12 Bond Crescent, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4E 3K2, Canada
525 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3H6, Canada
12 Bond Crescent, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4E 3K2, Canada
525 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Westmount, Quebec, H3Y 3H6, Canada
1993
1909
280
300
1 to 8
K to 11
Coed
Girls
Day
Day
English
English, French
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Progressive
Varies
12 to 20
Dedicated gifted school
In-class adaptations
$18,500
$21,800 to $26,380
No
Yes
0%
15%
None
6 to 11
$0
$5,000
35
25
0%
0%
75%
60%
SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 1 - 8
Yes: grades K - 11
No
No
No
Yes: grades 7 - 11
information not available
“[ECS] was founded in 1909 by Maud Edgar and Mary Cramp, two trailblazing educators who were determined to open a school—not just any school, mind you, but one that would advance the cause of gender rights and equality. … [and] believing to their core that the school would play a role in quite literally changing the world.”
“While the strength of the academic programs is understandably a principal draw, the thing that sets schools apart is their moral ecologies: the values and expectations they prioritize, and the ways of being they demand of the students who participate within them.”
“The administration isn’t prone to resting on laurels, but instead consistently reviews best practices and builds new programs to meet the evolving needs of the student population.”
Read The Our Kids Review of Miss Edgar's & Miss Cramp's School
The PACE program was developed with gifted students in mind, based in an understanding of what they share—overall ability—as well as what they don't, such as specific talents, interests, and curiosities. The term of art is differentiated programming, though it's a term that can easily lend itself to misunderstanding. It doesn't mean that different students proceed through the curricula at different rates or are each given separate tasks based on their individual abilities. Rather, within a differentiated program all students proceed at the same pace through the material, while instructors provide multiple entry points that address the needs of individual students within the class. The ideal student is one who has been identified as gifted, and who requires challenge in order to succeed in academic work.
View full reportMiss Edgar's & Miss Cramp's School was founded in 1909 by Maud Edgar and Mary Cramp, two trailblazing educators. Although still not allowed to own the property that housed their school, or even to vote, Miss Edgar and Miss Cramp were determined to create educational opportunity for young women, to change their place in the world. Those roots in activism and leadership—and the desire to do things better, and more equitably—remain at the school today. The strength of the academic program is a principle draw, though the values, very rightly, are as well. The school has built itself around an ethos of achievement, providing opportunities for authentic engagement with the curriculum and substantial interaction with like-minded peers and mentors. The ideal student is one who shares that vision, and who has the interest and the drive to play an active role in a changing world.
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"he administration and teaching staff truly want all students to succeed to their highest potential."
Melanie Maresch - Parent (Mar 09, 2023)
Both of our kids love the culture and environment at PACE. They have many close friendships that hav...
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"It offers a challenging, yet well-balanced curriculum in every grade."
Yuliya M - Parent (Mar 13, 2023)
Our daughter's experience at the Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. has been rewarding. She has ...
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"The quality of teaching at PACE has always surpassed our expectations."
Raminder Juneja - Parent (Mar 22, 2023)
Both of our children have had wonderful experiences at PACE. The collaborative, supportive learning ...
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"P.A.C.E. provides a differentiated curriculum built on greater depth and breadth of instruction. Our primary goal is to identify and enhance the abilities of our students, while simultaneously addressing their social and emotional needs. P.A.C.E. is based on the premise that gifted children require high-powered learning experiences to challenge their minds and ensure intellectual growth and achievement. A fully balanced program, including Arts and Athletics, complements this specialized academic program."
"Miss Edgar's and Miss Cramp's School (ECS) is a leading independent girls' school in Montreal from K-11. We nurture the power and potential of every student, sparking her confidence and innovative spirit. From our signature first-of-its kind Entrepreneurial Platform to a bilingual programme and STEAM, our 360° approach to learning provides students with limitless opportunities to thrive. They graduate with the knowledge, agency and growth mindset to forge their own paths. We empower girls to lead the way!"
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"ECS is committed to redefining the status quo in education with a strong academic offering and through our innovative Entrepreneurial Platform (EP). Collaborative in spirit, this Platform fosters an entrepreneurial mindset which is opportunity-seeking, persistent, and resourceful. Through the iterative process, they learn to reframe problems as opportunities as well as express and execute their strategies with clarity."
