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There’s more to Niagara-on-the-Lake than fine wine and stunning properties! In addition to its notable landmarks and popular eateries, Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to a variety of exceptional schools that are sure to make any September a fantastic one.

So, whether you’re getting ready for back-to-school or are simply interested in the history of our town’s educational establishments, this month’s blog will focus on some of the excellent elementary schools, and the history of education in our community, that have shaped our community and its pupils!

The History of Education in Niagara-on-the-Lake

If you love NOTL as much as our team does, then you may be familiar with some of the history, events and people that have contributed to the living legacy of our beloved town. And that includes the schools of course!

 The oldest known school was St. David’s public school, which was constructed in the late 18^th century by Major Francis Goring. According to the school’s website, the one-room log cabin cost roughly $5.00 to build, which was equivalent to 1 pound and 12 shillings in the 1790s! But the St. David’s public school that we know today is not the original one: As the capital of Upper Canada, St. David’s was targeted during major conflicts and battles and, unfortunately, the schoolhouse was burned down in 1814, along with many other structures, and the school would not be rebuilt until 1871. The new stone schoolhouse is now part of St. David’s public school, which has been renovated extensively to accommodate new students, teachers and extra-curricular activities.

Other schools include Niagara Public School and Parliament Oak School, whose buildings are still around today. And, while they may not be schools any longer, they remain an integral part of the town’s history.

Education that Endures: NOTL’s Schools Blend Past and Present

While some schools, like St. David’s public school, have enjoyed decades of longevity, Niagara-on-the-Lake is also thrilled to be home to a variety of new schools, which bring fresh perspective and utility to our historic landscape. One such school is Royal Oak Community School, which is an independent school that is located on Wellington Street in the heart of Old Town. The school, which first opened in 2016, occupies a beautiful old hospital building. Royal Oak’s unique philosophy and innovative learning programs have been a welcome addition to our town and the children who live here. Following the closure of Niagara District Secondary School, the continued success of Royal Oak school is a reminder of how education impacts the community. In addition to its services, the school’s occupation of a historic building helps to not only preserve Niagara-on-the-Lake's history, but also nurture future generations, too.

Children at Royal Oak will benefit from:  

• Individualized attention, which will help them foster confidence, curiosity and connections among their teachers and peers.
• Experiential learning approaches that will instill in children a love of learning for the rest of their lives.
• A unique, “fail forward “environment that encourages children to express ideas, try original approaches and engage in new activities without fear of failure. Children will feel supported in their efforts to learn from mistakes.

If the start of another school year has you thinking about educational offerings in NOTL, we invite you to visit our website for a list of local schools!

Fall in Love with NOTL and its Schools!

As a premier destination for travelers, locals, and families, you can make your stay in Niagara on the Lake permanent by contacting our team of passionate real estate brokers. With exceptional amenities activities and schools, every day in Niagara-on-the-Lake is an extraordinary experience.