St. Brother André Catholic High School is a secondary school in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Grades 9 to 12 are taught, with religious studies included in the curriculum. The 2022-2023 school year started with less than 1600 students.
6160 Sixteenth Avenue East
Markham, Ontario
L3P 3K8
(905) 294-7671
The Mission of Saint Brother André Catholic High School, as a diverse Catholic family, is to educate each student in a Christ-centered environment to reach full potential in a rapidly changing world through Gospel-inspired learning experience, in partnership with home, church and community. Our staff and students will become creative and critical thinkers who integrate Catholic values into their daily lives, as socially responsible global citizens.
St. Brother André Catholic High School is rooted in the teachings and person of Jesus Christ reaffirming its commitment to the educational mission of the Roman Catholic Church. Its mission is to lead the youth to a deeper appreciation of the presence of God and the social responsibility, given high value to God’s gifts of faith, hope, and love while striving to live with prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. We are the community characterized by sharing of talents and devotion to the service of others.
We are Catholic Learning Community of collaborative partners called to serve one another by being accountable for Quality Learning by All, with Jesus as our inspiration. Our goals, in partnership with the home, parishes/community, and our staff, continuously develop educational plans that all students live and communicate our dynamic Catholic faith and that all students achieve personalized educational objectives.
We continue to use the three pillars of our educational system as the foundation of fulfilling the growth of our students;
1. Quality Education for All
2. Safe and Caring Schools
3. Catholic communities of Faith
Brother Andre’ CHS first opened its doors at Eldale relocatable structure on Sixteenth Avenue, Markham, in September, 1985. Principal Blair Day with 15 teachers and support staff, together with 212 students started creating a vibrant school community for students from Markham, Unionville, and Stoufville. It is named after Brother André Bessette, a 20th century Catholic Brother in Montreal responsible for the construction of the Saint Joseph's Oratory.
The school population generally reflects the population of Markham and Whitchurch-Stouffville, coming from diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds and a wide socio-economic mix. The area is currently experiencing a wide degree of housing development and new neighbourhoods. A majority of students are also bussed in from the Southern Markham and Whitchurch-Stouffville areas.
There are four (4) major buildings in the school: the main building, the relocatable building, and 2 portables (A and B). The main building and the relocatable building are permanent, separated by teacher and student parking lots.
San Lorenzo Ruiz
St. Brigid
St. Brendan
St. Joseph, Markham
St. Patrick, Markham
St. Julia Billiart
St. Edward
St. Kateri Tekaktwitha
St. Mark (South of Vandorf Only)
A majority of students are bussed in from the Southern Markham and Whitchurch-Stouffville areas. The neighbourhood is currently experiencing community expansion through various housing projects.
St. Brother André C.H.S. offers Advanced Placement (AP) Program as an opportunity for highly motivated, capable students to enroll in a challenging academic program. Students in grades 9, 10 and 11 may enroll in PACE/Pre-AP courses in science, mathematics, English, geography (grade 9), and history (grade 10). For grade 11 students, pre-AP courses are available in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, English and history. These courses are designed to prepare student for the AP curriculum in grade 12.
SBA also offers Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM). The SHSM is a Ministry-approved program offered to students at no cost, that helps students make successful transitions to a variety of post-secondary destinations. It is designed to meet the needs of students who would like to pursue an apprenticeship, college or university studies or employment in a specific sector. Students who successfully complete all program components will earn a Red Seal on their OSSD which indicates that the student has focused his/her high school experience on a career path that matches his/her skills and interests.
As a French Immersion school, St. Brother André's Modern Languages Department offers French as a Second Language courses which focus on practical and academic language skills. Students will develop their French listening, speaking, reading and writing through innovative projects, literature and interactive activities with the focus being on spontaneous language interaction. After completing four years of high school in the Core French Program, all students will receive a French Language Certificate on their graduation day. Students can use this certificate for their university, college and job applications.
Optional credits include four Religion and eight of student’s choice. Students must take one Religion credit each year for a total of four credits. In order to graduate, other requirements include 40 hours community service completed over 4 years. Students are strongly encouraged to perform 10 hours of service per school year.