Shambhala School

The Shambhala School is a non-denominational private school in Halifax, Nova Scotia based on Shambhala Buddhist principles. It employs a creative curriculum, integrating both academics and art. It runs from pre-primary through grade 12. Beginnings In 1993, some parents of the Halifax Shambhala community, concerned with Nova Scotia's public school system, set out to create a new school which they hoped would create a more caring and nurturing environment for learning. Based upon this conception, the new school began as a private entity. Curriculum and learning styles Although Shambhala School is not a religious school, the school does use eastern/Shambhala meditation techniques every day to encourage learning and expansion of the mind. For younger students (primary - grade 5) this might include movement and awareness activities. For the older grades (grade 6 - 12) this includes 5–10 minutes of simple yoga each morning and 10 minutes of Shambhala sitting meditation every morning and before dismissal. Usually on the morning returning from each major break (i.e., winter and March breaks) the entire upper school participates in an approximately hour-long yoga session followed by sitting meditation. Extracurricular activities Each year, the Upper Grades attend a camping trip in September to Kejimkujik National Park in South Central Nova Scotia. It is usually about a 3-day trip and includes bike trips, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, camp fires, swimming, large games of capture the flag/track down/manhunt, tenting, playing of musical instruments, and much more. The group usually consists of between 60-90 people and includes teachers, students and parents. The Group eats communally of 3 meals a day and smaller groups take turns cooking and cleaning. Many Students and Faculty members claim this is an excellent way to bring the school closer and creates a community.