225 Broadway Street, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 1J1, Canada
2323 Bloor Street West, Units 209 and 216, Toronto, Ontario, M6S 4W1, Canada
2007
2015
100
40
JK to 8
JK to 8
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional, Montessori
Traditional
5 to 16
6 to 8
Dedicated gifted school
$10,000
$15,540
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
9
4
0%
0%
90%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
No
information not available
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One of the reasons that private school is attractive is because there is no assumption that one size fits all, and Guiding Light is a great example of that. It presents both traditional and Montessori instruction in consort with the values and lessons of the Catholic church. It’s not for everyone, though for some, it provides a strikingly tailored fit. The ideal family is one that is active within the Catholic faith and looking for a school that will support that spiritual life. Families who enroll are drawn by the strength of the academic program, as well as by the breadth of extra-curricular offerings, all offered within a very close-knit school community. There is no other school like it, and for the families that enrol, that's perhaps Guiding Light's greatest strength.
View full reportThis small school located in Bloor West Village, Toronto offers programs for JK to Grade 8 students. The school’s mission is to develop knowledge, creativity, and the skillset to lead children towards a successful career and personal satisfaction. From Grades 1 to 8, children receive subject instruction by teachers who are specialists in their particular fields, providing students with the unique opportunity to be taught by someone with a passion and expertise for a chosen subject. Erudite offers before- and after-school care from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"Focus of the school is not simply in academics but also helping develop the children into good people."
Felix Wong - Parent (May 08, 2018)
My children love their experience at Guiding Light. The school provides a warm, welcoming, and safe...
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"Students heighten their education at Guiding Light Academy with various forms of teaching outside of workbooks..."
Vania Padua - Parent (Mar 17, 2021)
A large part of our worries as parents is wondering what our children’s experience will be at scho...
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"The teaching staff at Guiding Light Academy is highly knowledgeable about their subject and I love how creative they are in..."
Cindy Flandes - Parent (Mar 17, 2021)
Guiding Light Academy has been a home away from home for all my children. I am mother to seven child...
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"Guiding Light Academy is a Catholic private elementary school in Streetsville, Mississauga. We offer an enriched curriculum for JK, SK & Grades 1 to 8 that far exceeds the Ontario standard. We focus on spiritual development, academic excellence & an extensive co-curricular program that includes music, gymnastics, sport, drama, elocution & dance. The Spiritual Guidance is under the full responsibility of The Heralds of the Gospel & Lumen Veritatis Academy. Each school day begins with Daily Mass at our local Parish."
"Erudite is a small school with big aspirations - and a huge heart. Our school was established in 2015 in Bloor West Village, Toronto, ON. The mission of Erudite School is to lay the foundation for a strong educational background to enrich knowledge, creativity and skill sets that will lead our children toward a successful careers and personal satisfaction. Respect is the core value of our school. It encompasses self-respect, respect for others and respect for the environment."
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"Erudite School prides itself on providing a differentiated curriculum delivered by teachers who are specialized in their specific fields.
After initial assessments and each child receives a learning map created for him/her . This is to ensure that the student progresses with confidence. Engineering, Computer Science. Drama, Music and Arts safe learning environment, community-based learning - Summer Olympics with other schools"
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"providing unique learning opportunity
strong programme
supporting language, reading and learning
culturally safe environment - family
location - Bloor West Village
small classroom sizes"
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We at Guiding Light Academy are blessed to share the integral role of guiding our children during the formative years of their lives.
Through outstanding learning and teaching, with constant reinforcement of core values, we strive to prepare our children for the tapestry of life.
On a personal note, I have founded and managed School of Knowledge, Sharjah, U.A.E., for the last 30 years. My gratification is when my students, now young adults, feel that the best years of their lives were the ones spent in our care! This sense of achievement is what I endeavour to bring to the field of education in Toronto as well.
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Traditional
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Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
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.
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.
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The Enriched Curriculum at Guiding Light Academy provides your child with the opportunity to learn and grow spiritually, physically, and emotionally through creative learning. At Guiding Light Academy, we focus on three key Elements including Spiritual Guidance, Academic Excellence, and Co-curricular Activities. We combine traditional methods of academic learning with aspects of social interactive learning. Our main goal is to provide a learning environment that inspires life long learning, encourages strong self -development, and instills deep spiritual values.
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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.
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Jump Math, The Art of Problem Solving, math contest materials (Kangaroo, Spirit of Math)
Calculators are not allowed during classes or homework.
