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Matthews Hall

Canada, London

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1918
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages French, English
Strengths Performing Arts, Languages, STEM
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional, Social and Hobbies
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School
Introduction

Matthews Hall is an independent school in London, Ontario, offering a curriculum for a diverse student body. The school operates under accreditation by CAIS and CIS Ontario, with Christopher White appointed Head of School in 2025. Founded in 1918 by Kate Sotham Matthews, it began in St. Paul's Cathedral as a school and became Matthews Hall in 1977, affirming its coeducational identity. The campus at 1370 Oxford Street West features a library, gymnasium, performing arts studio, drama studio, a computer lab, a maker space, an art gallery, and an outdoor classroom, plus Peace Garden for reflection. A 2020 campus renewal added a ten-classroom expansion. The curriculum emphasizes a broad range of subjects and cocurricular programs, with teaching staff trained in Orton-Gillingham methods. Annual Closing Exercises at St. Paul's Cathedral honor heritage. Cocurriculars include arts, music groups, and student leadership, alongside athletics in cross-country, soccer, floor hockey, ice hockey, and volleyball.

1370 Oxford Street West, London, Ontario, Canada N6H 1W2

The Essentials

Matthews Hall has instruction in English, French.

Location
1370 Oxford Street West, London, Ontario, Canada N6H 1W2. The campus sits on Oxford Street West and includes a bright, modern 10-classroom expansion opened in September 2020 as Phase 1 of a campus renewal. The grounds cover several acres and include a library, gymnasium, performing arts studio, drama studio, up-to-date computer lab and maker space, art gallery and an outdoor classroom. The Peace Garden provides space for contemplation and friendship.

Stages
Kindergarten through Grade 5 (Lower School) and Middle School (Grades 6–8). Preparing for High School is part of the program.

Type
Independent School

Country affiliation
Canada

School day structure
The school day runs from 8:55 am to 3:55 pm, with arrivals starting at 8:40 am. Early Years to Grade 5 learn with core teachers, while Middle School (Grades 6–8) follows a homeroom-led schedule with 40-minute classes; there are 15-minute recesses in the morning and afternoon, and lunch is eaten in classrooms. Field trips are part of the program for various grades.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The school has a uniform program. Uniform pieces are required; formal dress on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; informal dress on Tuesday and Thursday; physical education uniform stored at school; uniform pieces available at the school store in the atrium near the gym.

Governance and Ownership
Independent not-for-profit school governed by a volunteer Board of Governors. The Board provides overall stewardship, sets policy directions through strategic planning and goal-setting, ensures financial sustainability, and appoints the Head of School who has authority over administration, curriculum and staffing.
Fees
Application and enrolment fees
- Application fee: CAD 250 per student (non-refundable).
- Enrolment fee for newly enrolling students: CAD 3,500 (one-time).

Tuition — Domestic (Day students)
- Published tuition for the 2024–2025 academic year:
- Pre-K / Junior & Senior Kindergarten: CAD 23,000 per year.
- Grades 1–8: CAD 26,500 per year.

Tuition — Domestic (billing options and per‑term breakdown shown for the 2026 calendar/payment schedules)
- Matthews Hall offers three tuition payment plans with the following example schedules for the 2026 payment year (amounts shown by grade band and by installment as published in the school's payment timelines):
- Option A (single installment after registration deposit; not available after the indicated deadline):
- Pre-K / JK / SK: Registration deposit CAD 5,000; single payment due CAD 18,625; Total CAD 23,625.
- Grade 1–8: Registration deposit CAD 5,000; single payment due CAD 22,625; Total CAD 27,625.
- Option B (two-installment plan; not available after the indicated deadline):
- Pre-K / JK / SK: Registration deposit CAD 5,000; Payment #1 CAD 9,575 (due Apr 15, 2026); Payment #2 CAD 9,575 (due Jun 15, 2026); Total CAD 24,150.
- Grade 1–8: Registration deposit CAD 5,000; Payment #1 CAD 11,575; Payment #2 CAD 11,575; Total CAD 28,150.
- Option C (ten monthly pre-authorized payments):
- Pre-K / JK / SK: Registration deposit CAD 5,000; ten monthly payments of CAD 2,030 beginning Mar 15, 2026; Total CAD 25,300.
- Grade 1–8: Registration deposit CAD 5,000; ten monthly payments of CAD 2,430 beginning Mar 15, 2026; Total CAD 29,300.

Tuition — International students (2026–2027 academic year)
- All international student fees are non-refundable and due upon acceptance.
- 2026–2027 international tuition and one-time fees by grade band:
- Pre-K / JK / SK: Tuition CAD 27,825 per year; Application fee CAD 250; Enrolment fee CAD 3,500.
- Grades 1–8: Tuition CAD 31,825 per year; Application fee CAD 250; Enrolment fee CAD 3,500.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Available payment plans include Option A (registration deposit + single balance payment), Option B (registration deposit + two installment payments), and Option C (registration deposit + ten monthly pre-authorized debit payments). Specific deadlines and installment amounts are published with each enrollment cycle; example 2026 schedules are shown above.
- Pre-authorized debit withdrawals are processed on the 15th day of each month for families using monthly plans; pre-authorized debit is required for the ten-month plan. Statements of account are prepared and sent monthly; payments must be received on or before the last business day of the month to avoid interest.
- Credit card payments are accepted but are subject to a 3% administration fee. Wire transfers incur an administrative charge (example: CAD 50). Cheques, wire transfers, pre-authorized debit and credit card payments are accepted.
- Overdue accounts are charged interest at 2% per month (24% per annum); returned cheques/NSF incur a CAD 50 charge. Failure to comply with payment terms may result in sanctions including withholding of report cards or denial of re-enrolment.

