3080 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5M 2M8, Canada
15000 - 54A Ave, Unit 201, Surrey, British Columbia, V3S 5X7, Canada
338.9 km
2,315.7 km
1993
2020
200
23
Nursery/Toddler to 6
K to 7
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Progressive
15 to 24
12 to 15
Accelerated curriculum
In-class adaptations
$17,975 to $27,300
$17,000 to $18,250
Yes
Yes
0%
0%
None
K to 7
$0
$0
18
3
0%
0%
100%
80%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 6
Yes: grades K - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
Bannockburn is founded in Montessori, and hews close to the spirit of the method and its fundamental principles. There is an abiding attention to creating a supportive, student-centric environment, one that can stimulate and build on children’s curiosity. That said, there are a few welcome adaptations as well, such as lower teacher/student ratio that one might expect to see within a Montessori classroom. The school is very much an expression of the surrounding community—it was begun in 1993 by local parents and educators, and retains very close ties to the surrounding community today. The life of the school is informed by an active and robust parents’ association, with meetings held on the first Monday of each month. Given the location of the school, the fact that it sits on a five-acre property is an added plus, one that both adds to the atmosphere of the school, and allows for the programming, as appropriate, to spread beyond the interior instructional spaces. So, yes, the school has a strong Montessori program, though there is also a clear Bannockburn identity, one that nicely reflects the community that it serves.
View full reportAll schools, to some extent, defy the various stereotypes that the general population might have about private education, though Glarea Elevated Learning is a particularly stark example of that. There are no ivy-covered walls, the hallways are wider, the entrance more fluid and casually inviting. Activity is foregrounded by the design and orientation of the instructional spaces: students step out of a classroom and onto the ice rink; on the way to math class, they’ll pass martial arts and dance studios. The classrooms are perhaps the first truly VR learning spaces in the country, with giant screens allowing students to conference in, interacting in real time with the students in the school. All of those attributes—from design to tech integration—support the initial concept that the school has been formed around, namely to offer students a uniquely immersive academic experience, one that will contribute to their understanding of themselves as learners and build the postures and behaviors for their success. From the classrooms to the curriculum, the school has been created to allow students to work collaboratively with peers and mentors; to engage effectively within both virtual and in-person settings; to communicate ideas effectively to others through a range of media; and to live active, healthy lives. In all, Glarea is positioned to become an important model in how to deliver those things in creative, active, uniquely engaging ways.
View full reportinformation not available
"The teachers are passionate and knowledgeable about their subjects."
Angela Wu - Parent (Jan 24, 2024)
My son was very shy and introverted. Since starting at Glarea he's become a whole new little person!...
View full review
"Bannockburn offers an outstanding, authentic Montessori learning environment, carefully implemented to meet the specific needs of children during the most crucial periods of their formative years. Each fully equipped classroom is directed by dedicated, qualified teachers complemented by specialist instruction in French, music, visual arts and physical education. We invite you to discover how Bannockburn can make a brilliant difference in your child's life.... from the very beginning."
"Centrally located in the City of Surrey with K to 7, Glarea Elevated Learning has re-imagined the modern school system by utilizing Challenge Based Learning within an all-inclusive arts and sport environment focused on connection and development. We understand the importance of developing a full, well rounded individual."
Information not available
"Elevated Learning drives Glareans to aspire to be self-aware, critical thinkers prepared for the future. We face challenges on a daily basis and our responses determine our future. Often, we don’t pause to consider different perspectives and design thoughtful solutions. Challenge Based Learning is a learning framework used to equip students with the skills necessary to identify challenges and develop innovative and sustainable solutions."
Information not available
"Our class sizes, a maximum of 15, along with our team, unconventional facility and Challenge Based Learning programming are what families continually outline as being the key aspects of our school that galvanized their decision to become, and remain Glareans.
At Glarea, Mandarin, French and Coding are a fundamental part of our programming starting in Kindergarten. Proficiency in other languages enhances creativity and mental flexibility. While coding allow our students to utilize logic."
