Upper Canada College

IB World School for boys in the heart of Toronto

Educating leaders and innovators since 1829

School foreground scenic photo

Tradition

Since 1829, UCC has been educating the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Excellence

Expert faculty, cutting-edge facilities and a supportive community enable our students to pursue excellence and realize their potential.

Innovation

UCC's unparalleled breadth of curricular and co-curricular opportunities allows our boys to thrive in today's fast-paced and ever-changing landscape.

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Students in uniforms gathered on the stone steps outside the historic Upper Canada College main entrance.

Living Our Values

UCC students develop head, heart and humanity in an environment that fosters belonging.

Our values-driven approach includes offering close to $7 million in financial assistance each year — a needs-blind admission process that brings the best students to the College and enhances the UCC experience for all.

At UCC we value:

Learning

Pluralism

Service

Community

Wellbeing

UCC PERSPECTIVES

A Welcome from
Principal Sam McKinney

EXPLORE OUR STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

The
Learning
Journey

At UCC we strive for excellence and celebrate accomplishment — and we value learning as a journey, not a destination.

The International Baccalaureate provides the best curricular framework for university admission, lifelong success and active citizenship.

The IB at UCC

Through our rigorous academic programs, each boy "learns how to learn" and gains an understanding of himself, and strong and wide-ranging skills.

Primary Years Programme

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME
JK TO YEAR 5

Spark Your Curiosity

THE PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME develops young students as active participants in a lifelong journey of learning by focusing on the whole child.

Meet a Student

Tristan

Student Profile

YEAR 4

Classes:
French, History, Math, English, Science, Music, Art

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM:
Soccer, Hockey, Track and Field

PYP HIGHLIGHT:
“I did a project on Quebec, because my family makes maple syrup and 91 per cent of Canada’s supply is produced there. I had fun discovering new things about another province.”

FUN UCC MEMORY:
“Experiencing all the amazing nature at the Norval Outdoor School on a trip with my class.”

I started at UCC in Year 2 and immediately felt at home. I love it here and never want to leave!

PYP
Learning in Action

The PYP culminates in Year 5 with the Exhibition, where students undertake transdisciplinary projects based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students work in teams to explore aspects of the 17 SDGs, which include ending poverty and hunger, promoting good health and wellbeing, and ensuring access to affordable and clean energy.

With the support of teachers and mentors, each student pursues his own line of inquiry within the SDG, writing an inquiry question, researching the topic and determining an action that could make a difference. Previous PYP projects have resulted in charitable food drives and park cleanups.

Learn more about the PYP

Middle Years Programme

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME
YEAR 6 TO YEAR 10

Pursue Your Passions

THE MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME is a framework for learning that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.

Meet a Student

Andre

Student Profile

YEAR 6

Classes:
Math, Individuals and Societies, Science, French, Art, Music, Design, Language and Literature

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM:
Concert and Jazz Bands, Wind Ensemble, Prep Choir, Yearbook Committee, VEX IQ Robotics, Eco-warriors, Swim and Track and Field teams

PYP HIGHLIGHT:
“I volunteered at a local food program that supports individuals experiencing homelessness. I used the skills I learned in math class to research Universal Basic Income and learn more about how poverty affects people and what actions we can take to support our communities.”

FUN UCC MEMORY:
“Travelling to Chicago for the Heritage World Studies Festival with the school band and winning a Canadian Band Association award.”

It’s so rewarding to explore all my different interests — and apply what I learn in class to enhance my understanding and experiences.

MYP
Learning in Action

The MYP Personal Project is a year-long independent learning experience in Years 9 and 10. To support this process, students work with their Personal Project coordinator and are kept on track through check-ins with an assigned supervisor.

This project assesses students’ skills in research, communication, critical and creative thinking, and collaboration. It also encourages them to connect classroom learning engagements with personal experience, and to develop their own interests for lifelong learning.

Learn more about the MYP

Diploma Programme

GRADUATION PATHWAYS
YEAR 11 AND 12

Lead the
Way

THE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME at UCC develops breadth and depth of knowledge, providing an excellent foundation for students to prosper at their postsecondary destination.

Meet a Student

Chisom

Student Profile

YEAR 11

ACADEMIC FOCUS INCLUDES:
Computer Science, Economics, English, Philosophy, French, Math

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM:
Head Steward, Lang Scholar, Varsity Volleyball and Rugby, President of the Black Excellence Society, Program Director at Horizons, Year 8 Mentor

DP HIGHLIGHT:
“I created a community project to attempt to increase BIPOC representation in the tech field. Since then, it’s developed into a six-week initiative for Horizons, UCC’s inter-school tutoring and mentoring program, centred on fostering innovation and creativity.”

JOYS OF CAMPUS LIVING:
“As a boarder in Wedd’s House, I love living on campus and the special bonds that are fostered there while experiencing all that UCC and Toronto have to offer.”

My passion for problem-solving was a key reason I sought out leadership opportunities with the Lang Scholar Program, Black Excellence Society and as Head Steward.

DP
Learning in Action

The DP at UCC develops breadth and depth of knowledge, providing an excellent foundation for students to prosper at their postsecondary destination.

Mirroring the range of a university undergraduate program, the students take courses across six subject groups. Programming is complemented by a DP Core course that includes a reflection on the nature of knowledge in Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an academic paper called the Extended Essay (EE) and co-curricular pursuits in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Students in Year 11 will have the opportunity to personalize their studies by entering one of our three IB DP Graduation Pathways. Each Graduation Pathway is academically rigorous and provides students with agency in preparation for their applications to top-tier universities and the most selective postsecondary programs.

Learn more about Graduation Pathways

Opportunities Abound

A stunning range of opportunities outside the classroom truly distinguishes the UCC experience. From archery to improv to the oldest student-run World Affairs Conference in North America, there’s a club for every student at UCC.

A Club for Every Student

DISCOVER OUR CO-CURRICULARS

A Vibrant Community

Keep up to date with the latest student and community happenings across campus and beyond.

EXPLORE OUR NEWS SEE ALL EVENTS

A Unique
Boarding Experience

We offer a supportive and rewarding environment, with a close-knit community comprising of 88 students from Year 8 to 12 across two boarding houses.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOARDING

Upper Canada College | Leading Boys' IB World School

Connected Campus