The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture is a world-renowned horticultural school located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The school is owned and operated by The Niagara Parks Commission and has been in operation for over 80 years. It offers a range of programs focused on horticulture, including a diploma in Horticulture, an International Diploma in Horticulture, a Horticultural Technician Apprenticeship Program, and a Park Management Apprenticeship Program.
The school is known for its extensive gardens, which are used as teaching facilities for students in the horticulture programs. Students have the opportunity to work on the gardens, gaining practical experience in a variety of horticultural practices. The school also has an on-campus greenhouse, where students can learn about plant propagation and production.
In addition to the horticultural programs, the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture also offers a Floral Design Certificate Program and a Professional Gardener Certificate Program. These programs are designed for individuals who are interested in developing their skills in the horticulture industry.
The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture has a long-standing reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared to work in the horticultural industry. Many graduates have gone on to work at prestigious botanical gardens and estates, both in Canada and around the world.
Overall, the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture is a unique institution that offers world-class horticultural education in a beautiful setting, with a focus on practical, hands-on learning.
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BRIEF HISTORY
The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture was established in 1936 by the Niagara Parks Commission, which is responsible for the preservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the Niagara Falls area. The school was founded in response to the growing need for horticultural expertise in the region and the desire to improve the quality of the gardens and grounds within the Niagara Parks system.
The first director of the school was Charles J. Wiley, who was a graduate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England. Under his leadership, the school established a comprehensive horticultural program that focused on plant identification, propagation, and maintenance, as well as landscape design and construction.
During World War II, the school was used as a training facility for military personnel, and the horticulture program was temporarily suspended. However, after the war, the program was reinstated, and the school continued to expand and evolve.
Over the years, the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture has established itself as a world-renowned institution, known for its high-quality horticultural education and its commitment to hands-on learning. In 1983, the school established an International Diploma in Horticulture program, which attracts students from around the world.
Today, the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture continues to play a vital role in the Niagara Parks Commission’s mission to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Niagara Falls area. The school remains committed to providing top-quality horticultural education and training to students from around the world, and its graduates continue to make important contributions to the horticultural industry.
CAMPUS AND RESIDENCE (LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL)
The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture is located within the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The campus covers over 100 acres and includes a variety of gardens, greenhouses, and other horticultural facilities.
The gardens at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture are used as teaching facilities for students in the horticultural programs. These gardens include a wide variety of plants, including perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees, and are designed to showcase different horticultural techniques and practices. Some of the notable gardens on campus include the Formal Garden, the Rose Garden, the Butterfly Garden, and the Arboretum.
In addition to the gardens, the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture also has several greenhouses, which are used for plant propagation and production. These greenhouses are equipped with the latest technology and provide students with hands-on experience in plant care and cultivation.
The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture does not have on-campus residence facilities, but students are provided with assistance in finding accommodation in the local community. Many students choose to live in nearby apartments or shared housing, and the school provides information and resources to help students with their housing search.
Overall, the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture is located in a beautiful natural setting and provides students with access to a wide range of horticultural facilities and resources. The campus is designed to provide students with a practical, hands-on learning experience that prepares them for a successful career in the horticulture industry.
RANKING
The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture is a specialized institution that focuses on horticultural education and training, and as such, it is not typically ranked by national or international ranking organizations. However, the school is highly regarded in the horticulture industry, and its graduates are known for their high level of expertise and practical skills.
The school’s International Diploma in Horticulture program is particularly well-regarded, and attracts students from around the world. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in horticulture, including plant identification, propagation, and maintenance, as well as landscape design and construction. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the horticulture industry, and are highly sought after by employers.
In addition to the International Diploma in Horticulture program, the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture also offers a variety of other horticultural programs, including a Horticultural Technician program and a Landscape Technician program. These programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the horticulture industry, and are taught by experienced horticultural professionals.
While the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture may not have a formal ranking, its reputation as a leading institution for horticultural education and training is well-established, and its graduates are known for their excellence in the field.
TUITION
The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture is a publicly funded institution, and as such, tuition fees for its programs are generally lower than those of private institutions. However, fees can vary depending on the program and the student’s residency status.
For the 2022-2023 academic year, the tuition fees for the International Diploma in Horticulture program at the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture are as follows:
- Canadian students: $4,824 per year
- International students: $14,625 per year
It is worth noting that these fees are subject to change, and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, supplies, and equipment.
The tuition fees for the other programs offered by the school, such as the Horticultural Technician program and the Landscape Technician program, may differ from those of the International Diploma in Horticulture program. It is recommended that prospective students consult the school’s website or contact the admissions office directly for the most up-to-date information on tuition and other fees.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The admission requirements for the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture vary depending on the program. Here are the admission requirements for the International Diploma in Horticulture program, which is the school’s most well-known program:
- Educational Requirements: Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They should have taken math and science courses, such as biology or chemistry, during their high school studies.
- English Language Proficiency: All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Acceptable English language proficiency tests and scores include TOEFL, IELTS, and CAEL.
- Application Materials: Applicants must submit the following documents to be considered for admission:
- A completed application forms
- Official high school transcripts or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- Two letters of reference from professionals in the horticulture or related industries
- Interview: Applicants who meet the educational and English language proficiency requirements may be invited to an interview with the school’s admissions committee. This interview is an opportunity for the applicant to demonstrate their passion for horticulture and their suitability for the program.
It is important to note that admission to the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The school considers factors such as the applicant’s academic background, work experience, and personal qualities when making admission decisions.
ACCEPTANCE RATE
The acceptance rate of Niagara Parks School of Horticulture is not publicly available as the school does not release this information. However, admission to the school is competitive, and meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The school considers various factors when making admission decisions, such as academic background, work experience, personal qualities, and the applicant’s potential for success in the horticulture industry. The best way to increase your chances of acceptance is to submit a strong application that showcases your passion for horticulture and highlights your qualifications and relevant experience. Additionally, it’s important to apply early and carefully follow all instructions and deadlines provided by the school.
NOTABLE ALUMNI
The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of horticulture. Here are some of them:
- Winston Fisher – He is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and horticulturist. He is the co-founder and CEO of AREA15, an experiential retail and entertainment complex in Las Vegas.
- Taso Stefanidis – He is a horticulturalist, author, and speaker who specializes in sustainable gardening and organic farming.
- Robb Engle – He is the Vice President of Horticulture at Longwood Gardens, one of the premier horticultural display gardens in the United States.
- Jodie Cook – She is the founder and owner of Treefrog, a horticultural design and installation company that specializes in creating sustainable and eco-friendly landscapes.
- James Liddell – He is the former Head Gardener at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario, and has been instrumental in the development of several public gardens in Canada.
- Jerry Horne – He is the founder of Nature’s Way Nursery, a wholesale nursery that specializes in growing native plants for the landscaping and restoration industries.
- Bob Reeves – He is a horticulturist and landscape designer who has designed and installed many award-winning gardens in Canada and the United States.
- Joe Lamp’l – He is a horticulturist, author, and TV host who is best known as the creator and host of the PBS series “Growing a Greener World.”
These are just a few examples of the many successful alumni who have graduated from the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.
Niagara Parks School of Horticulture by SchoolsinOntario
