Tuition Disbursement

“Where does the tuition go?” is a common question for parents considering a private school. To help you make your decision, we’d like to share 11 ways tuition is used at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS). Ultimately, your tuition provides your child with an exceptional education and broadening experiences.

1. A Well-Rounded Education 
   Integrating co-curricular activities like athletics and fine arts brings balance to our days, bodies and minds. We offer over 90 co-curricular programs led by dedicated teachers. STS is for families who want excellence in more than just academics. We design our days to build students’ confidence to embrace challenges across a range of arenas. 
   
   
2. Teacher Salaries
   Most of your tuition fees go directly to our teachers. They’re experts, specialists and true mentors. A large, skilled staff means smaller class sizes and more one-on-one student interactions. Our faculty of 70 holds a combined total of 170 university degrees.
   
   
3. Extra Activity Fees
   We help students pursue many interests, for fun and competency. Students have access to a variety of teams, bands, and clubs because tuition covers many activities outside the classroom that support learning. The exception is travel, accommodation, and other expenses, which we invoice separately.
   
   
4. Inclusive Programs
   Every student has the chance to nurture new or ongoing interests, make friends, learn about teamwork, and develop leadership skills. All programs and activities are included in tuition.
   
   
5. Extraordinary Facilities
   Our 220-acre campus combines state-of-the-art facilities within an expansive natural setting. We can focus on developing well-balanced students who excel in scholarship, leadership, and character. At any moment, they may be in our new 65,000-square-foot wing working in advanced fine arts spaces or in an outdoor class setting. Our buildings were made possible by our generous donors, and your tuition helps maintain our campus.
   
   
6. Resources and Equipment 
   We learn in top-of-the-line classrooms. We have specialists helping, like our science lab technician, current technology such as 3D printers, athletic equipment, and outdoor equipment, including skis and kayaks, so you don’t have to rent or buy them. These are just a few examples.
   
   
7. Personalized Service and Support 
   Every student receives a tailored learning plan. We have full-time learning strategists and a student success centre for support throughout the year. Together with the teachers and your child, strategists set goals and follow through, so each student gets the most out of the STS education. In addition, we have on-staff psychologists who provide counselling, education, and group workshops.
   
   
8. Teacher Development 
   Our teachers are also students. STS has its own Centre for Excellence in Teaching for a range of professional development opportunities. Our teachers stay passionate and inspired, and seek to improve because they want to continue to do their best. We take the responsibility of an enriched learning environment seriously.
   
   
9. Less Dependence on Public Funds
   Public schools receive a government grant for each student enrolled. Private schools do, too, but only a portion of what public schools receive. We make up the difference through tuition to offer you an exceptional educational experience. We also want to be accessible to all strong STS candidates, so we offer scholarships and bursaries funded by philanthropy.
   
   
10. Healthy Food Options 
    Many of our students bring their own meals, but there are always healthy options available in our campus cafeteria. Your child’s wellness is important to us, so our bistro staff provides dietitian-reviewed, delicious food lovingly prepared by our on-site food services team. With dedicated, professional staff, we can accommodate all dietary needs.  
    
    
11. Post-Secondary Preparation
    Our post-secondary guidance counsellors introduce students to post-secondary planning and life after high school pathways beginning in Middle School, helping students explore passions, interests, and curiosities. They work closely with students and families throughout the years, offering informed guidance on requirements, processes, and emerging trends at institutions across Canada, North America, Europe, and beyond.