Pickering, Ontario, is a beautiful town located along the shores of Lake Ontario in the Greater Toronto Area. Pickering is a desirable community with a picturesque landscape, exceptional amenities, and close to all the action of the big city. It’s close to Toronto, so it’s an excellent option for those looking to reap the benefits of the big city while living in a scenic and quiet community. The welcoming atmosphere has created a town that Ontario residents are flocking to. It’s diverse and popular for those wanting an idealistic suburban lifestyle with plenty of things to do at all times. Those with school-aged children who are considering Pickering as their new home can rest assured their kids will have access to great schools. Here are some of the best high schools in the Pickering area.
Pine Ridge Secondary School
Address: 2155 Liverpool Road North, Pickering, ON L1X 1V4
Phone Number: 905-420-1885
Website: https://pineridgess.ddsb.ca/en/
Pine Ridge Secondary School has been serving the Pickering area since 1992. It’s an excellent option for Pickering students or students in neighbouring communities like Ajax. This school has some excellent reviews on curriculum, the natural beauty of the area, and the diversity. The school is located next to a conservation and retreat area. The school’s motto is “We always do our best,” and the staff are proud of the level of diversity inside the building. The faculty and other staff create and foster a supportive environment that allows students to learn their way. Students are encouraged to partake in the numerous programs available to them. Students are set up to move onto post-secondary education or to go into trades, or right into the workforce after they graduate. Pine Ridge encourages the growth of meaningful relationships between peers.
Mission: “Pine Ridge Secondary School is committed to providing quality education and promoting success in an environment which recognizes diversity.”
Review: “Love the school, I love the teachers and the school's surroundings. The forest makes for a great outdoor ed class!”
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Durham Alternative Secondary School - Pickering
Address: 1400 Bayly St Unit 9, Pickering, ON L1W 3R2
Phone Number: (905) 839-2913
Website: https://dass.ddsb.ca/en/index.aspx
Durham Alternative Secondary School, or DASS, has three locations: Oshawa, Port Perry, and Pickering. The school offers education to students aged 17-21 to help them achieve their OSSD completion. The school has a lot to offer students, including a flexible schedule that allows them to start later or earlier or take early dismissal times to meet their needs. Over the nine-week sessions, DASS offers a list of unique courses based on individual learning styles, needs, and student feedback. DASS offers various courses that focus on preparing students for the workplace, university or college, women’s studies, black studies, indigenous studies, and queer studies. Students are afforded many opportunities like cooperative education options, gap closing academic programs for numeracy and literacy, credit recovery options, and the ability to create strong connections within the community. There are additional programs like the student success program, dual credit program, workplace certification programs, and the technology innovation program.
Core Values: “We support students' academic and personal well-being. Through a variety of academic programs and supports, extra-curricular activities and community involvement, we are committed to our students' positive experience in school.”
Review: “A great school with teachers who genuinely care about their students lives and success”
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Related Blog: The Best Elementary Schools in Pickering Ontario
Pickering High School
Address: 180 Church Street North, Ajax, ON, L1T 2W7
Phone Number: (905) 683-4760
Website: https://pickeringhs.ddsb.ca/en/index.aspx
Pickering High School is actually located in neighbouring Ajax, Ontario. Situated about five minutes from Pickering, PHS is an excellent option for high school students in the area. Pickering High School serves over 2,000 students, all of which come from diverse backgrounds. The school aims to provide students with the skills to become responsible, educated, and active citizens who will engage in life-long learning. As our world is rapidly changing, students learn how to manage and think critically. There are around 125 faculty and support staff who work at the school, who are diligently committed to every student's success and growth. PHS has a reputation for excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts. The school is committed to doing everything it can to help each student find success. The supportive and safe environment fostered by staff allows students to create and form effective relationships and partnerships with peers, preparing them for post-secondary education or the workforce. Whatever path students choose for their future, PHS intends to prepare them. Teachers promote technical skills, decision-making skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
Mission: “Pickering High School encourages the growth of active, responsible and educated citizens who have the skills, concepts and attitudes necessary for long-life learning in a rapidly changing world.”
Review: “I love PHS, I graduated from there back in 2011 and now I'm a supply E.A and the environment has never changed! Teachers, Admins, VPS, Secretaries, and even the students were always so kind and helpful. They've always pushed for their student's success and tried to help anyway shape or form. I would recommend any family to send their children to this school, their spec Ed programs are great, academic programs and athletic programs. It's an amazing school and I've had the opportunity to be on both sides!”
