Richmond Hill High School (YRDSB) – Richmond Hill, Ontario

January 17, 2024

Public School, Author: York Region Tutoring

201 Yorkland St., Richmond Hill L4S 1A2
Phone: (905) 884-2131, (647) 795-7682
Fax: (905) 884-9653
Email: richmond.hill.hs@yrdsb.ca
Bell Times: 8:50 AM – 3:30 PM

Introduction

Richmond Hill High School, founded in 1851, is the second oldest high schools in the Greater Toronto Area. Located in an urban community, the school accommodates approximately 1700 students and is committed to meeting the needs of all learners with a strong focus on student achievement and well-being. The school’s mission, encapsulated in the motto “Sapere Aude” (Dare to learn), emphasizes fostering a passion for learning as well as a sense of responsibility to the global community. In the 1998-1999 year, RHSS achieved the ranking of top public school in Ontario, with a 9.8/10 ranking from the Fraser Institute.

The initial construction of the building aimed to house 1400 students; however, owing to ongoing residential expansion in the vicinity and the school’s strong academic standing, the enrollment has consistently surpassed 1600 students.

While the original building was constructed for 1400 students, the school has consistently enrolled over 1600 students since its opening, driven by both the expanding local community and the school’s strong academic reputation. To accommodate the growing student body, portable classrooms have been utilized. The school’s current building takes pride in its exceptional facilities, offering students an enriching environment for diverse activities. These include a fitness and weight training room, two well equipped gymnasiums, a communications technology room with green and blue screens, a library, vocal and instrumental/band music rooms, a spacious cafeteria, two visual arts studio workspaces and a computer lab.

Highlights

Richmond Hill Secondary has achieved gold certification as an Eco-School, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability. Students are actively encouraged to participate in initiatives to keep the planet green, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment. The school’s engaging atmosphere is further enhanced by a variety of events throughout the academic year, including the Athletic Banquet, the Leadership Conference, Holiday Serenade, Spirit Days, and more. These events provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents, celebrate diversity, and build a strong sense of community. Additionally, the school features a captivating sculpture near its entrance, titled “Books,” created by the renowned Canadian sculptor E.B. Cox. This sculpture serves as a visual representation of the importance of books as essential tools for learning. Richmond Hill Secondary School’s commitment to environmental awareness, diverse events, and artistic symbolism contributes to its exceptional educational environment.

Academics

RHSS offers a variety of special education programs such as the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) and an Advanced Placement Program. Advanced Placement is offered in

World Issues, Economics, English, French, Computer Science, Psychology, Data Management, Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

The school also offers the high performance athlete (HPA) program, a cooperative education program for students who are competing at the provincial, national and/or international level.

Students may also enroll in the Dual Credit program which allows eligible students in high school to take college or apprenticeship courses that count towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree or a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Additional programs offered by RHSS include the Gifted Program (GP) as well as Quadmester Programs (QP).