225 Broadway Street, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 1J1, Canada
2379 Trafalgar Road, Unit 6, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 6K7, Canada
225 Broadway Street, Mississauga, Ontario, L5M 1J1, Canada
2379 Trafalgar Road, Unit 6, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 6K7, Canada
2007
1997
100
84
JK to 8
Preschool to 3
Coed
Coed
Day
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional, Montessori
Montessori
5 to 16
8 to 18
Dedicated gifted school
$10,000
$13,195 to $14,195
No
No
0%
0%
None
None
$0
$0
9
12
0%
0%
90%
95%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
No
information not available
information not available
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 reportTrafalgar Ridge Montessori School is an established, proven, Montessori program that reflects the core of the method—respect, community, purposeful engagement, motivated learning—within a setting crafted to deliver it. The staff see themselves as a natural support of the families that turn to them, not merely teachers of students, adding further strength to the program. The extended hours and summer camp programs take the offering beyond the hours of the school day and through the holiday months, something that parents rightly appreciate—it adds a consistency, and a sense of the familiar, throughout the calendar year. The school has parent association, which says a lot, actually. It’s unique to schools of this size and focus, though signals a dedication to communication and transparency. The program and the school culture no doubt benefit from that level of parental involvement.
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"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."
"Trafalgar Ridge Montessori School has provided "Quality Education in a Nurturing Environment" since 1997. The fundamental principle governing our approach to learning is that the "whole child" (emotional, intellectual, social & physical) must be the focal point of the activities so each student can develop at their own pace. We embrace multiculturalism and the uniqueness of each member of our school community and offer Montessori programs from Preschool to Grade 3."
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"Our forte is personalized care and early learning for each of our unique students. We treat children as an extension of our family and support the parents in helping them raise amazing and happy citizens of the world. Another measure of success is the overwhelming positive feedback we receive from our Alumni. Our goal is to prepare students for continued positive growth on their educational journey once they move on to different schools."
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"Affordable true Montessori quality education. One to eight Teacher to Student ratios for Preschool but also for Junior and Senior Kindergarten. Structured learning program and daily French instruction. Music and dance are integral parts of the curriculum. Off & on- site physical education program. Information technology and coding for Elementary students."
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"The exterior frontage of the school perceives it to be quite small but in reality we have spacious classroom and a bright interior environment. Our playground is nature based and spacious."
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"The owner has been actively involved at TRMS since the school was established in 1997. First as a parent, volunteer and teacher and later as administrator and for the past 21 years as owner and Director. She has a reputation for her commitment to each student and their family. "There is no greater privilege or responsibility than educating young minds. Each child in our care must be treated with the upmost integrity and in a loving and nurturing manner at all times." S. Lescure"
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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.
Choosing a school, that is most appropriate to the individual needs of your child, is a major decision for parents. Many questions arise but the most important is whether the school’s educational and social philosophy meets the parent’s own expectations and standards.
Trafalgar Ridge’s philosophy is based on the principle that each child will achieve their personal best in all areas of their development! Education involves the progress of self-motivated, responsible and self-disciplined children. From a very young age we bring children, through purposeful activities, to independent learning and self-initiative, enabling them to achieve their highest potential. Self-esteem is achieved and skills vital to a fully functioning member of society are developed.
Our students work independently as well as cooperatively, learning to respect the needs of others as well as their own. A love of nature and a deep sense of responsibility for others and their environment are fostered. Also, the child should have fun and develop new friendships. Most importantly self esteem is nurtured so that each child is proud of their ability and is confident in what they can achieve.
A child’s school should be an extension of their family, providing a safe environment in which they can explore ideas and feelings. Parents who enrol their children at Trafalgar Ridge are required to attend and participate in all information meetings arranged by the school to foster open communication channels for the benefit of the children.
All this in an multicultural environment that embraces diversity and teaches children to celebrate their cultural heritage and that of others!
It is our aim to direct each child to achieve their personal best by allowing them to develop at their own pace.
Please contact us to arrange a tour of our school and to meet our passionate and dedicated teaching team.
We hope to see you soon!
Montessori
Information not available
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.
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.
Not applicable
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.
TRMS offers the full Montessori curriculum from Preschool to Grade 3 focusing on developing the whole child by introducing them to all areas of learning including language, STEM, social studies, art, music and physical education. French enrichment is included at all grade levels. We also focus on character education and social emotional wellness. We strive for happy students who love life and learning!
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.
We offer a two fold Math curriculum that encompasses Montessori and traditional Math. We offer coding for grades 1 to 3.
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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 Montessori curriculum is mostly focused on phonics however whole language concepts are also introduced during early reading and onwards. Reading comprehension and deciphering information occurs once the child starts to read beginning phonics readers. A comprehensive reading program is introduced during the Casa years.
Systematic approach
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.
The systematic approach to teaching beginner writing focuses on directly imparting explicit sentence construction strategies, along with planning, revising, and editing skills. Students are asked to learn these explicit strategies and skills and practice them before applying them in more holistic writing assignments. Grammar and parts of sentences tend to have a central role in systematic writing instruction.
Learning to write works in conjunction with early reading literacy. From Preschool onwards children learn to formulate letters, words and sentences. A strong focus on grammar and creative writing skills occurs in Senior Kindergarten to Grade 3.
Equal Balance
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.
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.
STEM is introduced from Preschool through exploration and inquiry. Elementary grade 1,2,3 students participate in a mandatory annual STEM FAIR.
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
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Core Knowledge
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).
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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Communicative
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
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Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Creative
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
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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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Physical development is essential for the growing child. We offer movement breaks both structured and free style (recess) throughout the day. In addition an off site structures physical education program is offer for JK to Grade 3 which can include multi-sports, Zumba and skating, swimming depending on the grade level.
Montessori
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.
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.
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.
We offer a lower Casa (preschool) and Upper Casa (JK SK) well-rounded Montessori program taught by Accredited and experienced Montessori teachers.
Standard-enriched
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).
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
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.
We allow the child to progress at their pace.
Supportive
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 “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.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"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.
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."
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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
0%
0%
$0
$0
90%
95%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Preschool, JK, SK, 1, 2, 3
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.
Families who are seeking a nurturing environment for their child to develop in all areas of learning at their pace. Students who complete the full Montessori program at both the Casa and Lower Elementary level achieve the best foundation in their early education.
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.
Contact the school for program information, then to schedule a tour.
