Maple Bear acquires Canadian school, plans to restore high school programme

Maple Bear Global Schools has acquired Pretty River Academy, an independent school in Collingwood, Ontario, marking the international education network’s entry into operating a school in Canada.

Announced on Oct 19, the acquisition brings Pretty River Academy into Maple Bear’s international network, which operates more than 500 schools across over 35 countries. Maple Bear is part of SEB Education, a global education group with a portfolio spanning approximately 40 countries.

The agreement covers the school’s assets. According to Maple Bear, there will be no immediate changes to staffing, fees, curriculum or day-to-day operations. Pretty River Academy will continue under its existing leadership while gaining access to resources, professional development and educational programmes across the wider network.

The definitive agreement was signed on Oct 2.

High school programme to be expanded

Pretty River Academy currently serves students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 8. The acquisition is expected to support the expansion of its academic offerings to include high school education, alongside further investment in personalised learning and the school’s development as an international institution.

Local media outlet CollingwoodToday reported that Maple Bear plans to invest an additional C$2 million over two years to support programme development and the return of high school classes. The network’s chief executive, José Henrique Melo, told the publication that the school could resume high school education in September 2027.

The planned expansion follows the discontinuation of Pretty River Academy’s high school programme from the 2023-24 academic year amid cash-flow difficulties.

The acquisition is also intended to create opportunities for students and educators to connect with Maple Bear’s international network. The company said these opportunities would include knowledge exchange, professional development and access to programmes extending from early childhood through Grade 12.

Maple Bear strengthens its international network

Founded in 2004, Maple Bear delivers bilingual education based on Canadian teaching approaches, with programmes spanning early childhood, elementary, middle and high school education. Its network includes more than 500 schools across five continents.

Pretty River Academy, founded in 1998, is a co-educational independent day school serving families in Collingwood and the surrounding Southern Georgian Bay region. Its existing identity and local community relationships are expected to remain central to its operations following the acquisition.

Financial terms were not disclosed in Maple Bear’s announcement. However, CollingwoodToday reported that the transaction was valued at C$6.4 million, with proceeds intended in part to address the school’s outstanding debt.

The acquisition gives Maple Bear an operating presence in Canada while providing Pretty River Academy with access to an established international education network. The planned high school expansion and development of international programmes are expected to shape the next phase of the school’s growth.