If you have been paying attention to commercials on TV or the radio lately, you’re likely already aware that fall is approaching and back-to-school season is upon us. For most of us, this time of year feels like a fresh new start maybe tinged with a little sadness that the summer is winding down.
Here’s everything you need to know for back-to-school time in Peterborough!
Looking to learn more about Peterborough? Read our Peterborough community guide right here.
Does Peterborough Have Good Schools?
Peterborough is served by several publicly-funded school boards including Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board, and the french Conseil scolaire de district catholique centre sud.
There are numerous schools in the area that offer a variety of programs for children of all ages. Some of the top-rated schools in Peterborough include:
- Kawartha Heights Public School (JK-6)
- Westmount Public School (JK-8)
- EEC monseigneur-Jamot (French JK-8)
- St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School (JK-8)
- Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (9-12)
- Crestwood Secondary School (9-12)
- Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School (9-12)
This is only a short list of schools in Peterborough. The full list of schools can be found through the school board sites.
Peterborough is also home to Fleming College and Trent University, probably best known for its programs in business, environmental studies, teaching, nursing, and other science degrees.
How to Get Ready For Back-to-School in Peterborough
Whether you have children entering primary school, teenagers heading to high school, or if you’re a young adult starting your post-secondary career, back-to-school requires some planning and organization.
Some advice to get your back-to-school:
- Plan ahead and implement your new routine even before school starts.
- The week before school, start going to bed earlier and set alarms in the morning.
- Try out some new lunch recipes and meal-plan in advance.
- If back-to-school in your family means going to a different school than last year, map out your route and make sure everyone in the family is comfortable with travel arrangements (whether it be by bus, walking, biking, or carpooling).
- Organize all school supplies, backpacks, notebooks, etc. beforehand and keep them handy so nothing gets lost.
- Discuss health and safety with your kids so everyone knows what to expect when they enter the classroom.
Back-to-School Shopping in Peterborough
While we all have our go-to shops in Peterborough, back-to-school shopping is a different animal altogether. Make the outing a fun event for the whole family, everyone loves getting new things, and back-to-school is the perfect chance for your kids or teens to showcase their personality with a fun backpack or cool new shoes.
Peterborough’s Lansdowne Place is the perfect one-stop destination if you’re looking for a day of shopping. With an H&M, Old Navy, Roots, Best Buy, and Real Canadian Superstore, you’ll likely find everything you need in one place!
Downtown Peterborough is also a great place to shop local and find a ton of unique gems from bespoke paper products, sporting goods, shoes, clothes, books, and more. You can even find some beautiful decor shops and plant stores, perfect for decorating dorm rooms!
If you’re looking for ways to help the community, United Way is also accepting donations for their Backpacks for Kids program, which aims to ensure all kids in the region have access to back to school gear. You can learn more about the program here.
How to Enjoy the Last Drops of Summer in Peterborough
Just because summer is ending in Peterborough, doesn’t mean you can’t continue to enjoy outdoor activities. September is known for having spectacular weather that is still warm, with fewer bugs, too!
Activities such as kayaking, SUPping, hiking, biking, and camping are still very feasible this time of year, and a great way to unwind after a busy week of school and work! Check out Stoney Lake or go hiking on Doube’s Trestle Bridge, part of the Kawartha portion of the Trans Canada Trail.
The Peterborough Farmer’s Market is also still operating, transitioning their goods to fall. Fresh corn, Ontario peaches, pickled goods, raw honey, and mushrooms are just a few of the amazing items you can find there.
There’s always something to do in Peterborough and the Kawarthas! Read more about some of our favourite local activities here:
- The Joy of Cycling in the Kawarthas
- Fun Fall Activities in Peterborough
- Discover the Best Kawartha Lakes Golf Courses
Don’t Forget About Fall Events in Peterborough
The first few months of school are usually jam-packed with activities, and there’s a whole new set of fun fall activities in Peterborough to add to your extracurriculars. From live music at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre to the Buckhorn Pumpkin Festival, Downtown Ghost Walks, and the iconic Norwood Fair, there is still so much to do in Peterborough this season!
When the leaves begin to change colour, make sure you carve out some time for driving, hiking, or biking to enjoy the stunning scenery and spectacular array of colours all around!
Are You Planning a Move this Fall?
Peterborough is an extraordinarily family-friendly community with excellent schools, shops, and amenities to keep busy! If you’re thinking about making the move to Peterborough, we’d love to show you around!
Contact us right here or reach out by email at team@jeffandkatie.ca to get the conversation started!