Boarding fees
- Matthews Hall is operated as a day school; boarding and residential accommodation are not applicable. The school's typical school day and services describe arrival, dismissal, bus and extended day provisions rather than on‑campus boarding.

Other costs and optional fee-for-service items
- Bus transportation (annual, per family) — example published rates:
- 2024–2025 published rates: Within town both ways CAD 4,500 per year per family; one way CAD 3,700 per year per family (payment due mid‑August).
- 2025–2026 example published rates (subject to change): Within town both ways CAD 4,700 per year per family; one way CAD 3,900 per year per family.
- Extended Day Program (JK–Grade 8): example annual/full‑time fees published:
- 2024–2025 full-time per child CAD 3,000 per year; half-time CAD 1,500 per year; occasional use CAD 25 per visit.
- 2025–2026 published example: full-time per child CAD 3,200 per year; half-time CAD 1,600 per year; occasional use CAD 25 per visit.
- Music lessons, hot lunch program and other optional services are fee-for-service and billed separately. All required basic textbooks and school supplies are included in tuition; uniforms are purchased through the school store and replacement items are charged to families. The cost of specific uniform pieces and optional services varies by item and season.

Family discounts
- Sibling tuition discounts for full-time students: second child CAD 2,000 discount; third and any additional siblings CAD 3,000 discount per child. For reduced‑day Kindergarten arrangements sibling discount levels differ.

Refund and withdrawal policies
- Refunds and withdrawal rules (examples from published financial policies):
- For families on Option A or Option B payment plans, a written withdrawal notice before the published cutoff date may allow a refund of tuition less a prescribed non-refundable amount (example: refund less CAD 5,000 if withdrawn before the stated deadline for that year). After the published cutoff date, no refund of tuition is made for withdrawal or dismissal.
- For families on the Option C ten‑month plan, monthly pre-authorized payments are non‑refundable and must be paid in full for the year once the schedule begins.
- In the event of an emergency school closure that requires remote learning, published policy states there will be no reductions or refunds of tuition or fees.
- All international student fees were published as non-refundable and due on acceptance.

Late payment and collection
- Interest on overdue balances is charged at 2% per month; returned cheque/NSF fees of CAD 50 apply. Accounts outstanding at billing may be subject to collection actions and restrictions on re-enrolment until settled.

Fee payment methods (summary)
- Accepted methods include: pre-authorized debit (required for the ten‑month plan), cheque, wire transfer (administrative wire fee applies), and credit card (3% administration fee on card payments). Monthly statements are issued; the school's accounts office manages wire instructions and payment enquiries.

(Notes: The items and example amounts above reflect the school's published tuition, payment plans, optional service fees and financial policies as presented in the school's financial handbooks and admission pages for the recent academic years and the 2026 payment schedules.)
Academics

Matthews Hall teaches Canadian Curriculum.

Curriculum
The school has a comprehensive curriculum that fosters academic excellence and character development.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school prioritizes physical, social, emotional and cognitive development as equally important. The Lower School emphasizes an integrated, hands-on curriculum; teachers encourage joy in learning, skill development, growing self-control and independence, and positive relationships with peers. Matthews Hall also emphasizes 100% participation and inclusion, with leadership opportunities that foster caring actions and a sense of community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has an Equity and Inclusive Education Policy that commits to inclusive education and removing discriminatory biases and barriers; education is designed to reflect diverse communities and to uphold equity and inclusion in all policies, programs and practices. Teaching staff include Orton-Gillingham-trained professionals to support learners.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school teaches in English and French, offering a French immersion-type program for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 to achieve high proficiency, with DELF exam preparation.

Safeguarding
The school has a Health and Safety Policy and a Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Policy requiring reporting to child welfare agencies. It maintains a Harassment Policy and School Climate policies to ensure a safe, respectful environment, and conducts regular safety drills.
Parent Experience

History
Matthews Hall was founded in 1918 by Kate Sotham Matthews, an English immigrant who moved from British Columbia to London, Ontario in 1912. It began in a room at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral as a private school in the Anglican tradition for young ladies and gentlemen, and was known as St. Paul's Private School and later Miss Matthews' School during relocations that began in 1930. A group formed a financial foundation to continue the school's operation, and by 1950 Miss Matthews' School was incorporated as an independent non-denominational school. On June 1, 1977, the school's name was legally changed to Matthews Hall to emphasize its coeducational nature. Matthews Hall is an accredited member of CAIS and CIS Ontario, overseen by a Head of School (Christopher White, appointed in 2025) and a volunteer Board of Governors, with Closing Exercises held each year at St. Paul's Cathedral to honour its heritage.

