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Richland Academy

Canada, Richmond Hill

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$26,500 - 29,000
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 2002
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Reggio Emilia Approach, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French
Typical class size 20
Strengths Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Richland Academy is a private Canadian school offering a unique blend of the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach with the International Baccalaureate continuum. The Junior Campus in Richmond Hill serves students from JK through Grade 8, while a Senior Campus in Aurora will open in 2027, with the full Grade 12 program from 2029 as part of a planned pathway through 2030. The school combines inquiry-based, concept-driven IB learning with student-led exploration in Reggio-inspired spaces such as Ateliers and Piazza. The IB programmes include the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and, from 2029, the Diploma Programme, supported by spaces and practices designed to foster collaboration, agency, and reflective inquiry. Facilities across campuses include flexible classrooms, a full cafeteria, gym, arts and music rooms, and outdoor spaces that encourage creativity and connection. Richland emphasizes holistic development through athletics, arts, service projects, and a strong sense of community among families, staff, and students.

11570 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada L4E 3N7

The Essentials

Richland Academy has typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
11570 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada L4E 3N7. The Junior Campus is located in Richmond Hill on Yonge Street near the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Senior Campus will open in Aurora in 2027 to support higher grade levels.

Stages
Junior Campus JK to Grade 8; Senior Years Grades 11 to 12 starting 2029; Senior Campus opening in Aurora in 2027.

Type
Independent school (privately funded).

Additional learning support
Inclusion Policy supports meeting the needs of every student.

Country affiliation
Canada
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school does not provide boarding. Before School Care is available from 7:30am to 8:20am for $15 per day, and After School Care is available from 3:30pm to 6:00pm for $20 per day.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are used by Richland Academy students and are not included in tuition.

Food Options
Nutritious, organic-influenced lunch and beverages are provided daily, and two snacks are provided for Kindergarten.

House System
The school has a house system with four houses—Fox, Wickenheiser, Webstad, and Suzuki—that compete across the year; the Oliveira Cup is awarded to the house with the most points.

Governance and Ownership
As an Independent School, Richland Academy is privately funded.
Fees

Annual tuition at Richland Academy ranges from CAD 26,500 to CAD 29,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- An application fee of CAD 350.00 (non-refundable) applies for Kindergarten to Grade 8 applications.
- An application fee of CAD 550.00 (non-refundable) applies for international applications.

Tuition fees (by year group and payment plan)

- Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 — Domestic students (academic year total):
- Plan 1 (Full payment): CAD 25,800 per year — CAD 3,000 non-refundable enrollment deposit plus CAD 22,800 due at time of enrollment.
- Plan 2 (Monthly installments): CAD 26,500 per year — CAD 3,000 non-refundable enrollment deposit plus eight monthly installments of CAD 2,937.50.

- Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 — International students (academic year total):
- Full payment option: CAD 29,000 per year — one full payment due at time of enrollment. All international tuition and fees are listed in Canadian funds.

What tuition covers and excludes

- Tuition includes: academic school trips; agendas; yearbook; textbooks and workbooks; in-school workshops; apps and subscriptions; art materials; school supplies; and nutritious, organic-influenced lunch & beverage plus two snacks daily for Kindergarten only.

- Tuition excludes: uniforms; ski trip; Pine Crest overnight camp; co-curricular programs; before & after care (except where noted); and the lunch program for Grades 1–8. Additional optional programs and overnight camps are charged separately.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- An enrollment deposit of CAD 3,000 is required for all plans; this deposit is non-refundable and is applied toward the total tuition. The remaining balance for Plan 1 is due at time of enrollment. For Plan 2 the remaining balance is collected as eight monthly installments (amounts shown above). International students on the full-payment plan remit the full tuition at enrollment.

Before and after school care (additional fees)

- Before school care: CAD 15 per day (available 7:30 am to 8:20 am).
- After school care: CAD 20 per day (available 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm). Note: Kindergarten children may remain for an extra 30 minutes without charge when a sibling in Grade 1–8 is dismissed at 4:00 pm.

Sibling and loyalty discounts

- Sibling discount: a 5% tuition discount applies to additional siblings after the first child (the first child pays full tuition).
- Loyalty program: families with five or more full-time academic years at the school qualify for a 5% tuition discount; this loyalty discount cannot be combined with the sibling discount.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable — Richland Academy operates as a day school (no boarding fees).

Other costs and optional fees

- Uniforms are not included in tuition and are charged separately. Co-curricular activities, overnight camps (e.g., Pine Crest) and certain extracurricular programs are charged in addition to tuition. Fees for these items are billed separately through the school's activity/payment system.

Refund information

- The CAD 3,000 enrollment deposit is non-refundable and is part of the total tuition. For international applicants only: if a Canadian Embassy or High Commission denies a student permit application, the school will refund fees less CAD 5,000 upon receipt of the official denial letter and a formal withdrawal or deferral request; without proof of denial, all fees are non-refundable.

