Kells Elementary and Little Medical School: A Powerful Partnership in STEM and Experiential Learning

At Kells Elementary, our commitment to experiential education goes far beyond the traditional classroom. This year, our collaboration with Little Medical School has brought that commitment to life in the most engaging and impactful way possible—by inspiring our youngest learners to see themselves as future doctors, veterinarians, dentists, and scientists.

Through hands-on learning rooted in real-world medical experiences, Kells students have explored the fascinating intersection of science, health, and imagination, all while developing a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

Bringing STEM to Life Through Experience

STEM education is essential to young learners because it builds critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills that will serve them throughout their lives, whether they pursue careers in science or not. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, medical innovation, and scientific discovery, a solid STEM foundation equips students to navigate, contribute to, and even lead in the future workforce.

At Kells, we believe these foundational skills should be nurtured early in dynamic, exciting, and relevant ways. That’s where our collaboration with Little Medical School comes in.

Little Medical School: Making Big Dreams Feel Real

Little Medical School (LMS) is a hands-on enrichment program that introduces children to the world of healthcare through play-based learning and immersive role-play. Whether they’re wearing white coats, using real medical tools, or learning to tie surgical knots, students aren’t just learning about medicine—they’re stepping into the role of a healthcare professional.

Founded by a physician inspired by her own early experiences in medicine, LMS is grounded in the belief that early exposure and positive reinforcement can spark a lifelong interest in healthcare. Now a global program, LMS has recently launched in Montreal and Kells Elementary is proud to be among the first schools in the city to bring this innovative experience to students. It’s a perfect fit with our values of experiential education, curiosity, and a strong foundation in STEM learning.

Hands-On Health Education at Kells

This year, Kells Elementary hosted several Little Medical School programs, each tailored to engage students at their developmental level while introducing age-appropriate medical concepts and practices.

In the Little Medical School program, students assumed the role of doctors, learned how the human body and its organs function, and practiced using medical tools such as blood pressure cuffs and reflex hammers. They even learned essential first-aid techniques and how to tie knots like real surgeons. By becoming familiar with these tools and procedures in a playful, low-pressure environment, students also gained a greater sense of comfort and confidence, which will help them feel less anxious and more at ease during their own real-life medical visits.

It was a joy to see the transformation—wide-eyed students eagerly exploring complex concepts, totally immersed in role-play, and connecting what they learned to the world around them.

Principal Marla Perlman couldn’t have said it better: “Anything we can bring to our students that is new and that offers a hands-on component is experiential learning, and that’s learning at its best.”

Expanding Horizons: Dentistry, Veterinary Science, and Forensics

Our students also had the opportunity to dive into Little Dental School, where they learned about oral hygiene and the role of dentists through role-play, crafts, games, and simulations. This mini dental school experience helped students better understand the importance of brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy mouth while also introducing them to the exciting field of dental care.

For our animal-loving students, Little Veterinarian School was an absolute highlight. Here, students learned how to assess a pet’s health, check for ticks, care for stitches, and understand the importance of animal nutrition. Led by trained educators with medical expertise, the program covered various aspects of veterinary medicine, giving students a well-rounded view of the many career paths within animal care.

Another exciting addition was STEM Sleuths, where students unleashed their inner detectives and learned how to solve a crime! Through engaging, hands-on experiments, they explored the world of forensic science—analyzing fingerprints, chromatography patterns, and toxicology samples. This immersive experience not only sparked curiosity but also honed critical thinking and observation skills.

Each of these specialized programs ends with a proud moment: a graduation ceremony where students receive diplomas. Watching them beam with pride, it's clear that these programs do more than just educate—they empower.

Real Recognition for Real Learning

The impact of the Little Medical School program at Kells Elementary hasn’t gone unnoticed. Our students were featured on Global News, where the broader community had the chance to see just how enthusiastic and engaged our students are when learning is personal, relevant, and fun.

Building Lifelong Learners—and Future Leaders

The true power of experiential education lies in its ability to inspire. When students see themselves as capable scientists, caregivers, and innovators, they’re more likely to dream big and to believe in those dreams. Programs like Little Medical School do more than teach; they foster self-efficacy, boost confidence, and shape identities.

At Kells, we strive to cultivate not only knowledge but curiosity. We want our students to ask “why,” to explore “how,” and to imagine “what if.” By partnering with organizations like LMS, we’re giving them the tools and opportunities to do just that.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, we remain committed to delivering educational experiences that reflect our core values: curiosity, innovation, and hands-on learning. Our collaboration with Little Medical School has been an extraordinary example of what’s possible when we combine high-quality STEM education with immersive, engaging methods.

We look forward to continuing this partnership and exploring even more ways to integrate experiential learning into our curriculum because when students are inspired, the possibilities are limitless.

To learn more about Little Medical School and its programs, visit littlemedicalschool.com. To view the Global News segment featuring our students, click here.