Armbrae Academy
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About Armbrae Academy
In short: Armbrae Academy is a private, secular, co-ed international school in Halifax, Canada. Stages: preschool, primary, middle school and high school (ages 3–18). Taught in English. 350 students.
Armbrae Academy is an independent, co-educational, university-preparatory day school in the South End of Halifax, Nova Scotia, serving children from PreSchool (age 3) through Grade 12. Its roots go back to 1887, when it was incorporated as Halifax Ladies College; it took its current name in 1980. Today it enrols more than 350 students from diverse backgrounds on three neighbouring campuses overlooking the Northwest Arm, across the street from Dalhousie University. The school is a non-profit governed by a volunteer Board of Governors and is funded by tuition and donations rather than government money. Armbrae is accredited by Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS), meets Nova Scotia provincial standards and is a member of Round Square. Students graduate with the Nova Scotia High School Diploma and the school's own Armbrae Diploma, and can take Advanced Placement courses; the school was placed on the AP School Honor Roll with Gold distinction based on its May 2025 results. Classes typically hold 12 to 20 students, the student-to-teacher ratio is about 10 to 1, and many teachers hold graduate degrees. The motto Be Kind | Work Hard frames a programme that combines academics with character education, service learning, athletics and the arts. International students are welcomed as day students through a homestay programme.
- Type
- Private
- Faith
- Secular
- Gender
- Co-ed
- Ages
- 3–18
- Enrolment
- 350 students
- Approach
- General Curriculum
Fees at Armbrae Academy
Curriculum and languages
Upper School students follow a university-preparatory programme leading to both the Nova Scotia High School Diploma and the Armbrae Diploma. They can take College Board Advanced Placement courses, and the school earned a Gold AP Honor Roll distinction for 2025. A three-year career education sequence and individual university guidance support applications to universities in Canada and abroad. As a Round Square member, the school also offers global, service and leadership experiences.
Languages
English is the main language of instruction. French is taught by specialist teachers from PreSchool onwards, with a focus on oral fluency and appreciation of French culture, and continues through the grades. Students who are still learning English receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support led by a dedicated EAL director, and international applicants can show proficiency with Duolingo, IELTS or TOEFL scores.
Stages and ages
PreSchool and PrePrimary (ages 3 and 4) use a play-based approach with specialist music, physical education and French. The Lower School covers Grade Primary to Grade 5 with a homeroom-teacher model, the Middle School covers Grades 6 to 8 with daily advisory time, and the Upper School covers Grades 9 to 12, starting with a Leadership 9 course and ending with AP options and career education.
Educational approach
Values
The school's motto, Be Kind | Work Hard, sums up its aim of pairing academic ambition with character. Armbrae wants every student to be known as an individual and to feel a sense of belonging, while being challenged to think critically, take healthy risks and persevere. Its Portrait of a Graduate describes five goals: empathetic communicators, creative thinkers, ethical citizens, courageous learners and compassionate leaders.
School and family
Extracurricular activities
Sports 8
Arts 3
Culture 2
The Osprey athletics programme competes in CAIS national tournaments, School Sport Nova Scotia and the Maritime Independent League, which the school helped found. Team sports include soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, field hockey and flag football, and clubs cover rowing, tennis, badminton, track and field and table tennis. Through the CAS programme for Grades 6 to 12, students also join debate, robotics, Arduino coding, music, drama, visual arts, leadership groups such as the Prefect Council, and service projects.
Facilities and services
Sports facilities
Learning facilities
Play facilities
Armbrae operates on three neighbouring campuses (Oxford, Coburg and South) in Halifax's South End, overlooking the Northwest Arm and opposite Dalhousie University. Specialist lessons are held in dedicated spaces, including an art studio and a library and resource centre, and the youngest pupils use a gym and outdoor play spaces as part of their daily routine. The school also uses urban nature settings near campus for outdoor learning.
Services
Before- and after-school care is available for a small daily fee. Student Services bring together learning strategies for neurodiverse learners, school counselling, inclusive education support, EAL instruction and university guidance, coordinated through an advisory system. Needs-based tuition assistance of up to 60% of fees is available for domestic students in Grades 6 to 12, along with merit-based entrance scholarships. Osprey Camps run during the year and in summer.
Learning support and inclusion
Frequently asked questions
What language is Armbrae Academy taught in?
Lessons are taught in English. It also teaches French.
How do I contact Armbrae Academy?
Press Enquire: your message goes to its admissions team, free.