The heart of the philosophy of Hydrostone Academy is that every human is intrinsically complete as they are.

Noel McLellan — Upper School Associate Director and Teacher

Curriculum Overview

With approximately 150 students, Hydrostone Academy offers an enriched curriculum in Grades Pre-Primary through 12. As the school continues on a path of steady growth, it does not waiver from the commitment to small, intimate classes that allow for significant one-on-one interaction between student and teacher. By keeping class sizes small, the school provides an environment where students and their families form an integral part of a community. We prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional safety of the students, and recognize that successful learning environments support students to become compassionate and self-aware community members. 

Pre-Primary

Our licensed Pre-Primary program for 3 and 4-year-olds is a nurturing environment where your child feels safe and secure and able to grow, play and explore.

Primary

Imaginative play and imitation are the gifts of the Primary (Kindergarten) child as they seek to emulate the world around them, and learn by bringing everything into their play.

Elementary

The elementary curriculum integrates the skill-mastery techniques of traditional Western education, independent project learning, integrated thematic projects, and the multicultural emphasis of the United Nations School.

Middle & High School

Our academic program is rigorous but rooted in an integrated approach that allows every student to become a confident, brave, and accomplished young adult ready to thrive within a dynamic and ever-changing world.

International Students

Hydrostone Academy is a premier environment for international students to develop their language skills within the cultural richness of the Maritimes.

Summer Camps

Our summer programs offer a diverse range of enriching experiences designed to ignite the joy of learning in students of all ages.

Our Five-Pillar Approach

Hydrostone Academy embraces five foundational pillars that promote holistic development, interconnectedness, and a sense of purpose, preparing students to navigate an ever-changing world with resilience, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning.

Mindfulness

cultivates a deep awareness of the present moment, enabling students to develop resilience, focus, and the self-reflection skills essential for their personal growth.

Outdoor Education

encourages students to explore and connect with the natural world, fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, and environmental stewardship.

Community

emphasizes the importance of strong relationships and collaborative learning, nurturing a supportive and inclusive school environment.

Arts Education

fosters creative thinking, builds problem-solving skills, promotes self-expression, connects the head, heart, and hands, calls on the will of the student to see a repetitive project through to completion, allows for an ‘out-breath’ to balance the academic ‘in-breath’, and supports students in the embodiment of their learning.

Culturally sustaining academics

acknowledge and honour diverse cultural backgrounds, histories, and perspectives, fostering an inclusive and equitable educational experience for all students.

Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people, who have lived in and cared for this land, known as Kjipuktuk, for millennia. We also recognize the enduring presence and contributions of African Nova Scotians, who have been integral to this region for generations.

At Hydrostone Academy, we believe in the power of education as a vital pathway toward truth and reconciliation. We are committed to honouring the history, cultures, and knowledge of the Mi’kmaw people and African Nova Scotians. We strive to create an inclusive and respectful environment where all students can learn about and appreciate the rich, diverse heritage of our community.

Through our curriculum and community engagement, we aim to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the contributions and resilience of Indigenous and African Nova Scotian peoples. We recognize that this journey requires ongoing reflection, learning, and action, and we are dedicated to being a part of this important work.

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