Finnish early education • Waterdown, Ontario

Welcome to HEI
Schools Waterdown

HEI Schools is an international preschool concept based on the well-recognized Finnish Early Education Model that has been ranked best in global comparison. Our approach and methods are based on the latest research in education and pedagogy, and it is rigorously tested in preschools across Finland with proven results. The University of Helsinki is a HEI Schools founding partner.

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Teacher reading with a baby
Purposeful play.
Nurturing guidance.
Natural learning.

Important information

CWELCC Program

To ensure that we are able to deliver the highest quality of service, we are not participating in the Canada Wide Early Learning & Child Care (CWELCC) program.

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Why families choose HEI

An award-winning international kindergarten from Finland

Award-winning international kindergarten
01

Globally recognized

HEI Schools has consistently been ranked at the top of the world’s best education charts.

University of Helsinki
02

Research-led

Founded in partnership with one of the world’s leading universities in education.

The HEI approach

Founded in partnership with the University of Helsinki

The Finnish model has been rigorously tested for decades with outstanding learning results. It combines the best and latest learning philosophies, models, and practices to meet the highest standards in education.

At HEI Schools, we adapt its holistic approach, emphasizing a child’s perspective without compromising academic results. With purposeful play, nurturing guidance from highly-trained teachers and learning shaped by each child’s interests, learning can happen everywhere, all the time.

A better way to learn

Less testing. More curiosity.

Competitive, performance and test-based models are not good for children. We promote comprehensive growth, learning, development and well-being.

The HEI approach: less testing and more curiosity, less sitting and more movement, less teaching and more learning
Friendly HEI animal family illustration

Built for the whole child

Why HEI Schools?

  • Research-based pedagogy and curriculum via University of Helsinki
  • Focus on life-long learning
  • Support for students and families without competition or ranking
  • A holistic approach to children’s upbringing
  • Individual and social development
  • Continuous training of highly-qualified teachers
  • Transversal competency for all children
  • A high-quality, inspiring environment
  • A global community through the HEI Schools Network

In their own words

Families recommend HEI Schools

HEI Schools parent
★★★★★
“After sending my child to HEI Schools, I noticed that he started singing when he would get on the school bus, which is something he had never done before!”

Mother of Jayden
Mom at Seongbuk, Korea

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Come say hello

HEI Schools Waterdown
Early Learning Centre

40 Mallard Trail, Unit 2A
Waterdown, Ontario
L8B 2A3, Canada
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HEI
40 Mallard Trail, Unit 2AWaterdown, Ontario • L8B 2A3

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Give your child a joyful
beginning to learning.

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