HSC is proud to be a member of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools, a community of 95+ independent schools that embrace whole-school improvement by choosing to meet and exceed rigorous national standards.

Driven by a comprehensive accreditation process, CAIS schools go above and beyond provincial requirements, ensuring an unparalleled standard of excellence in education.

CAIS is the only Canadian accreditor for independent schools.
Latest Updates
HSC continues to monitor developments surrounding COVID-19. The College refers to Global Affairs Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada along with public health agencies in Ontario to guide decisions in working to maintain the health and safety of our students, parents, faculty and staff. CLICK HERE for the latest update as of April 21.
 
Frequently Asked Questions
HSC is committed to providing up to date information on how to manage COVID-19 symptom screening and what steps to take to ensure the health and wellbeing of your family. CLICK HERE for the latest answers to your questions.
 

Expectations of CAIS Member Schools

#1: The school operates ethically and within all laws, statutes and regulations in the jurisdiction in which it is located.
#2: The school has a governing body acting at arm’s length from the administration of the school. This Board is elected and structured to oversee the school mission, vision, values and strategy. The day-to-day operations are managed by the Head of School, who is the Chief Executive Officer and reports to the Board of Governors.
#3: The school demonstrates support for the CAIS vision, mission, and values.
#4: The school has been in continuous operation and viable for at least five years.
#5: The school’s statement of purposes and objectives reflects sound educational and social goals. The school maintains high standards of character and behaviour for its students, in addition to providing academic preparation for higher education.
#6: Heads and Chairs are expected to attend the annual CAIS Heads & Chairs Conference during which an Annual General Meeting is held.
#7: The School has its first Peer Review within three years at which time it is expected to have met all 2021 CAIS National Standards.
#8: The school participates in annual Research Projects, including Benchmarking and Compensation Surveys.
#9: The school pays annual membership fees based on school enrolment. Annual membership fees begin upon acceptance as a Candidate and are prorated based on the date of acceptance.
#10: The School submits an Annual Membership Report and when applicable, a Substantive Change Report.
#11: The School adheres to all CAIS Policies, a selection of which can be accessed here.
#12: The school is responsible for any travel and accommodation expenses incurred by the members of the Applicant School Review Team.
#13: The School supports the following programs and services:
  • CAIS Professional Learning for School Leaders and aspiring school leaders, including the National Leaders Conference and the Leadership Institute
  • Ad Hoc Research Projects (e.g. Governance and Pluralism Surveys)
  • Canadian Boarding Collective (if applicable)
#14: Schools vote at the Annual General Meeting.
#15: The Head of School participates in an Accreditation Peer Review at least every three years and supports accreditation by regularly offering School leaders for Peer Reviews.
#16: The School undergoes a Peer Review every five years. The School is responsible for travel and accommodation expenses incurred by the members of the Peer Review Team.
There are 12 Standards at the core of CAIS accreditation, grouped into three broad areas: strategic direction, education program, and school operations. Accredited schools meet or exceed these standards.
 
CAIS Standards are reviewed annually, based on current research and exceptional practices. The Standards Council of the CAIS Board reviews and approves all changes to the Accreditation Guidelines. 

Resources

List of 7 items.

Contact

For further information regarding the communication of information pertaining to COVID-19, please contact:

Zahra Valani
Director of Advancement and Communications
Hillfield Strathallan College
Email: Zahra.Valani@hsc.on.ca
905-389-1367 Ext: 162
Early Education Orientations:
Junior School Welcome Breakfast - September 5, 2023, at 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. 
Montessori School Welcome Lunch - September 5, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Middle School Orientation:
(All grade 5's and New Students in Grades 6 to 8)  - September 6
Students are in #2 Dress for Orientation
 
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. (Parents and Students Breakfast)
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. (Student Programming in Middle School)
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. (Parent Programming in VFC)
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Optional Ambassador Lead Tours and Parents Guild Courtyard/Kemper Reception - Photo Op In Courtyard) 
 
Senior School Orientation:
(All Grade 9's and New Students in Grades 10 to 12)\
September 6, 2023
Dress code to follow

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  (Grades 9-12 Student Programming) 
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (Parent Programming in VFC)  
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  (Campus Walk or Strategic Planning Presentation)
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (Parent Continental Reception Lunch Served in Student Commons. Parents Guild Courtyard/Kemper Reception - Photo Op In Courtyard) 

Parents' Guild Used Uniform Sale
September 6, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Parents' Guild Portable

The first day of classes is on Thursday, September 7!  
#2 Uniform Dress Required.  
Reminder Fridays, #1 Dress Required. 

Located in Hamilton, ON, Hillfield Strathallan College is a Canadian independent, co-educational day school.
The academic program runs from Montessori Toddler and Pre-K to Grade 12.

Hillfield Strathallan College | 299 Fennell Avenue West | Hamilton, ON L9C 1G3 | 905-389-1367