About Us
A diverse community of enthusiastic educators, students, and their families
Our campus is located in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.
Administration and Staff
Learn more about us, about who’s who at Halifax Independent School.
Our administration and other staff members share a common purpose, but each one’s contribution reflects their unique mix of interests and experiences.
Top-notch academics are supported by comprehensive music, arts, French, athletic, and drama programmes.
If you are looking for a school where you feel happy dropping your child off in the morning, you’ve come to the right place!
Renée Hartleib
Alumni Parent
Our history
mid-70s
Our school began as a lab school, part of Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Education.
On the move
- 1974 to 1981 – Oxford Street, near Coburg Road
- 1981 to 1995 – Dalhousie Campus, Faculty of Education bldg
- 1995 to 2004 – rented space on the Gorsebrook lands, South Street
- 2004 to present – our purpose-built, permanent home on Connaught Street (expansion opened in 2018)
An evolving name
- Dalhousie University Experimental School
- Dalhousie University School
- Dalhousie Co-operative School (independent, PP-Grade 6)
- Halifax Independent Elementary School
- Halifax Independent School (PP-Grade 9)
Some things never change…
I just wanted to let you know how special this school is to us and that it has changed the trajectory of our children’s school lives. I only wish I had enrolled them sooner, but I think the fact they have had a different school experience actually makes them appreciate it so much more.
Cheryl Aubie, parent
Gym and multi-purpose room available for off-hours rental
Our campus
Built in 2004 and extended in 2018, our campus is located in the residential west end of Kjipuktuk (Halifax). We are easily accessed from all areas of HRM.
Our main building is a welcoming, bright, two-storey structure set on almost two acres. Our landscaped grounds features mature trees, two play structures, a loose-parts play experience in our pre-primary playground, a playing field, and a small picnic area.
University partnerships & research
Originally Dalhousie University’s laboratory school, our classrooms offered a progressive and holistic education for children from primary to grade four and an intensive in-house practicum experience for Dalhousie University’s pre-service BEd students. We pride ourselves on continuing to welcome practicum students from Acadia University, Mount Saint Vincent University, St. Francis Xavier University, and other institutions. We welcome the presence and participation of BEd, CHYS, or ECE candidates by arrangement with cooperating institutions.
We are a proud member of the International Association of Laboratory Schools.
We welcome requests for final practicums, and we encourage research proposals in relevant areas.
