AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Guiding Light Academy vs. Guiding Light Academy

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  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    225 Broadway Street, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 1J1, Canada

    225 Broadway Street, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 1J1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2007

    2007

    Enrolment

    100

    100

    Grades

    JK to 8

    JK to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    Day

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

    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."
    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."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional, Montessori

    Traditional, Montessori

    Curriculum pace

    Accelerated
    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).
    Accelerated
    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).

    Academic culture

    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”.
    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”.

    Avg. Class Size

    5 to 16

    5 to 16

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Dedicated gifted school

    Dedicated gifted school

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Academic
    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.
    Academic
    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $10,000

    $10,000

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    9

    9

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    90%

    90%

    Day entry years

    JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    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 report

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    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 report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    "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... View full review

    "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... View full review

    "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... View full review

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    "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... View full review

    "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... View full review

    "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... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    "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."

    • Catholic private education from Kindergarten to Grade 8
    • Faith Based Environment that teaches all students the foundations of the Catholic Faith
    • Daily Mass at the Local parish
    • Accelerated Academic program using Guiding Light Academy's propriety blended curriculum & workbooks
    • Accelerated French Program from Jk to Grade 8 includes DELF examinations
    • Themed learning weeks for students to develop an attachment to a particular subject
    • Accelerated French Program from Jk to Grade 8 includes DELF examinations
    • Graduating Students test into IB programs, AP programs or other Private Schools
    • Extensive Co-curricular program includes professional voice training, public speaking and sports

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    "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."

    • Catholic private education from Kindergarten to Grade 8
    • Faith Based Environment that teaches all students the foundations of the Catholic Faith
    • Daily Mass at the Local parish
    • Accelerated Academic program using Guiding Light Academy's propriety blended curriculum & workbooks
    • Accelerated French Program from Jk to Grade 8 includes DELF examinations
    • Themed learning weeks for students to develop an attachment to a particular subject
    • Accelerated French Program from Jk to Grade 8 includes DELF examinations
    • Graduating Students test into IB programs, AP programs or other Private Schools
    • Extensive Co-curricular program includes professional voice training, public speaking and sports

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What type of student is a good fit for your school?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    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.

    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.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Traditional


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Montessori


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Early Reading


        Approach

        Approach

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Phonics-intensive

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Phonics-intensive


        Our take: early reading approach type

        Our take: early reading approach type

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        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.

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        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.


        What the school says about their early reading program

        What the school says about their early reading program

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available


        DIBELS testing

      • Writing


        Approach

        Approach

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Equal balance

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Equal balance


        Our take: writing approach type

        Our take: writing approach type

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        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.

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        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.


        What the school says about their writing program

        What the school says about their writing program

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

      • Science


        Approach

        Approach

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Equal Balance

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Equal Balance


        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        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.

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        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.


        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available


        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Evolution as consensus theory
        Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
        Evolution is not taught


        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Physiology

      • Literature


        Approach

        Approach

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Equal Balance

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Equal Balance


        Our take: literature approach type

        Our take: literature approach type

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.


        What the school says about their literature program

        What the school says about their literature program

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available


        Domains covered by the literature program

        Topics covered in literature curriculum

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Ancient lit
        English lit
        World (non-Western) lit
        European (continental) lit
        American lit
        Canadian lit

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Ancient lit
        English lit
        World (non-Western) lit
        European (continental) lit
        American lit
        Canadian lit

      • Social Studies


        Approach

        Approach

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Core Knowledge

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Core Knowledge


        Our take: social studies approach type

        Our take: social studies approach type

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        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).

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        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).


        What the school says about their social studies program

        What the school says about their social studies program

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

      • Foreign Languages


        Approach

        Approach

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Equal Balance

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Equal Balance


        Our take: foreign language approach type

        Our take: foreign language approach type

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.


        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available


        Language instruction offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Hebrew
        ESL
        Spanish
        Russian
        Latin
        Japanese
        Italian
        Greek
        German
        French
        Chinese-Mandarin
        Chinese-Cantonese


        Learning a foreign language is required until

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

      • Computers and Technolgy


        Approach

        Approach

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Heavy integration

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Heavy integration


        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        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.

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        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.


        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Information not available


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

        GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Academic


      Our Take

      Our Take

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Accelerated


      Our Take

      Our Take

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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).

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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).


      What the school says

      What the school says

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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.

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Rigorous


      Our Take

      Our Take

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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”.

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      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”.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Information not available

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      "We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      "We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Balanced
      Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Balanced
      Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.


      Secondary

      Secondary

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Spiritual
      The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Spiritual
      The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."


      What the school says

      What the school says

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Information not available

      GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

      Information not available

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Badminton

    Baseball

    Basketball

    Canoeing/Kayaking

    Cricket

    Cross-country skiing

    Cycling

    Downhill skiing

    Equestrian

    Fencing

    Field Hockey

    Figure Skating

    Football

    Golf

    Gymnastics

    Ice Hockey

    Ice Skating

    Lacrosse

    Martial Arts

    Mountain biking

    Racquet Ball

    Rowing

    Rugby

    Running

    Sailing

    Skateboarding

    Snowboarding

    Soccer

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track & Field

    Volleyball

    Weightlifting

    Wrestling

    Archery

    Curling

    Ultimate


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    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

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    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


    What the school says

    What the school says

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    90%

    90%

    Day entry years

    JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    No

    No

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    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.

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    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.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    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. 

    GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY

    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. 

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

GUIDING LIGHT ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




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