Armbrae Academy
Secular, Founded 1887
Updated July 2026
Accreditations
CISLanguages
English
French
GermanArmbrae Academy is an independent, non-denominational, university preparatory day school serving students from Preschool to Grade 12 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Accredited by CAIS, the school provides a coeducational environment focused on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Armbrae Academy is guided by the motto 'Be Kind | Work Hard,' which underpins its focus on character education, community service, and academic excellence. The school is committed to fostering a nurturing, coeducational environment that values diversity of thought, perspective, and experience. Its educational approach is further supported by the 'R2 - Rugged & Resourced' programme, which focuses on building resilience in students by providing a supportive environment that helps them thrive under stress.
Programmes
The academic programme at Armbrae Academy spans from Preschool and PrePrimary through to Grade 12. The curriculum is designed to be broad, covering mathematics, sciences, humanities, the arts, and languages. The school utilizes the 'Caring School Community' programme for Grades 7 and 8 to develop social and emotional learning skills, while the Upper School offers specialized career and university guidance to support students in their academic and professional pathways.
Outcomes
As a university preparatory school, Armbrae Academy focuses on equipping students with the skills and confidence to navigate future opportunities. The school emphasizes character education, community service, and academic excellence to prepare students for their roles in the wider world. Graduates are supported by career and university guidance services as they transition to post-secondary education and beyond.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides an integrated approach to student support, led by the Director of Student Success. The advisory programme is a central component of this support, where assigned advisors track the academic, athletic, and social progress of their advisees while coaching them in self-advocacy and time management. Additionally, the school utilizes restorative practices to foster a safe, nurturing environment and offers specific learning support services to address individual student needs.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- How much is tuition at Armbrae Academy?
- Annual tuition at Armbrae Academy is CA$17.3K–CA$34.7K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Armbrae Academy teach?
- Armbrae Academy enrolls students aged 4 to 18.
- Is Armbrae Academy a day or boarding school?
- Armbrae Academy is a day school.
- What accreditations does Armbrae Academy hold?
- Armbrae Academy holds accreditations including CIS.
- Is Armbrae Academy co-educational?
- Armbrae Academy is a co-ed school.
- Where is Armbrae Academy located?
- Armbrae Academy is an international school in Halifax, Canada.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| PreSchool - PrePrimary | 3–5 | CA$17.3K |
| Lower School (Grades Primary - 5) | 5–10 | CA$23.1K |
| Middle and Upper School (Grades 6 - 12) | 11–18 | CA$25K |
| International Students (Grades PS - 12) | 3–18 | CA$34.7K |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: $1,000 - $2,000
Admissions
Armbrae Academy is an independent, coeducational day school that accepts students from Preschool through Grade 12. Prospective families are encouraged to book a campus tour or schedule a 'Spend-A-Day' visit to experience the school's culture. The admissions process includes opportunities for mid-year entries, and the school provides specific support for international and EAL students.
Calendar
The school operates on a standard academic year, with specific dates for the 2025-2026 school year available to the community. The school maintains an up-to-date event calendar that includes academic milestones, athletic events, co-curricular activities, holidays, and school closures. Families can also access the 'Two Weeks Ahead' publication, which serves as a blueprint for upcoming community events and activities.
Facilities
About the campus
Armbrae Academy operates across three campus locations in Halifax: the Oxford Campus, the Coburg Campus, and the South Campus. The facilities are designed to support a comprehensive educational experience, including classrooms, technology resources, and spaces for athletics and the arts. The school emphasizes a '15 Minute Campus' environment, facilitating easy access between its various sites.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a variety of co-curricular activities designed to encourage student involvement and leadership. These include competitive sports such as the Osprey Basketball League, as well as academic and enrichment pursuits like the Math Circle, math contests, and senior robotics. Additionally, the school hosts a Summer Academy and various 'Osprey Camps' to provide further engagement outside of the traditional academic day.
Stephen ClarkeHead of SchoolStephen (Steve) Clarke began his Headship on July 1, 2019, joining Armbrae from Ridley College where he held various leadership roles including Head of Lower School and Head of Upper School. He is an Ontario Certified Principal with an academic background in Biochemistry and Education from the University of Ottawa.
Ally ReadDeputy Head of SchoolAlly holds a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Acadia University and a Bachelor of Education from Western University. Now in her thirteenth year at the school, she previously served as the Upper School Director and currently integrates her leadership position with her role as Head of Guidance and University Counselling.
Tara BurtDirector of Lower SchoolTara Burt has been a teacher at Armbrae for 18 years and was appointed to the position of Lower School Director in July 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University and both a Bachelor and Masters in Elementary Education from Mount Saint Vincent University.
Megan SernykDirector of Student SuccessMegan Sernyk is an educator with over two decades of experience in independent and public schools who took on the role of Director of Student Success in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Mary’s University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Maine, and a Master of Education from Acadia University.
Krista GhanekarHead of AcademicsKrista Ghanekar has over 15 years of teaching experience and has taught mathematics and computer science in Canada and Switzerland. She holds a Bachelor of Science from St. Francis Xavier University, a Masters of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.
Jamie-Lynn WilkinsonHead of Interdisciplinary DepartmentJamie-Lynn Wilkinson teaches Social Studies and English Language Arts at Armbrae Academy. She holds a BA from Saint Mary's University and a B.Ed. from Mount Saint Vincent University, and has previous teaching experience in London, England.
Michael MakiHead of Guidance & University CounsellingMichael Maki has over 20 years of experience as a University Advisor, having worked in South America, Asia, and Canada in both IB and AP schools. He holds an undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University and a graduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles.