Harbord CI is one of the og high schools in Toronto, and you get that impression just by driving by…read morethat it has some history going on.
Founded in 1892, it's got a long colourful history with plenty of wartime mementos on display in the lobby area so if you are a history buff check it out.
I've heard there's even a tunnel from it to nearby Central Tech on Spadina for wartime production use.
It's great how these old schools went all out for kids and had everything from an art-deco theatre for performances, as well as a full size gym (no need for double duty!) as well as a large pool in the basement where the Grade 9's go swimming.
The alumni also read like a Toronto historical who's-who. David Cronenberg, Frank Gehry, Paul James, Max Kerman, Stephen Lewis, Howie Mandel, Joe Pantalone, Louis Rasminsky, Harry Rosen, Morley Safer, Sam Shopsowitz-Shopsy's, Sam the Record Man Sniderman, Kiefer Sutherland, Wayne and Shuster met there, and the list goes on!
My daughter did very well, even though there aren't the perks she would like that are found in the mega-schools in the affluent burbs, it was perfect that she is able to walk to HCI in a very nice University Annex neighbourhood, no less.
The music program here is impressive, as is the art program. She was able to organize an after school choir club of up to 20 kids who willingly go sing as a group every Wednesday after school when they could be on their phones, they choose not to. They also do extracurricular gigs at old age homes, etc. I look forward to the regular music concerts here and since she's in Grade 12, this year is sadly the last one.
Highly recommended!