AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Prestige School - Toronto Campus vs. Meadowridge School

one-to-one comparison:

View Prestige School - Toronto Campus's full report
VS.
View Meadowridge School's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    21 Eddfield Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M2N 2M5, Canada

    12224 240th Street, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, V4R 1N1, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    2003

    1985

    Enrolment

    290

    660

    Grades

    Preschool to 12

    JK to 12

    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.
    Intellectual
    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
    Balanced
    Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
    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

    Progressive, International Baccalaureate

    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

    12 to 18

    16 to 18

    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.
    Play-based
    Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $28,400 to $38,400

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    Yes

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    9 to 12

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    18

    44

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    80%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 1 - 12

    Yes: grades JK - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    “The Prestige School is an environment in which it’s cool to be smart and where social currency is gained through academic engagement. The students want to learn, and they know that the other people in the room do, too. …Walking through the hallways, the focus on academic achievement is clear. There are displays of student achievement in academic competitions and scholarship programs.” “Toronto is a notably diverse city, and the school population reflects that. As you might expect, it’s common to hear snippets of different languages spoken in the hallways, though there are other diversities, too, from cultural, to linguistic, to social, to economic.” “The belief that young people are capable of much more than is often expected of them is embedded in the school’s teaching philosophy and rooted in its origins. It’s typical at Prestige for students to work a year ahead.”
    Read The Our Kids Review of Prestige School - Toronto Campus

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Meadowridge is a school that intends to inspire and teach through direct, personal involvement. They don't just teach art, for example, they immerse students within it, including an on-site collection of works from an a-list of Canadian artists, including Tom Thomson, Kenojuak Ashevak, and Lawren Harris. The campus includes a forest, so the links between art and the environment are profound. Likewise, gardens and greenhouses provide an entrée to ecology and biology, and a design lab provides an entrée into technology and engineering. Those, and other examples, provide a unique balance between traditional learning and experiential learning. The buildings, the 27-acre campus, the proximity to Vancouver as well as a range of natural environments—all of it would rightly be the envy of any school. The ideal student is one who is curious, engaging, and prone to make use of the range of programs and opportunities that Meadowridge provides.
    Read The Our Kids Review of Meadowridge School

    Our Take

    Our Take

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    Prestige sets a high bar for its students, academically as well as socially and ethically. The program is designed and delivered to meet the needs of students functioning at the top of their peer groups. There is a close-knit feel within the student body, and an ongoing attention to the needs and development of each student as he or she progresses through the curriculum. The ideal student is one able to thrive in a challenging yet supportive environment and looking to learn within a peer group that consists of like-minded and similarly abled students.

    View full report

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Meadowridge is a school that intends to inspire and teach through direct, personal involvement. They don't just teach art, for example, they immerse students within it, including an on-site collection of works from an a-list of Canadian artists, including Tom Thomson, Kenojuak Ashevak, and Lawren Harris. The campus includes a forest, so the links between art and the environment are profound. Likewise, gardens and greenhouses provide an entrée to ecology and biology, and a design lab provides an entrée into technology and engineering. Those, and other examples, provide a unique balance between traditional learning and experiential learning. The buildings, the 27-acre campus, the proximity to Vancouver as well as a range of natural environments—all of it would rightly be the envy of any school. The ideal student is one who is curious, engaging, and prone to make use of the range of programs and opportunities that Meadowridge provides.

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    "Prestige School offers students an accelerated curriculum, close home-school contact and small class sizes. Younger students benefit from advanced Math and Science programs, French lessons from JK, nutritious hot lunches and extensive before- and after-school care. Older students experience individualized learning and 100% university placement. Admission runs all year and ESL classes are available. With a motto of "wisdom, courage, integrity," students are prepared for success in school and in life."

    • Our curriculum exceeds Ontario guidelines as a result of our individualized, accelerated learning.
    • We are ministry inspected and a proud member of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools.
    • 100% university placement rate.
    • French instruction beginning in junior kindergarten.
    • Dedicated faculty that draw upon best practices.
    • Extensive co-curricular activities and athletic programs.
    • AP courses
    • A semestered, university preparatory curriculum
    • Member of SSAF Sport Organization
    • We provide a hot lunch program.

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    "Meadowridge is an IB Continuum World School supporting a growing community of learners from Junior Kindergarten through to Graduation. While we have enjoyed celebrating the outstanding academic results of our children, our greatest sense of pride comes from supporting their development into kind, morally bound, and critically thinking leaders in our society. We learn how to care for ourselves and others while embracing change and developing the confidence to not only meet the future but also to create it."

