The Schools
PREPARATORY @ SUMMERHILL
“If we are to have bright children
we must teach them to think.”
UNIQUE & MAGICAL FAMILY OF
STUDENTS, STAFF, TEACHERS & PARENTS
At Summerhill, we believe that it is important to build both foundations and skills for learning and skills for life. Foundations and skills fall into two categories: dispositions and competencies. Dispositions refers to the personal, moral, social and emotional dimensions of our students.
Download Prep Brochure
PREP-SCHOOL @ SUMMERHILL
WELCOME
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRINCIPAL
“Unlocking every child’s potential today, to inspire the leaders, thinkers, and creators of tomorrow.”
Welcome to Summerhill Prep School — a place where children are nurtured, challenged, and inspired to become confident learners and kind, capable individuals.
It is both a privilege and an honour to serve as principal of a school that has been my professional home for over two decades. During this time, I have seen education evolve, children grow, and families come and go — yet what has remained constant at Summerhill is our unwavering commitment to the well-being, growth, and potential of every child entrusted to our care.
At Summerhill, we believe that every child is unique, with their own strengths, passions, and ways of learning. Our role is to nurture these abilities, helping children discover confidence, resilience, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
We prepare our students not only for academic success but for life. From Grades 1 to 7, we equip young learners to become thoughtful, socially responsible, and globally aware citizens. Our curriculum combines foundational literacy and numeracy with creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. We embrace the possibilities of technology and emerging innovations, including AI, so that our students are confident, capable, and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
Learning at Summerhill extends far beyond the classroom. Reading, exploration, and inquiry are at the heart of everything we do. By encouraging curiosity and reflection, we cultivate students who are confident in expressing ideas, courageous in embracing challenges, and imaginative in envisioning solutions. Each child is guided to grow academically, socially, and emotionally — fully prepared to navigate the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead.
Our community thrives on partnership. Parents, your support and trust are invaluable as we guide children through their journey of discovery and growth. Together, we create an environment where every student feels safe, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.
At Summerhill, we are committed to unlocking every child’s ability today to shape the leaders, innovators, and creators of tomorrow — preparing them for life, for a global future, and for the extraordinary possibilities that await.
Kind regards
Vanessa Singh
Principal and Head of Academics
PREP-SCHOOL @ SUMMERHILL
METHODOLOGY
Developing People who can Think for Themselves
Summerhill is committed to nurturing potential and developing students who can think for themselves. The dedicated teachers have no more than 24 -26 students in a class and can therefore help develop individual strengths. Summerhill believes that excellent English, as a means of written, read and spoken communication is vital in today’s world.
Developing People who can Judge for Themselves
At Summerhill, we guide our students to come to their own realisations about what is right and wrong conduct. Having the personal integrity to choose the right values will lead to a successful and stable life. Summerhill is committed to a ‘zero tolerance’ of bullying and our students are mentored to recognise, reject and rise above behaviour that does not uplift and support the dignity of others.
Developing People who can Express their Creative Potential
Summerhill is passionate about aesthetic and creative expression. Through Summerhill’s Creative Arts offering, each student’s cultural skills are developed and explored to their full potential. Our annual Art exhibition and whole school Montage performances are highlights on the Summerhill calendar.
“A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists.”
Developing People who can Fulfil the Demands of the Technological Age
At Summerhill we know that the leaders of tomorrow will include those who are most agile and adaptive in the fast-moving and ever-changing society of technological advancement. Our teaching methodologies include experiential, enquiry and problem based learning approaches. These encourage engaged, active learning practices where students learn to take the initiative in their own learning experiences developing; Problem Solving, Critical and Creative Thinking, Communication and Evaluation Skills.
“Knowledge is more than data; it is also the ability to draw conclusions.”
Developing People who can Meet the Sporting Challenge
Summerhill encourages sporting achievement and constantly works to improve the school’s facilities. Professional sports coaches are employed and seasonal games are played. Sport grips the imagination and interest of the entire world. Every child at Summerhill is encouraged to take part in games, with a view to creating winners and sportsmanlike behaviour.
“When children become unimportant in a society, that society has forfeited its future.”
Developing People who can Value and Conserve
Summerhill is situated within an exclusive country estate. Our safe and secure environment ensures peace of mind. Summerhill is non denominational and an atmosphere of religious tolerance prevails, making it safe and comfortable for everyone. The policy of the school is to respect the religious beliefs of others. Summerhill upholds the right of families to choose and practise their own religious beliefs. Summerhill emphasises consciousness of the natural environment and its preservation. Field trips and Wildlife experiences are a vital part of the Summerhill programme.
“Man has reached the potential capacity to destroy the planet. He must be pushed on up to the capability and actions of saving it.”
COME AND VISIT
SCHOOL HOURS
M-F: 8am – 3pm
Contact
Telephone
011 468 1414
info@summerhill-school.co.za
Address
Cnr. 8th and 10th Roads
Noordwyk Erand, Midrand,
2090