Bordered by farmland and rolling hills, Bishop's College School is a small, diverse community located in Sherbrooke, Quebec – 161 km east of Montreal. The school is English-language and co-educational, welcoming both boarders and day students. Our faculty and staff are dedicated, experienced, and committed to students' growth both inside and outside the classroom. Each student is appointed an Advisor who helps monitor social and academic progress—learning strategists in the R.D.W. Howson Enrichment Centre works in conjunction with faculty to help students develop the tools and confidence needed to excel.
With an average class size of 15, students and teachers develop close bonds. We emphasize individual attention and collaborative learning. Every two weeks, we evaluate each student's participation in class through the Effort Ratings. In addition to class time, teachers are also available for extra help during evenings and weekends. Our students are equipped to succeed. Our University Advisor works with each student to find universities and programs that match their interests, abilities, and aspirations. Through our Bridge Program with Bishop's University, eligible students in Form VII (Grade 12) can enroll in university courses for credit. We prepare students for A.P., S.A.T., and other standardized tests. We're also an official S.A.T. test center.
The unique T.H.P. Molson Bilingual Option allows French-speaking students to maintain fluency in their mother tongue while also providing English-speaking students the means to reach higher levels of French skill. English as a Second Language (E.S.L.) instruction is available from Form II (Grade 7) to Form V (Grade 10) to help both international and French-speaking students adapt. Read more about our curriculum.
Students with a passion for the arts have no shortage of opportunities at B.C.S., and students who have not yet discovered their passion have a place to learn and explore. The Visual Arts program focuses on creativity and studio work, as well as art history and theory. Drama students can work both on and off the stage, writing and performing short plays and film scripts, and creating longer film projects. With four bands and a choir, the students in the Music program perform at events throughout the year and develop an appreciation for various music styles, including jazz, classical, and accessible. Our primary goal is to educate young people, enabling B.C.S. students to benefit from a broader range of knowledge, a greater depth of understanding, and a solid foundation of values.
The school continued to grow and prosper over the years; unfortunately, not all students shared the same fate during periods of conflict. B.C.S. takes tremendous pride in the fact that hundreds of former students volunteered and fought for Canada during the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. The names of those who fell (65 boys and three masters in the First World War, 62 boys in the Second World War and one master in the Korean War) are remembered every year during the school's Remembrance Day Service in November.
B.C.S. teachers are energetic, passionate, and inspiring people who care deeply about student success. They challenge students appropriately, provide individualized attention, and set high standards. The network of support continues outside the classroom with other teachers, advisors, houseparents, and staff. Outside of class time, they coach sports, participate in activities, offer extra help, and mentor students. Many teachers live right on campus or within walking distance.
Students are paired with an Advisor (faculty or staff), who will be advocates and supporters throughout the year. They meet in small groups every Thursday morning to discuss current events, social issues, academic challenges, or personal growth. The relationship is also academically-oriented – the Advisor will help ensure the student is on the path to success and will communicate with parents as needed. Students are welcome to stop in to see their Advisor any time they wish.
Each student's class participation is evaluated on a bi-weekly basis. These ratings serve several purposes: they encourage students to do their best every week. They help identify students who may need extra supervision and attention during prep time (homework), and they keep parents informed of their child's progress. The Effort List is posted on a notice board and read aloud in Chapel. It is also available online for parents.
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