Holistic Education at Selwyn House Prepares Boys for Future Success

This story was created with Adam Burton of Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Selwyn House School for The Gazette. 

Selwyn House School, Montreal’s only all-boys school, offers a unique and exceptional educational experience. The historic Westmount-based institution houses one of the most rigorous and well-rounded academic programs in the city, shaping boys into confident and capable men.

 

Selwyn House School’s holistic approach to education extends beyond academics, fostering intellectual and personal growth. The school places equal importance on academic and non-academic activities, understanding that boys learn best through experiences. Emphasizing resilience, teamwork and personal growth through extracurriculars, students participate in compulsory athletics and a wide range of activities including theatre productions, volunteering and public speaking.

 

This balanced approach ensures that students graduate as self-assured and capable individuals ready to face real-world challenges. Students live the school’s motto, “Veritas”: True to Yourself, True to Your School, True to Others, True to the World.

 

The heart of the school is its tight-knit community. With small class sizes, teachers give each student the unique attention they need. Crosby Wise, co-head prefect, values the structure and support he’s received.

 

“In each class, the teacher knows every student personally,” said Wise. “They’re always preparing you for what’s next and providing you with the help they know you need. I’ve never felt stuck in my academic career.”

 

This relational approach to education extends beyond the classroom. Starting as early as Kindergarten, students foster real connections with their peers.

 

“It’s really like another family to me,” remarked Wise. “It’s a bond that you can’t find outside of our school. I know when I graduate, I’ll have these connections for life.”

 

Selwyn’s all-boys’ setting and experiential education philosophy allows the school to tailor a curriculum that encourages active engagement.

Valérie Ménard, mother to two elementary boys, appreciates this approach for its impact on her children’s enthusiasm for school.

 

“Boys are so high energy, and the school helps them spend that energy in a good way,” remarked Ménard. “Once they’re sitting in class, they’re more attentive and excited to learn.”

 

Wise has also found that the all-boys environment has helped him be more comfortable.

 

“Boys can be themselves when they’re around boys,” said Wise. “You can develop your own identity without feeling pressure to be a certain way.”

 

Last fall, Selwyn House School added a Grade 12 year, Pre-U (pre-university), with tremendous success. The first graduates received multiple acceptances to top national and international universities. This success highlights the students’ preparedness and the Pre-U program staff’s tailored, professional guidance ensuring each student designs and realizes his own post-secondary plan.

 

Selwyn House School’s unique opportunities and supportive environment shape students into individuals ready for lifelong success. When students graduate, they’ve excelled academically and developed a lifelong community and the skills to thrive, no matter where life takes them.