Ridley College celebrates its 125th anniversary

Canada’s History’s Young Citizen, Julia M. shares the history of Ridley College just in time for its 125th anniversary.

Before he could form the Canadian Aerodrome Company in Nova Scotia in 1908, or perfect a hydrofoil, Frederick Walker Baldwin had to attend Ridley College in St. Catherine’s, Ontario.

Bruce Croxon also attended Ridley College before he co-founded Lavalife in 1988 or earned his place on CBC's Dragons’ Den.

These are just two of the many accomplished alumni of Ridley College, who celebrated its 125th anniversary on September 20th, 2014. Only four days past the original commencement date of September 16th, 1889 when 48 boarders enrolled at the Springbank House.

Ridley College began as an all-boys Anglican school before transforming into the co-ed campus in the 1970s. Despite a change in students, Ridley College has always maintained a prestigious level of education attracting students from around the world. Today, the campus has students from 40 different countries.

“We are proud of the tradition and community that comes with 125 years of education,” says Ridley College Headmaster Ed Kidd. “The next generation of global difference makers is walking on our campus right now — solving problems, building skills, debating eternal questions and exploring new ideas.”

Located in St. Catherines, Ontario, Ridley College was founded by Anglican clergymen and has been a staple part of the community; even after the school was moved due to the devastating fire in 1903 that destroyed the original building. Ridley College was reestablished in 1904 along the Twelve Mile Creek.

Ridley College prides itself on its small, local nurturing day school for younger students, but simultaneously on its powerhouse preparation for university. Ridley College remains as a distinguished school that has prepared students for service since 1889. As one of Canada’s oldest private schools, Ridley College offers a series of advance programs, while encouraging a curriculum that is balanced and disciplined with academics, athletics, school involvement, and community service.

Today, Ridley College hosts 625 students in its Upper and Lower Schools. While most of the Lower School students — Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 — are day school students, two-thirds of the Upper School students live on campus as boarders.

Canada’s History’s 2014 Young Citizen, Julia M attends Ridley College, check out her video on the history of Ridley College and a one-on-one discussion with current Headmaster, Ed Kidd.