About Us
St. Basil-the-Great College is a Catholic secondary school with a proud tradition of academic excellence and faith-based education. Founded by the Basilian Fathers in 1962 as a boys’ boarding school, St. Basil-the-Great College is now a co-educational school within the Toronto Catholic District School Board, continuing the Basilian tradition of excellence.
Our school motto, Excelsa Petite — “Strive for Excellence” — reflects our commitment to supporting each student’s intellectual, physical, spiritual, and moral development within a Catholic Christian environment. We encourage students to grow in self-awareness, respect for others, and a sense of responsibility as members of our school and broader community.
At St. Basil, students are expected to be active and responsible contributors to our learning community. Through effort, discipline, and respect for God, themselves, others, property, and authority, students are encouraged to reach their full potential and live out the values of our Basilian tradition.
How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students
At St. Basil-the-Great College School, we are committed to providing a Catholic Christian environment where students are supported in reaching their full intellectual, physical, and spiritual potential.
Through the Religion Department and Chaplaincy Team, students develop an understanding of social justice, community needs, and their role in serving others. Liturgies, retreats, and faith-based activities provide meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.
St. Basil is dedicated to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and respectful learning environment. Our Code of Behaviour reflects Toronto Catholic District School Board policies and promotes dignity, responsibility, and respect among all members of our community. Students and staff are regularly reminded of these expectations and their shared responsibility in upholding them.
Our diverse and challenging curriculum is continually reviewed to meet the needs and interests of our students. A wide range of programs and pathways are available, including business courses, environmental studies, computer literacy, cooperative education, and specialized programming through our Special Education department.
Beyond the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities that enrich the school experience. Opportunities include student leadership, clubs, service initiatives, yearbook, cultural groups, and competitive sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, and baseball. These activities foster teamwork, leadership, personal growth, and a strong sense of school community.
Our School History and Tradition
St. Basil-the-Great College School has a proud history rooted in the tradition of the Order of St. Basil-the-Great. Founded in 1962 as a private boys’ boarding school, the school was established to prepare young men for university and professional careers.
In 1969, the Order entered into an agreement with the Metropolitan Separate School Board (MSSB), now the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), which assumed responsibility for Grades 9 and 10 while the senior grades remained under the administration of the Order. In 1970, St. Basil transitioned into a day school, opened its doors to girls, and became a co-educational institution.
With the introduction of full provincial funding in 1986, administration of the school was transferred fully to the TCDSB. By this time, the school community had grown to approximately 1,000 students.
In 1993, funding was provided to support the reconstruction of St. Basil, and a new site was acquired to replace the original facility. The new school opened in 1999, providing modern learning spaces for a growing community. Today, St. Basil-the-Great College School continues to build on its rich history while evolving to meet the needs of its students and community.