The 2026 OUR KIDS Private School Expo is coming to cities near you. Get your family pass
Indirect Support:
Fern Hill School - Burlington ACADEMICS & Curriculum
Page Contents
Insider community voices
Hear directly from Fern Hill School - Burlington community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Fern Hill School: Traditional
Fern Hill School has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]
What Fern Hill School says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Since 1982, Fern Hill's mission has been to graduate students ages 3-14 who are dedicated to academic excellence, feel sense of personal worth, and confidence in their talents and abilities. Fern Hill's enriched curriculum is taught in a rotary timetable by qualified, subject specific teachers who are passionate about their individual subjects. This approach is reflected in the enriched program and high level of engagement in the classroom. Our strong Math, Science and Literature program is enriched with a breadth of subjects including Mandarin, French, Field Studies, Drama, and Vocal studies.
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
-
Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Fern Hill School: Traditional Math
Fern Hill School has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional Math?]What Fern Hill School says:
There is no end to Mathematics. Students at Fern Hill develop a love of numbers through our individualized program that allows each student to progress through math concepts at their own pace. Students with a passion for math may work on problems beyond the grade expectation and graduate with accredited high school credits as a result.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
Fern Hill students practice mental math techniques for multiplication, simple division etc. making calculators unnecessary as a regular tool. In Grade 7 and 8, our laptop program provides access to calculating tools that complement the advanced concepts being studied.
-
Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Fern Hill School: Phonics-intensive
Fern Hill School has a Phonics-intensive approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Whole Language, Balanced Literacy approach).
[Show: About Phonics-intensive?]What Fern Hill School says:
Students in preschool are introduced to letters and numbers using fun, engaging materials. As fine motor skills develop in JK, students develop competency with the printing process, the begin blending letter sounds and reading begins. Reading takes flight in SK with students working on individualized programs based on their progress with phonetic decoding and vocabulary strength.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Fern Hill School says:
This information is not currently available.
-
Writing
Writing approach at Fern Hill School: Systematic approach
Fern Hill School has a Systematic approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Process approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Systematic approach?]What Fern Hill School says:
While grammar, penmanship and cursive writing skills are important skills intrinsic to the Fern Hill Language programme, creativity is a central theme. Through journaling, poetry writing, and creative writing, students are provided with many opportunities for creative expression.
-
Science
Science approach at Fern Hill School: Equal Balance
Fern Hill School has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
This information is not currently available.
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Fern Hill School: Traditional
Fern Hill School has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Traditional?]What Fern Hill School says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Fern Hill School: Core Knowledge
Fern Hill School has a Core Knowledge approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Expanding Communities, Thematic approach).
[Show: About Core Knowledge?]What Fern Hill School says:
History, Geography and Science are timetabled as separate subjects and often each have a separate teacher.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Fern Hill School: Perennialism
Fern Hill School has a Perennialism approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Pragmatism, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Perennialism?]What Fern Hill School says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Fern Hill School: Communicative
Fern Hill School has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Fern Hill School says:
This information is not currently available.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Fern Hill School: Equal Balance
Fern Hill School has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Fern Hill School says:
This information is not currently available.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Fern Hill School: Light integration
Fern Hill School has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Fern Hill School says:
Students attend weekly computer/technology classes as part of their timetable. Coding, hardware, and many software packages are explored. Tools including robotics are used to develop understanding and experience. Laptops are introduced in G7 & 8 to facilitate access to information and collaboration. .
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Fern Hill School says:
Our athletic program teaches the skills and drills needed to experience and develop competency in a wide variety sports though-out the year. Opportunities for participation in team competitions begin in Senior Kindergarten with our House Teams, and progress to inter-school competitions in Grade 3-8.
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Fern Hill School: Not Ontario curriculum
Fern Hill School has a Not Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Follows provincial curriculum approach).
[Show: About Not Ontario curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Fern Hill School has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Fern Hill School says:
This information is not currently available.
Preschool/K Curriculum
[Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]
Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Fern Hill School: Academic
Fern Hill School has an Academic approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia approach).
[Show: About Academic?]
What Fern Hill School says about their preschool/K curriculum approach:
Our Preschool class provides a safe and welcoming learning space for children who turn 3 before December 31st. Their busy and interactive days are filled with our early reading and numeracy program along with an introduction to mandarin, french, music, drama, and phys.ed. JK and then SK builds on this foundation, introducing writing and blending sounds so that reading blossoms and number sense becomes second nature. Very much a part of the school, our youngest students are active participants in school events and performances which creates anticipation and excitement about coming to school each day.
Language
Learn about Fern Hill School - Burlington's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Fern Hill School is a trilingual school with English, French, Mandarin as the primary language of instruction
| English - 80% | French - 10% | Mandarin - 10% | |||||||
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Fern Hill School: Standard-enriched
Fern Hill School has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Standard-enriched?]
What Fern Hill School says about their curriculum pace:
This information is not currently available.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | 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 |
What Fern Hill School says about their flexible pacing:
Fern Hill students who are ready to reach ahead are challenged with work beyond their grade level while others are given resource help to build their confidence and build competence. Man y will graduate with accredited Grade 9 credits in their Grade 8 year.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Fern Hill School: Rigorous
Fern Hill School has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Fern Hill School says about their academic culture:
As our youngest students begin what can be an eleven year journey at Fern Hill, we greet them with an environment where they feel welcome and safe and where they quickly start to learn who they are and that they are capable of trying anything. The confidence that quickly develops in these early years allows them to stretch their own expectations of what they can accomplish. As they grow, so do our expectations for academic performance as do the opportunities we provide for broader learning. Our students confidently move on to excellent high schools, well prepared both academically and socially.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of Developmental priorities]
Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Secondary Developmental Priority: Emotional
The goal is to cultivate "emotionally intelligent and confident individuals, capable of leading both themselves and others."
What Fern Hill School says about their developmental priorities:
Teaching compassion and empathy while fostering curiosity and confidence lets Fern Hill graduate boys and girls who are academically and intellectually prepared to achieve their goals; Leaders who possess a balance of spiritual, emotional, and social skills; Adults who are able to evaluate and reason with the demands of the times. A Fern Hill student will be both intellectually adaptable and morally grounded.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Fern Hill School offers No support
Fern Hill School offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
What Fern Hill School says about their special need support:
Fern Hill has a history of supporting students with hearing impairments who use FM systems etc to facilitate learning. Our school is completely accessible with ramps connecting floors and private accessible washrooms.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
-
Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
-
DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
-
Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
-
PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
| Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Acceleration and enrichment
There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
| Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
| 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) |
What Fern Hill School says about their gifted learner support:
Gifted students are given opportunities to explore subjects in greater depth or to move ahead in key subjects. Fern Hill's subject teachers are comfortable with the materials for all level and adapt lessons to meet each student's needs. A recent gifted student commented, "I am never bored - there is always something new to learn, and always someone willing to teach it."
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 8, Fern Hill School students perform an average of 1.5 hours of homework per night.
| PS | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fern Hill 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 | 1 mins | 6 mins | 7 mins | 16 mins | 19 mins | 26 mins | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins |
What Fern Hill School says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| 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 |
