Be Kind

Work Hard

Our History

Armbrae Academy was incorporated in association with the Presbyterian Church of Canada, by an act of the Nova Scotia Legislature on May 3rd, 1887.

Initially known as Halifax Ladies College, it became affiliated with both Dalhousie University and the Halifax Conservatory of Music (now Maritime Conservatory).

Classes were divided into three divisions: the Collegiate, the Preparatory, and the Primary Department. Kindergarten was introduced later on. The school was started as a “finishing school” for young ladies that were not pursuing a career, and as a University preparatory school for those that were.

The school’s motto was “In Deo Spero” - in God I trust - and the Collegiate curriculum was as intentionally as broad as possible: including courses in maths, sciences, humanities, the Arts, and classical languages (Latin, French, and German).

Sports played a prominent role from the beginning, with the day divided into morning studies and afternoon sports. Tennis, field hockey, curling, skating, and swimming were key to the athletic programme.

armbrae Academy today

In 1980, the school became known as Armbrae Academy, continuing the tradition of giving its students access to the broadest education possible.

Now a coeducational day school with more than 350 students from diverse backgrounds, academic excellence is at the core of our programming, while we intentionally focus on character education, community service, athletics, and other pursuits that encourage children to consider their role in the wider world.

School belongingness is a hallmark of the Armbrae experience, and our updated motto - Be Kind | Work Hard - underpins everything we do.

Armbrae Academy is a non-profit institution governed by a dedicated Board of Governors, a group of passionate volunteers united by a shared commitment to upholding our mission and core values.

Working in close partnership with the Head of School, the Board guides Armbrae’s strategic vision, provides strong governance, and ensures the long-term financial health and sustainability of our school. Our Governors bring a wealth of diverse expertise and perspectives to their roles, drawn from across our community: current parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and community leaders who are deeply invested in our school's future.

Welcome from the head of school

At Armbrae, we believe that education is a vibrant, living experience that thrives when students are active, curious, and deeply engaged in their own learning journeys. Walk through our doors, and you will see a supportive, close-knit community where every single student is known, heard, and valued.

Our educational approach blends rigorous academics with experiential, real-world learning. From the classroom to the stage, the athletic field, and the outdoors, we challenge our students to think deeply, embrace meaningful risks, and push through obstacles. Real growth rarely happens when things are easy; it occurs when students lean into a challenge, discover their resilience, and unlock what they are truly capable of achieving. The result is a history of strong academic achievement and confident, grounded individuals well-positioned to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple yet powerful motto: Be Kind | Work Hard. These four words are not just slogans on a wall; they are the active, daily choices that define our culture. "Working hard" means approaching both personal growth and relationships with commitment, integrity, and perseverance. "Being kind" means creating a vibrant, respectful environment where every member is unique, cared for, and celebrated. In a world that often demands us to do more and move faster, we encourage our community to simplify, find balance, and prioritize what truly matters: joy, authentic connection, and mutual respect.

Education is a shared partnership, and we are fortunate to walk alongside a passionate, dedicated community of parents, faculty, and staff. Together, we foster an environment where inspiration comes from the world around us and from one another as we learn and grow together.

Whether you are exploring our school for the first time or returning for another exciting year, we invite you to dive in, ask questions, and experience the warmth of the Armbrae family.

We are so glad you are here.

Warmly,

Ally Read

Acting Head of School

Meet the Executive Team

CHAIR | Jill Hennigar

TREASURER | Rob Jeffery

SECRETARY | Shanti Dogra

GOVERNOR | Carolyn Bragg

GOVERNOR | Samuel Kiragu

GOVERNOR | Ron Lovett

GOVERNOR | Heather MacKnight

GOVERNOR | Shakara Russell

GOVERNOR | Kim Stewart

GOVERNOR | Nick Syzmanis

GOVERNOR | Victor Zhu

Board of Governors

Armbrae’s leadership consists of three teams: The Board of Governors - responsible for the long term strategic direction of The School, and for evaluating the performance of the Head of School; The Executive Leadership Team - develops the implementation plan to execute on strategy and ensures the implementation plan is aligned with the Mission, Vision, Values of the Strategic Plan.

ACCREDITATION and memberships

Our accreditations and professional memberships serve as a vital benchmark of excellence, ensuring that our educational standards, governance, and community practices continuously align with the highest global and national criteria. Through rigorous external reviews and active participation in selective independent school associations, we reaffirm our commitment to continuous improvement, pedagogical innovation, and student safety. These credentials provide families with the confidence that an Armbrae education is held to exacting standards of integrity, delivering a transformative experience that prepares our students to thrive in higher education and beyond.