Community
100% participation and inclusion guide Matthews Hall's community, with students encouraged to share talents and take leadership opportunities, including a Student Parliament election, performances in concerts, chess tournaments and a range of sports, and celebrations of founder Kate Matthews. The campus provides inviting classrooms, well-equipped grounds, a library, gymnasium, performing arts studio, drama studio, computer lab, maker space, art gallery and an outdoor Peace Garden; Phase 1 of the campus renewal added a 10-classroom expansion in September 2020. Matthews Hall is accredited by CAIS and CIS Ontario.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Matthews Hall is located at 1370 Oxford Street West, London, Ontario. The campus includes inviting classrooms with up-to-date materials and several acres of well-equipped grounds to encourage active play. It features a library, gymnasium, performing arts studio, drama studio, an up-to-date computer lab, an innovative maker space, an art gallery and an outdoor classroom. The Peace Garden encourages contemplation and friendship. Phase 1 of the campus renewal project was completed with a bright, modern 10-classroom expansion opening in September 2020.

Academic Facilities
Matthews Hall provides a challenging and engaging curriculum with a broad range of subjects and cocurricular activities. Teaching faculty are trained in Orton-Gillingham methods. The school is accredited by CAIS. Facilities include a library, gymnasium, performing arts studio, drama studio, computer lab and maker space. A campus renewal expansion opened in September 2020, adding a modern 10-classroom space as part of ongoing improvements.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Student Parliament elections, concerts and chess tournaments are part of student life, and students compete in cross-country, soccer, floor hockey, ice hockey and volleyball tournaments. The school hosts chess tournaments and conducts performances as part of cocurricular activities. The school also organizes guest speakers and field trips to enrich learning experiences.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Small classes meet and exceed the Ontario Curriculum guidelines. The curriculum includes physical education, French, visual and performing arts, dance and chess. It fosters critical thinking, creativity and a love for learning.

Arts & Creative
The school has a performing arts studio, a drama studio, an art gallery and an outdoor classroom, along with a maker space and a library. Music groups include jazz bands, choirs (primary, junior, senior) and ensembles (flute, sax, string). Students perform in concerts.

Cultural & Language
The school has a Multi-Cultural Club and teaches French.

Social & Hobbies
The school offers numerous clubs: Ambassadors' Club, City Chess Club, Noon Chess Club, Debating Club, Green Team, Healthy School Committee, Writer's Craft Clubs, Kilometer Club, Knitting and Sewing Clubs, Book Club, Newspaper Club, Multi-Cultural Club, and STEM Club. Student Parliament (grades 3-8) also provides leadership opportunities.

Community & Service
The school supports community involvement through food and clothing drives, partnerships with a local retirement home, the Terry Fox Run, and other charitable fundraising and community initiatives.

Leadership & Professional
Student Parliament (grades 3-8) and Ambassadors' Club (grades 1-8) provide leadership opportunities for students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school offers sports including cross-country, soccer, floor hockey, ice hockey and volleyball. It has a gymnasium, a Peace Garden and an outdoor classroom, and a Healthy School Committee supports wellness.
Languages

Language Provision
The school teaches French through an immersion-type FSL program for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Each level includes 250–500 vocabulary words, interactive flashcards, stories, poems and songs, plus reading and writing exercises tailored to progress. Progression spans twelve levels of achievement and includes preparation for DELF examinations. The school provides opportunities in French and experiences in both official languages.

Bilingual Teaching
The school offers bilingual education in English and French. The French program is an immersion-type exclusive FSL program for Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8, with students required to use French in classroom interactions from the start. The program emphasizes self-discipline, autonomy, creativity and intellectual curiosity as students progress through twelve levels.

Immersion Programs
The school runs a French immersion-type exclusive FSL program for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. It aims for a level of proficiency comparable to traditional immersion programs. It offers DELF exam preparation sessions and DELF examinations (A1.1, A1, A2, B1, B2). This year, over 20 students completed the DELF.
Reputation

Accreditations
CAIS accreditation; member of the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CIS Ontario); teaching faculty trained in Orton-Gillingham methods; The Ontario College of Teachers; The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.
Admissions

Admissions
To begin the application process, contact the school to book a tour. During a tour, families receive an information package and an application form. After submitting the completed application with proof of age, recent report cards and a $250 non-refundable application fee, students are scheduled to spend a day at Matthews Hall. Admissions decisions are made after the student visit. Families are notified by email.

Scholarships
Matthews Hall offers bursaries to support families that require financial assistance. To be considered for a bursary, families must complete an online application through Apple Financial Services. Applications are required on an annual basis. Applications for financial assistance will only be considered after a student has completed the formal admissions process and an offer of acceptance has been granted. Bursary funding is limited and will not necessarily meet the needs of all applicants. All financial information is kept strictly confidential.

Waitlist
If a grade is at capacity, students are placed on a waiting list and families are contacted when a spot becomes available.
School Events
The school has not added events
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