Kawartha Farm School
We are a new (2024) and exclusive private elementary school option offering an exciting alternative to the public school system for students aged 4-13 years.
We are non-denominational, non-religious, small working-farm based school with foundations rooted in traditional Canadian values. Located on a spectacular 101 acre family farm allowing hands-on learning opportunities and outdoor instruction not possible in the public system or city schools.
Guided by accredited teaching staff; our students will achieve their Ontario Standard curriculum “grade” studies while participating in extensive supplementary curriculum focused on both - academic fundamentals success, paired with a unique critical life skills & independence building enhanced curriculum.
Is farm school right for your family?
Our private, farm based elementary school is a one of kind opportunity for families wanting more from their children's education. We offer a differentiated program focused on providing a balance between academics and life skills while fostering leadership, independence and critical thinking.
Real Life Skills
Essential Life skills and Independence development
​
At Kawartha Farm School we believe there is opportunity to better prepare kids for the future by arming them with a more comprehensive foundation of knowledge & skills.
​
- Featuring expert guest educators
- Experiential learning focused
- Diverse & exciting course content
More from your school
Building a foundation of community spirit
Our school offers a one of a kind enhanced curriculum where students will be able to interact with our animals daily, learn new skills they will benefit from life-long and grow food to contribute to supporting their families food security.
WHAT PARENTS SAY
Kaitlyn Shaw-Smith
There is not enough time or space to express the gratitude we have for Kawartha Farm School and to describe the absolute privilege it has been to watch our son blossom and come into his own this year. After making the change over from mainstream schooling for a number of reasons, we have noticed an increase in his self-esteem, self-confidence, academic ability and curiosity for the world around him. In addition to regular curriculum lessons (which are taught according to where they are at academically, and not necessarily based on grade level, creating plenty of room to grow and be challenged), they are also given an equal amount of time and space for hands-on learning. What has been the most inspiring of all are the real-world projects and opportunities he has had from growing and harvesting his own food, woodworking, sewing, mending, crafting and animal care. In addition to building lasting relationships with the educators and other children at the school, he has also opened his heart to the additional friends at Farm School that are of the animal variety. It is also not uncommon to hear that the students have gone hiking on a beautiful day, frog catching on a rainy one or spent hours amongst the trees reading, sharing food and learning together. Kawartha Farm School is building a solid foundation for their students to not only thrive academically but as future grown-ups, family and community members, caretakers, artists, inventors, creators and change makers. Kawartha Farm School is the place you go in your dreams when you think about the type of education you want for your child – except it’s real!
Lindsay Thacker
I cannot begin to express how amazing Kawartha Farm School has been for my daughter. We originally took her out of public school and put her there to limit class sizes and her exposure to respiratory illnesses as she has asthma and gets severely sick every other week in school. We’re going on her sixth week at farm school, and she has yet to be sick. Her immune system is building with fresh air and dirt, instead of pneumonia and bronchitis, her spirits are lifted, she’s stronger in so many ways already. The daily outdoor activities they do are so good for the kid’s mental health and bodies. They teach them the entire curriculum plus so many more important life skills that we all wish we learnt in school. Have you ever caught yourself saying things like, ‘I wish they taught us how to do our taxes or budget in school.’ Or ‘I wish they taught us how to change a tire or use tools.’ Well, here they do teach our kids these actual life skills and it sets them up with so much confidence and knowledge for their future selves it’s incredible. The teachers, and Sarah and Billy are all so great and accommodating. My daughter never wants to leave at the end of the day and is a completely different kid. She went from super emotional to so happy and carefree at the end of the day -a total change from the regular public school system.
Ksenia Sachewsky
Kawartha Farm School has been an incredible gift for our family. This school has completely transformed my son’s learning experience in ways I never imagined possible. From the moment he started, we saw a confidence and curiosity in him that traditional school environments were never able to bring out.
The staff at Kawartha Farm School are truly exceptional—caring, inclusive, and deeply supportive of both students and their families. They create an environment where every child feels seen, understood, and valued, and they work closely with parents to ensure each student thrives. Their commitment to inclusivity and genuine connection is something we appreciate every single day.
One of the things we love most is that the school follows a traditional learning system while still making education meaningful, hands-on, and reflective of traditional values and understandings. This balance has helped my son connect with his learning in a way that feels both grounded and inspiring.
I feel like my son has learned more here than any regular school could have taught him—not just academically but in life skills, critical thinking, respect, and a deeper understanding of the world around him.
Finding Kawartha Farm School has been one of the best decisions we’ve made as a family. We are so grateful for the positive, enriching impact it has had on our son’s education and overall well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful school to any family seeking a supportive, values-based, and truly transformative learning environment.
Cayla Ramey
We reached out to Kawartha Farm School at the beginning of 2025 looking for an environment that could understand and support an energetic, curious young child. To say that we were struggling with schools up until that point would be an understatement.
Since joining, the difference has been remarkable. KFS educators encourage him to be himself and give him the space to learn in a way that works for him. Movement, creativity, and individuality are valued, rather than restricted. We've seen so much growth in his confidence and happiness since joining KFS. He comes home happy (although it now takes some convincing that he HAS to come home and cannot live with the goats), excited about what he's learning, and eager to go to school every day.
The sense of community among the staff has also been incredibly meaningful for our family. We're not only grateful to have found a place for our son to thrive but a place where we can share our knowledge with the community, learn from them ourselves, and ultimately grow with our child. Most importantly, our son feels accepted, respected, and supported, and we couldn't ask for anything more.
Carmen Hurlbert
In a way it seems silly to say it like this, but Kawartha Farm School is a dream come true. As soon as my daughter was born, I knew that when it came time for her to start her educational journey, I would be looking for an alternative to public school. Something that not only would provide basic academics, but shared my values, included practical skills, and prioritized nature and smaller classes. This was a tall order, but KFS has exceeded my expectations. From bringing home, grown and made at school tomato sauce, and building her very own birdhouse, to learning simple addition, or beaming with pride as she shared with me that she read her first word, the wide range of what my daughter is learning is amazing.
Starting as the youngest student last year, she began to flourish right off the bat. It has given her huge personality, and creativity a place to shine and grow. She is so proud of her achievements and the knowledge she is receiving. Often, she will surprise me with little things like “oh mom that’s a marigold, they help protect other plants”. Explaining how she planted one in her garden box. It has prompted a deep care for the earth, and an interest in being a responsible part of her community and country. Best of all, she has cultivated deep friendships with her classmates and teachers, often asking on the weekend if tomorrow is a school day. She truly loves her time there.
The heartfelt dedication Sarah puts in to this school and its students is unmatched, and reflected in the other staff. We are so grateful to be part of this little school.
TBD
TBD