Why Hydrostone Academy

Hydrostone Academy

Hydrostone Academy 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 alumni proceed to successful careers as scientists, musicians, lawyers, artists, business leaders and more.

Diversity Statement

The Hydrostone Academy works toward building a community that is diverse and inclusive across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience. We strive to support the 2SLGBTQI+ community by providing a safe space for staff, students, and families and by educating our students about issues surrounding gender and identity in a developmentally appropriate way. We recognize and honour diverse gender identities and aim to create an environment in which trans, non-binary, and other gender-creative children and families are respected, represented, and celebrated.

History

December 7, 1918

A Strong Building

The Hydrostone Academy campus was originally built for the Alexander McKay school in 1912. A solid brick building on the slopes of Richmond facing Halifax harbour, it was one of few buildings in the neighbourhood to survive the Halifax Explosion in 1918. It then served as a hospital while the surrounding neighbourhood was rebuilt into what we now know as the Hydrostone neighbourhood.

December 7, 1918

September 1, 1993

A Foundation of Goodness

The Shambhala School was founded by a group of parents who were members of a Buddhist community in Halifax, with the intention of providing their children with a unique educational experience. The name “Shambhala” represents the fundamental values that guided the establishment of the school: a belief in the inherent goodness of humanity, the practices that enable us to connect with that goodness, and the vision that this goodness can contribute to the creation of a better society.

September 1, 1993

September 1, 1995

Building Strength

The Shambhala School moves into the former Alexander McKay school building on Russel Street with the generous assistance of the City of Halifax.

September 1, 1995

January 1, 2025

Building Strong Community

The Shambhala School evolves into the Hydrostone Academy, a secular school building strong and resilient youth who are prepared for University and the challenges of life ahead of them.

January 1, 2025

Our Symbol

Our symbol dates back to the Vidya School in Boulder, CO, which was the first Shambhala inspired school. It depicts a sun in the center of a flower. The symbolism (to which we refer every year during our Upper School Opening Ceremony) is that the sun represents the inherent brilliance and intelligence within our students. The flower represents the culture of kindness that we create. The flower surrounds the sun, because the natural brilliance of each student shines when it is given a nurturing, trusting environment free from shame and aggression.

Shambhala School balances rigour and an intellectually demanding curriculum with a supportive and encouraging environment. The teachers maintain the highest academic standards while attending to the needs of the individual student. Students are taught curiosity, engagement, and how to learn. The intentional focus on mindfulness, peaceful problem solving, and genuine inclusiveness sets this school apart. When Shambhala welcomed our family, our child’s relationship to education was transformed. Our family could not be more grateful to have had this unique, vibrant educational opportunity and the chance to appreciate the remarkable difference that a deliberate culture of kindness creates.

Tyana Caplin – Shambhala School Parent, Google reviews

My children have benefited in so many ways from their time at the Shambhala school. Socially, emotionally, academically and creatively, they have grown and been supported. They are an encouraged to be individuals and collaborate well with others. They have learned how to express themselves and stay curious. My oldest child chose to move on to a public school for high school and has consistently found himself academically over-prepared for all the classes he’s taken. I often hear him say to my middle child, who is still in the Shambhala school, that he’s jealous of all the interesting work they’re doing. I would strongly recommend this school for its whole-brain academics, nature exploration, mindfulness education, LGBTQIA+ positive culture, and music education.

Mara Toombs – Shambhala School Parent, Google reviews

Shambhala School was a factor in our decision to move to Halifax and it has benefited my son immensely. He’s starting his third full year at the school and what a wonderful journey it has been. Moving across the country during a pandemic, and transitioning to a new city and new school is a lot but Shambhala gave my son the runway to adjust, and ovided him with a lot of support and encouragement to explore his interests and grow as a student and member of a community. Coming to this school, my son has never been a number or fallen through the cracks. And the community is a big part of Shambhala School. Volunteerism, events and the significant contact with teachers is really not something I’ve experienced before. And finally, the values instilled in the students are producing some wonderful kids who express kindness and inclusion that is really amazing to witness. If you are looking for a nurturing and inclusive space for your child, this is something you should explore and consider.

Robert Huntly – Shambhala School parent, Google reviews

Our Pillars

The Hydrostone Academy embraces five foundational pillars that promote holistic development, interconnectedness, and a sense of purpose, preparing students to navigate an ever-changing world with resilience, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness cultivates a deep awareness of the present moment, enabling students to develop resilience, focus, and the self-reflection skills essential for their personal growth.

