A collage showing the front of the four Monsignor Fraser College campus buildings: Midland, Isabella, Fraser and Norfinch.

Our School

About Us

At Monsignor Fraser College, we provide a safe and caring place where students can continue their education and complete their graduation requirements for university, college or the workplace. Specific programs at our 4 different campuses provide secondary school credits to distinct age groups: 16-20 through the Alternative Program and Over 21 through Continuing Education. As well, we offer many programs to enhance student life while they are at Monsignor Fraser: student nutrition programs, project-based learning, community outreach and many co-curricular activities.

Mission Statement

Operating within the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)'s mandate to strive for excellence and to demonstrate Catholicity, Monsignor Fraser College welcomes students from all diverse backgrounds and provides equitable opportunities to all students.

Expecting from each, excellence according to individual potential, Monsignor Fraser College welcomes, without question or judgment, all eligible applicants seeking a new beginning.

In a school community formed by Catholic beliefs and traditions, our Mission is to empower students to their full potential by providing:

  • Partnership in the shared responsibility for education that exists among the school, the student, the family, the parish and the community.

  • A Christian learning environment in a non-traditional setting.

  • Role models of Gospel Values, Catholic teachings and beliefs.

Our Mandate

Monsignor Fraser College provides an alternative to the traditional school setting for high school students and for adults new to Canada.

Specific programs we provide include:

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

Monsignor Fraser College responds to the needs of a diverse population, such as:

  • Students who may have had their learning interrupted, and/or who would thrive in an alternative learning environment, different from that of a mainstream high school.

  • Students who may need to earn a few more credits to complete their diploma requirements, OR who wish to upgrade prior to applying to university or college.

  • Adults returning to complete their secondary school diploma requirements.

  • New Canadians seeking high school completion, skills, English and work experience.

  • Teenagers new to Canada seeking orientation, assessment and placement in Toronto Catholic secondary schools.

  • Students with intellectual challenges who need to explore the world of work with the assistance of education support staff in the T2W program.

For all groups, a common need is for confidence, renewed self-esteem, a purpose in life, a fresh start and determination to strive for goals in an atmosphere of non-judgmental acceptance.

Though many of our students may be from faiths other than Catholic, the distinctly Catholic environment of our school is respected and welcomed. It is enhanced by an active chaplaincy team, an itinerant chaplain, liturgical celebration, a faith at work cooperative education course, Gospel values-infused curriculum, and a genuine appreciation of diversity.

The willingness to acknowledge both rights and responsibility is formalized in the mutually agreed on code of behaviour for each group served. Small campuses, an attentive staff as mentors, and generous volunteers help to add a welcoming atmosphere and remove barriers to success. Students respond to a sense of Christian community, and are quick to help others. Together with staff, they have created a breakfast club, food bank, a clearinghouse for information on community resources, and fund-raising projects to subsidize transportation for students experiencing hardship.

Our course offerings ensure a variety of pathways for our students: Workplace, College and University destinations.

Community-based experiential learning is important and well-planned field trips are frequent. Leadership is recognized and developed through campus and school student councils. Assemblies, an annual Multicultural Festival, post-secondary fairs, and Fraser games are school-wide opportunities for student involvement.

Our History and Tradition

The TCDSB recommended and approved the establishment of Monsignor Fraser College in 1975, in conjunction with Metropolitan Social Services, as a means of responding to the growing need for adult education programs for the Metro Toronto adult population. The school has evolved over the years and at the present time, Monsignor Fraser College consists of multiple campuses offering a variety of programs to students aged 16 and over.

Monsignor Fraser College is a quadmestered Catholic Secondary School, which welcomes adolescents, and adults of all faiths, who wish to complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Certificate, to study English as a Second Language within a Diploma program, or to upgrade work skills. Organized with campuses in many different parts of the city, this school offers a safe and welcoming learning environment.

Monsignor John M. Fraser

Monsignor Fraser College is named in honour of the founder of the Scarborough Foreign Mission Society. Monsignor Fraser was born in Toronto but spent most of his younger years as a missionary outside of Canada. In 1918, he returned to Canada with the firm intention of establishing a foreign mission seminary. Archbishop Gauthier of Ottawa approved the foundation of China Mission College at Almonte, Ontario, and the institution received the blessing and support of many of the Canadian hierarchy.

At Almonte, Father Fraser gathered about him, as did Christ Himself, twelve young apostles. In October 1919, CHINA, the mission monthly publication, made its appearance.

At the suggestion of Archbishop McNeil, property was acquired in Scarborough and the senior students were transferred to this new house. Father Fraser joined them soon after. In 1924, St. Francis Xavier, China Mission Seminary was formally blessed and opened on the Scarborough Bluffs in Ontario. The following year, Father Fraser headed the first departure group to the district of Lishui in Southern Chekiang, China.

Monsignor Fraser was noted for his drive for establishing the Kingdom of God and for his ready adaptability to new paths when familiar ones were cut off.