AN OUR KIDS REPORT:King's College School for Bright and Gifted Children vs. Lee Academy

one-to-one comparison:

View King's College School for Bright and Gifted Children's full report
VS.
View Lee Academy's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    16379 The Gore Road, Caledon, Ontario, L7E 0X4, Canada

    1279 Seaton Road, Sheffield & Lynden, Ontario, L0R 1Z0, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1994

    1996

    Enrolment

    94

    179

    Grades

    2 to 12

    JK to 8

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    eSchool, 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.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

    Standard-enriched
    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.
    Standard-enriched
    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.

    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

    10 to 15

    16

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    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.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $19,500 to $22,000

    $13,500

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    Yes

    Yes

    Students on FA

    10%

    2%

    Eligible grades for FA

    2 to 12

    JK to 8

    Median FA package size

    $2,000

    $14,000

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    9

    16

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    90%

    85%

    Day entry years

    2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    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 2 - 12

    Yes: grades JK - 8

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    LEE ACADEMY

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

    The King’s program was designed to meet the needs of students who are, academically, at the very top of their peer group. It’s challenging, though it also doesn’t shirk from some of the basics that get short shrift elsewhere, such as mental math, grammar, and vocabulary. Explicit attention is also given to higher order skills and attributes, such as interpersonal relations, communication, self-reflection, confidence, and leadership. The intention is to graduate students who aren’t simply primed to succeed at university, but to excel there, blazing a trail through to a satisfying and fulfilled professional life. The students at King’s have many gifts, though they need support, too, including a sense of belonging within a context that recognizes and values their interests and abilities. 

    View full report

    LEE ACADEMY

    Lee Academy has been committed to offering the finest elementary school experience in Ontario since its founding in 1996. This commitment is reflected in the school’s high academic standards, supportive environment, personalized education, and small class sizes. Attracting students from a broad range of communities, Lee Academy operates two campuses, both utilizing the outdoors as an integral part of education. The Lynden campus, placed amid 180 acres of farmland, trails, lake, and forest, provides a vibrant learning environment from JK to Grade 8. The Sheffield campus currently accepts students up to Grade 2 and is expanding each year, with the goal of becoming a full JK-8 school. In addition to core subjects and specialties like French, drama, physical education, and environmental studies, the school regularly organizes off-site field trips, including overnight trips for senior grades, and emphasizes a focus on creative and engaging learning experiences. Parents are drawn to Lee Academy for its combination of academic excellence, individual attention, immersive learning experiences, and its dedicated, qualified teaching staff.

    View full report
  • INSIDER PERSPECTIVES

    Written Reviews

    Written Reviews

    LEE ACADEMY

    "I can't speak highly enough about the quality of the education here."
    Jessica Law - Parent   (Jan 25, 2024)
    Our son just loves his school! All of his teachers are just wonderful and beyond kind. Each and ever... View full review

    "The smaller size classrooms that are provided at Lee Academy (16 students) are wonderful."
    Sarah Dailley - Parent   (Jan 25, 2024)
    My son started at Lee Academy in JK and is now halfway through GR. 1. From his very first day of sch... View full review

    "The leadership team is extremely accessible and engaged."
    Nasr Ali - Parent   (Feb 20, 2024)
    My son looks forward to going to school each morning and gets antsy every long weekend because he is... View full review

  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

    "At King's College School, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and safe environment for your child. We are ideally suited for the engaged, motivated, and bright child who wants the freedom to learn in his or her own way. Students can attend in person or synchronously online. Our extraordinary results speak for themselves: 100% of our graduates go to university, 100% of graduates are accepted to their university of first choice, and 100% of graduates receive scholarship offers."

    LEE ACADEMY

    "At Lee Academy, each child is given an academically challenging education based on reading, writing and arithmetic. Recognizing that ability varies from child to child, we teach these fundamental skills as early as possible, starting in kindergarten. Each student’s programme includes education in music, art, and specialty subjects such as French, drama, physical education, science, computer and digital studies and environmental studies for an engaging, well-rounded curriculum."

    • We believe in the central importance of excellent schools in our society.
    • We believe in your child receiving the finest possible education in a safe, stimulating environment.
    • We believe in the individuality and equality of all our students.
    • We believe in professionalism, dedication and human warmth and responsiveness in our teachers.
    • We believe in parental input and involvement as key to a child’s education.
    • We believe in the interaction of our students with the surrounding society.
    • We believe in the importance of the academic and professional development in our school.
    • We believe in the highest standards of academic excellence and challenging programmes for your child

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    LEE ACADEMY

    "Lee Academy was founded on the belief that there is a need in our society for a school which has high expectations of the students, both academically and socially, to foster in the children confidence and high self-esteem. The education of our children must prepare each of them to develop into an intelligent, prosperous and productive member of society. We focus on the individual needs of our students, while also building community among our students, teachers and families."

    Array

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

    LEE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LEE ACADEMY

    "Lee Academy was founded on the belief that there is a need in our society for a school which has high expectations of the students, both academically and socially, to foster in the children confidence and high self-esteem. The education of our children must prepare each of them to develop into an intelligent, prosperous and productive member of society.

    Four kindergarten students were the only registrants that first September in 1996. Many people believed that with so few students and a leased facility that Lee Academy was not going to last.

    The school was not built based on numbers and leases, however. It was built on a profound belief by its founders, Steven and Alison Will, that Lee Academy was the right thing to do. To build the finest academic elementary school in Ontario was, and remains, their goal. Each year the school has grown in its enrolment, in its programmes, in its staff and in its facilities."