    • IB World School
    • Safe, caring learning environment
    • Coeducational
    • 100% post-secondary acceptance
    • International travel opportunities
    • Full-day Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten
    • Average class size of 16
    • Over 35,000 library resources
    • Fine arts, athletics & community service opportunities
    • Financial Aid & Student Scholarships available

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    "At Prestige School, we provide an advanced, engaging educational experience with a focus on fostering connectedness and facilitating academic growth. The heart of Prestige School has always been our three core values: wisdom, courage, and integrity. We proudly uphold these values through our individualize learning approach, combining Google Classroom and intensive in-class instruction, and active parent-teacher and teacher-student personal correspondence."

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    "Our school’s mission, learning to live well, with and for others, in a just community, resonates with our community’s desire to do more. We are driven to have a profoundly positive impact on our world. We begin to accomplish this through a series of strategic and thoughtful experiences, often involving our natural environment, collaboration with our peers, and creative and critical problem-solving."

    Array

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

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    Information not available

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    Information not available

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    Information not available

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    Information not available

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

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

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    "Our greatest strengths include inspiring and motivating students. We actively engage their eager minds by incorporating a variety of manipulatives, enjoyable activities and cooperative learning projects. We also tailor lesson plans to meet their diverse interest and provide alternative assessment methods to allow for optimal evaluation. We engage in daily parent-teacher communication to allow for full immersion in the educational process and boost students’ self-confidence and self-esteem."

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    "Meadowridge is a full IB continuum school from JK to Grade 12 and is nestled into the lush environment of Maple Ridge. Boasting 27 acres of land, the Meadowridge campus is home to a regenerative farm, greenhouses, gardens, a campground, and an outdoor cookhouse. Inside, the school's library holds more than 47,000 resources, there are many purpose-built classrooms and spaces, and various common areas for reading, studying, and collaborating."

    Array

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

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    Information not available

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    "Our experienced teachers create a welcoming, safe, and interactive school environment. Students are encouraged to excel and create lasting friendships. Our numerous shows, such as, the Talent Show, Winter Concert, International Café, and End of Year Concert, allow students to come together as a community to show their talents to parents and the student body. Students develop confidence and pride when performing in our yearly shows."

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    "Our experienced physical education and dance instructors conducts regular fitness and wellness sessions to aid in strength, flexibility, as well as, choreography. Students have regular art and music lessons to advance in their creative abilities and further their mastery of vocal talents and music theory. Our French program includes daily intensive lessons. Annual mathematics competitions and performances in school wide concerts also further students' potential."

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    "Meadowridge School began because of a group of parents decided against all odds to open an independent school in Maple Ridge, BC. This was in 1985, when Maple Ridge was seen as a small exurban community, more working-class than wealthy, with limited road and bridge infrastructures. Establishing a viable school in this area, at that time, was an audacious pursuit. These founding parents had the audacity - and the determination, hard work, and vision, too."

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    Information not available

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    Information not available

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Dear parents,

    The dedication of our staff plays a huge role in the success of our students. Our close-knit community, made possible by small class sizes, ensures that each of our students receives an individualized education. You will never have to wonder how your child is doing; our teachers will tell you because they care.

    Located in the diverse city of Toronto, Prestige School prides itself on a student body that reflects the multicultural city of Toronto. Our school boasts international students from all corners of the world, with some of our students speaking several languages. It is for this reason that Prestige School offers language courses as early as preschool. We want our students to be well equipped to thrive in today’s global economy.

    However, academics are not enough to develop a well-rounded child. That is why we pride ourselves on our community. But what exactly is our school community? Our school community is the taste of every food imaginable during our International Café, the sound of ear-splitting cheers on Sports Day, the sight of our graduates walking proudly across the stage, diplomas in hand. It is the feeling of making a difference.

    Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I urge you to browse our photo gallery. The smiling faces of our students will tell you much more than I am able to in a letter. We invite you to come and see us in action and would be happy to book you an appointment to discuss your own child’s educational needs.

    Happy learning!

    Olga Margold

    For those that I have not already met, my name is Scott Banack and I am the Headmaster at Meadowridge School. Having been part of the Meadowridge community since 2009, I have worked as a teacher, MYP coordinator, Middle School Principal, and most recently, the Deputy Headmaster. I have had the opportunity to work with many of the very dedicated and motivated Meadowridge community.

