PRIMARY LEARNING POD
The Barnyard Classroom is excited to offer a Grades 1-3 learning pod for the September 2026-2027 school year, led by a certified Ontario teacher. Designed for families seeking a smaller, nurturing learning environment, our pod blends strong academic foundations with hands-on, experiential learning rooted in nature and real-life skills.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE & SCHEDULE
Families may choose between our two thoughtfully designed learning pathways: a two-day academic Learning Pod or our three-day Learning Pod with Friday Farm School. Both programs are rooted in the Charlotte Mason philosophy, where living books, nature study, narration, hands-on experiences, and time outdoors cultivate curiosity, wonder, and a love of learning. While Fridays immerse children in seasonal farm experiences, Mondays and Wednesdays provide a stronger academic focus, covering Math, Language Arts, and Science through a Charlotte Mason-inspired approach to learning.
OUR LEARNING APPROACH
Learning at The Barnyard Classroom is rooted in curiosity, wonder, and meaningful work. Inspired by the Charlotte Mason philosophy and aligned with the Ontario curriculum, our program combines project-based learning, living books, nature study, and hands-on farm experiences to help children build both strong academic foundations and a lifelong love of learning.
Children receive intentional instruction in phonics, reading, writing, grammar, mathematics, and science through small-group lessons designed to meet them where they are. Academic concepts are reinforced through hands-on activities, narration, games, investigations, and meaningful real-world experiences that help children understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters.
Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, learning is connected through monthly themes and inquiry-based projects. A lesson on seeds may lead to descriptive writing, plant life cycle investigations, measuring garden beds, nature journaling, and reading living books—all woven together into one meaningful learning experience.
Our small-group environment allows each child to learn at their own pace while developing confidence, independence, critical thinking, and strong character. Guided by an Ontario Certified Teacher, we nurture the whole child—head, heart, and hands—encouraging curiosity, responsibility, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
TUITION & FEES
Tuition reflects the small group size, certified teaching staff, and the rich, hands-on nature of the program. Fees include core learning materials, outdoor learning experiences, and program resources.
Tuition is based on the number of program days per week, with the Learning Pod operating Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Monday & Wednesday
Full-Day Academic Program
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
$65/day
Friday
Half-Day Farm Program
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
$35/day
The learning pod runs for 10 months of the year, from September through June, and follows the Durham District School Board (DDSB) calendar. The program is closed during Stat Holidays, PA Days, Winter Break, March Break, and Summer Break.
Monthly tuition is due on the 1st of each month. Please note that monthly tuition varies slightly based on the number of scheduled program days within each month and any DDSB or statutory holiday closures.
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Fall Term Monthly Payment Schedule
September: 3 Mondays, 4 Wednesdays, 3 Fridays = $560
October: 2 Mondays, 4 Wednesdays, 5 Fridays = $565
November: 5 Mondays, 4 Wednesdays, 3 Fridays = $690
December: 2 Mondays, 2 Wednesdays, 2 Fridays = $330
Fall Term Total: $2,145
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Winter Term Monthly Payment Schedule
January: 3 Mondays, 3 Wednesdays, 3 Fridays = $495
February: 4 Mondays, 4 Wednesdays, 3 Fridays = $595
March: 2 Mondays, 3 Wednesdays, 3 Fridays = $525
Winter Term Total: $1,615
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Spring Term Monthly Payment Schedule
April: 4 Mondays, 4 Wednesdays, 5 Fridays = $695
May: 4 Mondays, 4 Wednesdays, 4 Fridays = $660
June: 4 Mondays, 4 Wednesdays, 3 Fridays = $625
Spring Term Total: $1,980
ADMISSIONS & ENROLMENT
Enrolment for the September 2026 school year is now open. Our admissions process is designed to ensure a strong fit between the child, family, and learning environment.
The process includes:
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An initial inquiry
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A family conversation or visit
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Completion of enrolment forms
Class sizes are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 6 students to one certified teacher, allowing for individualized attention, meaningful relationships, and a calm, connected learning environment.
Spaces are limited, and early inquiries are encouraged.
2026–2027 FARM SCHOOL CLOSURES & HOLIDAY CALENDAR
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Fall Term Closures (September–December 2026)
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Monday, September 7 — Labour Day
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Monday, October 12 — Thanksgiving Day
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Monday, October 26 — DDSB PA Day
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Friday, November 13 — DDSB PA Day
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Wednesday, December 16 – Wednesday, January 6 — Winter Break
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Winter Term Closures (January–March 2027)
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Friday, January 1—Wednesday, January 6 — Winter Break
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Friday, January 22 — DDSB PA Day
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Monday, February 15 — Family Day
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Monday March 15 — Friday, March 19 — March Break
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Friday, March 26 — Good Friday
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Monday, March 29 — Easter Monday
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Spring Term Closures (April–June 2027)
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Monday, May 24 — Victoria Day
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Friday, June 4 — DDSB PA Day
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Wednesday, June 30 — DDSB Provincial Priority Day / School Closure