Welcome

Welcome to a school unlike any other in Canada. For over 176 years, we have been providing a deeply meaningful education to our students — one rooted in our founder St. Madeleine Sophie Barat’s vision that education transforms society.

We are different for many reasons. We are one of, if not the only one in Canada, to offer a Diamond Model of education — together, apart, together. For us, that means co-ed education in the Elementary School (Grades JP-6), single-gender education in the Junior High School (Grades 7-9), and then back to co-ed in the Senior High (Grades 10-12). We are a Catholic school, and one that welcomes all faiths. We are proudly independent, with CAIS accreditation that provides a guarantee of excellence in education, leadership, management, and governance. And, we are small enough to retain our familial feel yet large enough to support a robust roster of course offerings, activities, and experiences.

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia and part of a network of schools around the world, Sacred Heart students develop global perspectives and opportunities that extend far beyond our iconic front door. As with all network schools, we educate to a strong moral code prescribed by our Five Goals:

These Goals and Criteria are our moral compass. Together with a purposeful pedagogy, a supportive faculty that encourages intellectual risks, and robust co-curricular and extra-curricular programs, our students cultivate their individual strengths, learn how to serve their community, develop the confidence to push beyond limitations, and sow seeds that lead to wisdom and transformation.

We invite you to explore our site, find out what really sets us apart, learn the difference between independent and private schools, ask a question, understand the value of a Sacred Heart education, and book a tour. If you can’t find what you’re looking for — let us know or check out our Frequently Asked Questions guide.

We hope to meet you soon.

Dennis Phillips
Head of School