Earl Haig Secondary School

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About Earl Haig Secondary School

Located in the vibrant city of Toronto, this distinguished secondary school is renowned for its dynamic academic programs, rich arts curriculum, and strong school spirit. Established in the late 1920s and designed by the notable Toronto architectural firm Craig and Madill, the school has grown to become the largest high school within the Toronto District School Board. It combines a tradition of excellence with modern facilities, following a major reconstruction in the 1990s, ensuring an inspiring environment for students to thrive.

🎓 Academics & Programs

The academic offerings are designed to challenge and support a diverse student body with a variety of interests and aspirations. Among the most celebrated is the Claude Watson Arts Program, initiated in 1982, which provides specialized training in dance, drama, music, film arts, and visual arts. This program attracts young artists from across the city, fostering creativity and excellence in the performing and visual arts. Beyond the arts, the school maintains a strong academic focus with comprehensive courses in sciences, humanities, languages, and technology, preparing students for post-secondary success.

🎭 Arts & Extracurriculars

Creativity thrives within this educational community through numerous opportunities beyond the classroom. The Claude Watson Arts Program serves as a cornerstone for students passionate about artistic disciplines, offering professional-level training and performance opportunities. Outside the arts, students can engage in various clubs, leadership initiatives, and events that cultivate teamwork, confidence, and personal growth. The lively school spirit is embodied by the mascot, "The Carpe," a bluefish symbolizing the school's motto Carpe Diem—encouraging every student to seize the day and embrace each moment fully.

⚽ Sports & Athletics

Sports play a vital role in fostering school pride, teamwork, and physical well-being. The athletics program features a wide range of seasonal sports tailored for all abilities and interests. In the fall, students participate in golf, boys’ soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, field hockey, tennis, rugby, and ultimate frisbee. Winter months offer volleyball, basketball, alpine skiing, swimming, ice hockey, and indoor soccer. Spring sports include archery, badminton, cricket, dragon boat racing, baseball, flag football, rugby, soccer, softball, and co-ed volleyball. This extensive offering encourages active participation and promotes a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

📜 History & Tradition

Established in 1928 and named in honor of Field Marshal The 1st Earl Haig, a notable British military leader during the First World War, the school carries a rich historical heritage. Since its first opening in 1930 as Earl Haig Collegiate Institute, it has expanded significantly through several building additions and reconstructions, most prominently in the 1990s. This blend of historical legacy and modernity has shaped a unique culture that honors tradition while embracing contemporary education.

🌟 Notable Alumni & Achievements

The school has proudly supported many alumni who have achieved national and international recognition across diverse fields. From sports legends like Daniel Nestor and Dwight Powell to celebrated artists and entertainers such as Deborah Cox and Paul Gross, the community has produced influential figures that inspire current students. Graduates benefit from a robust scholarship program offering numerous awards and financial assistance opportunities, fostering continued success beyond graduation.

👪 Tips for Parents & Support

Parental involvement is key to student success, and families are encouraged to create consistent study habits and organizational routines at home. Establishing dedicated, distraction-free study spaces, planning work ahead, and maintaining regular communication with teachers and school counselors enhance the learning experience. Support from home complements the school's resources, ensuring students develop responsibility, time management, and motivation—critical skills for achieving academic goals and a well-rounded education.

🌈 Conclusion

This secondary school in Toronto stands out as a beacon of academic excellence, artistic innovation, and spirited extracurricular engagement. With its strong community, comprehensive programs, and commitment to "Seize the Day," it equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in school and beyond. Whether pursuing arts, athletics, or academics, students find a supportive environment that nurtures their unique talents and prepares them for a successful future.

More information

Located in the vibrant city of Toronto, this distinguished secondary school is renowned for its dynamic academic programs, rich arts curriculum, and strong school spirit. Established in the late 1920s and designed by the notable Toronto architectural firm Craig and Madill, the school has grown to become the largest high school within the Toronto District School Board. It combines a tradition of excellence with modern facilities, following a major reconstruction in the 1990s, ensuring an inspiring environment for students to thrive.

🎓 Academics & Programs

The academic offerings are designed to challenge and support a diverse student body with a variety of interests and aspirations. Among the most celebrated is the Claude Watson Arts Program, initiated in 1982, which provides specialized training in dance, drama, music, film arts, and visual arts. This program attracts young artists from across the city, fostering creativity and excellence in the performing and visual arts. Beyond the arts, the school maintains a strong academic focus with comprehensive courses in sciences, humanities, languages, and technology, preparing students for post-secondary success.