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"ECS offers an environment where all students have access to opportunities to thrive, grow, and reach their full potential. Guided by our vision and mission, we strive to mentor each girl on her distinct journey. Small class sizes, strong academics and a vibrant co-curricular programme are just a few ways that we inspire students as they pursue their academic and discover their passions."
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"Our Co-curricular and Athletics programmes are exceptional. Students experience life outside of school though trips, special events and guest speakers who touch upon many social issues. From sport tournaments to field trips they get to experience the world in a safe and nurturing environment with our wonderful staff. Student Life at ECS provides opportunities beyond the classroom, that build leadership skills, self and global awareness, and independence."
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"ECS is a home away from home. Students love their school and they are nurtured by a dedicated teaching team and surrounded by a caring student body that spans Kindergarten to Grade 11. Students not only find peers within their class but also through special school activities and events throughout the school year. Students at ECS are part of a sisterhood that lasts beyond their school years and carries them into the future."
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My journey at P.A.C.E. began in 1999 and in 2019 I was delighted to assume the role of Director/Principal. The most rewarding part of my job is interacting with the students. They are fun loving, witty and demonstrate an intellectual curiosity that is any educator's dream. The energy level in the building is very high, the questioning by the students is incessant, and there are a lot of laughs. The skills for succeeding at P.A.C.E., whether in the role of teacher or student, are the same: a love of learning, high motivation, an excellent work ethic and a sense of humour. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by excellent teachers and a strong administrative staff: Liana, the Assistant to the Director; our Vice Principals, Caroline Corbit and Joanne Abela; and our Administrative Assistant, Irina. Every September we look forward to yet another passionate and exciting year for all.
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Progressive
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Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Not applicable
P.A.C.E. is a magnet school for students who have been identified as intellectually gifted by means of a psycho-educational assessment. The curriculum is differentiated through various methodologies and strategies i.e. compacting, identifying learning styles, creative problem solving, acceleration, inquiry-based learning, addressing the critical thinking skills, sophisticated field studies, greater depth and breadth of instruction, etc. in order to meet the special needs and characteristics of gifted kids. Our courses reflect high powered learning experiences for our gifted learners, including pre-AP courses offered in grade 8. To address the needs of the whole child, wonderful Fine Arts, Athletic, and Co-Instructional Programs complement our strong academic program. There is something truly special about being surrounded by people passionate about everything they do.
From Kindergarten through Grade 11 we are committed to engaging students in the rich process of inquiry, asking questions and defining problems, designing methods of investigation, analyzing and interpreting data, communicating findings, and reflecting on the experience. This process is relevant no matter the learner’s age or the subject at hand. Please see our website for more information: www.ecs.qc.ca.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
P.A.C.E. is a blend of old and new, allowing for the mastery of basic skills while creating exciting new initiatives in how to learn mathematics. It's not all about numerical operations but the understanding of mathematical concepts and the application of mathematics to real world experiences.
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A number of different textbooks are used at the high school level. But, most importantly, we create Resources Booklets for our students which allows us to draw from many different sources.
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To foster the development of mental math students in grades 1-6 do not use calculators. Starting in grade 7 calculators are used for basic computational skills. Graphing calculators are taught and used in grades 8- 12, but only scientific calculators (without graphing capabilities) are used for evaluations.
Information not available
Balanced Literacy
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Children entering in to grade 1 are reading at various levels; from one or two sentences with pictures, to chapter books. Therefore, often there are 2 or 3 reading groups each with different reading assignments. Typically, by January, all of the children have reached a comparable level in their reading fluency but not necessarily in their reading comprehension. By the end of grade one all of the children are reading the same novels.
Approach in French and English is aligned to support student learning and progresses through the grades as they hit touchstone requirements. This method supports both revision and enrichment so students may still be comfortable at their language level. Teachers make sure students are exposed to quality texts and stories and learning to think like an author.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
This testing is to inform teaching.
