Meet Fort Erie International Academy's admission team at the Private School Expo: Toronto (Oct 04). RSVP NOW
The big picture on Fort Erie International Academy
We summarized the school ourselves
Though relatively new, FEIA has a lot to offer, beginning with extensive physical resources. The campus includes two academic buildings, with some structures dating to the 1920s, and others, modernist, constructed in the 1960s. Learning and living areas are varied, spacious, and developed in ways that you simply don’t find in international schools of this vintage. To build a campus this large and well-appointed would be a feat for any school in its first years. Also beginning construction is a boarding facility that, once finished, promises to be jewel of the property. To say the school is proximate to the Canada-US border risks understatement—Buffalo, New York, is just across the Niagara River, the shore of which is just a block from the FEIA campus. Also close by is the largest customs port between the two countries. As such, the school has access a considerable array of transportation hubs, including both the Toronto and Buffalo international airports. The academic program is rigorous, created for students intending to go on to post-secondary studies in North America. The co-curricular program adds dimension to student life, and is rightly a priority of faculty. Given that the school is relatively new, FEIA perhaps isn’t the first option that comes to mind, though that will surely change, particularly with the completion of the dormitory. It’s a strong option, to be sure, and definitely a school to watch.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"FEIA is a private co-ed boarding school in Fort Erie, ON, home to grades 6-12 students. It enriches Ontario curriculum opportunities through experiential learning and global awareness, guiding students to achieve personal, academic, and athletic excellence. FEIA has an elevated level of community spirit, university-preparatory academics, and elite preparatory school basketball, hockey, and soccer programs. Students are empowered to strive for their goals and become agents of change, innovators, and leaders on a global scale."
Our objective is to provide a well rounded education that addresses the whole student;
- Academia leverages project-based hands-on experiential learning opportunities;
- Personalized Learning and Growth plans are developed for each student to ensure success;
- Small class sizes ensure each student has the dedicated attention they need to flourish;
- Our mentoring program ensures success beyond the classroom with an added focus on mental health;
- Soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving are integrated into learning opportunities;
- Community outreach and volunteer opportunities help students see beyond their own needs;
- Daily syncs, weekly check-ins and monthly reporting ensure Parents are always in the know;
- After school extended program including cultural arts, sports and culture;
- Dedicated music and art rooms for artistic development.
- University-level strength and conditioning center.
- Athletic therapy rooms for injury prevention and recovery.
- Modern dormitories, under five years old.
- Swimming pool for training and recreation.
FEIA stands out through academic excellence, elite athletic programs, and a diverse international student body. Our students earn academic and athletic scholarships to top universities worldwide. We provide an American college-like campus experience, featuring weekly on-campus games, a strong sense of community, and unmatched access to top-tier coaches, teachers, and resources."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"To ensure high-quality, personalized education, FEIA prioritizes academic rigour, university counselling, and elite athletic training over rapid expansion. We focus on small class...(more)
"To ensure high-quality, personalized education, FEIA prioritizes academic rigour, university counselling, and elite athletic training over rapid expansion. We focus on small class engagement, hands-on learning, and individualized student development."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"- Establishment of FEIA, reinforcing a commitment to global education in 2019.
- Early acceptances from top universities worldwide, showcasing academic excellence starting in...(more)
"- Establishment of FEIA, reinforcing a commitment to global education in 2019.
- Early acceptances from top universities worldwide, showcasing academic excellence starting in our first year!
- Expansion of extracurriculars, athletic programming, and residence life, strengthening student engagement in 2020.
- The Elite Hockey program launched in 2021.
- The Elite Basketball program launched in 2022-23 and won the Ontario Championship (OSBA).
- National Basketball Champions (NPA - Canada) in 2023-24.
- Certified IELTS testing and training center to support our ESL students in 2024.
- Upcoming Music, AI, and Soccer programs launch in Fall 2025, demonstrating forward-thinking growth."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"- High-achieving, ambitious students seeking academic excellence.
- International students looking for a well-rounded Canadian education.
- Over $4.8 million in scholarships earned by last year’s 55 graduates (2023-2024).
Elite Athletic Pathways, including:
- Grind Session Basketball (USA)
- North Pole Hoops (Canada)
- Canadian Scholastic Sports Hockey League (Canada)
Distinguished Alumni:
- Leonard Miller (NBA - Minnesota Timberwolves)
- University-level facilities, fostering top academic and athletic performance."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"FEIA, in an incredibly short amount of time, has established itself and is recognized as a high-achieving international academy. We continue to enhance our reputation through...(more)
"FEIA, in an incredibly short amount of time, has established itself and is recognized as a high-achieving international academy. We continue to enhance our reputation through expanded STEM and arts programs, high university placement rates, and student leadership initiatives. Also, we are the campus environment in Canada that consistently elevates students and athletes to the next level."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"FEIA's boarding experience fosters leadership, independence, and lifelong friendships, providing a well-rounded education beyond the classroom. Simply put, the level of care and...(more)
"FEIA's boarding experience fosters leadership, independence, and lifelong friendships, providing a well-rounded education beyond the classroom. Simply put, the level of care and commitment from the caring adults in your child's life on campus and beyond is unmatched!"
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Families are often pleasantly surprised by FEIA's commitment to student well-being. Our staff, coaches, and dorm teams create a supportive, family-like environment where students...(more)
"Families are often pleasantly surprised by FEIA's commitment to student well-being. Our staff, coaches, and dorm teams create a supportive, family-like environment where students thrive. Our staff know all students by their first names, and FEIA has become their new home. Alums can't wait to come back and inspire the next generation of Falcons!"
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"- Enhanced academic support, including evening study halls and peer mentorship.
- Increased early university acceptances, reinforcing academic excellence.
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