Indirect Support:
Our mission is to foster the academic development of girls & boys ages 3-14 (PK-Gr 8) and equip them with the skills that tomorrow's world will demand in order for them to be successful. We focus on balancing academic rigour with developing intellectual curiosity, creativity and confidence. Languages start in Preschool with French & Mandarin, and the program is enriched with Drama, Band, & Field Studies. Strong character is developed through the many extra curricular clubs & sports that complement our curriculum.
Each year Fern Hill mounts a theatrical presentation that includes all the students from grade 4 up. No, it's not a theatre school, but the strength of the production, and the enthusiasm with which it's mounted, is as good an introduction to the school as any. Academics are important, just as they should be at any school, but culture is important too, including a desire to capitalize on the individual strengths of the staff. Cross-curricular links are a focus of the field studies program, which also takes advantage of the location of the campus within the Ontario Greenbelt. Field studies are used as an entre to the development of confidence, skill development, and team building. The ideal student is one who can benefit from a bit more support, a bit more encouragement than they might find elsewhere in order to reach their full potential.
Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Fern Hill School - Burlington.
Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Fern Hill School - Burlington.
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Biology | |
| Chemistry | |
| Ecology | |
| Geology | |
| Meteorology | |
| Physics | |
| Physiology | |
| Zoology |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Evolution as consensus theory | |
| Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
| Evolution is not taught |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Acting | |
| Dance | |
| Drama/Theatre | |
| Graphic Design | |
| Music | |
| Visual Arts |
| Expressive | |
| Disciplined |
| Subject | offered |
|---|---|
| Computer science | |
| Robotics | |
| Web design |
| Flexible pacing style | offered |
|---|---|
| Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
| Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
| Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
| Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
| Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
| Differentiated assessment |
Students remain in a regular classroom for the whole day, and periodically receive break-out support (individually or in small groups) within the classroom from a qualified special education teacher.
| Subject Ttype | offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
| Subject Ttype | offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)
| Program | offered |
|---|---|
| Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
| Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
| Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
| Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
| Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
| Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
| English - 80% | French - 10% | Mandarin - 10% | |||||||
In grade Gr. 8, School students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 0 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins |
| Site Average | 2 mins | 5 mins | 7 mins | 15 mins | 17 mins | 23 mins | 29 mins | 34 mins | 40 mins | 52 mins | 56 mins |
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Preschool to Gr. 1 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
| Habits and behaviour reporting | Gr. 1 to Gr. 8 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Preschool to Gr. 8 |
| Sports Offered | Competitive | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | ||
| Basketball | ||
| Ice Hockey | ||
| Lacrosse | ||
| Rowing | ||
| Running | ||
| Soccer | ||
| Softball | ||
| Swimming | ||
| Tennis | ||
| Track & Field | ||
| Volleyball | ||
| Badminton | ||
| Downhill skiing | ||
| Golf | ||
| Gymnastics | ||
| Martial Arts | ||
| Snowboarding |
| Clubs Offered |
|---|
| Jazz Ensemble |
| Math Club |
| Musical theatre/Opera |
| Outdoor Club |
| Outdoor Education |
| Robotics club |
| Round Square |
| Yearbook |
| Yoga |
| Band |
| Chess Club |
| Choir |
| Community Service |
This information is not currently available.
This information is not currently available.
| Grades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Preschool to Gr. 8 | Coed | Day | 180 |
| Total enrollment | 180 |
| Average enrollment per grade | 16 |
| Average class size | 16 to 19 |
| Gender (grades) | Preschool to Gr. 8 (Coed) |
| Boarding offered | No |
| Percentage of students are international students | |
| Number of different nationalities within student population | 0 |
| Five-day boarding programs offfered |
| Assessment | Required | Grades |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | PS - 8 | |
| SSAT | ||
| SSAT (out of province) | ||
| Entrance Exam(s) | 1 - 8 | |
| Entrance Essay | ||
| Application Fee |
Day students: Rolling
Student Entry Points
| Student Type | PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Below, find stories and testimonials about Fern Hill School - Burlington.
http://www.chch.com/fern-hill-an-academic-alternative/
Students at Fern Hill Burlington enjoyed their fifteen minutes of fame when CHCH television came on campus to broadcast live from the playing fields. The Field Studies program was the focus of the day and the camera crew followed students as they demonstrated bird banding, stream analysis, and the many microcosms on the naure trail. Even the preschoolers had their moments as they showed the mulching and watering they were doing to maintain the new trees they had helped to plant. ...
