Petrolia Primary School is a year-round private school combining Montessori and Forest school education in the heart of downtown Petrolia. Our Program serves families from Sarnia, Lambton County, and beyond.
Petrolia Primary School is a private school in Petrolia, ON that is equal parts Maria Montessori methodology, the great outdoors, and community immersion.
Montessori
Montessori education is characterized by hands-on, child-led learning in a prepared, multi-age environment. Educators work with children individually and in small groups, observing and supporting children as they master skills and concepts at their own pace.
Nature
The mental and physical benefits of time spent in nature are well documented. Exploring The Flats, 100 acres of Carolinian forest in downtown Petrolia (pictured above), is a cornerstone of the educational experience at Petrolia Primary School. Zoology, botany, geography, and environmental science are some of the subjects that emerge from a walk in the woods.
Community
Meaningful relationships are at the heart of secure attachment. Fostering meaningful relationships at Petrolia Primary School provides security for children and context for concepts mastered inside and outside of the classroom. The Petrolia Library, the YMCA, community parks and local businesses provide experiential learning opportunities locally.
Straddling both downtown and Petrolia’s lively Carolinian forest, our school is in the thick of it
Our Services
School
Our school day programming serves children aged 3 years 8 months and up. To learn more, click here.
AM/PM Program
Our AM/PM program serves both PPS students and public school students. To learn more, click here.
PA Days
PPS provides a trusting and stimulating environment for public school students. For more information, contact us.
Summer Enrichment
Our Summer Enrichment program is a play-based program in July and August that is staffed by our qualified Educators.
School Calendar (2025-2026)
"Students who are loved tend to love to learn. And in a dynamic and rapidly changing world, relational skills and the love of learning will increasingly be the key to success and personal empowerment."
- Isabelle Hau, Love to Learn