Outdoor Education

Outdoor education encourages students to explore and connect with the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, and environmental stewardship, while instilling greater self confidence and resilience.

Community

Community emphasizes the importance of strong relationships and collaborative learning, nurturing a supportive and inclusive school environment.

Arts Education

Arts education fosters creative thinking, builds problem-solving skills, promotes self-expression, connects the head, heart, and hands, calls on the will of the student to see a repetitive project through to completion, allows for an ‘out-breath’ to balance the academic ‘in-breath’, and supports students in the embodiment of their learning.

Culturally Sustaining Academics

Culturally sustaining academics acknowledge and honour diverse cultural backgrounds, histories, and perspectives, fostering an inclusive and equitable educational experience for all students.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Hydrostone Academy support exceptionalities?

We recognize the unique strengths and needs of each student. While we have limited resource support, we prioritize student well-being by maintaining smaller class sizes and creating calmer, lower-sensory learning environments. These accommodations allow us to effectively meet the diverse needs of our students and support their growth. Our school community is dedicated to empowering students and celebrating their individual talents.

How does Hydrostone Academy approach queer and gender-explorative students?

We are proud to have a diverse community. Queer and gender explorative students and parents are warmly welcomed at Hydrostone Academy. We approach discussions about gender in a developmentally appropriate manner, starting from Pre-Primary through Grade 12. Our aim is to create an inclusive environment where every individual feels respected and supported in their identity and personal journey.

When was the Hydrostone Academy founded?

The Shambhala School opened its doors in 1993, initially enrolling students from Grade 5 through Grade 9. Our first graduating class of Grade 12 students celebrated their achievements in June 1998. In 1994, the Shambhala Elementary School began for Pre-Primary and Primary-aged children as a separate entity. These two schools merged in 1999. The school was renamed Hydrostone Academy in 2025.

Is Hydrostone Academy a Buddhist School?

Shambhala School was founded in 1993 by a group of parents who were members of the Buddhist community in Halifax. They aimed to provide their children with a unique educational experience. The name “Shambhala” embodies the core values that guided the school’s establishment: a belief in the inherent goodness of humanity, practices that enable us to connect with that goodness, and the vision that this goodness can contribute to the creation of a better society. In essence, these principles can be summarized as embracing basic goodness, incorporating meditation, and striving for a positive society.

Today, Hydrostone Academy is a secular institution and does not have any ties to any single religion or belief. Our focus remains on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

How many students are enrolled at the Hydrostone Academy?

We typically enroll approximately 150 students from Pre-Primary through Grade 12.

What are the class sizes?

At Shambhala School, we cap our class sizes at 18 students to ensure personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. For our pre-primary program, we adhere to licensing requirements which stipulate that there is one Early Childhood Educator for every 8 students. This ratio allows us to provide the necessary care and attention to our youngest learners. Our commitment to small class sizes is part of our dedication to fostering an engaging and inclusive educational experience for all students.

What is the Hydrostone Academy’s educational philosophy?

Hydrostone Academy embraces five foundational pillars that guide our educational journey:

1. Mindfulness: Cultivating a deep awareness of the present moment, mindfulness helps students develop resilience, focus, and self-reflection skills essential for personal growth.
2. Outdoor Education: Encouraging students to explore and connect with the natural world, outdoor education fosters a sense of wonder, curiosity, and environmental stewardship.
3. Community: Emphasizing the importance of strong relationships and collaborative learning, the community nurtures a supportive and inclusive school environment.
4. Arts Education: Arts education fosters creative thinking, builds problem-solving skills, and promotes self-expression. It connects the head, heart, and hands, and calls on the will of the student to see a repetitive project through to completion (handwork). It allows for an ‘out-breath’ to balance the academic ‘in-breath’ and supports students in the embodiment of their learning.
5. Culturally Sustaining Academics: Acknowledging and honouring diverse cultural backgrounds, histories, and perspectives, culturally sustaining academics foster an inclusive and equitable educational experience for all students.

These five pillars provide a solid foundation for holistic development, interconnectedness, and a sense of purpose, preparing students to navigate an ever-changing world with resilience, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning.

Do you have entrance requirements?

Yes, each student undergoes an evaluation as part of the admissions process before admission decisions are made. While we can accommodate some students with learning exceptionalities, we evaluate each student on a case-by-case basis, considering the current class needs and the learning profile of the group as a whole. The primary criterion for acceptance is a student’s commitment to learning excellence, personal growth, and alignment with our vision of creating a compassionate society. This approach ensures that each student can thrive in our supportive and inclusive environment.

