Choosing the best high school is one of the most important decisions a parent makes for their children. Opting for a high school with a supportive environment, challenging academics, and abundant opportunities for students to prepare for college and future jobs is essential. These four years, from grade 9 to 12, are any child’s most important school years. During these years, they discover their passions, learn valuable skills, and join the school community. In Kitchener, you are presented with a spectrum of eight high schools under the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. To simplify this maze of choices, we will discuss top five high schools in Kitchener.
Kitchener’s high schools are known for their wide curriculum choices and exceptional teaching standards, and they reflect the dedication to developing well-rounded individuals. From fostering intellectual curiosity to cultivating a culture of inclusivity, these institutions serve as accelerators for innovation and personal growth. We have curated all the important details about these top high schools in Kitchener. From their location and programme offerings to their academic accomplishments,. With this information, you can make a wise decision regarding choosing the best high school for your child.
Huron Heights Secondary School
Huron Heights Secondary School, situated within the Waterloo Region District School Board, is a dynamic high school. It is located in Kitchener’s southern section, among the lively Huron Park and Brigadoon neighbourhoods. The school’s jurisdiction extends across a significant portion of southern Kitchener, encompassing the area south of Bleams Road, east of Trussler Road, and north of New Dundee Road. Students have the opportunity to attend Huron Heights from Grades 9 to 12.
For students with a variety of interests, Huron Heights High School provides a number of opportunities. From academically focused programmes to hands-on experiences, the school caters to diverse learning styles. Moreover, it provides four specialised High Skill Majors (SHSM) in Arts and Culture, Environment, Health and Wellness, and Sports, specifically tailored for Grade 11 and 12 students. These programmes seamlessly blend course principles, practical training, and additional certifications, setting students up for successful careers in their chosen fields. These certifications often include mandatory training, such as CPR, and industry-specific qualifications.
For those students who are fitness enthusiasts, Huron Heights has seasonal sports and clubs such as kickboxing, self-defence, badminton, triathlon, and mountain biking. In addition to sports and fitness, there are plenty of other clubs and extracurricular activities to cater to various student interests. These include choirs, bands, an annual drama performance, and diverse cultural clubs. With so many options available, Huron Heights ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy and be a part of.
St. Mary’s High School
St. Mary’s High School is a Catholic secondary school with a rich history on the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. The school’s history can be traced back to St. Ann’s Convent School, established in 1907. Located in the heart of Kitchener, St. Mary’s High School is in the beautiful Country Hills neighbourhood. St. Mary’s boundaries encompass central Kitchener, southern Kitchener, and the region east of the Conestoga Parkway.
Through their various programmes, students can explore a range of trades, earn college credits while still in high school, and even pursue specialised courses at renowned universities. St. Mary has partnerships with Conestoga College, the University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University that make these opportunities possible. For those who want to get a head start on their post-secondary education, St. Mary’s also offers the College and University Cooperative Education Programmes, which let students take post-secondary courses while still in high school. The school offers SHSM programmes and Advanced Placement courses for those looking for an extra challenge.
At St. Mary’s, students can participate in various extracurricular activities in addition to their academic pursuits. For those interested in student leadership, joining the Student Council is an excellent opportunity. Additionally, St. Mary’s offers seasonal sports teams throughout the academic year, including girls’ and boys’ volleyball in the fall, boys’ basketball, girls’ volleyball, and hockey in the winter, and badminton and soccer in the spring. The school also has several student clubs, such as the DECA Business Club, Model United Nations, a Dance Team, and a Creative Writing Club. With so many options, there’s something for everyone at St. Mary’s High School!
Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate & Vocational School
Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate and Vocational School, or Kitchener Collegiate Institute, or KCI, is a public secondary school in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. It is affiliated with the Waterloo Region District School Board. It has a rich history dating back to 1855, making it one of the oldest high schools in Kitchener-Waterloo region. The school’s sports teams are recognised as the Raiders.
KCI is one of the few high schools in Waterloo Region that provides the French Immersion programme, which allows the students to obtain a certificate upon graduation by taking advanced French courses as well as core courses taught in French. The school also offers a range of artistic courses, including drama, film, music, visual arts, and writing, which are well-complemented by after-school activities to showcase students’ talents.
