Loretto Abbey Catholic Secondary School is a historic institution that upholds a century-long tradition of excellence in educating young women. What sets Toronto’s students apart? A visit to the school provides the answer: exceptional confidence, creativity, compassion, leadership, determination, and high moral principles are core values instilled in each student. Guided by unchanging principles of excellence, creativity, diversity, social justice, and spirituality, Loretto Abbey motivates students to succeed both academically and beyond the classroom. Learn more about this distinguished school below on toronto1.one.
What Makes the School Unique?
Loretto Abbey has become a nurturing community that fosters the unique talents and strengths of every girl. Here, the goal is to help each student reach her full spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional potential within the context of a religious community of women who seek truth and stand for justice in this world. Every day, the school challenges and inspires students to love learning and joyfully contribute to building a better world.
In addition, the school encourages and motivates students to do their best to live harmoniously. Undoubtedly, everyone connected to the school feels part of a large family. This is the distinctive feature of Loretto Abbey. It is here that students benefit from a wide range of shared academic, athletic, artistic, and leadership opportunities that create a rich and vibrant school life.
A Rich History of a Remarkable School
Loretto Abbey’s history is deeply intertwined with Toronto’s past. The school for girls was founded by the members of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), more commonly known as the Loretto Sisters. The institute draws on ancient educational traditions and was established in the early 17th century by Englishwoman Mary Ward. Pope Pius XII described Mary Ward as “that incomparable woman given to the Church by England in its darkest and bloodiest hour.”
On September 16, 1847, five young missionary sisters, all in their twenties, arrived from Loretto Abbey in Rathfarnham, Ireland, at the invitation of Toronto’s first bishop, Michael Power. They were to become the first religious educators in the newly formed diocese. Their residence was secured on the north side of Duke Street, and the school opened on September 29. This educational institution was modeled after the practices familiar to the sisters and admired by Bishop Power.
In 1853, the school moved to a three-story frame building between King and Adelaide Streets on Bathurst Street, then later to a more modern building on Bond Street. By 1860, Loretto House had over 1,500 students enrolled.
In February 1867, the Loretto Sisters acquired Lindhurst, a prominent property on Wellington Street West. Built around 1835 by Attorney General Robert Jameson for his English bride, the house was later sold to Frederick Widder of the Canada Company. Widder hosted many notable guests there, including the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) in 1860. The house was soon expanded to meet the school’s needs and was renamed Loretto Abbey, after the Irish model.
For many years, Loretto Abbey operated as a private high school following the traditions of the Loretto Sisters. However, as Toronto developed rapidly, the once beautiful residential area near Wellington Place became industrialized and unsuitable for educating girls. The school relocated to North York, beyond the city’s boundaries. On May 22, 1927, the cornerstone was laid, and by September 1928, an impressive Tudor Gothic stone building, the new Abbey, opened its doors to more than 100 boarding and day students.
In 1986, Loretto Abbey Secondary School became part of the Metropolitan Separate School Board (MSSB), now the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), as a member of their school system.
Specifics of Education: Programs and Opportunities
Christ and His teachings permeate every aspect of life at Loretto Abbey. Each student is regarded as a child of God, unique and special. Every individual is treated with respect and dignity. Students meet Christ in mystery during school liturgies and retreats and come to understand His teachings during religion classes.
The school provides a safe and welcoming learning environment. Programs like Abbey Watch, which includes visits from the Metro tactical police unit, the anti-crime division, and TTC security, as well as taekwondo lessons in grades 9 and 10, remind students always to prioritize safety.
Excellence defines the Abbey’s academic program. Advanced French courses are available for qualified students. Programs like Shad Valley, Advanced Placement, and University Mentorship offer students opportunities for intellectual enrichment. International trips further enhance the diversity of learning experiences. The cooperative education program allows students to explore career specifics and apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
Loretto Abbey has the largest number of high school students enrolled in music courses. The school provides computers to ensure comfort and accessibility for students. Additionally, a modern interdisciplinary laboratory enriches the skills of all students. The Abbey’s science program is one of the most comprehensive, with eight sections of physics alone.
The gifted program supports students who need additional challenges to fully develop their potential according to their interests, needs, and abilities.
Loretto students are consistently encouraged to engage in the extensive co-curricular program. This includes music, drama productions, numerous clubs, and sports programs at both intramural and inter-school levels. Students can also participate in business, English, mathematics, and biology Olympiads, as well as school science fairs, which aim to motivate and inspire them. The entire program at Loretto Abbey is designed to encourage students to learn and equip themselves with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to take on active roles as Christian leaders in modern 21st-century Canadian society.
Loretto Abbey: More Than a Place for Lectures
The historical Tudor Gothic-style school building is located in a green area adjacent to the Don Valley. The school provides access to a chapel, gymnasium, swimming pool, computer facilities, library, 300-seat auditorium, courtyard, prayer garden, grotto, and athletic fields.
Fun fact: The campus was used as a filming location for Disney’s 2002 movie Cadet Kelly.
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