MERRICKVILLE - A rebrand and expansion is well underway at Merrick Preparatory School.

With a new name to reflect its welcoming community, the coed private school will be offering all high school grade levels and is opening its doors to include local students this fall.

"The vision of the school is to remain a small and intimate place, with it being a home for our international students along with local students joining us to become part of a global network," says Headmaster Kevin Farrell.

Until now, the school previously known as Fulford Preparatory College offered only higher secondary school grade level instruction. Kevin says the enhanced curriculum and new name follow a consolidation of ownership at the school.

"We're always looking for new opportunities and ways to grow and adapt," says Kevin, adding it will be an exciting new school year this fall.

First established in 2012, Merrick Preparatory School is known for its smaller class sizes of 6-10 students, individualized teacher-student interaction, hands-on learning and extended instruction hours - 140-145 hours per course, which is 30-35 hours over the provincial standard.

Currently, the school has students from 15 different countries. It will continue to provide quality, above industry standard boarding services and meal preparation for up to 60 students.

Merrick Preparatory School has a strong support network, with study groups and a daily advisor group (tutorials). There is support for personal skills development, mental health, health and nutrition, banking and conflict management, to name a few. Students participate in volunteer service within the community.

"We're distinctly Canadian and uniquely global," says Sheila Robitaille, Marketing and Admissions Coordinator. Students also have the benefit of living in a smaller community so they can focus on their studies but are close to larger urban centres as well.

The school has strong results. In 2018-2019, Merrick Preparatory School's 14 graduates received 63 offers of admission to Canadian, American and UK universities and over $65,000 in scholarships. Since its establishment, the school boasts a 100% placement rate to post-secondary institutions.

Learn more about Merrick Preparatory School on their new website being launched today. The school is located at 118 Main Street East in Merrickville. Call them at 613-269-2064 or send them an email.