In spite of high wind warnings and a 90% chance of rain, thirteen year old Ben was up before dawn to open the bird banding nets at Fern Hill School in Burlington, Ontario. Having been inspired by the Bird Studies Canada Christmas Bird Count for Kids (CBC4Kids), Ben, a savvy birder, bird banding protégé and member of the Hamilton Nauralists' Club, thought it would be fun to modify the traditional Fall Bird Count. Ordinarily, Christmas Bird Counts and Fall Counts are day long outings where different parties cover whole regions counting birds, by species and the individual numbers of each species.
Working collaboratively with Joanne Fleet, Director of Field Studies at Fern Hill School, Ben designed a dynamic birding agenda focused on turning any kid on to birds. Fifteen Fern Hill students and their families attended a bird banding workshop tailored for kids new to birding. "A bird in the hand has a powerful effect on a child's heart," explained Fleet, a licensed bird bander. "Furthermore, there exists no better way for a child to get to know our birds and their field marks." Ben paired the banding demonstrations with field guide orientations and lessons on how to use binoculars.
"Normally, for a traditional Fall Bird Count," explained Fleet, "we would have been out in the field before dawn to count birds”. However, for a kid count, we needed to modify our expectations. The count needed to be a half day, quickly paced, and we needed to include a variety of activities. Most importantly, it needed to be fun. Our goal was to get children and their families excited about birds."
Ben launched the birding hike with lessons on how to bird by ear, by silhouette, and by behaviour. "I loved when Ben showed us how to 'pish' and how to flush out birds," said Tara Joseph, a grade six student. "We added five Red-winged Blackbirds to our list because we flushed them out of our cattail marsh."
By mid-morning, the count was complete with thirty-three different species having been spotted. "It was a fantastic morning," exclaimed a Fern Hill parent, "Our whole family fell in love with the birds!"
The Fall Bird Count for Kids is just one example of how Fern Hill School is attempting to connect kids to nature on their 22 acre North Service Road campus. The school has also planted over 3000 trees and created a tallgrass prairie garden. According to Dr. Giuliana Casimirri, an ecologist and nature connection advocate, it's these kinds of stewardship and nature connection experiences that are required to inspire the next generation of conservationists, "We know kids are playing outside less today and that's not good for their mental or physical health, but importantly from a conservation perspective, if children don't explore and fall in love with nature, chances are they won't be interested in conserving nature."
A timely statement, as the Ontario Children's Outdoor Charter, an initiative to get children into nature has recently launched with a website that includes a list of activities that every child in Ontario should have the opportunity to do. While learning how to band birds and identify them is not on the list, importantly, as Dr. Casimirri noted, "a Fall Bird Count led by a young naturalist, that's designed specifically to ignite passion for nature in kids, is a great example of how to really do nature connection well." ...