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Our children love to write, and we begin to introduce analytical writing as well as creative writing in grade one; the sophistication of which increases as writing assignments are introduced into writing categories: poetry, short stories, essays, and dialogues/monologues.
We teach writing structure, but also learn to build their knowledge through drafts and revisions. This approach is taught in both languages; French and English in order to support students in making connections across the curriculum.
Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
A variety of methodologies work best with our students. It is very important for our students to be exposed to the expert, to work effectively with their peers, and to creatively design their own scientific experiments.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Physiology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Literature comes alive through multiple interpretations and rich performance tasks that include choral speaking, debates, trials, videos, music and drama.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Core Knowledge
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
Through our broad-based issues and themes, students learn in a very holistic manner as opposed to learning content and facts in isolation. The exploration of the dynamic activities enhance the critical thinking skills and students learn how to apply, analyze and evaluate information. It is through these theme based assignments that our younger students learn to hone their research skills - both through written report and oral presentation.
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Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Through our life skills course, civics, history, law, philosophy and classical civilization students develop their critical thinking skills through discussion, debate and analytical essay writing. Students enjoy discussing BIG IDEAS while respecting the opinions of their peers in a safe and open learning environment. Application to real life experiences remains an important aspect of any social science or humanities course.
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Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
The acquisition of French as a second language includes the concrete sequential mode of learning as well as interactive group work. Our French Language program addresses the four components: Listening Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Written and Oral Expression. Students study French cultural and language heritage as well as the constructs of formal grammar.
The importance of our programme is to practice French and have a bilingual proficiency. We nurture reading, writing and speaking in both English and French. Spanish is offered from Grades 8 to 11. We nurture speaking and reading in Spanish to become proficient in conversation
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Students engage in making art come alive using a collaborative approach to learning. Taking risks, emoting and developing the aesthetic sensibilities create the ultimate performance in both drama and music.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
All students use personally owned devices to enhance learning experiences and opportunities in various disciplines throughout the regular school day. Robotics plays a very large role in our technology program and the instruction of coding begins in grade four.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
The development of a healthy mind and body is critical to success.
Beginning in Kindergarten, technology is integrated into daily life at ECS. Students quickly learn that these tools ENHANCE their learning but technology does not replace pencils, paper and books. Teachers integrate technology to create a stimulating learning environment and students are at ease working on many different programmes.
Play-based
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
Please see our website at ecs.qc.ca for more information
Accelerated
The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
Information not available
Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Addressing the needs of gifted children through a well balanced education that attends to the cognitive as well as social emotional needs of the children allows for us to groom good people who will be productive citizens in society.
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
6 - 11
0%
15%
$0
$5,000
75%
60%
SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 1 - 8
Yes: grades K - 11
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 7 - 11
No
Yes: grades 1 - 11
No
No
No
No
The first critierion for P.A.C.E. is that the student is identified as intellectual gifted. We are looking for bright individuals who are passionate about learning and are productive citizens within the school.
Curious, courageous, mission-appropriate, risk-takers, motivated to learn, well-rounded. We're looking for the sparkle in their eye - the girls who are keen to learn, enthusiastic. We're looking for the girl who plays rugby, the oboe, and loves ballet; the girl who loves math, engineering, and a good book. Our student body is varied and diverse - give us a call.
All students are required to have a psycho-educational assessment (WISC V). If the student scores in the 95th percentile or higher in verbal reasoning and visual perception, on paper, that child would qualify for P.A.C.E. The next step would be to have a meeting with the family and for the student to visit for the day. Feedback regarding the child's visit is provided.
Birth Certificate
Final Report Cards for Last Two Years
Junior School - Permanent Residency cards or Certificate of Eligibility or Study Visa or Parent Work Permit or Parent Diplomatic Status
Middle / Senior School - Certificate of Eligibility or Study Visa or Parent Work Permit or Parent Diplomatic Status
Candidate photo
$50 application fee
Admissions test and ‘Spend-A-Day’ on site
Family interview
International applicants Grade 8 through 10 must provide their IELTS/TOEFL scores.
All Grade 7 applicants must write the Common Admissions Test with Brisson Legris (mid-October). If inquiring after the deadline, please contact our Admissions Team.
In some cases, we require a copy of the child and parent's passports