    Throughout my 20+ years of experience as an educator, I have been fortunate to work at some of the best schools around the world. I started my career in rural Alberta, before heading overseas to work as a teacher and administrator in Turkey, the Philippines, and Venezuela. My wife Stacy, a teacher at Meadowridge, and I decided to move closer to home after our son Ethan was born. That’s when we found Meadowridge and it has become such an important component of our family. We’ve brought both Ethan and our daughter, Adele, to Meadowridge and it has become their second home. Our connection runs deep, with great friends, colleagues, and peers. It is impossible to accurately describe in words, as this is a community that needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated.

    Our school’s mission, learning to live well, with and for others, in a just community, resonates with our community’s desire to do more. We are driven to have a profoundly positive impact on our world. We begin to accomplish this through a series of strategic and thoughtful experiences, often involving our natural environment, collaboration with our peers, and creative and critical problem solving. I am consistently impressed by our students not only for what they are able to accomplish, but the integrity, honor, pride, resilience, and compassion they display while reaching these great heights.

    I am energized by the thoughts of a new school year, filled with promise, excitement, nervous energy, and an eternal optimism. I look forward to building this community alongside all of you.

    Best regards,

    Scott Banack 
    Head of School

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      Traditional

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      Progressive


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      Information not available

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      International Baccalaureate


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      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.

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      Not applicable

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      At Prestige School, we offer an enriched and accelerated curriculum with subjects taught one to two grade levels above the standard curriculum. Our academic program provide students with a great opportunity to experience a multitude of courses and various learning styles and strategies. It challenges each student intellectually, artistically and physically through a rigorous and innovative curriculum and an extensive co-curricular program. Our academic curriculum is academically challenging, with students being taught by teachers who specialize in the content knowledge of each subject. Starting in kindergarten, students have specialists in French, computer science, music, art and drama. Starting in grade 4, students further specialize in science, which includes biology, chemistry and physics.

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      At Meadowridge our Mission, "learning to live well, with others and for others, in a just community" is woven into our everyday actions and interactions, both at the school and in the community at large. It acknowledges the importance of positive interactions with others and in seeking to better the community as we better ourselves. It looks beyond gender, nationality, culture and class. It guides staff, administration, students, and families to meet responsibilities and fulfill dreams. This atmosphere of respect combined with a challenging and enriched curriculum provides many opportunities for students to excel in the core academic subjects of reading, writing, math, science and areas of creative expression and original thought, such as performing and visual arts, athletics, clubs, computer science and drama - all of which foster a strong sense of personal and community pride and cause for celebration. We believe in the importance of celebrating our students’ individual and collective accomplishments as we strive for their highest level of performance, whatever their stage of development.

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Mathematics


        Approach

        Approach

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Equal Balance

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Discovery Math


        Our take: math approach type

        Our take: math approach type

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Discovery Math turns traditional math on its head: it frequently begins by introducing a novel problem to students, and works its way back to “discovering” a method of solving the problem. The goal is to ground mathematical procedures and algorithms firmly in their applications, and to challenge students to think critically about how they might go about solving the problem right from the beginning. Generally associated with the “Chicago Math” movement and related Everyday Math textbooks (Grades 1 to 6), Discovery math spends less classroom time mastering established algorithms and more time getting students invested in and thinking critically about novel mathematical problems and concepts. In this sense Discovery Math aims to establish conceptual and applied understand before procedural understanding.


        What the school says about their math program

        What the school says about their math program

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Prestige School elementary students are taught an advanced curriculum in mathematics. They learn at least a year ahead of publicly funded schools. Younger students learn hands on strategies that will assist them in answering various forms of questions; textbook, worksheets, graphs, surveys, etc. Older students are learning very advanced mathematical strategies and equations. Our high school students are taught by skilled mathematics teachers that ensure students are understanding the concepts in order to receive their credits.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        We use various textbooks for elementary and high school. We also use school generated textbooks.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Calculator policy

        Calculator policy

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Younger students are not permitted to use calculators. They are learning various strategies that teach them to do the calculations on their own. Older students are permitted to use calculators since they are performing advanced mathematical equations.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Early Reading


        Approach

        Approach

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Balanced Literacy

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Balanced Literacy


        Our take: early reading approach type

        Our take: early reading approach type

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.


