Established in 1842, Pickering College is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school for Grades JK to 12. Inspired by our proud tradition of education excellence, students gain the vision, courage, and skills to make their community greater, better, and more beautiful than they discovered it. The caring and respectful school environment offers an enriched program of academics, arts, athletics, co-curricular activities, and opportunities for community service. Boarding is available beginning at the Grade 7 level, either on a five day or full seven day program basis. Our boarding program provides a well structured and supportive environment that encourages independence and responsibility, as well as opportunities for leadership and friendship with boarders from around the world. We offer exceptional value at Canadian tuition rates.

ESL Summer School Program (please view ‘Special Services’ under “Facilities”) Leadership Program: An advanced academic five year program that incorporates balanced co-curricular involvement. The "Leadership Program" is a unique opportunity for students to take part in international exchanges and outward bound excursions. We continue to provide values based education. The program will centre on a commitment to serving both the Pickering College and greater community. A large portion of the program will develop the leadership skills needed in solving social issues.

Rogers House (built in 1909, renovated in 1983) houses classrooms, laboratories, offices, and a meeting room/auditorium with an equipped stage. Resident students live in bed study rooms holding two occupants each. Each room is equipped with Internet access for those who own personal computers. Males live in New House Residence (1983), while females live in Firth House (renovated in 1998). Both buildings conform to contemporary standards of comfort and safety, and have televisions, common room areas, and laundry facilities for student use. Residents in Grades 11 and 12 who are interested in positions of leadership may apply to become Proctors. Among other things, these students assist the faculty with morning wake up, help conduct evening study periods, act as "Buddies" to new students, and aid in keeping good order and promoting a positive atmosphere in the residences. Proctors may also qualify to serve on the Residence Life Committee, which plans and implements social and cultural activities on the school campus and community service initiatives in the Newmarket community.

Through individual and group counselling, as well as classroom instruction, guidance will assist students to become aware of their own potential, make decisions, explore educational and career opportunities, and deal with social and personal problems that may arise.

Our scenic 42 acre campus offers an athletic complex (constructed in 2003), three playing fields, a baseball diamond, an indoor ice arena, a gymnasium, and a weight room for the physical education program and the after school sports program. Each student is required to participate daily in the sports program either at the competitive or the recreational level. Fall sports offered are soccer, badminton, volleyball, House League sports, tennis, and fitness and weight training. Winter sports offered are basketball, ice hockey, conditioning, swimming, and skiing. Spring sports offered are rugby, badminton, weight training, track and field, softball, tennis, golf, and cross country running. Students also compete for their House (Red, Blue, Silver, and Gold) and accumulate points throughout the year for various sports activities. The House competition culminates in a yearly Sports Day in May to determine the champion House.

Various clubs operate informally throughout the year with club meetings occurring mid day. The offerings each year vary according the students' interests, but have included the elected Student Committee, the Athletic Council, the Arts Council, drama, reading, debating, yearbook, photography, computer, community service, swimming, music, the Duke of Edinburgh, and cooking. Outdoor opportunities such as white water rafting, rock climbing, canoeing, skiing, and snowboarding occur regularly.

The school has its own wireless network of computers in each classroom, in the computer lab, in the residence commons rooms, and in the library's new Online Research Centre. Resident rooms are equipped with Internet access for those who own personal computers.

There is great opportunity for cultural exchange, because students come from all corners of the world. Students wishing to have a taste of Canadian culture will do so through our community service program and with the weekend excursions planned to such destinations as Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, and cottage country. Students are also free to organize culturally based clubs such as the French Club.

Pickering College does not discriminate against race, religion, or ethnic background. ESL/Summer Program: Pickering College has created a summer program unequalled in North America for students 12 to 18 years of age. It combines Pickering College's 160 years of teaching excellence with a chance for overseas students to experience the unique Canadian culture. The program is well balanced between classroom activities and field trips. Each participant receives classroom instruction by day and enjoys a variety of first class attractions in the evenings and on weekends. Trips are designed to combine both entertainment and a means to further improve English skills. Participants enjoy excellent residential, dining, academic, athletic, and social facilities of one of Canada's oldest and exclusive private schools. Pickering College is an ideal location for a unique program that combines intellectual learning with a summer vacation in Ontario, Canada. The program is designed for students between 12 and 18 years of age who plan to study in an English speaking school or who wish to study English as an academic subject in their own country. The minimum enrolment period is four weeks (one module), but it is highly recommended that students enrol for eight weeks. Classroom instruction is directed to the skills that are needed in school study: listening; reading; and writing. Practical assignments are given and include computer instruction. For more information on summer school dates, description, and fees, contact summer@pickeringcollege.on.ca.

Pickering College is a member of the following organizations: CAIS (Canadian Association of Independent Schools); CIS (Conference of Independent Schools); and NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools). Pickering College is a full member of the accrediting organization CESI (Canadian Educational Standards Institute) and an affiliate member of the Friends Council on Education and The Headmaster's Conference. Pickering College operates under the guidelines of the Ontario Ministry of Education.

International exchange is a natural occurrence, because of the international student body. Exchanges are organized in response to student interest.

Tours of the campus are offered daily. Please call for an appointment.