The front of the school building.

About Us

At St. Rita Catholic School, we pride ourselves on the strong partnership that exists among the home, the school and the parish.

Mission Statement

St. Rita strives to be a safe, caring and nurturing environment with high expectations of all our students. St. Rita believes each student can reach their full potential spiritually, academically, physically and emotionally in an environment that fosters and celebrates our Catholic identity. The Good News of the gospel and our Catholic traditions are modeled and integrated into the whole learning experience.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

Our staff, students, parents and the church collaborate to maintain a positive and nurturing environment at St. Rita Catholic School. We recognize that an education in the most enabling environment must be provided for all students. It is a shared responsibility among school, home, church and community which provides students the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential.

At St. Rita, everything we do ensures the presence of a Catholic Environment. Throughout the day, students realize opportunities to discover God in their lives.

In addition to the regular school program based on the Ministry of Ontario Curriculum guidelines, St. Rita Catholic School also provides the following:

  • Regular Liturgical and Para-Liturgical Celebrations

  • Celebration of Monthly Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) Virtues

  • Special Education services for identified students

  • Language Impaired Program

  • Wide variety of extracurricular activities & sports

  • Instrumental and Vocal Music programs

  • Snack Program

  • Catholic School Parent Council (CSPC)

Additional Programs at the St. Rita site include:

  • An Adult English as a Second Language Program

  • Supervised Adult Learning (SAL)

  • Surrey Place (ELP Readiness Program for autistic children)

School History and Tradition

A long history of sound Catholic education can be attributed to our Edwin Avenue site. Several school buildings have existed on this property since 1889. Originally named St. Cecilia Catholic School, then changed to St. James in 1915, the school was finally dedicated to St. Rita of Cascia - “Saint of the Impossible” - in 1922. St. Rita, a widow who became a nun, suffered much for her lifelong devotion and died on May 22, 1457. She was canonized in 1900. Our present staff continues the school tradition of providing a balanced program of academics, arts and Gospel values.

The front of the school building