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Dunbarton High School
Address: 655 Sheppard Avenue, Pickering, ON L1V 1G2
Phone Number: (905) 839-1125
Website: https://dunbartonhs.ddsb.ca/en/index.aspx
Dunbarton is part of the Durham District School Board and serves students from grade nine to twelve. The school offers a number of academic courses and a wide range of extracurricular options as well. The school mascot is the Spartan and has produced a number of notable alumni, including numerous Olympic athletes. The school has taken over a former public school and turned it into the south campus, which is a full arts facility. The south campus provides art, English, dance, drama, and music classes. The school is known for the staff’s commitment to students and their parents. Dunbarton is an integral part of the community. Students are known for producing excellent academic achievement, athletics and creativity. Dunbarton takes safety very seriously and aims to provide a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for students each and every day. Every student’s success is essential, and realizing their potential is a common goal for everyone at the school.
Mission: “Dunbarton High School Believes in supportive, open, and meaningful evaluation of students and recognizes that achievement extends beyond the academic domain.”
Review: “My daughter is new at this school. The school is old but well maintained. We have been with a different board/region and think this board and school is pretty good compared to the others we have visited. The staff are wonderful and helpful. The new Guidance Counselor assigned to us has been so supportive of us and what we are going through. For people who needs academic help they seem to have a lot of resources. I think its a good school in Pickering compared with the other high schools that I have seen. I was concerned about the academic part compared to the other boards where kids score high. I think if your child works hard, they will do well here. The kids in the area seem nice and well rounded.”
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Related Blog: The Best Neighbourhoods in Pickering, Ontario
St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
Address: 1918 Whites Rd N, Pickering, ON L1V 1R9
Phone Number: (905) 420-7166
Website: https://www.dcdsb.ca/en/
St. Mary Catholic Secondary School is a Catholic secondary school that is part of the Durham Catholic District School Board. It was established in 1987, and it’s the only Catholic high school located in Pickering. Faith is at the core of the curriculum, as students are encouraged to embrace their talents and create excellence “in the light of Christ.” The school has specific expectations for graduates of St. Mary, including academic excellence, focusing on social issues, and generally bettering the communities that surround the area. The diverse student base has a large amount of support from teachers, parents, and support staff alike. While celebrating the diversity in the community, there is a significant focus on collaborative efforts between parents, the faith community, and the organizations that support the school. Students strive to demonstrate respect to everyone, creating a safe environment for everyone. Students embody the core values of the school, including being “a discerning believer; an effective communicator; a reflective, creative and holistic thinker; a self-directed, responsible lifelong learner; a collaborative contributor; a caring family member; and a responsible citizen.”
Mission: “We are called to celebrate and nurture the God-given talents of each student as we serve with excellence in the light of Christ.”
Review: “I really miss this school, I graduated there in 2013. Not only school but most teachers, friends, and the moments too. This school has made my life better since 9th grade. Now I'm turning 22 this year and god I feel so old. Thank you St. mary's and keep your education well.”
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Father Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School
Address: 458 Fairall St #7, Ajax, ON L1S 1R6
Phone Number: 905-666-1146
Website: https://fatherdonmaclellan.dcdsb.ca/
Located in neighbouring Ajax, Father Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School is one of many Catholic schools in the district. For parents who are looking to have their kids attend a faith-based and comprehensive education, Father Donald is one of the best in the area. The school offers a number of excellent programs that offer students of different learning styles a way to meet their needs. Faith is at the core of the curriculum, but it doesn’t overshadow teaching students critical life skills that they will need going forward to post-secondary or the workforce. Teachers are committed to the success of students, and they encourage students to enjoy life-long learning while pursuing their passions. Benefits of the school include dual credits, co-op placements, small class sizes, and the possibility of independent study. For students who need it, there are both full-time and part-time studies. There is a significant focus on teaching students in their preferred learning style.
Mission: “We are called to celebrate and nurture the God-given talents of each student as we serve with excellence in the light of Christ.”
Review: “Before I came to Father Don, I was thinking of dropping out. High school had too many distractions. This year, I've added more to my schedule and can stay at school longer which is something I thought might not be possible. With the help of Mrs. Pereira, I will be able to complete credits and earn a high school diploma.”
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