Matthews Hall offers bus transferring.
Service options offered are door-to-door pickup.
The regions Matthews Hall offers busing from are:
London
Additional notes: We offer door-to-door pickup and drop off for our students who live within London, ON. Booster seats are also provided for our younger students in cozy school busses.
Matthews Hall has been nurturing young minds since 1918. The school’s motto, "Debeo Possum Volo" ("I must, I can, I will"), reflects its dedication to instilling responsibility, resilience, and determination in students. The curriculum is both rigorous and rich, with a strong focus on critical thinking, creativity, and inquiry-based learning. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention. Beyond academics, Matthews Hall offers a vibrant co-curricular program that includes sports, arts, and community service. As a result, the co-curriculars promotes teamwork, social responsibility, and fun! The close-knit community fosters collaboration and active participation. In this supportive environment, students naturally form lasting friendships and thrive in all areas of life—academically, personally, and socially. Parents appreciate the school’s holistic approach, which equips their children with the values and skills needed to excel in life.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"A capable and caring staff, small classes, and a nurturing atmosphere have inspired elementary-aged children at Matthews Hall since 1918. A sense of community, rich curriculum and a dynamic co-curricular program allow students to learn with confidence and lead with character. We inspire academic excellence and a lifetime of joyful learning in the children we serve. At Matthews Hall, we celebrate character, talent and commitment as the foundation on which our unique learning environment is built and sustained!"
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Matthews Hall is a leading example of excellence in education. A capable and caring staff, small classes, and a nurturing atmosphere have inspired elementary-aged children at...(more)
"Matthews Hall is a leading example of excellence in education. A capable and caring staff, small classes, and a nurturing atmosphere have inspired elementary-aged children at Matthews Hall since 1918. A sense of community, rich curriculum and a dynamic co-curricular program allow students to learn with confidence and lead with character. We inspire academic excellence and a lifetime of joyful learning in the children we serve. At Matthews Hall, we celebrate character, talent and commitment as the foundation on which our unique learning environment is built and sustained."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"Foundational learning and mastery of essential learning skills are a priority at Matthews Hall. Our underlying premise is excellence in teaching and learning. We prioritize a...(more)
"Foundational learning and mastery of essential learning skills are a priority at Matthews Hall. Our underlying premise is excellence in teaching and learning. We prioritize a commitment to learner centred teaching, evidence-based practice and collaboration. We recognize parents as the first and foremost teachers of their children and as such we remain focused on academics at school and allow families to support their own children with regard to their own beliefs and ideologies."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"Matthews Hall boasts a rich history that spans over 100 years, evolving through pivotal moments along the way. Founded in 1918 by Kate Sotham Matthews at St. Paul’s Cathedral,...(more)
"Matthews Hall boasts a rich history that spans over 100 years, evolving through pivotal moments along the way. Founded in 1918 by Kate Sotham Matthews at St. Paul’s Cathedral, the school soon outgrew its original location in 1930 and underwent a series of relocations, leading to its name change to Miss Matthews School. Following Miss Matthews' retirement in 1950, the institution was incorporated as an independent non-denominational school. Kate Matthews passed away in 1955, leaving behind a legacy of service to her church, school, community, and country. In 1977, the school was legally renamed Matthews Hall. In 2007, it became an accredited member of the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). Most recently, in 2020, our campus underwent significant renovations, allowing us to expand both our facilities and programs, which has greatly enhanced the student experience."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"Ideal Matthews Hall students are curious, motivated, and eager to engage in both academic and co-curricular pursuits. We welcome families who value character education, holistic...(more)
"Ideal Matthews Hall students are curious, motivated, and eager to engage in both academic and co-curricular pursuits. We welcome families who value character education, holistic development, and a close-knit community. These are families who view education as a partnership between home and school and place value on qualities such as integrity, respect and resilience. Our collaborative approach maximizes each child’s potential in a safe and nurturing setting that promotes academic growth and social-emotional well-being."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"While we appreciate the diverse educational needs of families, Matthews Hall may not be the best fit for those seeking a large student body. Our school emphasizes a close-knit...(more)
"While we appreciate the diverse educational needs of families, Matthews Hall may not be the best fit for those seeking a large student body. Our school emphasizes a close-knit community where each student is known and valued, prioritizing smaller class sizes over a larger population. Families looking for the social dynamics of a bigger school may find this focus limiting.
