Fern Hill inspires learning through dedicated teachers, caring relationships, community service and a curriculum that challenges the intellectual, social, physical and emotional development of the student.

Founded in 1982 by Joanne McLean and Wendy Derrick, Fern Hill began in a church basement in Mississauga with 15 students in Grades 1 through 6. Before long, they expanded into a former furniture showroom and warehouse, which they converted into learning space which included a gym and art room. By the end of 1986, two kindergarten classes as well as Grades 7 and 8 were added.

In 1988, Wendy and Joanne took the giant step of purchasing a 10-acre site in North Oakville and contracting an Oakville architect, Gren Weis, to design the building they had always dreamed would house Fern Hill School.

Since its inception, the school has graduated nearly 1,000 students. The 2007-2008 school year marks the 25th Anniversary of Fern Hill.

In 1999, the school expanded again with the opening of the Burlington campus. The 22-acre campus is home to a 33,000 square foot school for students in Preschool to Grade 8.

Fern Hill School is a well-established member of the Burlington community, participating in high-profile events and contributing time, resources and money to local causes.

Fern Hill School encourages independent thinking and cultivates individual talents in a supportive classroom environment. Students are encouraged to explore their individual interests and develop academic skills. We are dedicated to academic excellence and to the development of self-confident and positive contributors.

Fern Hill creates learning environments that are engaging, diverse and supportive; where talented, dedicated faculty and students are encouraged to interact in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Students are well prepared for the future in a manner that enables them to discover the joys of learning and the importance of community.

Our faculty sets us apart. Learning is facilitated through a highly trained teaching staff of subject-specific educators. Our teachers specialize in specific areas of instruction throughout the school. We believe that students who are taught by teachers who are passionate and trained with a love of a subject will transfer their vibrant energy and expertise to the learning environment.

Fern Hill seeks to discover and nurture the special gifts each student possesses and to deepen each student’s understanding of the complexities of the world around them.