New campus, same mission at Northmount

Northmount School has unveiled a transformed campus after an extensive, multi-year, $16-million renovation and expansion project.

While the transformation has added 8,500 square feet of modern learning space, head of school Nicholas Kovacs is very clear about what has not changed — the school’s mission and vision. 

“There is a lot that is new at Northmount right now, but even during this exciting period of change that feels like a new chapter, our mission remains our anchor, and that’s building a strong sense of who a student is as a person, the type of impact they want to have in the world and the Catholic understanding of their potential as young men and the dignity of the human person,” he told The Catholic Register. 

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All told, the renovation project has delivered four major upgrades that the school previously lacked at this scale. Northmount, Toronto's only K-8 independent Catholic boys' elementary school, now features improved classrooms, dedicated STEM and innovation spaces such as a brand new science lab, stronger creative facilities like a new art studio and renovated music room, and purpose-built areas for collaboration and gathering.

“We wanted a feel that was modern and open with lots of natural light aesthetically, as well as space that could balance strong academic programming that focuses on things like direct instruction. As a boys’ school, they also need a place where they can get their hands dirty, be active and immerse themselves in the educational program,” Kovacs explained. 

“This renovation, while about how we could get some more elbow room, was really about finding a nice blend when it comes to our educational program of the things that are timeless in a Catholic liberal arts education blended with this more contemporary approach that really ensures that the students are getting exposure to the types of learning environments that are gonna equip them with the skills that they need in order to be able to thrive in life beyond Northmount.” 

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The project ended up being divided into three phases due to its large scope, with the first beginning back in 2024. Work on infrastructure and renovations to existing classrooms took place before the bulk of the work in Phase B was done last year. That major expansion saw the front of the building completely demolished and rebuilt as a two-storey structure, creating the additional 8,500 square feet. This summer, the final phase saw the renewal of significant portions of the existing school completed, as well as a refresh of outdoor landscaping and the site's parking lot.

Funding was assisted through a successful fundraising campaign titled “Now is the Time,” with Kovacs crediting campaign leader and Northmount’s director of advancement Amanda Copeman and former head of school Terry Sheridan for leading the way and allowing him to help bring it across the finish line.

His gratitude extends to the strong donor support across a project with a total cost of $16 million, something he sees as a testament to belief in both the school and Catholic education in Toronto as a whole. 

“It was a huge investment for a school of our size, and it shows the belief in the work that we're doing.  We respect all the work that is being done, whether publicly, privately or independently funded. We're happy to be making a meaningful contribution,” Kovacs said. 

Northmount held a special “day zero” event at the start of the school year, inviting families for a sneak-peek tour of the new facilities. The head of school also teased that while interest in the school is growing, with the project allowing for modest enrollment growth, the school remains committed to operating small so teachers can connect directly with each student.

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Regardless of who walks through the doors of the new campus in the years to come, every student remains welcomed under the same mission Northmount has followed since 1990.

“Our mission is to inspire boys to explore and achieve their greatest potential. That goes for academics, but also their character.  It's not what you know, but what you do with what you know,” Kovacs said. 

A version of this article appeared in the October 04, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "New campus, same mission at Northmount".