When Lisa and Gene Quondamatteo began looking for a Preschool for their daughter Olivia, they say Fern Hill stood out as the best choice for their child. Long-time Burlington residents and owners of Club 54, Lisa and Gene, wanted a school that would foster a love of learning, encourage excellence and provide opportunities to build confidence and respect. Fern Hill provided all of this and more. "Fern Hill isn't like other schools," says Lisa. "What attracted us to the school then, and is still prevalent today, is the level of respect the children are taught. Respect for their peers, their teachers and for themselves." Now, 10 years later, Olivia is in Grade 7 and her two siblings, J.J (Grade 5) and Julianna (Grade 2) are also Fern Hill students. Lisa says that what happens at Fern Hill is really unparalleled and distinct. Even the very youngest students in preschool are experiencing all the benefits of what Fern Hill has to offer. "Fern Hill deals with all the children on an individual level. They bolster them in areas needing focus and allow them to soar in their strong areas. They find individual strengths and help students realize their potential," says Lisa. "J.J. has been a drummer since he was really little and the school not only gives him the opportunity to showcase his talent, they find ways to. Olivia is a very social, outgoing girl, so they invite her to come and help at open houses. What a confidence builder that is." Fern Hill teachers encourage their students in all their efforts. This support givens them the confidence to work hard, because success doesn't go unnoticed. "Fern Hill instills in the children the desire to be the best they can be. They have high expectations and set high standards for each child, and then they guide them and cheer them on as they watch them reach those levels," says Gene. The Quondamatteo family has loved the small and personal learning environment at Fern Hill. As a student in the intermediate program, Olivia is provided with opportunities to develop leadership skills and confidence. "We don't believe it benefits children to be in a middle school that is attached to a high school," says Lisa. "The intermediate program (Grades 6-8) at Fern Hill is simply amazing and is providing Olivia with experiences and opportunities in a safe and positive environment where she is able to blossom as she enters her teenage years." Lisa and Gene feel it is the extras the school provides that make such a difference. "It includes things such as cultural performances and school trips, to leadership training and the school's involvement in the Young Round Square. But there is even more -- clubs, sports, a school musical, choir and band. They even have rollerblading and ultimate Frisbee." For Olivia, J.J. and Julianna, going to school is "fun, awesome and amazing." Or as J.J. says: "It is the best school in the world, I never want to leave." ...
The Language programme at Fern Hill offers students a head start in French and a taste of other languages they may want to pursue further in high school or university. Students are first exposed to the French language and culture in Preschool. On Wednesdays, assemblies are conducted in French and primary students learn French songs throughout the year. In Grade 7, students put their skills to use as they travel to Quebec City and meet French students with whom they have corresponded throughout the term. Dependent upon their level of fluency and achievement, students have the opportunity to earn a Grade 9 secondary school credit in French by the end of their Grade 8 year. This requires students to pass both an oral presentation and a written exam in French. In Grades 6 and 7, students take French Geography for half a year, then in Grade 8, they are given the option to take an advanced French Geography course for the full year. They can continue on with French Geography in Grade 8 if they choose. Through numerous community service projects, Young Round Square activities and leadership and mentoring opportunities, our older students put into action what they've been a part of since the early years at Fern Hill. Students are encouraged to be responsible citizens who make a significant impact on the world. Our goal is to graduate students who are confident, aware of their academic and personal strenghts and are positive contributors. Fern Hill is a regional member of Young Round Square of the Americas, a junior level assocation of Round Square International Schools. Through this innovatice programme, students in Grade 7 and 8 are exposed to unique and rewarding opportunities beyond the classroom. This includes attending Young Round Square conferences, participation in international service projects and school exchanges. In the past few years, students have travelled to: India, Costa Rica, Australia, California and Kenya. ...
My vision for Fern Hill School began long before there was a building, a student body or even a faculty. It began with a wish list: small class sizes, a warm friendly environment, attention to intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth and caring subject-specific teachers.
Today,more than 30 years later, Fern Hill combines the best traditional learning approaches with individualized techniques that have proven to be effective in engaging young minds. Taught by teachers who are as passionate about their students as they are about their subject specialties, our enriched curriculum stimulates and challenges students to give their personal best.
Our familes choose Fern Hill not only because of its excellence in education, but also because our 22 acre campus is warm and inviting with indoor and outdoor spaces that are rich in purpose. In addition to spacious classrooms, a fully equipped gymnasium provides opportunities to be a part of school teams. A music room where vocal music is supported by Orph instruments and where band starts in Grade 5, offers a wide range of opportunities for performance. And a spacious art centre where students are led on an artistic journey that exposes them to all aspects of form, colour, light, perpective and Art History.
My honest opinion is that the only way to know what we do, is to come to visit and see for yourself. Ask our teachers why they love to teach here and our children what is it that makes them want to come to school each day. I know you will like what they have to tell you.
