Read more details about Trinity College School on their 2025-26 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
My experience at TCS was excellent! I loved the community especially the houses because it really felt like a family away from home. TCS definitely prepared me well for going into university because of the amount of independence we were given. Boarding made living in university residence a lot less intimidating, and the TCS schedules were somewhat similar to university ones as well. The overall transition was very smooth which is something I am grateful about. A new student enrolling into TCS should expect to be surrounded by people that are all very willing to offer you help. There are so many different kinds of people you feel encouraged to go to when you need something and that was definitely my favorite thing about TCS.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best thing that happened to me at TCS was learning how to balance independence with community support. Boarding taught me responsibility and resilience, but also the importance of leaning on others when needed. One of my proudest achievements was not just academic success but also building friendships across cultures that continue to this day. Looking back, I think I grew into a more confident, adaptable person because of my time there.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
If I could do anything differently, I would have been more open during my first year instead of waiting to step out of my comfort zone. For new students, my advice would be to take advantage of everything offered that is try out new sports, clubs, or arts even if you’re unsure at first. Boarding is the best time to experiment, make mistakes, and grow.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
What I liked most about TCS was the balance: academics, athletics, arts, and social life were all given value. The school didn’t just prepare me academically but it prepared me emotionally and socially for university and beyond.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
If you’re visiting or considering TCS, check out the houses because they really define the boarding experience. Spend some time downtown in Port Hope to get a feel for the community. And yes always make time for breakfast events and inter-house traditions, they’re what make TCS feel like home. My best advice is say “yes” to as much as possible, because the opportunities you have here are rare and special.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The academics at TCS were both challenging and supportive, a balance I came to appreciate more once I transitioned to university. The workload kept us accountable, but it never felt overwhelming because teachers genuinely wanted to help us succeed. I liked that the school encouraged both classroom learning and independent study; in some courses, we even experimented with flipped-classroom teaching, which was difficult at first but later became useful since many university professors teach this way. The environment was motivating but not that bad, students celebrated each other’s successes, which helped build confidence instead of stress. I particularly appreciated the Scholar Status recognition system, which was a tangible reminder that consistent hard work pays off.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Athletics played a big role in the TCS experience. The school encouraged everyone to get involved, whether on a competitive sports team or through AFL activities. For me, being on the basketball team taught me discipline, resilience, and how to push myself beyond what I thought I could achieve. The quality of coaching was excellent, they cared not just about our performance but also our development as people. The facilities were impressive and well-maintained, and the range of sports meant that every student could find their place regardless of their level. While there was sometimes pressure to join a more competitive team, the school culture still allowed for balance and emphasized fun alongside achievement.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
Even though I wasn’t heavily involved in the arts programs myself, I admired the school’s commitment to them. The facilities were excellent, and I had friends who thrived in theatre productions and music ensembles. I especially remember how much excitement there was around performances, it wasn’t just students participating, but the whole school community came out to support them. Even as an athlete, I loved watching shows and concerts because they reminded me how diverse talent at TCS really was. The arts program wasn’t something off to the side; it was celebrated just as much as sports, which created a nice balance and a lot of respect for creativity on campus.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Extracurricular activities were one of the best parts of TCS life. There were so many options beyond academics and athletics. I found it easy to get involved, whether it was through joining a competitive team or a fun activity like dance. These experiences often became the foundation for my friendships, because they allowed me to connect with students I might not have met otherwise. The variety was also unique whether you were interested in leadership, community service, or personal hobbies, there was something that matched your interests.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Dorm life at TCS was one of my favorite parts of boarding. Living in a house gave me a true “family away from home.” Each dorm had its own personality and traditions, which made it feel special and close. I appreciated how supportive the house staff were, they weren’t just authority figures, but people who genuinely cared about our well-being. The relationships I formed in my dorm are some of the closest friendships I still keep today. The sense of independence we were given also prepared me well for university residence life, making the transition much less intimidating.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Dining at TCS was convenient and high-quality compared to what I’ve experienced elsewhere. The cafeteria always had a variety of food, and the hours worked well with our busy schedules. I appreciated that the options included healthier choices alongside comfort food, which made it easy to strike a balance. Mealtimes also became social events because of the school’s size, you would often see everyone, which made meals feel lively and community-oriented.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
The town of Port Hope was a big part of the boarding experience. It gave international students and those from larger cities a chance to experience life in a quieter, close-knit community. We often went downtown for coffee or small outings, which was a nice change of pace from campus life. I rarely had negative experiences with locals, and most of the time people were friendly and welcoming. It helped me appreciate small-town life in Canada, something that was completely new for many of us.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
The social life at TCS was vibrant and welcoming. Because of the school’s size, you didn’t feel lost in the crowd as everyone knew each other, and inter-house events created even stronger bonds. Spirit events, like house competitions and school-wide traditions, made the atmosphere fun and inclusive. Of course, like at many schools, friend groups sometimes formed along cultural or national lines, but overall students were open to connecting with people from different backgrounds. For me, the friendships I built extended beyond my grade and even beyond my time at school.
Read more details about Trinity College School on their 2025-26 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
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My experience at TCS was excellent! I loved the community especially the houses because it really felt like a family away from home. TCS definitely prepared me well for going into university because of the. . .
Trinity College School taught me to always strive to be a better person, both inside and outside the classroom. The school places great emphasis on values, community, and ethics, and these lessons become part of. . .
My time at Trinity was so special. I spent four years there in both day and boarding programs, and I am so grateful for that opportunity. Beyond academic rigour and stellar athletics and arts programs. . .
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