INFORMATIONAL SUPPLEMENT

Armbrae Academy, in the heart of Halifax, isno ordinary school. Originally founded in 1887 as the Halifax Ladies’ College, the academy has since evolved to be a co-educational facility for students from preschool to Grade 12. One of the school’s most outstanding features is its ongoing devotion to the arts — specifically theatre. Partnered with the famed Zuppa Theatre Co., Armbrae Academy is the only school in all of Canada to offer a theatre company in residence. 

Headmaster Gary O’Meara says the school’s unique theatre program affords students equally unique advantages. 

“First of all, [students] get fantastic actors teaching them, people who are passionate about their craft,” he says. “Often times, young students lack confidence or are afraid to be creative, or cringe at the thought of getting up and speaking in front of the class or an even larger group of people. Our drama program conquers all of the above by giving our students confidence in speaking, in inhabiting other characters, and giving them the techniques of public speaking.”

In addition to its one-of-a-kind theatre program, Armbrae’s student population is kept around just 245 students, giving the school’s 27 faculty members more opportunities to focus on students individually. 

“The most significant way that faculty helps fulfil the school’s mission to prepare students for university — as lifelong learners, critical thinkers and engaged citizens who promote excellence, trust, integrity, fairness and compassion — is that the teachers themselves model these qualities,” says O’Meara. “We are very fortunate to have such a great community of teachers.”

»  For more information visit armbrae.ns.ca or call 902-423-7920 •