🎭 Arts & Extracurriculars

Creativity thrives within this educational community through numerous opportunities beyond the classroom. The Claude Watson Arts Program serves as a cornerstone for students passionate about artistic disciplines, offering professional-level training and performance opportunities. Outside the arts, students can engage in various clubs, leadership initiatives, and events that cultivate teamwork, confidence, and personal growth. The lively school spirit is embodied by the mascot, "The Carpe," a bluefish symbolizing the school's motto Carpe Diem—encouraging every student to seize the day and embrace each moment fully.

⚽ Sports & Athletics

Sports play a vital role in fostering school pride, teamwork, and physical well-being. The athletics program features a wide range of seasonal sports tailored for all abilities and interests. In the fall, students participate in golf, boys’ soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, field hockey, tennis, rugby, and ultimate frisbee. Winter months offer volleyball, basketball, alpine skiing, swimming, ice hockey, and indoor soccer. Spring sports include archery, badminton, cricket, dragon boat racing, baseball, flag football, rugby, soccer, softball, and co-ed volleyball. This extensive offering encourages active participation and promotes a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

📜 History & Tradition

Established in 1928 and named in honor of Field Marshal The 1st Earl Haig, a notable British military leader during the First World War, the school carries a rich historical heritage. Since its first opening in 1930 as Earl Haig Collegiate Institute, it has expanded significantly through several building additions and reconstructions, most prominently in the 1990s. This blend of historical legacy and modernity has shaped a unique culture that honors tradition while embracing contemporary education.

🌟 Notable Alumni & Achievements

The school has proudly supported many alumni who have achieved national and international recognition across diverse fields. From sports legends like Daniel Nestor and Dwight Powell to celebrated artists and entertainers such as Deborah Cox and Paul Gross, the community has produced influential figures that inspire current students. Graduates benefit from a robust scholarship program offering numerous awards and financial assistance opportunities, fostering continued success beyond graduation.

👪 Tips for Parents & Support

Parental involvement is key to student success, and families are encouraged to create consistent study habits and organizational routines at home. Establishing dedicated, distraction-free study spaces, planning work ahead, and maintaining regular communication with teachers and school counselors enhance the learning experience. Support from home complements the school's resources, ensuring students develop responsibility, time management, and motivation—critical skills for achieving academic goals and a well-rounded education.

🌈 Conclusion

This secondary school in Toronto stands out as a beacon of academic excellence, artistic innovation, and spirited extracurricular engagement. With its strong community, comprehensive programs, and commitment to "Seize the Day," it equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in school and beyond. Whether pursuing arts, athletics, or academics, students find a supportive environment that nurtures their unique talents and prepares them for a successful future.

More information

Located in the vibrant city of Toronto, this distinguished secondary school is renowned for its dynamic academic programs, rich arts curriculum, and strong school spirit. Established in the late 1920s and designed by the notable Toronto architectural firm Craig and Madill, the school has grown to become the largest high school within the Toronto District School Board. It combines a tradition of excellence with modern facilities, following a major reconstruction in the 1990s, ensuring an inspiring environment for students to thrive.

🎓 Academics & Programs

The academic offerings are designed to challenge and support a diverse student body with a variety of interests and aspirations. Among the most celebrated is the Claude Watson Arts Program, initiated in 1982, which provides specialized training in dance, drama, music, film arts, and visual arts. This program attracts young artists from across the city, fostering creativity and excellence in the performing and visual arts. Beyond the arts, the school maintains a strong academic focus with comprehensive courses in sciences, humanities, languages, and technology, preparing students for post-secondary success.

🎭 Arts & Extracurriculars

Creativity thrives within this educational community through numerous opportunities beyond the classroom. The Claude Watson Arts Program serves as a cornerstone for students passionate about artistic disciplines, offering professional-level training and performance opportunities. Outside the arts, students can engage in various clubs, leadership initiatives, and events that cultivate teamwork, confidence, and personal growth. The lively school spirit is embodied by the mascot, "The Carpe," a bluefish symbolizing the school's motto Carpe Diem—encouraging every student to seize the day and embrace each moment fully.