Information not available
"Located centrally on top of an ice rink, Glarea is a multi-dimensional space encompassing a community feel. Glarea does not confine students to typical classrooms; furthermore, Glarea is a school with an open space with flexible learning"
Information not available
"EXPANDED EDUCATIONAL HOURS
Our expanded school hours from 7:45am to 4pm with optional after-school club between 4 to 5pm supports both parent and student work life balance.
INTEGRATED SPORTS PROGRAMS WITH ACCESS TO COMMUNITY SPORTS FACILITIES
All facilities are conveniently located in walking distance, allowing our students to have access to professional coached sports program like ice hockey, swimming, tennis, golf and fitness."
Information not available
"1. Individualized learning
2. Small community school
3. Extended programs: Mandarin, French, and coding from K to 7
4. Integrated sports programs with access to community sports facilities
5. Expanded school hours 7:45am and after-school care to 5:00pm"
Thank you taking the time to read about Bannockburn. I encourage you to pay us a visit and see what makes Bannockburn such a special place. It starts with our Toodlers who show us that these young individuals are capable of so much more than we would normally expect, and culminates with our Upper Elementary graduates who truly exhibit that they are responsible, nurturing, peaceful young people with self-esteem and respect for others. Bannockburn graduates are self-motivated, intellectually curious, love learning and achieve academic success.
Jasveen graduated from the American Montessori Internationale Primary Teaching program and also holds her certification in Early Childhood Education. She has also completed her Bachelor's Degree with a concentration in Sociology of Education. An educator for eight years she has worked extensively within the primary school setting. Jasveen has a strong passion for education, children, and building community. Her educational philosophy is rooted in giving children a choice and a voice. Jasveen believes that allowing children to make their own choices through modeling examples, teachable moments, and tangible lessons helps to build the true self.
Jasveen is a strong advocate for equality in education, a strong school community, and creating comfort, not fear, in classrooms. Jasveen truly believes that excellence in academics, positive personal and social development, and helping to build character in each child is a collective effort. Jasveen strongly believes the foundation for each child is built upon the teacher and parent communication. Jasveen believes that the continuum and continuity of learning lie in uplifting and illuminating each child’s gifts. Allowing children to position themselves in a state of wonder; rather than placing them into a fixed expectation.
Through open communication and an adaptable approach, Jasveen believes that each student at Glarea is destined for success!
Progressive
Information not available
Particularly popular in the younger grades (preschool to elementary), but sometimes available all the way up to high school, Montessori schools offer an alternative vision to the standard lesson format of most classrooms. Instead of listening to whole-class lessons, Montessori classrooms allow students to choose which "tasks" or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles - their essential feature being they contain a right answer and allow for selfcorrection. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on lessons being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with students developing a sense of self-sufficiency, confidence and curiosity.
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
Bannockburn School leads in Montessori education by offering an exceptional, enriched Montessori curriculum and a nurturing, inspiring environment carefully prepared to meet the needs of children in the formative years of childhood. Every day in the classroom is a study in the balance of young children purposefully working to develop cognition, concentration and independence in a nurturing and carefully prepared environment.
Glarea integrates a Challenge Based Learning program with Sports and Art expert streams in a technologically innovative educational environment. Through an emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) education. Our program focuses on self-awareness through cognitive, social-emotional and physical literacy rooted in perseverance.
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.
Phonics-intensive
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.
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.
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.
Equal Balance
Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.
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.
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
Not applicable
Equal Balance
In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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
Expanding Communities
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).
The Expanding Communities approach organizes the curriculum around students’ present, everyday experience. In the younger grades, students might learn about themselves, for example. As they move through the grades, the focus gradually broadens in scope: to the family, neighbourhood, city, province, country, and globe. The curriculum tends to have less focus on history than Core Knowledge programs.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
Information not available
Equal Balance
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Information not available
Glarea utilizes technology in all aspects of the school to inherently provoke innovation of thought and expression.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Bannockburn’s Physical Education and Athletic program is an active and exciting part of the school with many classes and events to get our students' hearts and bodies moving. Within the school day, the Physical Education program accesses all Bannockburn students from Toddler to UEL. Our curriculum focuses on providing opportunities for our students to engage in a variety of physical activity, movement, and sport in an effort to develop a wide range of physical, social, and emotional skills. In addition to our Physical Education classes, Bannockburn has been active in attending inter-school athletic activities within the Toronto community. Additionally, Elementary students have the opportunity to participate on a team with our intramural sports program during recess. The primary goal of our Athletics program is to provide our students with positive opportunities to participate in sporting events, while demonstrating their improving skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a supportive environment.
