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 •