⚽ Sports & Athletics

Sports play a vital role in fostering school pride, teamwork, and physical well-being. The athletics program features a wide range of seasonal sports tailored for all abilities and interests. In the fall, students participate in golf, boys’ soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, field hockey, tennis, rugby, and ultimate frisbee. Winter months offer volleyball, basketball, alpine skiing, swimming, ice hockey, and indoor soccer. Spring sports include archery, badminton, cricket, dragon boat racing, baseball, flag football, rugby, soccer, softball, and co-ed volleyball. This extensive offering encourages active participation and promotes a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

📜 History & Tradition

Established in 1928 and named in honor of Field Marshal The 1st Earl Haig, a notable British military leader during the First World War, the school carries a rich historical heritage. Since its first opening in 1930 as Earl Haig Collegiate Institute, it has expanded significantly through several building additions and reconstructions, most prominently in the 1990s. This blend of historical legacy and modernity has shaped a unique culture that honors tradition while embracing contemporary education.

🌟 Notable Alumni & Achievements

The school has proudly supported many alumni who have achieved national and international recognition across diverse fields. From sports legends like Daniel Nestor and Dwight Powell to celebrated artists and entertainers such as Deborah Cox and Paul Gross, the community has produced influential figures that inspire current students. Graduates benefit from a robust scholarship program offering numerous awards and financial assistance opportunities, fostering continued success beyond graduation.

👪 Tips for Parents & Support

Parental involvement is key to student success, and families are encouraged to create consistent study habits and organizational routines at home. Establishing dedicated, distraction-free study spaces, planning work ahead, and maintaining regular communication with teachers and school counselors enhance the learning experience. Support from home complements the school's resources, ensuring students develop responsibility, time management, and motivation—critical skills for achieving academic goals and a well-rounded education.

🌈 Conclusion

This secondary school in Toronto stands out as a beacon of academic excellence, artistic innovation, and spirited extracurricular engagement. With its strong community, comprehensive programs, and commitment to "Seize the Day," it equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in school and beyond. Whether pursuing arts, athletics, or academics, students find a supportive environment that nurtures their unique talents and prepares them for a successful future.


What do students and parents think about Earl Haig Secondary School?

Average rating: 3.8 / 5

10 reviews


Guest wrote on (2023-Oct-23) :

The school has a welcoming atmosphere with friendly teachers and helpful staff. Personally, I love spending time in the library as it boasts an impressive collection of books, comics, and other reading materials that come in handy for assignments and leisure reading. The computer lab is also well-equipped with top-notch computers. Although I couldn't fully enjoy my Grade 12 senior year here, I have no regrets about being a part of this school community.

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Guest wrote on (2024-Oct-09) :

Very nice school, but a lot of fights and physical altercations.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-01) :

During a volleyball tournament, my daughter experienced an upsetting incident when the female principal reacted harshly—she not only berated her for asking for ice to help an injury but also confiscated her phone without a word of explanation. This lack of respectful communication left my daughter in tears, and I feel the administration needs to learn a better way to interact with students.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-02) :

Graduating with the class of 2023, I admired the striking architecture, innovative clubs, and vibrant spirit at Earl Haig. The staff were knowledgeable and supportive, and there were plenty of opportunities to grow. That said, a few disruptive habits – like vaping and smoking in the washrooms – did tarnish the experience. My advice is to focus on your studies, join the chess club, and ignore the “bad apples.”

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-03) :

Earl Haig is marketed as one of Canada’s top institutions, but in my view it feels overly exclusive. Admission seems reserved for those with outstanding talents or deep pockets, leaving little room for genuine nurturing. This elitist attitude undermines the promise of a supportive environment.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-04) :

I attended Earl Haig from 2009 to 2012, and it remains one of my most cherished experiences. The school’s arts program is particularly impressive—boasting a state-of-the-art auditorium and an exciting mix of clubs from film to makeup. Although not every teacher hit the mark, the creative atmosphere made all the difference.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-05) :

Earl Haig offers a comfortable and supportive setting with friendly teachers ready to help. I especially enjoyed the modern library and well-equipped computer lab. My only regret was not experiencing my full senior year here, but overall it’s a commendable choice for a balanced education.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-06) :

As I near graduation, I look back at Earl Haig with mixed, yet fond, memories. Despite the occasional hustle and bustle—especially near the second-floor corridors—the school’s vibrant array of over 60 clubs and remarkable art events (my favorite being a stroll through the art gallery) enriched my experience. I eagerly anticipate a return to in-person learning.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-07) :

Having just graduated, I was impressed by Earl Haig’s modern design and significant funding compared to other TDSB schools. There are plenty of clubs and councils, though I was disappointed with the outdated classroom technology and slow computer logins. Overall, the environment is positive and full of promise.

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Guest wrote on (2025-Apr-08) :

Earl Haig has it all – from stellar academics and a dynamic arts program to competitive sports and a wealth of clubs. The enthusiastic staff and diverse student body create an environment where every day is an adventure, empowering students to shape their own high school journey.

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