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Kempenfelt Bay School

Canada, Innisfil

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees CA$24,600
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1999
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French, English
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Kempenfelt Bay School (KBS) is an independent, non-profit day school in Innisfil, Ontario, serving JK to Grade 8. It is Simcoe County's only accredited independent school and is governed by a volunteer board. Founded in 1999 by families seeking small classes and high expectations, KBS relocated to 2145 Innisfil Beach Road in 2017. The school is a member of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) and CIS Ontario. The Canadian curriculum is taught with an integrated approach: Art, Physical Education, Music and French begin in Junior Kindergarten and continue through Grade 8, while instrumental music starts in Grade 3. Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Science and technology are taught interactively with team teaching to support the program. The school runs Primary (K–2), Junior (3–5) and Middle (6–8) divisions, emphasizing literacy foundations, numeracy, inquiry-based learning and high school preparation. An Arts Programme and co-curriculars, including daily French and performance ensembles, enrich daily learning.

2145 Innisfil Beach Rd., Innisfil, Ontario L9S 4B9

The Essentials

Kempenfelt Bay School has typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English, French.

Location

2145 Innisfil Beach Rd., Innisfil, Ontario L9S 4B9, Canada

Stages

Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8

Type

co-educational, non-denominational, independent day school

Country affiliation

Canada

Religious affiliation

non-denominational

School day structure

Before Care runs 7:30–8:00 am. The school day begins with assembly at 8:30 am and ends at 3:40 pm, with two lunch periods: JK–Grade 3 from 12:00–1:00 pm and Grade 4–8 from 12:30–1:30 pm. After Care runs from 3:45–6:00 pm.
Diving Deeper

House System

There are four Houses: Feigel, Morrice, Labatt, and Christie. Students join a House upon admittance and participate in a year-long House points race that promotes belonging, teamwork and school spirit. Activities include Sports Day, community outreach programmes, charitable fundraising, and house challenges.

Governance and Ownership

Kempenfelt Bay School is a co-ed, non-profit independent school governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board oversees strategy, head of school selection and fiduciary responsibilities, with monthly meetings and multiple committees; the school publishes an annual report and conducts annual audits.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kempenfelt Bay School ranges from CAD 24,600 for 2026/27.

Application fee
- A non‑refundable application fee of USD 100 is required for each student at the time of application.

New‑student enrolment fee and capital contribution
- A one‑time, non‑refundable new‑student enrolment fee of USD 3,000 is payable at registration for all new students.
- A voluntary Capital Reserve Fund donation of USD 1,000 is requested and a tax receipt is issued for the full amount. This donation is collected with the registration package.

Tuition fees by year group (amounts and instalment options where published)
- Kindergarten (2026/2027 academic year): Annual tuition USD 24,600 plus the voluntary Capital Reserve Fund donation of USD 1,000. Instalment options for Kindergarten are published as follows:
- Plan A (Four instalments): Effective tuition after deposit USD 21,600 payable as four instalments of USD 5,400 on April 1, May 1, June 1 and July 1, 2026 (after an initial deposit).
- Plan B (Six instalments): Effective tuition after deposit USD 21,600 payable as six monthly instalments of USD 3,600 (April 1 through September 1, 2026) after an initial deposit.
- Plan C (Ten instalments): Effective tuition USD 22,200 payable as ten monthly instalments of USD 2,220 from April 1, 2026 to January 1, 2027 (after an initial deposit).
- Grades SK–8: Tuition rates are set by grade and reviewed annually; the school applies common school‑wide inclusions and exclusions to tuition (see inclusions/exclusions below). Specific per‑grade tuition amounts (other than the published Kindergarten figure above) are not itemized in the published fee materials.

What tuition covers and what it does not cover
- Included with tuition: core academic programming, student YMCA membership, loan of textbooks, team uniforms, most cultural, sporting and field trip activity fees, and use and maintenance of school computers.
- Not included in tuition: school uniforms, lost textbooks and library books, musical instrument rentals, some club and special event costs, and certain optional activities.

Other mandatory and recurring fees / incidentals
- Incidentals: Families should budget approximately USD 1,000 per student per year for items such as some field trips, pizza lunch, novel study books, certain co‑curriculars and miscellaneous items (actual cost varies by participation).
- Athletic team fee: USD 150 per student, per team for Grades 4–8 to cover team travel and related expenses.
- Before and After Care (published rates): Before Care (7:30–8:00 AM) USD 10 flat rate; After Care (3:45–4:00 PM) USD 4; After Care (4:00–6:00 PM) USD 8 per half hour. Before/After Care is billed separately.
- Sibling discount: 2nd child 10%, 3rd child 25%, 4th child 50% (does not apply to the new‑student enrolment fee).

