General

Why choose Fulford Academy?

• Small class sizes
• Individualized academic support
• International community
• Safe boarding environment
• University preparation
• ESL support if required
• Robust sports and clubs program
• Caring staff and close-knit campus
• Beautiful Canadian location near Ottawa
• Safe community

This combination allows students to thrive academically, socially, and personally while preparing for university success.

Where is Fulford Academy located?

Fulford Academy is located in the beautiful village of Merrickville, Ontario, Canada, approximately one hour south of Ottawa. Our safe and welcoming campus provides an ideal environment for international students to live and learn.

Does the school close at any time during the school year?

Yes. We close for 2 weeks over our Christmas break in December and for one week during March for our March Break. 

During those times, boarding students may travel home, stay with relatives in Canada, or we can recommend homestay companies in the Ottawa and Toronto areas.

Academics and University Placement

What grades do you offer?

We offer Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) programs for students in Grades 9–12, as well as an ESL Foundation Program and University Qualification Year.

What are your intake dates?

Yes. Fulford Academy has two main intakes each year, September and February.

We also offer customized short-term and ESL programs throughout the year.

We are on a two semester system. First semester runs from September until the end of January. The second semester runs from February until the end of June.

What curriculum do you teach?

Students study the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), one of the world's most respected high school programs, recognized by universities across Canada and internationally.

Is English language support available?

Yes. Our ESL Foundation Program helps students improve their English while preparing for academic success. Additional English support is also available throughout the school year.

What is the average class size?

Our small class sizes allow teachers to provide personalized instruction and individual academic support. Typically the classes are 10 - 14 students.

Is there a study hall?

Yes. Supervised study hall is provided Monday through Thursday, giving students dedicated time to complete homework and receive extra help from teachers.

Do you offer university counselling?

Yes. Every student receives personalized university and career guidance. Fulford Academy graduates have an excellent record of university acceptance both in Canada and internationally.

What are your college/university acceptance rates, and where do your graduates go?

We have a 10% post-secondary acceptance rate. Our students attend universities in Canada and all over the world. Some of the schools our class of 2026 are attending are: University of Toronto, McGill University, University of Ottawa, University of Edinburgh, University of Sydney, Waterloo University, York University, University of British Columbia, University of Buenos Aires, Dalhousie University, and many more.

Boarding Life and Student Welfare

How many students share a room?

Students typically share double or triple rooms with private ensuite bathrooms. Room assignments are made to encourage cultural diversity whenever possible.

What are the bedrooms like?

Each student has their own bed, desk, chair, dresser, somewhere to hang their clothes. Each bedroom also has its own private bathroom.

What are the rules around devices, curfew, and lights-out?

Curfew and lights-out is dependent on a student’s grade and age. All devices are expected to be turned off at lights-out. If we see a student struggling to get up in the mornings we will take their devices overnight and store them in a safe place until the morning.

Do you provide medical insurance for international students?

Yes. We use a highly reputable company called Study Insured.

Support for this is provided by our residential team.

Do you students require specific immunizations?

Yes, absolutely. Public Health Ontario requires that all students attending school in Ontario have the required immunizations, and they must see proof of this. It is the law.

If some required immunizations are missing, then a student will be required to obtain them once in Canada.

Please refer directly to the Ontario Public Health website for guidelines:https://files.ontario.ca/moh-well-child-toolkit-checklist-en-2023-04-03.pdf and 

https://www.ontario.ca/page/vaccines-children-school 

Upon registration, we will provide an Immunization Form for you to list all of the immunizations your child has received in their lifetime. This form will be shared with Public Health.

Can students leave the school for overnight travel?

It depends. We have strict protocols in place for students wishing to leave the school for overnight trips. Please ask our admissions office about this when you apply. Safety is always our number one priority!

Day Student Integration

How are day students integrated into the school community alongside boarders?

Day students take classes right alongside boarding students and form incredible friendships with students from around the world. Day students also participate in all of our sports and clubs.

What are the school hours?

School starts at 9:00AM and ends at 3:30PM.

Day students must be at the school by 8:50AM for sign-in and uniform check.

Students are expected to be picked up at the school no later than 5:00PM.

Are day students provided meals at the school?

Yes! Lunch and snacks are provided every day and if a day student arrives on time for breakfast, they can have that too.

What transportation options or bus routes are available for day students?

Day students must be transported to the school by their families. Sometimes other arrangements can be made if a student lives close enough to the school.

Are day students assigned a space on campus to store their belongings during the day?

Yes! Day students are assigned a locker. We also have male and female changerooms specifically for our day students.

Admissions and Tuition

How do students apply?

To apply, you must complete the online application form, provide the necessary documents (report card, test scores, language assessments), and schedule an interview. Details can be found on our “How to Apply” page.

Submit the following documents:

• The last 2 years of academic report cards/transcripts
• Passport photo (photo page)
• Recent photograph
• Immunization record

Student interview is conducted after the application has been submitted

Online English assessment (if required)

Handwritten Personal profile statement

Our Admissions Team supports families throughout the process.

How long does the admissions process take?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and admission decisions are typically made shortly after the interview and required documents have been received.

Do international students need a Study Permit?

Yes. Most international students require a Canadian Study Permit. Fulford Academy provides the necessary documentation after acceptance.

How much are school fees?

Please see our Admissions and Tuition section on the website.

Are scholarships available?

Limited merit-based scholarships and financial assistance opportunities are available. Families are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office for details.

At this time, we do not offer financial aid.

What is included in the boarding fee?

International boarding tuition includes:

• Accommodation
• Three meals daily plus snacks
• Health insurance
• Custodianship
• Academic support
• University guidance
• Extracurricular activities
• Supervised study hall
• Airport pickup and drop off on designated travel days (dates vary by year)

Campus Life, Food, Culture and Extracurriculars

What extracurricular activities are available?

Students participate in athletics, clubs, leadership opportunities, volunteer service, cultural events, weekend excursions, and recreational activities designed to create a well-rounded boarding experience.

Do you accommodate food allergies and special dietary requirements?

Yes! Simply tell us your allergies or dietary requirements (Halal, gluten free, vegetarian, etc).

Is there a dress code or uniforms?

Yes, we have school uniforms. Fridays are free dress.

Do you have weekend activities or trips?

We sure do! There is always something going on. You will receive a list of trips and activities after registration.

Can parents visit the campus?

Absolutely! Families are welcome to book a personalized campus tour or virtual tour with our Admissions Team during the day from Monday - Friday.