Our Own Rivergate Academy is Accepting Students for Its First Kindergarten Class in September

By Michael Clarkson

Dreams of a having seamless transition for young students -- from daycare through elementary school -- will soon materialize for FEIA.

Families are signing up for Rivergate Academy’s first kindergarten class, beginning this September. The FEIA-owned Academy also has plans in the works for Grades 1-3 by 2027, and perhaps more grades in the future.

“Our vision for Rivergate Academy is much larger than childcare alone,” says FEIA founder and director Paul Liu. “Over the coming years, we will continue building it into one of Niagara’s leading private educational institutions, providing families with a pathway from early learning through to elementary education. Our long-term goal is to establish it as the local private school of choice for families across Niagara, offering exceptional programs from childcare through Grade 5, delivered with a caring, supportive and high-quality learning environment.”

Just recently, FEIA officially received approval for our revised childcare license and have increased our licensed capacity to 151 children, including 26 for kindergarten. So far, five children are signed up for kindergarten, beginning Sept. 8, and more are expected before then.

Interested parents should call 289-476-0124.

This represents an important milestone in the growth of FEIA and provides us with the opportunity to welcome even more families into our community. It's an exciting step forward for childcare manager Breanne Stewart, her staff and the students.

“As a parent, there is something incredibly comforting about knowing that as she takes this big step, she will be surrounded by familiar faces, caring teachers, and a community that has loved, nurtured, and believed in her from the very beginning,” said Elisa Maya, whose daughter will “graduate” from FEIA daycare to Rivergate kindergarten. “Watching her grow from a shy little girl into a confident, curious, and independent child has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and Rivergate has played such an important role in that journey. Knowing she will start this new chapter in a place where she feels safe, valued, and encouraged gives me tremendous peace of mind.”

According to Liu, "This expansion reflects our confidence in the future of Fort Erie and Niagara. We will continue to grow our programs, strengthen our connection to the community, and create a school that Niagara families are proud to be part of. The future is incredibly exciting."

Already, with its toddler and pre-school programs, Rivergate is a popular private facility, partly because it eases the long waiting lists for children. “The parents needn’t worry about their child having to take buses, and transfers,” Stewart said. “It’s one-stop shopping for parents.”

As well, its large building near downtown Fort Erie offers a chance for more placements from the waiting lists with its six large classrooms, large gymnasium, full library, and outdoor space.

While the community-based school is owned by FEIA, 95 per cent of its children are locals from Niagara.

“We are incredibly grateful to be part of the Rivergate family,” Elisa said. What began as a school became a second home, and we cannot wait to watch our daughter create new memories, embrace new opportunities, and continue to flourish in this next chapter of her journey."

Rivergate, which will have a summer program this year, is on Central Avenue, across the field from FEIA elementary (grades 5-8) and high schools (9-12).

It has its own website: www.rivergateacademy.ca

Also new this September, we will welcome our new dormitory, FEIA Village, and the first high school esports program in Canada. Stories on those to come.