• About Us

Welcome to Autumn Hill Academy

Autumn Hill Academy was founded in 1996 by educator Katherine Pasternak. It is a co-educational, non-denominational school governed by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Since its inauguration at the original Richmond Hill Campus, Autumn Hill has been an established, innovative program that combines both the Montessori Method of education and the Reggio Emilia Project Approach. We have been proudly serving the community of the York Region for over 27 years.

Autumn Hill Academy is a unique environment where students engage in intellectual and artistic learning experiences that "Promote thinking and excite the imagination." Our vision is to facilitate students' social, intellectual, emotional, physical, and creative development through 'hands-on' and 'minds-on' learning experiences. Our advanced, enriched curriculum (one to two years ahead of the Ontario curriculum) integrates a well-balanced arts and academic program.

Hours of Operation
Autumn Hill opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m.
Teaching hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Programs
The following programs are available:

• Toddler (Ages 18 mos. – 30 mos.) – 5-day, 3-day and 2-day programs available
• Preschool (Ages 2.7 yrs. – 3.8 yrs.)- 5-day, 3-day and 2-day programs available
• Junior Kindergarten (Ages. 3.8 yrs. – 4.8 yrs.) – 5 days only
• Senior Kindergarten (Ages. 4.8 yrs. – 5.8 yrs.) – 5 days only
• Grade 1 – 2 (Ages 6 yrs. – 8 yrs.) – 5 days only

Services are provided at no extra cost

• Two snacks and one hot, nutritious lunch, cooked on the premise, for all students
• Before School (7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.) and After School (4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
• French and Music for all Preschool to Grade Two Students
• Judo classes for all Kindergarten to Grade Two Students

Our Philosophy

Is your child ready for intellectual and artistic enrichment that promotes thinking, excites the imagination and promotes learning without limits?

Many experts agree that children are intrinsically motivated and that between the ages of 0 and 6 years, they will develop intellectually, socially, physically and emotionally more than at any other time of their lives. Documented evidence reveals that children who participate in an enriched, secure and positive early childhood education will develop confidence and perseverance. Autumn Hill Academy's well-balanced curriculum will ensure that your child will receive the best possible opportunities for individual growth.

At Autumn Hill Academy, we have adopted two European pedagogies that are recognized as leaders in early childhood education – the Montessori Method and the Reggio Emila Project Approach. As a result, Autumn Hill has developed a unique, well-balanced curriculum that values both art and academic subjects equally.

Montessori's philosophy states that children, working at their own pace, are internally motivated to learn. They develop concentration and perseverance as they absorb complex skills through active involvement with concrete materials. At Autumn Hill, we advocate this philosophy. Using a variety of concrete materials, students absorb high levels of academic skills in Language Arts and Mathematics. Children gain an excellent foundation and become confident, independent learners. "The mind is engaged through the hands." …Marie Montessori

The Reggio Emilia Project Approach also highlights that children are naturally inquisitive and eager to learn. Project work involves students working in small groups, brainstorming and designing projects that are personally meaningful. Teachers challenge students to use their higher-order thinking skills by planning projects that are large and complicated. During this process, children represent their knowledge through different modes of expression: words, drawing, painting, movement, sculpture, drama, music and more. Projects require students to think, debate different opinions and look at the world from new perspectives. Project work challenges students both intellectually, socially and emotionally.

To complete your child's education, he/she will participate in French, Music, Judo, Drama, Visual Art, and Physical Education, in our large indoor gymnasiums. Monthly school trips complement the curriculum and form an integral part of the program.

Autumn Hill Academy invites you to join us in our mission of "Learning Without Limits."

Top Ten Reasons for Choosing Autumn Hill Academy

Proven History
Established in 1996, Autumn Hill is celebrating over 27 years of excellence in education. We have a loyal clientele and boast a 95 percent sibling return and referral rate.

Unique Program
An advanced, well-balanced program that combines both the Montessori Method and Reggio Emilia Project approach.

Advanced Academics
Daily, structured, advanced Language Arts and Mathematics programs utilizing Montessori materials where students develop at their own individual pace.

Project Work
Educators challenge students to use their higher-order-thinking skills by planning projects that are complex, meaningful and Reggio-inspired.

Our Staff
Extremely low turnover of trained, dedicated, nurturing educators that have RECE qualifications.

School Environment
A secure, clean environment with nine bright classrooms, a gymnasium, a library and a kitchen that is large enough to meet all of our needs yet small enough to be intimate and welcoming for young children.

Accolades
In 2013, Autumn Hill Academy was the Platinum winner for Best Private School in Vaughan in the Reader's Choice Awards in the Vaughan Citizen.

Included in Fees
Specialized teachers: French, Music and Judo, Before and After School care, Lunch and two snacks.

Allergy Safety
Autumn Hill has a nut-free policy, with strict guidelines accommodating allergic intolerances and cultural restrictions.

After School Programs
A variety of After School Programs for busy parents to choose from Ten Sports, Chamelea Science Centre, Young Rembrandts and more.