About Us
Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School continues a century-long tradition of excellence in educating young women. Our students are known for their confidence, imagination, compassion, leadership, and high aspirations.
"Women should and can provide something more than ordinary in the face of the common need." Mary Ward, Founder IBVM
Mary Ward, Founder IBVM
Our Core Values
Our program is rooted in the enduring values of:
Excellence
Creativity
Diversity
Social justice
Spirituality
We encourage students to excel academically and to pursue passions beyond the classroom.
Academic Excellence and Vibrant Student Life
Loretto Abbey offers a rigorous academic program with a wide range of enrichment opportunities:
Extended French program.
Advanced Placement, and University Mentorship programs.
International excursions to enhance learning.
Co-operative education for career exploration.
One of the largest music programs in the board.
Cross-curricular computer lab and strong science offerings, including eight sections of Physics.
Gifted programming tailored to students’ needs and interests.
Students are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of co-curricular activities, including:
Music and drama productions.
Clubs and athletic programs at both intramural and extramural levels.
Academic competitions in business, English, math, biology, and science fairs.
The entire program at Loretto Abbey is designed to challenge students and prepare them to become knowledgeable, skilled, and values-driven Christian leaders in today’s society.
Our History
Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School is deeply woven into the history of Toronto. Established by the Sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), also known as the Loretto Sisters, the school continues a legacy of faith and education that began in the early 17th century with its founder, Mary Ward. Pope Pius XII once described her as “that incomparable woman given to the Church by England in its most somber and bloodstained hours.”
Founding and Early Growth
On September 16, 1847, five young missionary sisters arrived from Loretto Abbey in Rathfarnham, Ireland, at the invitation of Toronto’s first bishop, the Most Reverend Michael Power. They opened a school on Duke Street just days later, on September 29. The school followed the model admired by Bishop Power and used at Rathfarnham.
Over the years, the school relocated several times:
In 1853, it moved to Bathurst Street.
Later, it relocated to Bond Street.
By 1860, over 1,500 pupils had attended Loretto House.
Lyndhurst and the Name “Loretto Abbey”
In February 1867, the Sisters purchased Lyndhurst, a historic property on Wellington Street West. Originally built around 1835 by Attorney-General Robert Jameson, the house was later owned by Frederick Widder of the Canada Company, who hosted distinguished guests including the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) in 1860.
The house was expanded to meet the needs of the growing school and renamed “Loretto Abbey,” echoing its Irish origins.
As Toronto’s downtown became increasingly industrialized, the area around Wellington Place was no longer suitable for a girls’ school. Property was acquired in North York, just beyond the city limits.
On May 22, 1927, the cornerstone of the new Abbey was laid.
In September 1928, the Tudor Gothic building opened to over 100 boarders and day students.
In 1986, Loretto Abbey High School joined the Metropolitan Separate School Board (now TCDSB).