In today's educational landscape, school is more than just academics—it’s about personal growth, development and preparing for an increasingly complex world. At Crofton House School (CHS), those aspects of education are front and centre through its Ivy Compass Program, which prioritizes real-life experiences to foster leadership and engaged citizenship.
“Our students are equipped to thrive in workplaces and communities outside of CHS through their learning and ability to adapt and accept multiple perspectives and being socially just and responsible people,” Kady Huhn, Senior School program coordinator, says.
Ivy Compass is woven throughout the CHS curriculum and centres around a compass’ cardinal points: the North develops sense of self, the South focuses on community engagement, the West explores socially responsible citizenship and the East fosters environmental stewardship.
The Junior School program, led by teacher Jasmine Hare, helps Kindergarten to Grade 7 students understand their agency to support their community. This includes clearing storm drains, caring for the campus’ urban forest and developing projects connected to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals; students also run donation drives and visit local senior centres. Grade 7s have unique leadership roles as School House Captains, activity ambassadors and assembly leaders.
In the Senior School, the lessons from Junior School are amplified for Grades 8 to 12 students through specific Ivy Days and grade-wide activities. Three dedicated Ivy Compass staff oversee the program schedule, and teachers consciously weave program themes into lessons.
In the South Quadrant, partnerships with various organizations enhance the program’s service and community-building aspects. Ivy Compass also supports volunteering opportunities and the development of social impact initiatives. The students’ connections to causes that begin through Ivy Compass often continue after graduation.
The North Quadrant integrates holistic wellness and complements the school’s Social Emotional Learning program; this includes outdoor activities and practices like meditation and yoga.
Notably, the West Quadrant has expanded recently, discussing complex topics like racial justice, rights of women and girls, sexual orientation and gender identity, Truth and Reconciliation, principled leadership and more. This addresses the students' eagerness to engage in meaningful conversations on societal issues—and the program’s capacity to pivot content to suit each class and context.
“Students have a strong pulse of what they need to navigate their lives as young people, so student voice has been central in growing the program,” Huhn says.
Outdoor Education is a central feature of Ivy Compass, aligning with the School’s commitment to climate sustainability, place-based education and land stewardship and Truth and Reconciliation.
In the Junior School, students enjoy outdoor lessons and grade-wide camps. “The Outdoor Education trips off-campus are a highlight for students. We prioritize connecting with our local ecosystem and slowing down in nature. Students get the chance to try new things while flexing their independence and growing their curiosity,” Hare explains.
In Senior School, students look forward to activities like camping, canoeing, snowshoeing and more, alongside their Grade-wide camps.
Across its quadrants, Ivy Compass prepares students to become socially conscious and responsible leaders in a rapidly changing world. “We are boldly tackling complex social issues head-on, and the program’s holistic nature sets it apart,” Huhn says.
Interested in the Ivy Compass Program for your child, but wondering how Crofton House fits your budget? Financial assistance helps bridge the gap between demonstrated financial need and a full CHS education—covering up to 98% of tuition and program-related costs. Families with students entering Grade 8 are encouraged to get in touch if they believe their child would thrive in CHS’s supportive community, learning environment and programs like Ivy Compass.
