

ESL Boarding Academy










Education at Blue & Silver Farm Nature Study and Outdoor Activities:

ESL AcademyBoarding
Pickering College is a warm, vibrant and supportive community of dedicated and caring staff, families and friends. It is a place where students are supported and challenged in their learning so that they may accomplish their goals and follow their dreams. Students will live in one of our boarding residences or houses, with 24/7 supervision from boarding staff.
Small Classes:
The ESL Boarding Academy is a small program where students learn from each other and their teachers as they work together. In addition to dining hall meals, students have a common area for snacks, evening socializing, and enjoy weekly family-style dinners with planned group activities.
Full School Integration:
All students take the Technology Design course which is taught in conjunction with math and science, and integrates ESL Boarding Academy Students into classes with students at the main school. In this course, students enjoy hands on design projects. For example, they have helped build a chicken coop for new chicks and designed furniture for the interior of the greenhouse.


Outdoor education at Blue & Silver Farm connects classroom learning and outdoor activities in subjects like history, science, and math. Practical projects, such as analyzing water and soil samples, are conducted with guidance from University of Guelph faculty, enhancing student biology and environmental science learning.
Enjoying
Canada’s Nature:
Students experience Canada’s natural beauty and enhance their education and personal development.
• Camping • Snowshoeing • Skiing/Snowboarding


Excursions:
Our local excursions include frequent visits to Blue & Silver Farm, exploring Fairy Lake, a visit to the Mayor’s Office, and more. Our day trips include visits to the Toronto Zoo, Trails Youth Initiatives, and Pine Crest Camp, as well as the Ontario Provincial Legislature and Georgina Military Museum. Additional outings, such as robotics or STEM events, and other excursions, are planned based on availability and interest.



Life at Pickering
Academics and Curriculum
All courses teach English through conversation, writing, and reading. Courses include:
9 Grade 10
Art Civic/Careers
All students take the TOEFL Junior test.
Students have supervised evening study time 4 days a week.
Students can participate in our Global Leadership Program to earn a Global Leadership certificate.
Parents receive regular progress reports each semester.
Students are offered early assessment for admission to Pickering College.



Athletics, Arts and Clubs
Students immerse themselves in co-curricular activities 3-4 days per week, discovering new passions and honing skills that extend beyond the classroom, ensuring a well-rounded and dynamic educational experience.
Facilities:

(Hockey/Ice Skating)
Many sports are available competitively and recreationally.
65+ Activities:
Sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Hockey, Badminton, Table Tennis, Softball, Track & Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Rock Climbing, Skating, Flag Football
Leadership: Student Committee, Co-curricular Council, Youth Action (Social Justice), JEDI (Justice & Diversity) Club, Arts
Arts: Musical Theatre/Drama, Vocal









Boarding at Pickering College
Pickering College is an exciting, warm community of staff, families and friends, where students are supported and challenged to accomplish their goals and follow their dreams. Safety



Here’s what some of our students say about Pickering College’s ESL Boarding Academy:
“Everyone is very kind and friendly. The teachers are very patient and they can answer any questions I have.”
- E. Z., China
“I have many opportunities to speak English and my English is improving a lot.”
- Y.K., Korea
“I like that the class is not very big. I have made good friendships with my classmates and the teachers give me lots of help.”
- R. L., China






2025-2026 Fees
Upload the following documents to your online applicant checklist:
Report cards for current school year and previous three years (translated into English)
Essay
Teacher Recommendation
English Language Proficiency (ELP) test (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.)
Pickering College will contact you for an interview.


