Trafalgar Castle School

Mission - To provide world-best curricula, led by teachers of distinction in the Arts, Sciences and humanities.

Vision - At The Castle girls discover knowledge and work together in the spirit of empathy and sisterhood, preparing them to solve problems in a complex, changing world.


Our castle is a place like no other - one that cultivates skills, ignites curiosity and brings your daughter into her own, whether she is an artist, an athlete, an intellectual, or a little of each. Capable and confident, our graduates are exceptional young women who know without question - their possibilities are endless.

Community
The Trafalgar community believes strongly in the full development of our students. We offer opportunities in the arts, athletics, music, and clubs and with unique co-curricular activities including ice hockey, Writers in Electronic Residence, robotics, video, and drama.
Your daughter participates in a community which instills a sense of discipline and respect for herself and others. Our students develop strong leadership skills and confidence that serve them for life. Our goal is to guide every girl to realize and reach her full potential.

Curriculum
With over 138 years of education expertise, Trafalgar Castle School excels in educating young women for success in university. Selected from world-best curriculum, our internationally acclaimed programmes provide an enriching learning environment for our community.
Our university preparatory courses and Advanced Placement Programme include structured assessments built into classes, ensuring that the materials covered are understood. Our curriculum delivers more than just the promise of a university bound student - our curriculum readies students for university success.
Success
Our alumnae are leaders in business, science, technology, the arts, and philanthropy. Our alumnae play a vital role in your daughter’s Trafalgar experience. Our alumnae are our best examples of Trafalgar success. Among Trafalgar’s accomplished alumnae you will find:
1. Senior vice-president of a major Canadian financial institution
2. Producer of a long running, internationally renowned, stage musical
3. The executive editor of an international distributed Canadian fashion magazine
4. A current lead actor in a major day-time American soap opera
5. Activist with a PhD in international human rights law
6. An electrical engineer with a crown corporation fostering electricity generation in Ontario


The Castle
Built in 1859 by the flamboyant Sheriff of Ontario County, Nelson Gilbert "Iron" Reynolds, Trafalgar Castle remains a unique Canadian treasure. Designed by the Toronto architect Joseph Sheard, the Castle was built of limestone and stone in the Elizabethan style. It boasts 15 towers, secret passageways, a tunnel to Lake Ontario and cost Reynolds an astounding $70,000.00 to build. (A bank with a vault cost $6,000 and a substantial home cost $2,000 to $3,000 to build at that time.) Guarded by the stone Trafalgar Lions, the main entrance’s solid oak doors lead into a wide 105 feet long hallway.
This central hall faces a massive carved oak staircase dominated by four magnificent stained glass windows incorporating the Arms of England, Scotland, Canada and Reynolds and his second wife. There were 73 separate apartments and many of the materials and furnishings came from Europe. The Castle was lit by gaslight, manufactured in its own gashouse on the extensive grounds.

The castle stood as the largest private residence built in Canada until Casa Loma was built more that half a century later in 1914.


Sheriff Reynolds
An officer in the 11th Lancers of England, Reynolds was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. He prospered as the president of the Marmora Foundry and was involved in banking, mercantile business, railroads and shipping. When he built the Castle, Reynolds planned to entertain royalty and he did so. Prince Arthur, third son of Queen Victoria and the Duke of Connaught, who later became Governor General of Canada, were guests at Trafalgar. During their years in residence, the Reynolds lived and entertained lavishly. The glittering receptions and balls made the Castle the centre of society functions.
Beset with financial difficulties, Reynolds was forced to sell his Castle in 1874. The Methodist Church in Canada purchased the Castle and land for $35,000 dollars, only half of what it cost to build. Reynolds served on the Board of Governors of the college until his death in 1881. Nelson Reynolds fathered 24 children with 2 wives.

The Methodists were instrumental in establishing "higher learning institutions for young women" and founded three such institutions in the late 1800's. In September 1874, Ontario Ladies' College opened as a residential school for young women with 25 students enrolled. The name was changed in 1979 to Trafalgar Castle School. For 137 years, the school has continuously provided a quality education for young women.

Trafalgar Castle School. Empowering daughters since 1874.

For more information please visit our website at www.castle-ed.com
Contact Irene Talent at talenti@castle-ed.com or (905) 668-3358 Ext. 227.