Academics

Prep School

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Stefanie Cox

    Stefanie Cox 

  • Photo of Adelle Goodfellow

    Adelle Goodfellow 

    Administrative Assistant to Head of Prep

 

WHERE GREAT BEGINNINGS TAKE ROOT

The Prep School at Halifax Grammar is a warm, vibrant community where strong foundations are built for a lifetime of learning. From Junior Primary to Grade 4, children are known, challenged, and supported as they develop the skills, habits, and confidence they will carry into Middle School and beyond.

In small classes, with caring and highly skilled teachers, students explore big ideas, practise essential literacy and numeracy skills, and learn how to work and play well with others. Our Team Teaching model ensures that every child receives the right level of challenge and support, at the right time, so that they can flourish in these important formative years.

WHY START AT PREP?

  • Stronger foundations: Children build essential skills in reading, writing, and math through explicit, research-based instruction. Targeted support and enrichment ensure every learner is challenged at the right level, while hands-on practice and meaningful learning experiences deepen understanding.

    Small class sizes: Smaller class settings and a team-teaching approach mean each child is truly known as a learner, with teachers who notice strengths, needs, and sparks of curiosity.

    Joyful inquiry: Prep students explore big ideas through play, problem-solving, and real-world experiences. Classroom investigations and unique community opportunities help them discover new interests and grow as confident thinkers.

    A seamless pathway: Beginning in Prep provides a smooth, supported transition into the IB Middle Years Programme, building the skills, habits, and relationships that carry students through their P–12 journey.

Our Prep Faculty

Our Prep teachers are caring, highly skilled educators who understand the unique ways young children learn and grow. Students learn from expert homeroom teachers as well as dedicated specialists in French, Music, Visual Art, and Physical Education—each bringing deep training and enthusiasm to their discipline.

Our faculty collaborate closely to support strong foundations in literacy and numeracy while helping students make meaningful connections across subjects through inquiry and hands-on, transdisciplinary learning. 
Science, STEM challenges, and exploratory projects are woven throughout the Prep experience, giving students opportunities to ask questions, experiment, and solve problems in creative ways.
 
Through our Team Teaching model, teachers plan and teach together, allowing for flexible groupings, individualized attention, and a deeper understanding of each child as a learner. With multiple educators contributing their strengths, every student is known, supported, and encouraged to thrive.
 

 

 

 

GRAMMAR'S FOUR PILLARS OF LEARNING

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • Academics

    We believe powerful learning begins with strong foundations. In the Prep years, students receive explicit instruction in literacy and numeracy, supported by evidence-based approaches—including the Science of Reading—and many opportunities to apply their skills in meaningful, engaging contexts. Ongoing assessment helps our teachers meet each child where they are and guide steady, confident growth for every learner.

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • Athletics

    Daily movement and play are essential to healthy development. Prep students build coordination, stamina, and confidence through physical education classes and active outdoor play. They also learn about teamwork and sportsmanship by participating in age-appropriate extra-curriculars such as running club, sports club, and dance.

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • Arts

    The Arts are woven through daily life in Prep. Visual art invites children to explore colour, line, and form as they respond to stories, big questions, and themes from across the curriculum. Students learn about noteworthy artists from both our region and around the world, sparking inspiration and curiosity.
    Music begins with rhythm, beat, and joyful singing, then grows into reading, writing, and composing music. Beginning in Grade 3, all students learn to play the ukulele, and concerts and performances are an integral—and much-loved—part of the Prep experience.
     
    Drama nurtures imagination and empathy through role-play, puppetry, and performance, giving students many ways to express themselves. Our beloved Grade 4 musical serves as a capstone celebration of creativity, confidence, and collaboration in the Prep School.

List of 1 frequently asked questions.

  • Altruism 

    From the earliest years, Prep students learn that they belong to a caring community. They take part in school-wide initiatives like the Terry Fox Run, the UNICEF campaign, Feed Nova Scotia drives, and holiday support for local families, and they share music and performances with seniors in nearby residences. Beginning in Grade 2, they also become reading buddies to our youngest learners—small acts of leadership that make a big difference.

 

What is Team Teaching?

Team teaching is when two teachers co-plan and deliver the core subjects (language arts, math, science and social studies). Lessons are delivered in a partnership model, optimizing our student-teacher ratios and allowing us to form meaningful relationships with our learners. In addition, learning data is gathered to ensure we monitor each student's progress against measured benchmarks for their skills and grade.

Halifax Grammar School

945 Tower Road,
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2Y2