Why Shambhala

The Shambhala School offers an inclusive, age appropriate approach to education that integrates arts and academics to ignite a genuine passion for learning. Our unique curriculum inspires students to grow into confident, creative thinkers with a strong sense of social and environmental awareness.

It is our experience that nearly 100% of our graduates get into a university or other post-secondary program of their choice. Many Shambhala alumni proceed to successful careers as scientists, musicians, lawyers, artists, business leaders and more.

Founded in 1993, the Shambhala School has developed a fully accredited curriculum from Pre-Primary through Grade 12.

We teach children how to think creatively to solve problems
We help children develop a personal connection to the world, community, nature and self
We help children become centred, having confidence to pursue life with purpose

The Shambhala School is built upon these foundations:

Academic Integration
The Right Thing at the Right Time
How to Think, Not What to Think
Appreciation of Individuality
Environmental Stewardship
Experiential Learning
Commitment to Culture & Community

Open House

Pre-Primary to Grade 12 Open House Join us on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 between 4:00pm and 6:00pm if you are interested in the possibility of your child joining us next year or in subsequent years. Drops in are welcome or you can register here.

Testimonials rotating

While teaching at university I had two students that stood out from the others. They thought creatively, they were driven by curiosity, and they were the only ones who seemed able to “think outside of the box”. They were both graduates of the Shambhala School. When my kids were ready for school, the Shambhala School was the natural choice.

Dr. Tarah Wright, Shambhala School parent and university professor. Shambhala School Parent
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We “shopped” for the best school for our 6-year old daughter. She said “I like this one the best; it feels so welcoming.” We agreed. She’s now 17. We still agree, and we’ve discovered over the years that it’s so much more as well .

Heather L. Shambhala School Parent
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…the small classes, personable and compassionate teachers, field trips, teaching approach, unique opportunities such as meditation, arts, and fun clubs after school.”

Parent Grade 6
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…whole learning, combining English and history for example. The openness, acceptance and mutual respect has been a quality missing from my daughter’s education so far. This has really opened the doors to real learning.”

Parent – Grade 8
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I especially like the continuity of a P-12 school. My son has been here for 8 years and the school has become like a second home for him, and the staff and faculty like an extension of family.”

Parent – Grade 9
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Having our son attend Shambhala School has opened our eyes to the difference between a typical “private school” and a school that embraces the artistic, creative and holistic approach to a child’s education. The school teaches tolerance, exposure to different cultures, and teaches our kids the skills they need to become meaningful members of society.”

J and D M Shambhala School Parents
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“This school is all about being yourself, and striving to do the best that you can do and not comparing yourself against other people. It’s about accepting you for who you are and what you can do.”

Zoë Wright Valedictorian of Shambhala School Graduating Class of 2016
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“The Shambhala School is a special amazing place to learn how to be you.”

Mary Hale Shambhala School Parent
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Our three sons have been at Shambhala all the way through so far and we love it. Within this loving and brilliant environment, they are growing into such gentle and conscious people. Their teachers are extremely hard-working, smart, creative and kind. We are thankful every day to get to be in this community.

Mara Toombs Shambhala School Parent
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Shambhala School is a magical place. The focus is on the child with gentle, caring instruction. There is a through understanding of what your child needs to thrive and every teacher works together to ensure their unique needs are met. The emphasis on creativity, self-problem solving, arts and music make Shambhala unique in Halifax.

Sandra Cranmer Shambhala School Parent
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When our daughter started at Shambhala in grade 6, she immediately felt like she belonged. The environment allows for deep learning, rather than a rush to complete a unit. The teachers encourage questions and support individuals’ ideas. We appreciate how art, music and movement is built into the curriculum. The encouraging, community feel means Shambhala is not just an educational institution, but rather an extension of home.

Erin Ferguson Shambhala School Parent
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We love Shambhala School because of the respectful ways in which children are treated. We also appreciate the emphasis on emotional and social development (alongside the academics).

Dana Echtner Shambhala School Parent
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Our daughters have been at Shambhala School for the last 5 years. The teachers and students are very welcoming and the outdoors, science and arts programs are fantastic. We have made some wonderful friends in the community. We couldn’t be happier with our choice to move our girls to Shambhala where they have had so many opportunities to thrive in their education.

Laura Snow Shambhala School Parent
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Our daughter attended the pre-primary program at Shambhala school for two academic years. We could not be happier with the program, the people, and the overall caring environment that is evident in the entire school. The caring, accepting, and creative environment reflects our own parental style. We appreciate the focus on humanity and the intrinsic value of all people that forms the foundation of interactions throughout the School. Our child will be attending the primary class in September 2019.

Bruce MacDougall Shambhala School Parent
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Can’t say enough about this school! Our son has attended since grade 7 and now in grade 11. Very positive experience.

Christine MacDonald Shambhala School Parent
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Our eldest graduated after being at Shambhala from grade Primary on. She’s a thriving Physics and Fine Arts major at University now. Sending her to Shambhala was the best choice we made for her education, not just as a scholar, but as a human being. What we have loved most, from the very beginning, was that the values we hold at home are reinforced and nurtured at school. It has made all the difference for our family.

Mary Hale Shambhala School Parent
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We have two children at Shambhala and have experienced both the upper and lower school. The lower school does a phenomenal job of balancing a Waldorf-type sensibility with academics, so you know your child will be prepared for the next stage of their education. For example, my grade 4/5 child writes complex book reports and memorizes weekly spelling words, but on Friday afternoons, the kids sit in peaceful circles working on their knitting projects. Similarly, the upper school introduces more yoga and meditation practices, while deep-diving into ancient Rome, or practicing their Shakespeare performance. What a lovely combination.

Sara Haynes Shambhala School Parent
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My 4 year old son has been attending the Pre-Primary program at Shambhala School this year and I cannot say enough about our positive experience. My son has blossomed this year in this wonderful space with his 3 excellent instructors. Absolutely everything has exceeded my expectations; highly recommend to anyone looking for a good Pre-Primary program.

Chelsi Ferguson Shambhala School Parent
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We’ve had our two kids at Shambhala School since my daughter entered pre-primay. The combination of child focused learning, an amazing school community and wonderful teachers have kept us there. At first, it was the smaller class sizes that attracted us, once there I can’t imagine our kids attending a different school. Highly recommended!

Andrew Cranmer Shambhala School Parent
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Every day I drop off my children (ages 10 and 12) I am reminded of why we chose Shambhala School for their education. The school environment is infused with feelings of joy, excitement for learning, love and respect. Shambhala has allowed my children to expand their minds, develop interpersonal skills, learn conflict resolution, critical thinking and how to treat each other with empathy and kindness- all while providing an exceptional curriculum in STEM and arts education. The parent community is strong and the teachers and staff are beyond dedicated. Children at Shambhala school are seen for who they truly are and it shows. This is the number one reason we stay.

Sarah Baillie and Warren Jefferies Shambhala School Parents
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