Richland’s extraordinary culture of caring

is part of what sets us apart. Working together, our students, parents, faculty and staff have created a nurturing school community that offers every child a sense of belonging and fosters a sense of social and environmental responsibility.

“Almost 5 years ago, our search began for an early year’s program for our daughter as she was entering her pre-school years. Given her young age of 2.5yrs, our main priority was to find a safe, loving, and nurturing learning environment. That was very important to us. However, we were also hoping to find a program that would be intellectually stimulating for her during such an important growth period. After researching the various pre-school options, we chose Richland Academy because of its seemingly warm, healthy and loving environment. In retrospect, it was the best decision we could have made for our daughter. The early year’s program at Richland is second to none and our daughter flourished both socially and academically.”

Senior Kindergarten Parent

“While there are many individual components we think that make Richland great, we believe that what you have created is a true example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts.  The Reggio method, your staff, small class size, beautiful facility, extraordinary communication with your families blend together in a way that is truly special.”

Grade 1 Parent

“Richland Academy really helped bring back my child’s love of learning! After cycling through so many different schools and various learning methods, the Reggio inspired program really spoke to my child. Through use of an IB curriculum and STEM focused learning, the attentive teachers were able to create a guided environment that advanced my child more in one year than all the other years combined in a Montessori environment. My child loves to practice reading and math now, even on his own time! Thank you so much to all staff at Richland Academy.”

Grade 2 Parent

“We are extremely happy with our decision to send our daughter to Richland Academy starting in kindergarten several years ago and are proud when we tell people that she attends this wonderful school.  It is so much more than a school, however.  It is a community with an environment that encompasses well-rounded learning with an empathetic view on our place in this global environment.  Our daughter wakes up every morning looking forward to going to Richland and actively participating in daily activities in the classroom and throughout the school.  In fact, in the summer she is constantly asking when school will start as she misses Richland!  What also makes Richland great is the teaching faculty and supporting staff.  They educate and care for our children as if they are their own.  They know how to empower the students to get them to be their best and also show them how to inspire each other with confidence leveraging Reggio-inspired philosophy and the IB program that Richland is a part of.  We are lucky to have such a great school in Richmond Hill.“

Grade 3 Parent

Richland Houses & the Oliveira Cup

Our Mission: The Richland House System is one which promotes a culture of love, kindness, a commitment to the environment, the championing of important causes and supporting others, in keeping with the namesakes of our houses.

House Points: While there are some competitive events, the Richland House System focuses on creating a culture of habitual kindness. There is a substantial research around the benefits of teaching kindness.

Each year, the house that has demonstrated the most kindness, is awarded the Oliveira Cup.

As part of our holistic approach to teaching and learning, it is fundamental that we continue to instill in our students, the importance of thoughtful and meaningful citizenship. The competitive aspects of our house system must serve to bolster the benefits and rewards of kindness, as important elements of success.

We are proud of our enduring program, one built on creating a culture of kindness and respect for all people.