34 Madison Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2S1, Canada
15000 - 54A Ave, Unit 201, Surrey, British Columbia, V3S 5X7, Canada
2016
2020
100
23
Nursery/Toddler to 12
K to 7
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Montessori
Progressive
1 to 10
12 to 15
In-class adaptations
$17,000 to $18,250
Yes
Yes
0%
0%
Nursery/Toddler to 8
K to 7
$0
$0
6
3
0%
0%
95%
80%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades K - 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 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.
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"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
"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."
"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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"
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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.
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
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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.
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.
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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.
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
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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
Information not available
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.
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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Glarea utilizes technology in all aspects of the school to inherently provoke innovation of thought and expression.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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."
"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."
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.
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.
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RecreationalRec. |
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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
K - 7
0%
0%
$0
$0
95%
80%
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
No
Yes: grades K - 12
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.
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.
34 Madison Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2S1, Canada
15000 - 54A Ave, Unit 201, Surrey, British Columbia, V3S 5X7, Canada
