34 Madison Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2S1, Canada
362 Mariposa Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 0T3, Canada
2016
1891
100
730
Nursery/Toddler to 12
4 to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Homestay, Day, Boarding
English
English, French
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Traditional, International Baccalaureate
1 to 10
17
Accelerated curriculum
$33,720
$76,380
Yes
Yes
0%
10%
Nursery/Toddler to 8
7 to 12
$0
$15,000
6
81
0%
15%
95%
70%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2023
Not available
Rolling
No
Yes: grades 4 - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
Guidepost Montessori is a network of early-childhood centers and elementary schools, with companion middle and high school programs called the Academy of Thought and Industry. That network currently includes 80 schools across the U.S. and around the world and currently serving in excess of 7000 students. Operated by Higher Ground Education, based in Lake Forest, California, the company’s CEO Ray Girn has commented that the intention is to “mainstream and modernize Montessori education through extending its principles across infancy and into high schools.” Part of that modernization is through the use of technology-enabled spaces and a growing online offering. The pandemic accelerated that goal, given the need for online education, which the programs met and exceeded. Each outlet and online program benefits from being part of something bigger, having a wealth of resources, best practices, and expertise to draw on. So, while the Toronto location is new, the program isn’t. Rather the school is an expression of a much larger project that has rightly and very quickly turned many heads. The location for the Toronto school is a reflection of the Guidepost brand: in the heart of the Annex, it combines traditional elements with a very forward looking, urban, progressive approach. When it opens, the Toronto location will be the first Guidepost Montessori in Canada though, given the success of the schools elsewhere, it will no doubt be the first of many.
View full reportAshbury celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2021, making it one of the oldest schools in the nation. Of that class, it’s also one of the larger schools, with an annual enrollment in the 800 range. There are benefits to size, and Ashbury displays them, with a wealth of extra-curricular activities and co-curricular programs. The school was founded by a graduate of Oxford, Canon George Penrose Woollcombe, who cast the school within the academic tradition that Oxford was, and is, an example of. That said, times change, and certainly Ashbury did as well. The school was an early adopter of global education, most obviously with the addition of the IB program in 1976. Girls were enrolled in 1982, and while the boys still marginally outnumber the girls, the school continues to move toward gender parity. The list of alumni is impressive, including a prime minister, John Turner, and a Nobel laureate, Douglass North. The ideal student is one looking for a challenge, and who can function well in very active curricular and extracurricular environments.
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"Guidepost Montessori offers an authentic Montessori education from preschool to elementary. The new campus in Toronto's historic Annex neighbourhood opens in 2023. Our classrooms and programs are intentionally designed to deliver a powerful education for independence that develops curious, self-motivated children in school and beyond. Guidepost is also partnered with The Academy of Thought and Industry, a network of Montessori-inspired middle and high schools, to offer a continuing education for the emerging adult."
"Established in 1891, Ashbury College is an IB coeducational facility recognized as one of Canada’s leading day and boarding schools for students in Grades 4–12. Motivated students from 60+ countries benefit from rigorous academic programs, over 70 co-curricular activities, 100% university placement rate, and an average class size of 17."
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"Ashbury offers our students boundless opportunities for learning beyond the classroom from our broad range of co-curricular activities, athletic opportunities and artistic endeavours to our Internship Program that provides students the chance to explore various career options. Ashbury is actively involved in the Round Square Program including the opportunity for our students to take part in the International Exchange Program."
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"Ashbury is proud of its 100% IB Certificate completion rate and university placement record. Attending Ashbury opens doors to the future for our graduates."
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"The location of the Ashbury in the heart of the Nation's Capital, Ottawa, provides a number of unique opportunities for our students including access to a multitude of museums, galleries, and learning centres such as the Global Centre for Pluralism. Ottawa is surrounded by a variety of greenspaces in which to learn and play. Ashbury actively engages our students with the greater Ottawa community through our charitable activities and our ongoing relationship with our local Indigenous partners."
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"Given our rich history, many families are surprised to see our state-of-the-art education spaces including our Design Technology and Science labs, Arts studios and Music facilities, and Library and Learning Commons. Your child will have access to vibrant, modern learning facilities that are truly conducive to teaching innovation and learning."
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We know that choosing a school for your child is a very important decision. I want to thank you for bestowing your trust in our staff to partner with you and your child on their educational journey. I would also like to express what an honor it is for us to participate in your child’s story. Our greatest hope is that you and your family feel loved and accepted into our wonderful community. Welcome to the Guidepost Montessori at Annex “family”, we look forward to partnering with you.
Together towards the future—Ensemble vers l’avenir.
From our home in Canada’s capital city, Ashbury College is a centre for excellence in international teaching and learning, where enthusiasm permeates life both in and out of the classroom. Our goal is to not only get students to new destinations but also to help them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed and adapt to the challenges they will face.
