Lower School

Student Life

Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit

The Ridley Lower School experience is built on a holistic approach to learning that develops the mind, body, and spirit. Students learn the value of balancing intellectual studies with physical activity and a commitment to the community in which they live. 

- McRae Family

"To our family, Ridley is about opportunity. It is a place where young people can excel and are encouraged to succeed by their peers and faculty alike, and we really wanted that for our children. While our kids are at school each day, to know that they are in a learning environment with teachers, coaches, and mentors that truly care for their wellbeing and will work to help them reach their full potential is very comforting to us."

List of 9 items.

  • Physical Literacy and Playing with Purpose

    Physical activity primes the brain for learning, contributes to physical literacy, and leads to a healthy lifestyle.
    Read More

  • Structured Athletic Programmes

    Our athletic programme is structured to ensure essential daily physical activity takes place as part of the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model recommended by Sport for Life Canada.
    Read More

  • Dedicated Health Services

    Our focus on physical literacy is supported by a dedicated staff of health professionals in our Heath Centre
    Read More

  • Healthy Meals

    Our belief that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, increased confidence, happiness, and academic performance extends to our meal services.
    Read More

  • Artistic Outlets

    The visual arts programme is designed to balance a student’s physical life with opportunities for creative outlets.
    Read More

  • Musical Expression

    The Lower School also provides a rich and comprehensive musical environment that allows all students to explore their musical abilities.
    Read More

  • Creativity, Activity, and Service

    The Lower School experience also promotes the importance of community and service to others.
    Read More

  • Chapel

    An important part of our holistic approach to learning includes weekly services in our Memorial Chapel.
    Read More

  • Leadership

    At Ridley, we strive to create an environment in which all students have the opportunity to develop the leadership skills they will need to thrive in an increasingly complex and global community.
    Read More
P.O. Box 3013, 2 Ridley Road St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 7C3 Canada 905 684 1889
With more than 700 students from 60 countries, the largest boarding programme in Ontario and the third largest in Canada, Ridley College is a truly international, co-educational, day and boarding school of the world that prepares students for the world. It has provided enriching learning and life-shaping experiences focused on the arts, academics, and athletics since 1889. Ridley’s Lower School offers JK-Grade 8, its Upper School consists of Grade 9-PG, and Ridley graduates attend some of the top universities and colleges around the world. Ridley is the only   co-ed independent boarding school in Canada and one of only three in North America authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum programme.