Our Academics
The academic program at Hitherfield School places an emphasis on every aspect of student growth and development, while also meeting Ontario Curriculum requirements. Suitable class sizes and exceptional, qualified teachers allow us to offer a comfortable and inclusive educational environment while ensuring each student receives the individualized attention and support they need.
Hitherfield School offers a unique experience where children can learn inside and outside the classroom.
Our Curriculum
Hitherfield School is a co-educational, independent school for children from Pre-School through grade 8.
Our curriculum is based on the belief that every child has the ability and that if given the right environment, each child will realize their potential. We have high academic expectations of our students. Our aim is to prepare all students for high school, and for life.
Please learn more about our academic program below.
Preschool Program (JK & SK)
Our preschool program provides a great grounding for young minds. Children learn about the world around them through indoor and outdoor play, music, art, reading and the introduction of basic math principles. We are proud to say that all preschool children graduate to grade one with strong reading skills and a curiosity for learning.
Full-time preschool runs Monday-Friday 8:30am – 3:30pm. Before and after school care available.
Grades 1-3
Our primary grades focus on the fundamentals – reading, math and personal development. We recognize that all children come to Hitherfield with their unique strength and challenges and it is our job to assist students in achieving their personal best. Individual learning programs are the norm to help children gain confidence and keep them striving for more.
Academics
• Weekly individualized math and spelling quizzes
• 2 periods of introductory core French
• Exceptional physical education programming
• Music and drama, including yearly plays and concerts
• Raz Kids membership
• Reading buddies to improve auditory and oral reading skills
Home Rooms
• Small classes with an average size of 12-14 students
• Rotary schedule with teachers who specialize in taught subject matter
• Teachers are committed to nurturing a true love of learning in every student
STEM Learning
STEM based curriculum:
• Allows students to develop a passion for learning
• Bridges the gap between traditional values and modern technological trends
Technology
• Students use Chromebooks to increase technological fluency and use learning platforms such as Raz Kids to be exposed to new information and improve literacy
CO- Curricular Activities
• Sports tournaments (SSAF)
• Piano lessons
• Spelling bee
• School clubs
• Swimming lessons
• After-school programs
• Winter crafts
Ethics
• Students learn key concepts of respect, empathy, cooperation, responsibility, honesty and equality through day to day lessons and interaction
Grades 4-6
Our upper elementary and middle school programs help to hone the student’s skills in personal study, decision-making, language, arts and examination. Students sit weekly math tests, get involved in group work and science and computer lab time.
Academics
• Weekly individualized math and spelling quizzes
• Exams twice yearly
• Daily core French
• Intermediate Raz Kids membership
• Exceptional physical education programming
• Performance Arts
• Weekly music/drama
Home Rooms
• Small classes with an average size of 12-14 students
• Rotary schedule with teachers who specialize in taught subject matter
Leadership Mentoring
• House Captains and Club Leaders
• Students are encouraged to present special interest topics during assemblies
• Reading Buddy opportunities
• Bus monitors
Technology
• Integration of technology (chromebooks/laptops) in the classroom alongside reducing students’ environmental impact
• Students use available Chromebooks and tablets to increase technological fluency through scratch programming, Office software, and Intermediate Raz Kids
CO- Curricular Activities
• Sports tournaments (SSAF)
• Piano lessons
• Spelling bee
• School clubs
• Swimming lessons
• After-school programs
• Winter crafts
Experiental Learning
• Opportunities for community and student environmental leadership learning
• Annually altering field trips/outdoor studies within North America
Grades 7-8
The senior students are preparing for high school. Independent studies, educational trips and exam preparations are all part of this program. Many of our grade 8 students have been accepted at prestigious independent high schools.
Our programs exceeds the minimum requirements set by the Ministry of Education.
Academics
• Weekly individualized math and spelling quizzes
• Exams twice yearly
• Daily core French
• Intermediate Raz Kids membership
• Exceptional physical education programming
• Performance Arts
• Weekly music/drama
Home Rooms
• Small classes with an average size of 12-14 students
• Rotary schedule with teachers who specialize in taught subject matter
Leadership Mentoring
• House Captains and Club Leaders
• Students are encouraged to present special interest topics during assemblies
• Reading Buddy opportunities
• Bus monitors
Technology
• Integration of technology (chromebooks/laptops) in the classroom alongside reducing students’ environmental impact
• Students use available Chromebooks and tablets to increase technological fluency through scratch programming, Office software, and Intermediate Raz Kids
CO- Curricular Activities
• Sports tournaments (SSAF)
• Piano lessons
• Spelling bee
• School clubs
• Swimming lessons
• After-school programs
• Winter crafts
Experiental Learning
• Opportunities for community and student environmental leadership learning
• Annually altering field trips/outdoor studies within North America
Leadership & Responsibility
Hitherfield students have great opportunity to gain leadership experience. At school we instill the necessary values in students that will allow them to be effective and eager leaders. Through various positions, such as running for House Captain, being a club leader or becoming a Bus Monitor, Hitherfield offers endless opportunities for students to build confidence in their leadshership and abilities.
Music
Lower school students play recorders, learn music notation and sing.
Upper school students continue with the recorder or may select an instrument of choice.
Private piano lessons are also available as an extra-curricular activity.
Students are able to audition for the Hitherfield Choir and present their talents at local venues.
Arts
Students JK-Gr.8 present “May Plays” over the course of four nights. Production performances help students gain confidence in public speaking and teach about effort, cooperation, and commitment.
All students engage in an annual school-wide production as part of our dramatic arts program. This play incorporates all students with the eldest having the most demanding roles and the younger children having carefully choreographed routines with lines.
Additionally, each class from Gr.1- Gr.8 present their own play.
Physical Education
Students from JK-Gr.9 cross-country ski and snowshoe on the trails of our beautiful property. They are challenged by sports tournaments through the SSAF and throughout the year follow our Hitherfield Physical Education program.
JK-Gr.3:
Students take part in swimming lessons through Making Waves in Milton.
Gr.4-Gr.8:
As a part of gym curriculum, students engage in rock climbing weekly.