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The big picture on Rotherglen School - Oakville
We summarized the school ourselves
Rotherglen School was founded in 1979 by Marie Laningan at the Erin Mills campus. The school has grown in the intervening years to include four locations, all of which share the same approach. Were all the students housed at one campus, Rotherglen would be one of the largest independent schools in the area, home to 1000 students annually. The various locations, however, afford a unique sense of community within each, with small class sizes, and a close-knit feel. While aesthetics don’t mean everything, they nevertheless do mean something, and the school is physically beautiful, with dedicated, consistent learning spaces.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Rotherglen is what school should be – a safe and supportive environment where students are excited to learn. With open communication, dedicated teachers, and an enhanced curriculum, we are a school where students thrive. Our exceptional Montessori program serves children from age 4 to Grade 3, while our enriched and progressive approach continues through Grades 4-8. Our programming inspires curiosity, creativity, and growth through the integration of academics, arts, athletics, community service, and leadership."
Avg class size of 18 (Elementary)
Max class size of 15 (age 3-5)
Leadership education
Full-sized gymnasium
Library and Learning Resource Centre
Varsity and intramural sports
French & music - all grade levels
Before and after school programs
Secure play areas
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Rotherglen School combines a Montessori approach with the Ontario curriculum, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. This blend fosters curiosity, critical thinking,...(more)
"Rotherglen School combines a Montessori approach with the Ontario curriculum, building a strong foundation for lifelong learning. This blend fosters curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and independence. Our inclusive, welcoming environment ensures every child feels valued and supported. Through hands-on learning and collaboration, students build the skills and resilience to thrive. In Grades 7 and 8, our Upper School program prepares students for high school with rotary classes, subject-specialist teachers, formal exams, and project-based leadership work that supports local initiatives. Our Learning Success Centre provides personalized, one-on-one academic support. Working closely with classroom teachers and the Head of Academics, our team helps students navigate challenges and reach their full potential."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
"At Rotherglen School, we prioritize restorative approaches to discipline and personalized community-building, focusing on empathy, accountability, and growth over punitive...(more)
"At Rotherglen School, we prioritize restorative approaches to discipline and personalized community-building, focusing on empathy, accountability, and growth over punitive measures. This approach allows students to learn from their mistakes, repair relationships, and develop a deeper sense of responsibility. While this takes more time and effort, it prepares students to lead with integrity and respect.
Similarly, our emphasis on collaboration and leadership development means we deprioritize highly competitive or rigidly standardized environments. Instead, we cultivate teamwork and interpersonal skills, fostering well-rounded individuals who excel academically while contributing to collective success. These tradeoffs reflect our belief that education is about shaping compassionate, resilient leaders equipped to make a meaningful impact in the world."
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
"In 2008, Rotherglen School established the REACH Foundation (Rotherglen Educating for Advocacy and Creating Hope) as an endowment fund with the Oakville Community Foundation....(more)
"In 2008, Rotherglen School established the REACH Foundation (Rotherglen Educating for Advocacy and Creating Hope) as an endowment fund with the Oakville Community Foundation. REACH empowers students to support meaningful local initiatives. Thanks to ongoing fundraising and community generosity, the foundation has grown to $660,000. All fundraiser proceeds go directly to this fund. A major milestone in our growth was the 2018 expansion, which added a second gym, science lab, music space, classrooms, and a teaching kitchen. These enhancements enriched our academic, artistic, and physical education programs. Our outdoor field now features artificial turf, soccer lines, and a lighted track to support student wellness. These improvements reflect Rotherglen’s commitment to offering a dynamic, nurturing environment where students grow academically, physically, and creatively, preparing them to lead with confidence."
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
"At Rotherglen School, we believe every student can thrive in an environment that values independence, curiosity, and motivation. Our school is ideal for students who enjoy...(more)
"At Rotherglen School, we believe every student can thrive in an environment that values independence, curiosity, and motivation. Our school is ideal for students who enjoy exploring ideas, asking questions, and engaging in a rigorous and enriched academic program while developing a strong sense of self through character and leadership opportunities. We meet learners where they are, ensuring each student is both challenged and supported. Our Learning Success Centre plays a critical role in this approach, offering in-house academic support tailored to the unique learning profile of students who may benefit from extra guidance. With certified teachers specializing in learning needs, we provide personalized one-on-one sessions, workshops, and small group reinforcement. This approach helps students build confidence, independence, and resilience. Rotherglen is the right place for motivated learners who are eager to grow and ready to embrace a well-rounded, engaging educational experience."
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
"Rotherglen School is best suited for families who value an inclusive, supportive environment that nurtures academic excellence, leadership, kindness, and resilience. Families who...(more)
"Rotherglen School is best suited for families who value an inclusive, supportive environment that nurtures academic excellence, leadership, kindness, and resilience. Families who prioritize a highly competitive or traditional academic environment focused solely on individual achievement may find our emphasis on collaboration and community development to be a mismatch. We focus on building the whole child, not just academic performance, and believe in fostering teamwork alongside academic success. Our Learning Success Centre offers tailored support for some of our students, which may not align with families seeking a more hands-off or rigid approach to academic assistance. We use restorative practices for discipline, focusing on growth and accountability rather than punitive measures, which may not appeal to families looking for a more traditional, zero tolerance disciplinary structure."