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Initial deposit: A combined initial deposit of USD 7,000 is required with the signed registration package for new students; this amount is made up of a USD 3,000 tuition deposit, the voluntary USD 1,000 Capital Reserve Fund donation, and the USD 3,000 new‑student enrolment fee. The tuition deposit is non‑refundable and is applied toward the total tuition for the year.
- Instalment plans: Tuition may be paid in full or through one of three instalment plans. Instalment dates and amounts for Kindergarten are published above; instalment options are available more broadly for the school.
- Proration and refunds: The tuition deposit secures a place and is non‑refundable. Published materials for new students state the deposit is subtracted from the total tuition; specific proration/refund rules for tuition withdrawals are provided in school fee documents where applicable.

Refund information (applicable items published)
- The tuition deposit (part of the initial USD 7,000 for new students) is explicitly non‑refundable and secures the student's place for the year; it is applied against the total annual tuition. Families receive a tax receipt for the voluntary capital donation. Additional published refund/proration rules for tuition (where applicable) are handled according to the school's payment policies.

Boarding fees
- No boarding program or boarding fees are applicable to the school's published program; the school operates as a day school serving early years and primary/middle grades.

Accepted payment methods / how payments are collected
- Initial deposit: accepted by PAD (pre‑authorized debit) or credit card with the signed registration package. Recurring instalments are collected according to the chosen payment plan (PAD/automated collection is used for instalments where indicated). Tuition may also be paid in full. Specific additional payment channels (other card networks or bank transfer details) are handled through the school's registration and billing systems.

Summary of immediate figures published for 2026/2027
- Application fee (per student): USD 100.
- New‑student enrolment fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): USD 3,000.
- Voluntary Capital Reserve Fund donation (typical request): USD 1,000 (tax receipt issued).
- Kindergarten tuition (2026/2027): USD 24,600 per year; instalment plan options and published instalment dates/amounts as listed above.
- Incidentals (approximate): USD 1,000 per student per year. Before/After Care rates and athletic team fee as listed above.
Academics

Kempenfelt Bay School teaches Canadian Curriculum.

Curriculum

Kempenfelt Bay School serves JK to Grade 8 as Simcoe County's only accredited independent school. Art, Physical Education, Music and French as a Second Language begin in Junior Kindergarten and continue through Grade 8, with instrumental music instruction beginning in Grade 3. Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Science and technology are taught interactively, with team teaching supporting an integrated curriculum. Academic Programmes are Primary – Grades K-2, Junior – Grades 3-5, and Middle School – Grades 6-8, with Primary focusing on strong literacy foundations, Junior emphasizing applying literacy and numeracy, and Middle School focusing on inquiry-based learning and independent work habits for high school preparation. The program also features an Arts Programme, Daily French Studies, and co-curricular activities as parts of the education program.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes provide better focus and dedicated learning.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates are prepared with choices after completing high school, including four-year university and college, entrepreneurship, or other paths.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school integrates the ability to advocate for self and others using ethical means into all learning experiences to support good citizenship. The Four Cs—Competence, Confidence, Character, Community—are central values; students participate in outreach and volunteer work, and global and environmental awareness is embedded in the curriculum.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Daily French Studies is part of the curriculum.
Parent Experience

History

KBS was founded in 1999 by a group of families who wished to create an educational environment with small classes and high expectations. The school moved from 576 Bryne Dr. in 2001 and relocated to 2145 Innisfil Beach Road in the summer of 2017. It operates as an independent, non-profit, charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of parents and community leaders. KBS is a member of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CIS Ontario), and serves students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Community

