International college to focus on arts and football
May 18, 2010
Danielle Wong
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/771259
A new international college focusing on the arts and integrating students into the local community will open in Hamilton this fall.
The National Art College of Canada (NACC) was authorized by the province last month to offer credit courses to about 100 Grade 11 and 12 students -- mainly from China -- in September.
Businessman Edward Gong bought the former Scott Park high school in 2007. Since then, Gong has invested $1 million, turning the 180,000-square-foot building into an international private school.
The school's principal, Mark Spinelli, said the college will set itself apart from other private colleges such as Columbia International College by engaging foreign students with Hamilton.
The school is hoping an American-style football program will also bring in students from the Hamilton, Toronto and Niagara areas to create stronger "eastern-western" bonds.
"Often times ... Chinese students hang out with Chinese students, white students hang out with white students," Spinelli said. "By having a greater mix aspect in terms of the classes, it will allow for more communication and I think that's very important."
While people in China know about McMaster University, not many have heard of Hamilton, Gong said in Mandarin.
"We feel like we have the responsibility to promote Hamilton to the world," said Gong, who is from eastern China.
Gong's plan is to work backwards, eventually offering Grade 9 and 10 courses as well and enrolling 1,000 students in three to five years.
The NACC started offering Grade 11 and 12 courses to 10 students from China in February.
The building on King Street East west of Gage Avenue North can hold 3,000 students. Renovations for the 100 classrooms, gym, 800-seat theatre and three floors are complete. The building has five floors and renovations will be made in stages as enrolment goes up.
But many aspects of NACC are still under construction.
The school is still in the middle of negotiations for a nearby residence building. NACC's website indicates students will pay a $500 per month residence fee.
Several pages on the school's website are also "under construction," including information pages for the calendar, computer lab and gymnasium.
While Gong and his team are looking to promote Hamilton, the NACC website features photos of the CN Tower and Niagara Falls.
The college will offer courses in partnership with the Royal Conservatory of Music, Gong said, adding it is looking to offer courses in drama, dance and animation as staff come on board.
Peter Zonta, who is heading up the football program, says he is in the process of recruiting 40 players. "It may be a rough first year, but I know we'll get through it. My goal is that this will be the Number One football school in Canada."
Tuition for international students is $15,000 to $18,500. This doesn't include fees for residence, monthly meal plans or health insurance.
There are currently 430 private secondary schools in the province, Ministry of Education spokesperson Gary Wheeler said.
The ministry will inspect the NACC every other year, but is only responsible for ensuring the curriculum is up to par.
Private schools are considered private businesses and oversee their own staffing, health and safety and finances.
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