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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The main focus of our English Reading Program in Junior Kindergarten is the alphabet. Students learn each letter's sounds. We use a variety of fun activities to achieve this goal, such as stories, songs, games, etc. In Senior Kindergarten, we focus on blending letter sounds into words. We start with short vowel sounds first and then move on to include long vowel sounds, sight words, words with silent -e, etc. The students also take part in our Reading Program. Students get a set of beginner reader books to read at home on a regular basis. By the end of Senior Kindergarten, students are able to read short stories with simple sentences.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
We administer formal reading tests at the end of SK.
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.
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Expository
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.
Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions.
Our Science curriculum goals create a strong interest in this discipline and form a strong foundation of knowledge. Students acquire knowledge about the fundamental scientific laws and principles that underlie the modern picture of the world. They learn how to apply knowledge of Science to explain the world around us. Hands-on experiments are an integral part of our Science programme.
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
Zoology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Exposing children to events that they may have not experienced in literature opens up a world of communication, curiousity and creativity. Learning about the feelings, thoughts and attitudes of characters aids students in fostering empathy, establishing values, and understanding the world around them. Throughout poetry, short stories and novels, the children establish a foundation of analytical skills, descriptive writing, interpretation of the text and identification of themes as well as others.
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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Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
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French is a regular part of the Erudite School curriculum starting from JK. Students develop a solid foundation in grammar, build a rich and broad vocabulary, and acquire written and oral communication and comprehension skills. Erudite School offers an optional Russian language program for students with Russian-speaking backgrounds. The programme is oriented toward fluent speakers but support and diverse instructions are provided for RSL students. The Russian Academic Curriculum for JK-SK includes Language, Math and Science. At the end of SK, students are expected to read short sentences and write simple words. From Grades 1 to 8, the language curricula relevant to an official Russian language program are offered. Additional Drama, Visual Art and other classes taught in Russian are offered after school to support the core programme.
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
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
The Fine Arts are an integral part of our educational curriculum. In order to foster the talents and creative process of the student body, Erudite School's schedule reflects the addition of Drama, Graphic Design, Music and Visual Arts. An intensive Music curriculum allows students to grow in vocal, music history, theory and playing instruments. The goals of the Drama classes are 1. let students learn how to express themselves,try themself in a different feeling. 2. learn how to collaborate with others 3. be an active participant in a school production and 4. giving students the experience of working with extensive cross-discipline projects. COLLABORATION of all of the departments of the Fine Arts. The Visual Art programme gives students the knowledge to form skills in drawing, painting, sculpting and composition. Students work with a wide variety of materials and are introduced to the classical style of Visual Art. Cross-curriculum projects.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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Students start working with computers on a weekly basis from Grade Four. Computer science is an important part of the Erudite School curriculum. Students working with coding from Grade Four to Grade Eight practise game and website creations. They learning how to work with databases. Here is the list of some areas covered: Python, HTML, CSS, JS, etc. Another part of the Erudite technology programme in Engineering. During the course, students are challenged to work on projects starting from the planning step. During this course, students learn the basic fundamentals of robotics by exploring the fields of mechanical (3D design, 3D printing, electrical motors), electrical (voltage, current, switches, basic circuits) and computer (Arduino programming) and combine their skills to create real-life projects.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Play-based
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
The Enriched Curriculum at Guiding Light Academy provides your child with the opportunity to learn and grow spiritually, physically, and emotionally through creative learning. At Guiding Light Academy, we focus on three key Elements including Spiritual Guidance, Academic Excellence, and Co-curricular Activities. We combine traditional methods of academic learning with aspects of social interactive learning.\nOur main goal is to provide a learning environment that inspires learning, encourages strong self -development, and instills deep spiritual values.
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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.
Our small class sizes allow us to spend one on one time with every child ensuring that the course material and pacing is customized to each child.
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Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
older grades - preparation for high school provide support for students if necessary - remedial or enrichment
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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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.
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
We are believe that
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RecreationalRec. |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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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
0%
0%
$0
$0
90%
0%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Guiding Light Academy aims to develop all around students with a focus on Catholic values, an intensive academic program and an extensive co-curricular program. We expect a student of Guiding Light Academy to have a deep understanding of the Catholic faith, a strong focus on academics and have the ability to sing and dance on stage as part of a performance.
As part of the application requirement, we ask that the parents along with the child meet with the school's admission team to discuss the child and the school's curriculum.