Learning that Lasts

At Barrie School, we believe learning should be active, engaging, and lasting. Inspired by the philosophies of John Dewey, our approach blends Montessori and Project-Based Learning to ignite curiosity and foster deep understanding.

What is Active Learning?
Active Learning empowers students to learn by doing—through hands-on exploration, real-world connections, and reflection. It integrates movement, theory, visuals, sound, and problem-solving to create lasting knowledge, grounded in neuroscience and educational best practices.

From Montessori to Project-Based Learning
From their earliest years, Barrie students choose their own work, explore new challenges, and teach what they’ve mastered. As they grow, they tackle real-world projects that require research, innovation, and critical thinking.

Why It Matters
This process builds confidence, ownership, and a lifelong love of learning. Mistakes become opportunities, and students carry their knowledge with them—into future lessons, communities, and beyond the classroom.

Academic Excellence from the Start—Inspiring Success for Life

At Barrie School, we nurture academic excellence from the earliest years through high school graduation. From infants to seniors, learning is active, engaging, and fueled by each child’s natural curiosity and motivation.

We define excellence not just by grades, but by a love of learning and the ability to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. Whether it’s a preschooler exploring nature, a middle schooler collaborating on a science project, or a high schooler leading a performance or presenting research, Barrie students learn by doing—and grow through experience.

Our approach emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem solving. Assessments are used as tools for reflection and growth, not pressure or memorization. We guide students to ask thoughtful questions, explore complex ideas, and develop the confidence to share their insights with others.

From day one, your child will build the skills that matter most for life: leadership, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and a genuine passion for learning.

Inspiring a Generation of Innovators

What do students need to feel and experience now in order to thrive in their futures? Barrie School uses a rich array of challenging experiences to nurture a sensitivity to the design of objects and systems. Students are empowered to shape their world through building, tinkering, re/designing, or hacking. 

Our goal is to develop a community of creative thinkers, foster a mindset of risk-taking, and enable students to adapt and succeed.

Check out this article in PHYS.ORG about a project by Middle & Upper School science students and their teacher Rebecca Bushway. Together, they used a 3D printer and their chemistry knowledge to design a filter that removes lead from water. Project-based learning in action!

Read Article

You Belong at Barrie

At Barrie School, we create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child—and every family—feels seen, valued, and connected. From infants to high school seniors, our students grow in a community built on respect, trust, and a deep appreciation for each other.

We believe a true sense of belonging is essential to a child’s well-being, confidence, and ability to thrive—both in school and in life. That’s why we intentionally foster an environment where differences are celebrated and every voice matters.

Our commitment to belonging is reflected in every part of school life:

• Diverse, inclusive curriculum that reflects and respects each child’s identity
• Strong student-teacher relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect
• Age-appropriate programming around diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Community-wide events and experiences that bring families, students, and staff together
• Personalized attention and meaningful connections that support each student’s growth

At Barrie, your child isn’t just enrolled—they’re embraced. And so are you.

Your Voice Matters at Barrie

At Barrie School, we believe every child—no matter their age—deserves to be heard. From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, students are encouraged to express themselves, make choices, and take an active role in their education.

Empowering students to use their voice is a key part of how we help them grow into confident, thoughtful, and engaged individuals. Whether it’s helping shape classroom expectations, contributing ideas to curriculum design, or participating in meaningful school decisions, students learn that their ideas matter—and so do responsibility and accountability.

We know that voice and choice fuel engagement, build leadership skills, and support emotional and social growth. At Barrie, students don’t just learn about advocacy and collaboration—they live it every day.

This commitment to student voice helps our graduates become not only strong learners, but compassionate, active citizens—ready to lead, contribute, and make a difference in their communities and beyond.