Additionally, Matthews Hall upholds a strong student honor code that establishes clear behavior expectations. Families who may not be a good fit are those who do not prioritize accountability and alignment with our values. We seek parents who actively support our commitment to holding students accountable for their actions, as this collaboration is essential for maintaining a positive learning environment. Families that prefer a more lenient approach to behavior management may find that our emphasis on accountability and adherence to the honor code does not align with their educational philosophy."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families choose Matthews Hall for our nurturing and personalized environment, as well as our balanced approach to education. Our dedication to small class sizes, individualized...(more)
"Families choose Matthews Hall for our nurturing and personalized environment, as well as our balanced approach to education. Our dedication to small class sizes, individualized learning, and a rich array of co-curricular opportunities distinguishes us. With an emphasis on character development and academic excellence, families trust us to provide a well-rounded education that fosters confidence, curiosity, and inclusion. These in addition to our community-centric culture and dedicated teachers are consistently highlighted by families as key reasons for choosing us over other schools."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"In the public eye, Matthews Hall is recognized for balancing high academic standards with a supportive, community-oriented atmosphere. We are known for our rigorous academic...(more)
"In the public eye, Matthews Hall is recognized for balancing high academic standards with a supportive, community-oriented atmosphere. We are known for our rigorous academic programs, complemented by a full co-curricular schedule that enriches our students’ educational experience. Our commitment to developing the whole child is evident in our reputation for nurturing confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals who excel both academically and in life. Families regard us as a nurturing, inclusive school that is well-resourced and consistently prepares students for the next stages of their academic journeys, ensuring they are equipped to succeed in their future endeavors."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"An often-overlooked aspect of Matthews Hall is our deep commitment to character education and social-emotional learning. While our academic accomplishments receive much attention,...(more)
"An often-overlooked aspect of Matthews Hall is our deep commitment to character education and social-emotional learning. While our academic accomplishments receive much attention, our dedication to cultivating compassionate, resilient, and respectful individuals is equally foundational. This focus equips our students with the necessary skills to navigate life’s challenges, fostering their growth as ethical, engaged citizens and empathetic leaders."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Families frequently express surprise at our strong sense of community. While they may expect excellent academics, they may not expect the warmth, inclusivity, and support that...(more)
"Families frequently express surprise at our strong sense of community. While they may expect excellent academics, they may not expect the warmth, inclusivity, and support that defines Matthews Hall. From faculty engagement to family involvement, we have a culture of genuine care and respect that helps students feel secure and valued, creating a vibrant learning environment where each child can truly flourish."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"For the first time in Matthews Hall’s history, we are embarking on a transformative journey of comprehensive campus renewal. This initiative achieves the historic milestone of...(more)
"For the first time in Matthews Hall’s history, we are embarking on a transformative journey of comprehensive campus renewal. This initiative achieves the historic milestone of uniting all students and teachers under one roof, fostering a truly connected learning community where every child can thrive. Research indicates that physical and social environments profoundly impact learning, and we have prioritized inspiring spaces that uplift both students and teachers. Our new kindergarten and grades 1-8 classrooms, along with revitalized playgrounds and basketball and volleyball courts, honor the heart and soul of Matthews Hall. With enhanced lighting, acoustics, textures, and personalized elements, these thoughtfully designed spaces not only respect our students but also reinforce our unwavering commitment to excellence. You will be inspired!"
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Our ambition at Matthews Hall is to elevate student achievement and success by nurturing each unique child. We are dedicated to providing rich learning opportunities across...(more)
"Our ambition at Matthews Hall is to elevate student achievement and success by nurturing each unique child. We are dedicated to providing rich learning opportunities across academics, the arts, athletics, and active citizenship, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to the world. By fostering a growth mindset, we encourage students to embrace challenges, take risks, and learn with resilience and optimism—skills essential for success in school and in life.
With Phase 1 and 2 of our campus master plan now complete, we are poised to continue this transformation through several exciting phases. Future plans include a two-part Arts Block for visual arts, music, and drama. Future plans also include a Dining Hall Block and outdoor enhancements designed to further inspire and support a dynamic, well-rounded student experience. Through these strategic initiatives, we are shaping an environment where every student can grow, discover, and be inspired."
SK to Gr. 4 (current), Gr. 3 to Gr. 7 (current), Gr. 5 to Gr. 8 — Watch our parent interview with Ashley Jennison to get the inside scoop on what it’s like to have a child attend Matthews Hall.
JK (current) — My son loves going to school. He wants to stay at extended daycare as long as possible; he looks forward to Mondays more than Fridays and wakes up excited to take on his day every single day. He has made many friends, coming out of a shell he had as a toddler, and adores each of his teachers. He tells wonderful stories about the day, comes home with tiny trinkets from his day, and each is so special to him. He's learned so much and honestly can teach me new things about birds, apples, or the French language consistently. His growth and experience here have always made me feel very confident in our choice to send him to Matthews Hall, and I'm excited to see what the decade at school brings for him.