The Expert Sports Stream focuses on physical literacy, and the basics of movement, and provides the opportunity for children to experience multiple athletic programs and discover what they enjoy. It is a safe place that allows them to make mistakes, reflect, try again, and ultimately, improve.
Academic
Montessori programs aimed at preschool and Kindergarten- aged children allow young learners to choose which “tasks” or activities interest them. These tasks centre around special Montessori puzzles -- the essential features of these puzzles being they contain a “right answer” and allow for self-correction. A strong emphasis is therefore placed on learning being concrete and rooted in practical experience, along with children developing a sense of self-sufficiency and confidence. Specially trained teachers act as guides, introducing children to progressively more difficult materials when appropriate. A Montessori classroom is typically very calm and orderly, with children working alone or, sometimes, in small groups.
If you want to learn more about Montessori education, check out our comprehensive guide. You can also check out our guide to Montessori preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
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.
The Primary-age child has an astounding capacity to learn and absorb, thus, utmost emphasis is placed on ensuring an uninterrupted work cycle. This enables the child to explore freely and learn through purposeful work in the different areas of the classroom: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Culture. Concrete, manipulative materials for each area enable the child to use the five senses to build an essential foundation of knowledge and concepts.
The more varied a child’s experiences, the more they discover about themselves. Their interests, passions, likes, dislikes and countless other learnings shape their self-awareness. Through these discoveries we begin to explore self-care, discipline and build a foundation of coping strategies. Students gain an understanding that failure isn’t a destination but a part of the journey. Glarea builds a sense of accomplishment into the simple act of just getting back up and trying again.
Student-paced
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 pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.
Information not available
Supportive
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
We face challenges on a daily basis and our responses determine our future. Often, we don’t pause to consider different perspectives and design thoughtful solutions. Glarea's Challenge Based Learning is a framework used to equip students with the skills necessary to identify challenges and develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Elevated Learning drives Glareans to aspire to be self-aware, critical thinkers prepared for the future. Resiliency, determination and fortitude of character are woven into the fabric of Glarea.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
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.
Glarea integrates a Challenge Based Learning program with Sports and Art expert streams. Learning focuses on self-awareness through cognitive, social-emotional, and physical literacy rooted in perseverance. We face challenges on a daily basis and our responses determine our future. Often, we don’t pause to consider different perspectives and design thoughtful solutions. Challenge Based Learning is a learning framework used to equip students with the skills necessary to identify challenges and develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Elevated Learning drives Glareans to aspire to be self-aware, critical thinkers prepared for the future. Our graduates are confident, adaptable young adults prepared to overcome life’s challenges.
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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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
K - 7
0%
0%
$0
$0
100%
80%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades Nursery/Toddler - 6
Yes: grades K - 12
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Glarea seeks students and families who share our core values and who demonstrate a willingness to be a part of an educational environment that is student-driven, rigorous, and founded on an appreciation of grit, resilience and independence. Admission is granted on the basis of application forms, personal phone interview, and meetings. Individual consideration is the essence of both our admission and our educational processes.
Glarea seeks students and families who share our core values and who demonstrate a willingness to be a part of an educational environment that is student-driven, rigorous, and founded on an appreciation of grit, resilience and independence.
+ STEP ONE: Please fill the online application form and ensure all the required fields are filled out. Only completed applications will be processed for subsequent parent phone interviews.
Please Note that the following documents will be required later in the application process.
+ STEP TWO: Once an application is processed, families will be contacted to set up individual parent phone interviews. In person family and child interviews will be scheduled with step two completion.
+ STEP THREE: Individual parent interviews and an in-person meeting with the applicant student is completed.
Admission is granted on the basis of application forms, personal phone interview, and meetings. Individual consideration is the essence of both our admission and our educational processes.