    Array

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

    LEE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LEE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    LEE ACADEMY

    "Lee Academy supports our students, their families and our teaching staff so that all of us can contribute positively to a global community. We believe in the importance of academic excellence, experiential learning, volunteerism and the development of lifelong learners. We remain committed to our small class sizes of 16 because we fundamentally understand the importance of individual attention, fostering a love of learning and raising our students to be productive members of our society."

    Array

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

    LEE ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    LEE ACADEMY

    "Our teachers are among the finest in Ontario. They go through a rigorous application process to ensure we are hiring intelligent, engaging, creative and committed teachers. We know that having a strong school begins and ends with our educators. They must be committed professionals who are "teachers of children, rather than teachers of subjects". Our teachers are dedicated individuals who value education and put our students first."

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    LEE ACADEMY

    "At Lee Academy, our students have countless opportunities to learn in ways that foster engagement, creativity and excitement about learning. Through presentations, projects, science fairs, creative writing contests and more, our students are inspired learners. We participate in an off-site field trip experience at least once per month, including overnight trips in Grade 6, 7 & 8. Our students are exceptionally well prepared for high school and post-secondary school."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    LEE ACADEMY

    "Lee Academy is a school that has never been like any other school. Our students receive a personalized education from teachers who are among the finest in Ontario. Our students and staff define us. Our families support us. We look forward to offering the best programmes to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

    In late fall of 2022, Lee Academy purchased the former public school on Seaton Road, on the edge of Hamilton/Cambridge, in the village of Sheffield. In our newly renovated primary wing, we began offering Kindergarten and Grade One in the fall of 2023. Both campuses embrace all the foundations that make Lee Academy exceptional."

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    LEE ACADEMY

    "Our new campus, located in the village of Sheffield, opened in September 2023, with Kindergarten and Grade One in our newly renovated primary wing. We will continue to add one grade each year until we reach Grade 8, becoming a full JK-8 elementary school."

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Welcome to King's! We are delighted to have recently celebrated our 25th Anniversary of providing superior education for university-bound children in the Caledon area of Ontario.  We are now delighted to be able to offer the benefits of a King's education to children regardless of where they live by providing real time, synchronous virtual learning.  Your child will be a full member of the class whether he or she attends full-time in person, full-time virtually, or flex (attending in person on some days and working from home on other days).   Please visit our website and enjoy exploring all that King's has to offer.  We look forward to meeting you in person or virtually!

    information not available

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      LEE ACADEMY

      Traditional


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

      Information not available

      LEE ACADEMY

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

      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.

      LEE 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

      KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

      Not applicable

      LEE ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

      LEE ACADEMY

      Our mandate is to be the finest academic elementary school in Ontario. We follow the Ontario Ministry Guidelines as our minimum standards and then broaden our plans as well as introduce topics of study and projects that are unique to Lee Academy. We aim to ensure all students establish a strong academic foundation and at the same time are introduced to a wide variety of lessons so that all students discover their true strengths. Every teacher assesses each student carefully and individualizes lessons accordingly. Unless a particular modification must be made for a student with a specific learning profile, grades are earned against Lee Academy’s grade guidelines. We expect a lot from our students and they rise to that challenge.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      LEE ACADEMY

      Academic


      Our Take

      LEE 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

      KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

      Information not available

      LEE ACADEMY

      Students must be educated in all the core subjects and learn to love school and the work associated with it. They must also be trained in working as a group and respecting those around them. Our Junior Kindergarten programme is designed to give children a balanced programme of stimulating work and fun play to develop key social and academic skills.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      LEE ACADEMY

      Standard-enriched


      Our Take

      Our Take

      KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

      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.

      LEE ACADEMY

      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.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

      Elementary students may achieve 'Reach Ahead' credits and may move through each grade level expectations at an accelerated pace.

      LEE ACADEMY

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Our Take

      Our Take

      KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

      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”.

      LEE 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

      KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

      King's academic culture is that of magnificence. It is a culture that is created to allow 100% of our graduates to go on to university, to receive acceptance to their university of first choice, and to receive scholarship offers while also developing high competency leadership and social contribution.

      LEE ACADEMY

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

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

      LEE 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

    KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

    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

    LEE 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

    LEE ACADEMY

    • Kids' Lit Quiz National Champions - 2017
    • Kids' Lit Quiz National Champions - 2018
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    2 - 12

    JK - 8

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    10%

    2%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $2,000

    $14,000

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    90%

    85%

    Day entry years

    2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    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 2 - 12

    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

    KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

    We are ideally suited for the engaged, motivated, and bright child who wants the freedom to learn in his or her own way.

    LEE ACADEMY

    It is our job to challenge and support all our students so that the programmes work for them. All students are assessed before entering the school and every opportunity is taken to help your child thrive at Lee Academy.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    KING'S COLLEGE SCHOOL FOR BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

    1. Contact our Director of Admissions, Mrs. Barbara Lord, to arrange a visit to the school, if possible. Mrs. Lord can be reached by phone  at +1 647-526-7645 or by email at [email protected]
    2. Visit the school for a tour and inerview and/or complete an Application for International Admission.
    3. Submit the required documents for the Student Assessment.
    4. Meet for a Family Interview with you as the parent(s) and your child, either in person or by ZOOM. Offers of Admission are based on the results of the Student Assessment and the Family Interview.

    LEE ACADEMY

    To enroll your child is a simple process. Please know that because we maintain small classes (at 16 students maximum), you are wise to apply as early as possible. The application does not require a fee until you have visited Lee Academy and placement is arranged.

    We are currently accepting applications for both campuses. On the application, please indicate which campus you are applying to:

    South Campus at 1978 2nd Concession West in Lynden

    North Campus at 1279 Seaton Road in Sheffield

    Fill out the application and background information form available, either by downloading them or contacting the school. Please ensure that you provide all the information requested.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

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