Fee payment options and processing

- Payments and activity charges are managed through the SchoolsBuddy software system and school payment processors; families use the SchoolsBuddy platform for activity management, bookings, sign-ups and online payments. The school's privacy policy notes that payment and donation processors handle tuition transactions and that the school does not store complete credit card numbers on its systems.
Academics

Richland Academy teaches Reggio Emilia Approach, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum.

Curriculum
The school has an IB World School curriculum blending International Baccalaureate (IB) learning with Reggio-inspired approaches. Primary Years (JK to Grade 6), Middle Years (Grade 7 to 10), and Senior Years (Grades 11–12) are offered, with Senior Years starting in 2029 and including the IB Diploma Programme.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Teachers build strong connections with students through daily interactions, regular check-ins, and an understanding of each learner's individual needs. The school offers targeted workshops for social-emotional skills and executive functioning. Yoga sessions support student wellbeing. All classrooms have dedicated quiet spaces, and sensory tools are available to support learning. Ongoing workload monitoring helps manage stress, and students are encouraged, challenged, and supported throughout their learning journey.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Richland Academy is committed to providing the IB Primary Years Program and the Middle Years Program to every student admitted, regardless of learning needs. As a privately funded school, provincial funding and supports may not be available, and enrollment decisions may involve waitlists or declines if the school has reached capacity in specialized programs (such as ELL) and/or if the Learning Strategies roster is full. Admissions may consider Individual Education Plans or Growth Plans and other assessments as part of determining appropriate placement.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
International students are welcomed. There is no formal ESL program, but additional support and guidance are provided as needed. Staff, including Daniela Quiquero, supports English language learners.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is central to the Richland experience. Teachers build connections with students through daily interactions and regular check-ins. Student support is provided through a range of services, including yoga sessions, targeted social-emotional skills workshops, executive functioning workshops, dedicated quiet spaces in classrooms, sensory tools, flexible seating, and ongoing monitoring of workload and stress.

Safeguarding
Keeping students safe is addressed in policy and practice; Richland collects information to support safety, including administering medication, managing allergies, and responding to emergencies, as described in the Privacy Policy.
Parent Experience

History
Richland Academy was founded in 2002 with a vision to see, honour, and inspire every child. The school grew into a Reggio-inspired IB World School that emphasises holistic education of mind, body, and spirit. Marlina Oliveira, the founder, describes a learning community where students are directly involved in their learning and where strong relationships among students, families, and staff shape daily life. In 2027, a new Aurora Senior Campus will open to extend Richland's program to Grade 12, and the Kindergarten-to-Grade-12 pathway is planned to be completed by 2030.

Community
Richland Academy is a close-knit community where students, families and educators build meaningful relationships, celebrate together, and foster a strong sense of belonging beyond the classroom. Families are valued partners in education, and their involvement strengthens student wellbeing, supports academic growth, and enriches the learning experience. Through opportunities such as Parent Ambassadors, classroom engagement, guest presentations, and community events, families work alongside educators to help create a supportive environment where students can grow with confidence and purpose. Alumni remain connected to their teachers and the school community after graduation.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Richland Academy features a Parent Ambassadors program that engages families as active partners in education. Families join educators in classroom engagement, guest presentations, and community events to support student wellbeing and academic growth. The program fosters collaboration between families and teachers to create a supportive learning environment where students can grow with confidence and purpose. Alumni remain connected to teachers and the school community after graduation.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Richland Academy operates a Junior Campus in Richmond Hill for JK–Grade 8 and will open a Senior Campus in Aurora in 2027. The Junior Campus uses a Reggio Emilia-inspired design with classrooms, Ateliers, Piazza, and outdoor spaces to encourage creativity, collaboration, inquiry, and meaningful connections. The Junior Campus is located at 11570 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4E 3N7. The Senior Campus opening in 2027 will include a full cafeteria, gym, arts and music rooms, and flexible spaces for group work and independent study. The campuses are designed to support students at every stage of their learning journey. [Campuses & Facilities; IB at Richland; Clubs & Activities; Athletics]

Sports Facilities
Athletics at Richland Academy include intramurals, SSAF competitions, and House Games that promote teamwork and school spirit. The intramural program serves students in Grades 2–8 with teams in modified sports to develop sportsmanship and leadership. Richland Academy participates in the Small School Athletics Federation (SSAF), enabling competitions against other schools, with popular sports including soccer, cross country, basketball, badminton, and track and field. Students belong to one of four houses—Fox, Wickenheiser, Webstad, and Suzuki—and compete in House Games for the Oliveira Cup. The Senior Campus will feature a gym as part of its facilities opening in Aurora in 2027. [Athletics; Campuses & Facilities; IB at Richland; Clubs & Activities]

