Why 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 6, 1917

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.

December 6, 1917

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 Russell 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.