Furthermore, KCI provides Advanced Placement (AP) courses, SHSM programmes, and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programme (OYAP) opportunities. Specifically, KCI’s advanced placement options in French, physics, and world history give students a premium learning experience and the chance to earn university credits via a special exam. At KCI, students can take SHSM in Environmental Studies, Health and Wellness, or IT. Students who want to learn a trade can enrol in automotive, cooking, hairstyling, and gardening apprenticeship programmes.
Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute
Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute is the highest-performing high schools in Kitchener under the Waterloo Region District School Board. This institution has been a part of Kitchener since 1969, when it first commenced operations on Charles Street in the city’s central district. Its limits include Cedar Hill and the surrounding region, as well as a stretch south of the Conestoga Parkway but north of Bleams Road. While transportation is not provided for out-of-town students participating in the International Baccalaureate Programme, the school is easily accessible via the ION light rail transit line. This high school caters to students from grades 9 to 12.
Students can choose from a variety of courses at Cameron Heights to fulfil the requirements for their high school diploma. The school offers two unique programs: the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) and the Cameron International Studies Certificate (CIS). Admission into the IB programme provides students with two diplomas upon graduation: the regular high school diploma and the internationally recognised IB diploma. The IB programme is structured into Pre-IB courses for grades 9 and 10, followed by the diploma programme for grades 11 and 12.
Additionally, Cameron Heights offers plenty of chances for students to participate in different teams, clubs, and sports. Seasonal sports are available, allowing students to participate in multiple sports throughout the academic year. Students can also join the Athletic Council, Ultimate Frisbee Club, Yoga Club, or other recreational clubs to engage in other sports activities. Clubs are available for diverse interests such as technology, games, public speaking, gardening, etc. Students can also participate in co-curricular activities such as contributing to the school’s official newspaper, the Globe and Gael, or helping with the yearbook. Furthermore, students can also join Cameron Heights’ musical groups.
Resurrection Catholic Secondary School
Resurrection Catholic Secondary School is the top-ranked high school in the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. This Catholic high school was established in 1990 and has earned an outstanding reputation for academics, arts, and athletics in Kitchener. It is situated on University Avenue in the western region of Kitchener. Resurrection’s surrounding area includes its local neighbourhood of Highland West, a significant portion of Kitchener’s western region, and the county to the west of the city.
At Resurrection, students can explore various subjects while earning credits towards their diploma. The curriculum includes language, religion, math, science, and technology courses, many of which also offer overall development. In addition to the diploma courses, Resurrection students can participate in specialised programmes to acquire specific skills. The university has collaborated with local universities and colleges to offer students UCEP, CCEP, and University Dual Credit programs. Resurrection provides AP-prep English, French, and mathematics classes to students pursuing Advanced Placement courses in Grade 12.
Additionally, students looking to begin their careers early can enrol in the SHSM programmes in fields like Business, Arts and Culture, Horticulture, Energy Health and Wellness, Hospitality and Tourism, Information and Communications Technology, Law, etc. The high school is home to talented students actively participating in various teams, clubs, and competitions. Sports activities occur throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons and are divided into junior, senior, and varsity teams, accommodating students from all grades. In addition to sports, various clubs and activities are available, such as robotics, environmental conservation, gardening, dance, and computer programming, catering to the diverse interests of the student body. For those passionate about the arts, opportunities to practice and perform are offered through participation in the concert band, jazz band, choir, or drama productions by Resurrection. Moreover, students can showcase their skills in math and science challenges by participating in inter-school competitions.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right high school for your children, numerous factors must be taken into consideration. Luckily, Kitchener, Ontario, has several exceptional schools offering exciting opportunities and engaging programmes. Whether your child is a budding athlete, an artist, or a scientist, Kitchener’s high schools have something to offer everyone. With a focus on academic excellence, character development, and community involvement, these schools are the perfect place for your child to grow and learn.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, many high schools in Kitchener offer specialised programmes like International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), and Specialised High Skill Majors (SHSM) focusing on various fields.
Transportation might not be available for students outside the school's designated boundaries, but some schools benefit from proximity to public transit routes like the ION light rail system.
Most high schools in Kitchener cater to students in grades 9 through 12, providing comprehensive education for the entirety of their high school years.
Some of the best high schools in Kitchener are Huron Heights Secondary School, St. Mary’s High School in Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate & Vocational School, Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute, Resurrection Catholic Secondary School, etc. Do Kitchener high schools offer specialised programmes?
Are transportation services provided for out-of-bounds students?
What grade levels do Kitchener high schools accommodate?
Which are the best high schools in Kitchener?
