Morning Meetings
• A Science Wing with classrooms for physics, chemistry, biology, STEM initiatives, and Makerspace
Life at Pickering
Academics and Curriculum
Pickering College offers:
• Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum
• Enriched STEM (Math, Science, Technology) classes and activities: Robotics, Coding, Technological Design, MakerSpace. Through hands-on learning, inquiry, and real-world problems, students build knowledge and learn to apply mathematical processes to develop a strong understanding of concepts.
• Superior Literacy Program rooted in best practices and research in the field of early literacy learning.
As children progress from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5, they build a solid foundation for lifelong learning and community engagement. Our curriculum emphasizes essential skills and abilities, developing self-assured students confident communicating and collaborating with both small and large groups, in a variety of settings.
• Inspiring Public Speaking: Students regularly present on topics they’re passionate about, igniting their own curiosity and inspiring others with their enthusiasm.
• Balanced Academic Excellence: A challenging curriculum is paired with diverse learning environments that include student-first academic and co-curricular activities including athletics, music, drama, visual arts, and exciting field trips.
• Community and Connection: Family-style hot lunches, where faculty members eat with each table, teach social engagement, encourage storytelling, and foster friendships across different grades.
This dynamic approach ensures students excel not only academically but thrive in a vibrant, supportive community.
College
Athletics, Arts and Clubs
Students in Junior School are physically active every day.
All students have specialist-taught Physical Education classes multiple times per week and recesses twice each day. The CanSkate program is provided for all students.
Students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 2 take part in gymnastics and swimming lessons.
Students in Grades 3-5 take part in our co-curricular program which help to develop healthy, active lifestyles, exposing students to a range of activities they might not otherwise try. Options include Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field, and more!
Facilities:
3 Gymnasiums
3 Athletic Fields
Track
Fitness Centre
Arena (Hockey/Ice Skating)
As an option for Grade 4 and 5, students may apply to enter our Sphere Program, where much of their learning takes place on the 75-acre Blue & Silver Farm, 10 minutes away from our main campus.
Students in Sphere learn in an environment that stretches beyond classroom walls and focuses on mastering cutting-edge technology while crafting real-world solutions to problems they care deeply about.
Students may also elect to apply for our core Grade 4 and 5 program, which continues to provide the Junior School programming Pickering College is known for on our main campus.
For all students, tuition fees include:
• A daily hot lunch, including deli and salad bar options with two soup choices
• A yearbook
• Individual school photographs
• A full school panoramic picture (order required)
• Local traveling expenses for school athletic teams
• Student committee fees
• Use of the school Health Centre, which is staffed with Registered Nurses.
Family Discount:
A reduction of $1,500 from the fees is offered to the second sibling attending Pickering College in the same academic year; a reduction of $5,000 from the fees is offered to the third and subsequent sibling attending Pickering College in the same academic year.
Alumni Discount:
A reduction of $1,000 from the fees is offered to a child or grandchild of Pickering College alumni.
Re-enrolment Discount:
Once you have joined the Pickering College community, each year upon re-enrolment a discount is provided (currently $375).
Upload the following documents to your online applicant checklist:
Report cards for current school year and previous three years (as applicable)
Essay (Grades 4 and 5)
Teacher Recommendation (as applicable)
1 3 2
Pickering College will contact you to arrange an interview and—for JK to Grade 1 applicants—an academic assessment.