KBS is a University Preparatory School with a focus on academics and the arts. The Four Cs—Confidence, Competence, Character, and Community—guide the school as it builds independent lifelong learners. The Board of Directors is made up of parents and community leaders and oversees mission, governance and finances, with monthly meetings and an annual report detailing community achievements. A Colours of Spring Gala is held as a community fundraising event, with the 2026 gala taking place on May 8 at Liberty North Barrie and featuring a silent auction and entertainment.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Parent involvement is encouraged through a Parent Council, and parental participation is included on Board committees. The Board's committees include Marketing, Property, Finances, Strategic Planning and Board Governance, with ongoing opportunities for parent participation. A member of the Parent Council, Cindy Taylor, joined in 2021 and is now Chair; she has co-chaired two Galas and serves on the Board's Advancement Committee. Galas are a key fundraising activity, including the Colours of Spring Gala (held in 2026 on May 8 at Liberty North Barrie with tickets, a silent auction, and entertainment). The Annual Report highlights community achievements and moments, and the school maintains active ties with alumni and families through its community initiatives.
Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities

Daily French Studies are provided. Art, Music, Drama and Physical Education are essential elements in your child's development, with Art taught by a Specialist. Instrumental music instruction begins in Grade 3, and students may participate in the KBS Jazz and Concert Bands, the Spring Musical, and Primary and Junior Choirs. An enriched Arts Programme is offered through the teaching of an Art Specialist. Co-curricular programming includes sports, clubs and activities, and these are core parts of the education plan. Character development includes outreach and volunteer work, and global and environmental awareness is integrated into the curriculum.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

The school emphasizes academic excellence with team teaching in an integrated curriculum. Art, Physical Education, Music and French as a Second Language begin in Junior Kindergarten and continue through Grade 8; instrumental music instruction begins in Grade 3. Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Science and technology skills are taught interactively. Progress is monitored and programs are tailored to help each child reach their maximum potential, using a range of teaching methods.

Arts & Creative

The school offers an Arts Program with Art, Music, Drama and Physical Education as core elements. These specialist subjects begin in Junior Kindergarten, and an enriched Arts Programme is delivered through an Art Specialist. Instrumental music instruction begins in Grade 3, and students are encouraged to enrol in the KBS Jazz and Concert Bands, the Spring Musical, and Primary and Junior Choirs. The program develops creativity and artistic ability through performance and participation.

Cultural & Language

Daily French Studies is part of the core program, with authentic learning activities using proven teaching strategies. French as a Second Language education is provided from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8. The Four Cs focus on Confidence, Competence, Character and Community, including global mindedness as a school-wide aim.

Social & Hobbies

The school runs a wide range of co-curricular offerings across JK–Grade 8, including Animal Lovers Club, Arts and Crafts, Beading Club, Coding Monkeys, Drama Games Club, Environment Club, Guitar Club, Sphero Robotics, Yearbook Club, Skating Club and Soccer Club. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one club. The co-curricular program is included in tuition, removing participation barriers. These activities support self-confidence and provide opportunities to shine in arts, athletics and teamwork.

Community & Service

The Community and Service Programme develops students' sensitivity to the needs of the community and society, fostering an altruistic attitude. Students complete a leadership portfolio with goals, reflections and awards, and engage in local outreach and service activities. The program prepares students for broader responsibility and active citizenship, with opportunities to contribute to the community throughout their schooling.

Leadership & Professional

The Community Leadership in Action Certificate is awarded at the end of Grade 8 to students who have completed at least two years of Middle School, fulfilled a minimum of 20 hours of Community and Service, and completed an independent project. Students build leadership skills through planning, implementing and reflecting on their projects with teacher mentorship, and present their work to the school community in May. The program fosters leadership, project management and public presentation abilities across the upper grades.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Enhanced Physical Education is a core focus, emphasizing inclusive exercise and the exploration of each student's potential. The House System promotes belonging, teamwork and school spirit through year-long competitions and activities. Co-curricular offerings, including sports and clubs, are a central part of the education plan and are included in tuition, supporting a balanced, well-rounded student experience.
Languages

Language Provision

French is taught daily to all students from JK to Grade 8; French classes are taught entirely in French by fluent French specialists.
Admissions

Admissions

Step 1: Submit Your Application. Complete the online application and submit the required supporting documents. The online application form is accessible via the link on the admissions page. This initiates the admissions review, which determines eligibility. If you have questions about the process, contact us.

Scholarships

Tuition Assistance is available. Kempenfelt Bay provides need-based financial assistance through Apple Financial. Families can receive up to 40% of the tuition cost in the form of a renewable bursary. Applications to Apple Financial must be submitted at the same time as the KBS application, as there is often a delay between Apple's processing and admissions. Families re-apply for tuition assistance each year.

Waitlist

Waitpooled – The student may be offered a spot if space becomes available.
School Events
The school has not added events