Do you follow the provincial curriculum?

Our graduates earn a Nova Scotia High School Leaving Certificate upon completing Grade 12. Additionally, we offer an advanced Shambhala School Certificate, which requires more credits, second language education, leadership activities, outdoor training, and other extracurricular achievements.

Through the elementary years, we provide a play-based primary program and introduce formal academics starting in Grade 1. While our early elementary curriculum may vary from the prescribed provincial outcomes, in most cases, we meet and exceed those outcomes. Students have the opportunity for daily numeracy and literacy instruction, and French language instruction begins in Grade Primary.

This comprehensive approach ensures our students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success both academically and personally.

What extracurricular activities are offered at Hydrostone Academy?

Our extracurricular and co-curricular offerings vary from year to year based on the needs and interests of the current student body. However, some of the activities we typically offer include:

Elementary School: Choir, Chess Club, Afterschool Sports, Gaga Ball, Bush Craft, Junior D&D, Battle of the Books.

Middle and High School: Middle School Sports Intramurals, Friday Night Pick-Up Basketball, Debate Club, Reading Rumble, Drama Club, Yearbook Club, AV Club, D&D, Sewing Club, Drumming Club, Pottery Club, LEGO Robotics, among others.

These activities are designed to complement our academic program and provide students with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and engage with their peers in a supportive environment. For more info see Sunrise Prodogies

What are the tuition fees and are there financial aid options available? MARY TO STRENGTHEN

Tuition fees vary by grade level. For details on this year’s fee structure, please see the tuition section on our website. We understand that affordability is a concern for many families, and we offer tuition assistance options to help make our education accessible to a diverse group of students.

Fees can be paid monthly or in a lump sum, and discounts are available for families with multiple children enrolled at the school. For detailed information about tuition and financial aid, please contact our admissions office.

How does Shambhala School incorporate technology into the curriculum?

In our elementary school, we emphasize low to no technology in the early years, focusing on traditional skills such as pencil/pen-to-paper writing and cursive writing. Students learn the importance of sourcing information from reliable sources beyond the internet.

Starting in Grades 4 and 5, students are introduced to digital literacy. They begin learning how to gather and evaluate information from the internet for reliability and accuracy.

For students with exceptionalities who use technology as a tool for learning, we welcome Chromebooks or other assistive devices.

From Grade 6 onward, all students are expected to have a Chromebook or laptop. Computer technology is thoughtfully integrated into our curriculum to enhance learning and develop essential digital literacy skills. We use a variety of educational tools and platforms to support research, collaboration, and creativity, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of the modern world.

What kind of parent involvement is encouraged at Hydrostone Academy?

We highly value parent involvement and encourage it through various channels such as volunteer opportunities, parent-teacher committees, school events, and regular communication with teachers and administrators. We believe that a strong partnership between home and school contributes significantly to student success.

Every family is expected to volunteer a minimum of 30 hours annually. This volunteerism helps build community and fosters a sense of pride as everyone works towards common goals. We encourage parents to share their areas of expertise and interests with us. For example, some parents choose to drive for class trips, host weekly Gaga Ball sessions, or come into classrooms to share professional knowledge on topics such as world religions or sustainable ocean protein.

We strive to match parents with volunteer opportunities that align with their skills and interests, ensuring that our community benefits from their contributions.

What kind of support services are available for students?

At Shambhala School, we offer several support services to assist students with their academic and personal development:

1. Counselling Services: We have a standing relationship with Wild Art Therapy, which supervises counselling interns from Yorkville University and Acadia University . These interns support students’ mental health needs throughout the year. They also provide group opportunities for student engagement, enhancing their emotional and social well-being.
2. Resource Support: In our upper school, teachers are equipped to offer one-on-one support to students through resource programs. This individualized attention helps address specific learning needs and supports students in achieving their academic goals.

These services are designed to ensure that every student has the support they need to thrive in a nurturing and effective learning environment.

How does Hydrostone Academy prepare students for post-secondary education and careers?

Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in post-secondary education and their future careers. We provide guidance counselling, career exploration activities, and opportunities for students to engage in leadership and real-world experiences.

Our graduates are well-regarded in post-secondary settings for their proactive approach to learning. They excel in group work, are inquisitive, and consider alternative solutions to problems. Many of our graduates secure generous scholarships for post-secondary education, and approximately 90% are admitted to their first-choice institution. This preparation ensures that our students are confident and well-prepared as they transition to the next phase of their academic and professional journeys.