34 Madison Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2S1, Canada
50 Vaughan Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 1X1, Canada
34 Madison Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2S1, Canada
50 Vaughan Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1M 1X1, Canada
2016
1981
100
170
Nursery/Toddler to 12
Preschool to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Traditional
1 to 10
10 to 20
$8,750 to $15,200
Yes
No
0%
0%
Nursery/Toddler to 8
None
$0
$0
6
14
0%
0%
95%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
No
Yes
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 reportFamilies typically cite academics as an important driver when considering a school, and certainly they should be. That said, in the best school settings, a strong academic program is simply the baseline for what the program offers, and Fern Hill is a great example of that. Yes, numeracy and literacy are the core components, though confidence and self-esteem are too. Students are encouraged to grow in all literacies, including those of the arts and music and social interaction. The French language program has been augmented in recent years, driven principally by the needs of students and desire of parents. Administration has worked to create an environment of discovery across all curricular areas, and they’ve succeeded in that. Yes, academics are strong, though, rightly, that’s just the beginning of what Fern Hill is able to offer. It's perhaps the things over and above that which truly give strength to the overall program and distinguish the school.
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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 1981, Ottawa’s Fern Hill School offers an enriched curriculum for preschool, kindergarten and elementary grades 1-8, including Core & Advanced French and a variety of extracurricular activities. Fern Hill provides quality education in a warm, caring and nurturing environment, with a diverse international community. Guided by dedicated teachers, students enjoy a supportive community that instills a strong sense of self, responsibility and a lifelong love of learning. Located 10 minutes from downtown."
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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.
Traditional
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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.
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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.
At Fern Hill School we follow a traditional teaching approach. Our focus is on building skills needed for life-long learning, including independence, self-confidence and a strong academic foundation. The enhanced language, math and science curriculum is complemented by a strong arts and sports program. The aim of the Grade School program is to provide an extensive and enriched curriculum to help children reach their full potential while retaining their individuality.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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).
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These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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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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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.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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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.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Play-based
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.
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.
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.
The emphasis of the program is on the development of the whole child.Through an integrated approach, experiences and opportunities are provided for each child to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. It is recognized that children learn in different ways and at different rates, therefore a variety of learning experiences are provided to meet the needs of each child.
Standard-enriched
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.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Students are grouped within the classroom for work and are challenged with individual learning opportunities.
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.
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.
The provision of a wide variety of enriched programming within a traditional setting allows the students to participate fully and share their ideas. Students are encouraged to strive for success and a high standard of work is expected from all students. The positive, nuturing environment instills a love of learning and students take pride in their accomplishments.
"We intentionally avoid all forms of public distinction between students in terms of academic performance."
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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.
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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.
The emphasis of the program is not only on academics, but on the development of the whole child. Through an integrated approach, experiences and opportunities will be provided for each child to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally and physically. It is recognized that children learn in different ways, so a variety of learning approaches are provided to meet the needs of each child. Self-esteem and autonomy are key to development, and are fostered and reinforced in a caring and nuturing environment. Leadership opportunities are provided throughout the grade levels. Students develop into self-confident learners, with a strong sense of community.
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
Nursery/Toddler - 8
0%
0%
$0
$0
95%
100%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Not available
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
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.
