Fern Hill School

Fern Hill School focuses on educating the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—by blending traditional methods with enriched, subject-specific teaching. The school values integrity, trust, and respect, aiming to foster creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. It emphasizes the importance of strong student-teacher relationships and close partnerships between home and school.

The academic programme spans Preschool through Grade 8, with a rotary timetable that assigns subject-specific educators to teach core and enriched subjects. The curriculum includes French and Mandarin language instruction, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Technology, and the Arts (Drama, Visual Arts, and Music/Band). Signature programmes include daily morning assemblies, field studies, and math competitions. The school also offers Grade 9 credit opportunities.

The school aims to graduate students who are confident, capable, and committed to academic excellence. Graduates are prepared to take on new challenges and possess a strong sense of self-worth, having been supported in their growth from dependent to independent learners.

The school maintains small class sizes, with a maximum of 19 students in Grades 1 through 8 and even lower ratios in Preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and Senior Kindergarten. This structure allows for individualized attention and support tailored to each student's personal learning style.

Prospective families must contact the admissions office to receive an application package. The process requires a $300 application fee prior to an assessment, and upon acceptance, a one-time, non-refundable $3,000 new student registration fee is required to secure a space.

The school operates on a term-based system, with a year-at-a-glance overview provided to families. The academic year includes various school functions, seasonal activities, and specific trips, such as ski trips and outdoor education camps.

The Burlington campus is a 33,000-square-foot facility situated on 30 acres of land, featuring a ravine, forested areas, and open playing fields. Campus amenities include a gymnasium, computer lab, science lab, music and art studios, and an outdoor field studies centre used for activities like bird banding and native gardening. The Oakville campus is located on Ninth Line. Both campuses provide light-filled, purposeful learning environments.

Students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including Math Contest clubs for Grades 3–8, drama, and music/band programmes. The school also utilizes a house system to foster camaraderie and school spirit through friendly competitions and challenges. Additionally, students engage in international travel opportunities through the school's membership in Round Square of the Americas.