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families choose Rotherglen School for our dynamic, inclusive environment where academic rigour meets hands-on, experiential learning. Our approach blends Montessori principles...(more)
"Families choose Rotherglen School for our dynamic, inclusive environment where academic rigour meets hands-on, experiential learning. Our approach blends Montessori principles with the Ontario curriculum, encouraging students to explore, think critically, and develop independence. Parents value our strong partnership between students, teachers, and families, ensuring every child is supported and challenged. Our dedicated teachers nurture each student’s strengths and provide personalized academic experiences. Families are also drawn to our vibrant school community, where students engage in extracurriculars across academics, arts, leadership, and athletics. The energy at Rotherglen inspires curiosity and participation, helping students discover new interests and grow with confidence. Parents ultimately choose Rotherglen for a well-rounded education that fosters academic achievement, personal growth, leadership, and kindness."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
"Rotherglen School is known for its nurturing, inclusive environment where academic excellence is paired with a strong focus on leadership, kindness, and personal growth. We offer...(more)
"Rotherglen School is known for its nurturing, inclusive environment where academic excellence is paired with a strong focus on leadership, kindness, and personal growth. We offer a well-rounded education that blends Montessori principles with the Ontario curriculum, fostering independence and curiosity in students. Our commitment to individualized learning, supported by skilled teachers and the Learning Success Centre, ensures each student is met where they are and guided to thrive. Families associate Rotherglen with a vibrant community that values collaboration, engagement, and involvement in academics, arts, athletics, and leadership. Our state-of-the-art facilities and lively campus reflect our dedication to developing confident, compassionate leaders. When people think of Rotherglen, they see a school that inspires excellence while providing a warm, welcoming space where every student can succeed."
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"An often-underappreciated strength of Rotherglen School is the extraordinary dedication and talent of our teaching staff, who go above and beyond to create a vibrant, engaging...(more)
"An often-underappreciated strength of Rotherglen School is the extraordinary dedication and talent of our teaching staff, who go above and beyond to create a vibrant, engaging experience for students. From our annual school musical, brought to life through their creativity and commitment, to extracurriculars in sports, band, debate, and art, every opportunity reflects their passion and hard work. These activities serve as intentional extensions of learning that help students discover passions and build confidence. Our teachers are highly trained and accredited and are continually motivated to grow. Their commitment extends beyond the classroom through open and consistent communication. This helps foster trust and a true partnership between families and the school. At Rotherglen, the sense of community doesn’t happen by chance. It is carefully built and nurtured by our teachers, whose efforts are essential to the thriving, inclusive environment we pride ourselves on."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Families might be surprised by the depth of care and intentionality that defines the Rotherglen School experience. Parents discover an environment designed to nurture each...(more)
"Families might be surprised by the depth of care and intentionality that defines the Rotherglen School experience. Parents discover an environment designed to nurture each student’s potential. Our integration of Montessori principles with the Ontario curriculum fosters independence, curiosity, and a love of learning that resonates far beyond the classroom. What may also surprise families is the extraordinary dedication of our teachers. They not only excel in their craft but also mentor, coach, and lead through meaningful extracurricular opportunities, including our school musical, sports teams, debate clubs, STEM initiatives, and art programs. Parents are also struck by the level of partnership and transparency they experience, as teachers provide regular insights into both academic and social development. The school’s warm and busy atmosphere inspires students to get involved, fostering leadership and responsibility at every turn."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
"Our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience is reflected in the significant enhancements we’ve made to our facilities. In 2018, we proudly unveiled a...(more)
"Our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience is reflected in the significant enhancements we’ve made to our facilities. In 2018, we proudly unveiled a stunning new extension that includes cutting-edge learning spaces such as a high school-caliber science lab, a second gymnasium, a music performance space, additional classrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. These spaces were thoughtfully designed to enrich student learning, support their creativity, and offer an environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and artistically. We also upgraded our outdoor facilities with a professionally turfed field featuring dedicated soccer lines and a surrounding track, all illuminated and enclosed for safety. This vibrant addition not only supports our athletics program but also encourages active play and fosters teamwork among students. These recent advancements highlight our unwavering focus on creating a dynamic, engaging school environment."
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
"Rotherglen School will build on its mission to provide a nurturing, inspiring education that prepares students for success. We will enhance our curriculum by integrating advanced...(more)
"Rotherglen School will build on its mission to provide a nurturing, inspiring education that prepares students for success. We will enhance our curriculum by integrating advanced teaching methods and emerging technologies to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Our Montessori and enriched programs will remain central, ensuring strong academic foundations. Beyond academics, we will expand arts, athletics, and leadership opportunities, equipping students with real-world skills and confidence. Tools like AI will uncover new insights in curriculum development, enhance student engagement, and provide innovative solutions yet to be imagined. Professional development will align staff with shared goals to deliver exceptional learning experiences. We will deepen family partnerships through improved communication, engagement events, and responsive feedback systems. Commitment to community service and sustainability will grow, empowering students to make a meaningful impact."
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