Academic Facilities
The International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes are offered across the continuum: Primary Years Programme (JK–Grade 6), Middle Years Programme (Grade 7–10), and Senior Years Programme (11–12) Diploma Programme. The Junior Campus incorporates Reggio Emilia-inspired spaces, including classrooms, Ateliers, Piazza, and outdoor areas to support inquiry and collaboration. The IB continuum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, a concept-driven curriculum, and student agency, with the IB learner profile guiding development across the programmes. The Senior Years Programme (11–12) Diploma Programme begins in 2029. The school's IB framework is supported by spaces and practices outlined on the campus pages. [IB at Richland; Campuses & Facilities; IB at Richland; Primary Years Programme; Middle Years Programme; Senior Years (DP)]

Extra Curricular Facilities
Beyond the classroom, diverse co-curricular programs exist in athletics, arts, and enrichment, with sessions running 6–8 weeks after school or during lunch. Examples of offered programs include Archery, Chess Club, Cooking Club, EcoClub, Dance Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Engineering for Kids, Gymnastics, Lego Club, Reading Club, Spanish Club, STEAM, and Young Scientists. An after-care program runs before and after school for all students, including supervision from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Programs vary by season, with offerings between Fall, Winter, and Spring. [Clubs & Activities; Athletics; After Care; Diverse Co-Curricular Programs]
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Diverse co-curricular programs support academic enrichment and inquiry. Programs include Archery, Chess Club, Cooking Club, EcoClub, Dance Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Engineering for Kids, Gymnastics, Lego Club, Reading Club, Spanish Club, STEAM, and Young Scientists. These programs run in 6–8 week sessions after school or during lunch recess. Before and after care is available outside regular hours (7:30 to 8:30 am and 4:00 to 6:00 pm).

Arts & Creative
Performing arts are central to the Richland experience. Concerts, assemblies, celebrations of learning, musical theatre productions, community performances, festivals, and competitions provide authentic opportunities to showcase learning. Visual arts are integrated through a dedicated Art Studio where inquiries become painting, clay, wire, and print. The Instrumental Music Program covers classroom percussion, Orff instruments, and ukulele, and in Grades 7 and 8 offers jazz band, contemporary groups, musical theatre, songwriting, and music technology; the Bilingual Choir performs at school events and in the wider community.

Cultural & Language
Spanish Club is offered to develop language skills and cultural awareness. The Bilingual Choir provides opportunities to strengthen vocal skills within the school's bilingual context. Performing arts activities also support cross-cultural experiences through concerts, festivals, and community performances.

Social & Hobbies
Clubs and activities extend learning beyond the classroom: Archery, Chess Club, Cooking Club, EcoClub, Dance Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Engineering for Kids, Lego Club, Reading Club, STEAM, and Young Scientists. Programs run in 6–8 week sessions after school or during lunch recess. Before and after care is available to support families outside regular hours.

Community & Service
Giving back is a deliberate part of student life. EcoSchools initiatives and real-world community projects engage students in addressing environmental and social issues. The school runs actions such as Out in the Cold with 360kids, 360kids Adopt a Youth Program, food bank collections, clothing drives, and other campaigns to support local organizations. These experiences foster compassion, social responsibility, and ongoing community involvement.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is cultivated from the early years through programs like Learning Buddies, where older and younger students connect. Students lead community projects, exhibitions, and service initiatives, including PYP Exhibition and MYP Community Projects. EcoSchools, talent shows, and school assemblies provide opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and organizational experience that extend beyond the classroom.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is supported through yoga sessions, social-emotional skills workshops, and executive-functioning workshops. Classrooms feature quiet spaces, sensory tools, and flexible seating to support learning, with ongoing monitoring of workload to reduce stress. The school also offers intramural activities, SSAF competitions, and a House system with four teams that promote teamwork, resilience, and school spirit.
Languages

Language Provision
French is taught as a specialist subject with dedicated French teachers. There is no formal ESL program; language support and guidance are provided as needed for international students. Language learning is supported through arts and expressive learning approaches that recognise multiple ways of communicating beyond words.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Book a Private Tour or Open House. Once a Veracross account is created, schedule a Private Tour or sign up for an upcoming Open House to explore Richland Academy's IB and Reggio-inspired learning environment and campus. This initial step helps families understand the school before submitting an application.
2. Submit Your Child(ren)'s Application Online. Complete the online application and include: a copy of the child's three most recent report cards (if applicable); a copy of the birth certificate or passport. The application fee is $350.00 (non-refundable) for Kindergarten to Grade 8, or $550.00 CDN (non-refundable) for International Applications.
3. Invitation to a Personal Day Visit / Assessment. After reviewing the application, a day visit/assessment is scheduled. For Grades 1–8, an assessment determines academic abilities; for JK–SK, a comprehensive tool is used to get to know them better.
4. Receive Your Child(ren)'s Offer of Placement. Admission decisions are based on careful assessment and are made in each child's best interests. Families who receive an offer of placement will also receive a registration package.

Waitlist
Admission decisions can include a waitlist notification. Applications are accepted year-round, but December is recommended for priority consideration for the following school year.
School Events
The school has not added events
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