The Why Behind Our Work
“Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out.”
— Justice Murray Sinclair, Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
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.
Land Acknowledgement
Hydrostone Academy stands and learns on the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq People, in Mi’kma’ki. We honour the enduring presence, wisdom, and contributions of the Mi’kmaw Nation, and we hold a deep responsibility to ensure that education supports truth, dignity, and justice.
Reconciliation is not a lesson — it is a commitment. Guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action 6–12 and 62–65, our school approaches reconciliation as a shared journey grounded in relationship, respect, accountability, and hope.
Our Commitments to Reconciliation
- Truth in Learning Students engage in age-appropriate learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, treaties, and worldviews, supporting an honest and shared understanding of this land’s past, present, and future.
- Respect for Language and Culture Mi’kmaw voices, knowledge, and cultural expression are welcomed and valued in our classrooms and community life.
- Ongoing Teacher Learning Our faculty engage in continuing professional learning to deepen cultural understanding and bring Indigenous pedagogies and land-based learning into daily practice.
- Community Collaboration We work with Mi’kmaw educators, Elders, and knowledge keepers — including partners such as Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey — to ensure Indigenous guidance shapes our path forward.
- Belonging and Equity We are committed to a community where every student, family, and staff member experiences dignity, safety, access, and opportunity.
We walk this path together, believing that reconciliation is built in everyday acts of listening, respect, courage, and care.
Diversity, Belonging & Inclusion
Hydrostone Academy is committed to a community that honors diversity across race, gender, identity, age, language, ability, worldview and lived experience.
We proudly support 2SLGBTQI+ students, families, and staff by:
- creating safe and affirming spaces
- embedding learning around identity and belonging in developmentally appropriate ways
- ensuring transgender, non-binary, and gender-creative students are respected, represented, and celebrated
- fostering a culture where every child can show up as their full and authentic self
Belonging is not something students earn here — it is something they arrive with.
Our Roots
A Strong Building
The Hydrostone Academy campus was originally built for the Alexander McKay School in 1916. 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 1917 It served as a base for those who rebuilt what we now know as the Hydrostone neighbourhood.
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.
Building Strength
The Shambhala School moves into the former Alexander McKay School building on Russell Street with the generous assistance of the City of Halifax.
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.
Our Symbol
Our school symbol originated at the Vidya School in Boulder, Colorado, the first Shambhala-inspired school.
- The sun represents the innate brilliance, curiosity, and intelligence of every child
- The flower represents the culture of care, kindness, and community that surrounds them
The flower holds the sun — because we believe that children shine brightest when they learn in environments that are safe, trusting, compassionate, and free from shame.
