St. Michael's College School
St. Michael's College School is an independent Roman Catholic day school for boys in grades 7 to 12, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and administered by the Congregation of St. Basil.[1][2] Founded in 1852 at the invitation of the Archbishop of Toronto, the institution focuses on university-preparatory academics integrated with Catholic faith formation, leadership cultivation through athletics and service, and experiential learning to develop critical thinking and compassion.[1][3][4] The school's educational model achieves 100% university acceptance for graduates, with 85% admitted to their first-choice institutions, supported by over $500,000 in annual scholarships and financial aid.[2] The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, emerging technologies, and diverse career pathways alongside Gospel values and Catholic social teachings, encapsulated in the motto "Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge."[4] Extracurricular offerings include over 50 athletic teams that build character and school spirit, alongside more than 60 clubs promoting service under the "Be the Good" initiative.[2][4] Athletics, particularly in hockey, football, and basketball, have long been central to the school's identity, fostering discipline and camaraderie in a single-sex environment.[1] In November 2018, the school confronted a severe scandal after videos emerged depicting students in an underground "fight club" engaging in violent hazing, including a gang sexual assault using a broom as a weapon, prompting arrests of six students on charges of sexual assault and assault.[5][6][7] The revelations led to the expulsion of at least eight students, the resignation of the principal and president, and suspension of the football program, exposing failures in oversight amid entrenched hazing practices.[7][8] Subsequent court proceedings resulted in convictions, including a guilty verdict for gang sexual assault and assault with a weapon, highlighting risks of unchecked peer dynamics in boys-only settings.[6][9] In response, the school initiated the "Respect and Culture Journey," implementing reforms to combat bullying, enhance reporting mechanisms, and reinforce accountability.[2]