About Us
St. Joseph’s College School, guided by the motto “Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor” — “The love of Christ has gathered us together into one” — has a long-standing tradition of educating young women in a nurturing, faith-filled environment. We focus on developing students’ intellectual, physical, social, and creative abilities while fostering respect, dignity, and service to others.
For over 155 years, we’ve provided a strong academic foundation and a welcoming community. Our graduates often return, sharing how well-prepared they felt for post-secondary studies and life beyond high school.
Academic Programs
St. Joseph’s College School follows a two-semester system and offers a variety of specialty programs to support student success. These programs include:
Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Mathematics, Science, History, and English
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Health and Wellness
Gifted
Extended French
Rhythm and Movement
Basketball-focused athletic stream
Co-op and Community Connections
Our co-op program is enriched by our downtown Toronto location, offering students access to diverse work placements in nearby hospitals, businesses, universities, museums, theatres, and government institutions. This proximity allows students to gain valuable real-world experience and helps teachers bring learning to life through local resources.
Enrichment and Co-Curricular Opportunities
All students have access to a wide range of co-curricular activities that are both stimulating and challenging. These enrichment opportunities support personal growth, leadership, and creativity beyond the classroom.
Environmental Commitment
As a certified Silver-level Eco-School, we are committed to environmental sustainability. Our school community actively participates in recycling and environmental education initiatives that promote long-term stewardship.
Supporting Every Student, Every Step of the Way
At St. Joseph’s College School, education goes beyond the classroom. Alongside strong academics and co-curricular programs, our vibrant school community fosters spiritual growth, leadership, and a deep commitment to Catholic values.
School History
St. Joseph’s College School was founded in 1854 by the Sisters of St. Joseph as a private school for young women, originally named St. Joseph’s Academy for Young Ladies and located on Power Street. In 1863, the Academy moved into a new convent built by the Sisters at the southwest corner of Bay and St. Alban’s Streets (now Wellesley Street West). Over time, the property expanded to include the Sisters’ Motherhouse, Novitiate, and later, St. Joseph’s College—established in 1911 for women attending St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto.
In 1928, the Academy was renamed St. Joseph’s College School.
A New Home and Continued Growth
When the Ontario government acquired the convent property to build office towers, the Sisters relocated the school across the street to its current location at 74 Wellesley Street West. Students even helped with the move, carrying furniture across Wellesley Street. The new school officially opened on September 3, 1961.
In 1987, St. Joseph’s College School became fully publicly funded. The Sisters leased the building to the Metropolitan Separate School Board, now known as the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), and the last Sister to serve as principal retired in 1996. In December 2007, the TCDSB purchased the property from the Sisters of St. Joseph, marking a new chapter in the school’s long and proud history.