
Learning is driven by curiosity and connection
At our innovative school, learning is driven by curiosity and connection. By actively engaging community partners and leveraging cutting-edge STEM tools, the school crafts dynamic, project-based learning experiences tailored to each child's unique skills, knowledge level, and interests. Whether students are building sustainable models with local engineers or coding interactive stories in collaboration with language artists, every project is thoughtfully designed to integrate mathematics and language seamlessly. This personalized, interdisciplinary approach not only deepens understanding but also fosters a sense of purpose, empowering students to see themselves as capable, creative problem-solvers in the real world.


Community
Partnerships
Learning beyond the classroom, rooted in community
We believe that learning is most impactful when it happens within a community. Through partnerships with parents, the wider community and local organizations, students engage in real-world experiences that shape their understanding of the world and their role within it.



Mastery
Building capacity with strong foundations for lifelong learning
Developing essential skills in reading, writing, and math through structured, effective teaching.

Engaged Learning
Creativity in action,
learning with purpose
Hands-on projects that foster creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.

Our Directors

Director
Marc Mailhot
Marc Mailhot is an educator with a keen focus on interdisciplinary, experiential, project-based learning. He is passionate about the design, implementation and refinement of programming that empowers students with authentic, community-connected and collaborative learning experiences.

Director
Sarah Mailhot
It is a gift and an honour to be part of the By Design Learning Team and to witness the growth and development of a child. From teaching letter sounds to learning times tables it is a thrill to see students grow in confidence and reach for more.

Director
Mike Barlow
Mike has over 40 years of experience working with youth including 30 years at Muskoka Woods. He believes in the power of experiential learning and is excited to be part of the By Design team
Our Staff

Marc Mailhot
Principal

Sarah Mailhot
Founder & Operations
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Gwen Kampen
Office Admin & French Teacher

Laurie Smith
Lead Teacher

Elly Ensom
Teacher

Danielle Solti
Teacher

Vicki Graham
Lead Teacher

Laura Kampen
Teacher

Paula Hernando
Teacher

Sarah Tomanov
Teacher

Andrea Hanratty
Teacher