This is a close and diverse school community that integrates young children with pre-university students. In a supportive environment, we challenge students to step out of their comfort zones and to think critically and globally—all while ensuring the simple, yet important, formalities of manners and respect are not overlooked.
A wealth of co-curricular clubs, sports, and arts activities bring learning to a lively stage, and our international orientation permeates school life on so many levels. Bien entendu, l’école se trouve dans la capitale nationale, et l’école démontre l’importance des deux langues nationales, en offrant plusieurs options bilingue. As we look past our 130+ years teaching bright young minds, being innovative while not abandoning the tried and tested will inspire our teaching and learning pedagogy and prepare students for the future.
Ashbury College is an exciting place to be, and I invite you to discover the advantages and experiences we have to offer.
Norman Southward
Head of School—Directeur
Traditional
International Baccalaureate
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.
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.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
Students at Guidepost Montessori are exposed to science, art, history, literature from multiple traditions, a structured approach to writing skills, and all intellectual foundations of global civilization. Students also engage in the celebrations of many cultures while honoring the many immigrant traditions and music that exist in the ethnically-diverse and socially progressive city of Toronto. Our innovative programs combine rigorous learning with autonomy, which helps to nurture the cosmopolitan adult: an individual who can think and act globally while living a full life unencumbered by boundaries.
The liberal education provided by the Ashbury College teaches students to think, speak and write clearly, critically and creatively. It leads them to explore the core subjects that comprise our human heritage and are the hallmarks of an educated person. It develops a healthy body and illuminates the spirit by inspiring students to look beyond themselves towards the greater good. Ashbury graduates enter university with the knowledge, skills, integrity and compassion born of careful scholarship, richly rewarding faculty contacts, physical activity and spiritual reflection.
Traditional Math
Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
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Whole Language
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.
Whole Language reading programs eschew sublexical (under the word-level) training, focusing instead on getting students to infer and guess at words based on their understanding of the larger meaning of the sentence (“context-clues”). Students are given ample opportunity to read actual literature (age-appropriate) along with strategies for using semantic-based clues to pronounce unrecognized words.
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Equal balance
The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.
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.
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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.
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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
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.
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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
Thematic
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 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.
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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.
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Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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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
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Equal Balance
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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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.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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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.
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Guidepost offers Montessori education embedded in urban school environments. At Guidepost, your kindergartner will independently master a hands-on curriculum, explore learning experiences in their city, and have the opportunity to learn about and celebrate a myriad of traditions and cultures.
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Accelerated
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.
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).
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Rigorous
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 “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”.
Following the Montessori philosophy of education, Guidepost Montessori offers a rich and supportive learning environment where the individual needs of each child are met. Our academic curriculum is developmentally sequenced, culturally rich, and instilled with the foundations of scientific thinking.
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"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
At Guidepost, we are helping to raise modern citizens of the world. Our programs strive toward self-mastery, in an effort to develop connected and versatile adults who can think and act globally. We aim to raise confident problem solvers who understand that a full life begins with an understanding and respect of self and those around them.
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RecreationalRec. |
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RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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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
Nursery/Toddler - 8
7 - 12
0%
10%
$0
$15,000
95%
70%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2023
Not available
Rolling
No
Yes: grades 4 - 12
No
No
No
No
No
Yes: grades 4 - 12
No
No
No
No
One of the many benefits of Montessori is that all students learn at their own pace. Guidepost welcomes all students to apply and we are willing to work with families to discover their child’s own personalized learning journey.
We are looking for curious and engaged students who will contribute to Ashbury College in many different ways. We have a very diverse student body that is highly involved in many different aspects of life at Ashbury College.
Confidential Reference
We require one Confidential Reference per applicant from their Math or English teacher. The Confidential Reference Request is found in the applicant's checklist found on the MySchoolApp portal.
Application Fee
The $200.00 application fee is non-refundable and is payable by Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
School Reports
The applicant’s final report card from their last completed academic year, as well as any interim report cards as they become available, may be uploaded to the MySchoolApp portal.
Interview
All applicants will be interviewed during their Day Visit. Applicants unable to visit Ashbury College must participate in a telephone or Zoom interview. To schedule your interview please contact us at [email protected] or +1.613.749.5954.
Day Visit
Grades 4–8 applicants must spend a day at the school at any time during the application process. Grades 9 – 12 applicants are encouraged, but not required, to spend a day at Ashbury College at any time during the application process. Applicants living at a distance are excused from the Day Visit requirement. Please email [email protected] or call +1.613.749.5954 to make arrangements for a Day Visit
Entrance Examination
The Entrance Exam consists of an online standardized multiple-choice test for reading and mathematics skills at the applicant’s last completed grade level. Registration information will be sent through the online application process.
Students may also write the SSAT (Additional Fee).
Financial Assistance Program
If you are interested in financial assistance, please contact us at [email protected] or +1.613.749.5954.