At some schools, character-building is an afterthought. At J. Addison School, it’s a guiding educational principle that shapes confident, well-rounded global citizens.
High academic achievement, good sportsmanship, and extracurricular excellence are the hallmarks of a quality education, but character development is what truly sets J. Addison School apart. Situated in Markham, Ontario, this private institution prioritizes teaching respect, kindness, and empathy to help its students grow into well-rounded individuals and confident global citizens.
The result? Graduates who are not only prepared for university but for all life’s challenges, ready to contribute to their communities with compassion and self-assurance.
Our goal is to build successful individuals who know how to face and overcome future challenges.
Character at the core
Even during the admissions process, character takes precedence over academic records. “We look at character first, then academics, and then the rest of the profile,” says Principal Daniel Cooper. “When we hire teachers, we want individuals who are genuine, kind, and respectful. That’s as important to us as years of experience.”
The emphasis on character development begins as soon as students arrive in the morning, when they are greeted warmly by teachers and other staff to set a positive tone for the day. This focus on respect and connection extends into the classroom, where collaborative projects and group work help build teamwork and communication skills.
“It’s so important for students to feel confident using their voices,” says Principal Daniel Cooper. “Even our international students, some of whom are just learning English, feel safe making mistakes and expressing themselves. That confidence carries over into everything they do.”
Elementary excellence: building a love of learning
Instilling a lifelong love of learning is the pillar of J. Addison’s elementary school program. Teachers make lessons engaging, interactive, and tailored to each student’s strengths—an effort made possible by small class sizes and a 1:15 teacher-to-student ratio. Meanwhile, creative projects integrate art, music, and science to make lessons dynamic and enjoyable.
Opportunities to showcase their work and develop public speaking skills are woven into every aspect of the program. And when parents get curious about their children’s progress, events like Curriculum Night invite the whole family to experience students’ achievements firsthand.
At these engaging events, students proudly showcase their projects in science, art, music, and language. During a recent Curriculum Night, J. Addison’s youngest students delighted the audience with a play performed in French, a language introduced as early as Grade 1. These moments not only celebrate students’ achievements but also nurture essential skills in communication and self-expression.
“Learning should be fun,” says Cooper. “When students are engaged and excited by what they’re doing, they develop a lifelong love of learning — and that starts in elementary school.”
High school: preparing for life beyond academics
In high school, preparation for post-secondary success is an important part of the picture, but the program goes well beyond academics. “Our goal is to build successful individuals who know how to face and overcome future challenges,” says Cooper. This holistic approach encourages students to balance academics with extracurricular pursuits as they build strong relationships with peers and teachers.
J. Addison’s elite basketball program — designed to nurture student-athletes’ talents and help them reach their full potential—is a shining example of these principles, fostering values that extend far beyond the court. With highly experienced coaches, a supportive school environment, and the opportunity to compete in tournaments across Canada and the U.S., players cultivate essential qualities like teamwork, leadership, and resilience. “We’re proud that it not only develops athletic talent but also reinforces the habits and mindset students need for lifelong success,” says Cooper.
By blending rigorous academics with character-building opportunities, J. Addison prepares students to thrive in all aspects of their lives — academically, socially, and emotionally.
To discover how J. Addison School nurtures character, a love of learning, and lifelong success in all students’ pursuits, book a tour today at jaddisonschool.com.