        What the school says about their early reading program

        What the school says about their early reading program

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Prestige School follows a phonics intensive steps to reading program which includes guided reading, weekend readers, word family books and more.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Part of learning to read at Meadowridge is also learning to love reading. We offer an extensive library full of resources and a Kindergarten specific Family Reading Program created by our very own Teacher Librarians and Kindergarten teachers.

      • Writing


        Approach

        Approach

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Equal balance

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Process approach


        Our take: writing approach type

        Our take: writing approach type

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        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.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        The process approach to teaching beginner writing aims to get students writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. The goal is to create the right environmental conditions to encourage a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve.


        What the school says about their writing program

        What the school says about their writing program

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Prestige School ensures that students’ grow into confident writers and researchers who can communicate competently using a range of forms and styles. Students will learn to use these forms and styles to suit specific purposes and audience, while correctly applying the conventions of language –grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation. Students learn and build upon the skills necessary to write using all four forms: expository, descriptive, persuasive and narrative.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Science


        Approach

        Approach

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Equal Balance


        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        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.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Inquiry-based science emphasizes teaching science as a way of thinking or practice, and therefore tries to get students “doing” science as much as possible -- and not just “learning” it. Students still learn foundational scientific ideas and content (and build on this knowledge progressively); however, relative to expository science instruction, inquiry-based programs have students spend more time developing and executing their own experiments (empirical and theoretical). Students are frequently challenged to develop critical and scientific-thinking skills by developing their own well-reasoned hypothesis and finding ways to test those hypotheses. Projects and experiments are emphasized over textbook learning. Skills are emphasized over breadth of knowledge.


        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Our science program (KG- Gr. 8) moves at an accelerated rate covering these 4 strands: life systems, earth and space, structures and mechanisms and matter and energy. Starting in grade 4, students specialize taking separate classes in chemistry, physics and biology.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

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

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

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


        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Physics

      • Literature


        Approach

        Approach

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Equal Balance

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Equal Balance


        Our take: literature approach type

        Our take: literature approach type

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

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

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        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

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Our reading program provides students with opportunities to expand their intellectual horizons and to extend and strengthen their literacy skills. As a creative representation of life and experience, at Prestige School, we see literature as raising important questions about the human condition, now and in the past. Our students are exposed to literary works drawn from many genres, historical periods, and cultures, by both female and male writers, that represent a wide range of perspectives and reflect the diversity of Canada and the world.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Domains covered by the literature program

        Topics covered in literature curriculum

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

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

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

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

      • Social Studies


        Approach

        Approach

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Core Knowledge


        Our take: social studies approach type

        Our take: social studies approach type

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        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).

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.


        What the school says about their social studies program

        What the school says about their social studies program

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Students are exposed to social studies starting from preschool. In primary grades, students learn about the community, Canada, and medieval times. In junior grades, students are exposed to various ancient civilizations and learn how these civilizations have impacted our world today.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Humanities and Social Sciences


        Approach

        Approach

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Equal Balance

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Not applicable


        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        Our take: humanities and social sciences approach type

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Not applicable


        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        What the school says about their humanities and social sciences

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        In Grades 7 and 8, students are taught history and geography. In history, students are taught to think critically using primary sources, and are tasked with considering the perspectives of those they learn about. Though the history courses focus primarily on Canadian history, students learn about what was going on in other parts of the world at the same time. In geography, students take part in many inquiry-based tasks, project-based learning, and case studies. The grade 7 course focuses on physical geography, while the grade 8 course is centred around human geography.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Foreign Languages


        Approach

        Approach

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Equal Balance

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Not applicable


        Our take: foreign language approach type

        Our take: foreign language approach type

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

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

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Not applicable


        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        What the school says about their foreign language programs

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Students start French instruction in preschool and kindergarten and is offered every year up until grade 12. Students take French daily starting in grade 1 until grade 9. Students have an option of taking Russian instruction starting in kindergarten. Students have Russian instruction two to three times a week. Russian instruction is also offered as a high school credit.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Information not available


        Language instruction offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

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

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        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)

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Information not available

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Information not available

      • Fine Arts


        Approach

        Approach

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Equal Balance

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Equal Balance


        Our take: fine arts approach type

        Our take: fine arts approach type

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.


        What the school says about their fine arts program

        What the school says about their fine arts program

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Prestige School takes pride in their numerous stage shows. Students take part in our Annual Talent Show, Winter Concert, Literacy Celebration, International Café, and the End of Year Concert. Students are exposed to various medias and techniques for visual arts. Dance is offered as a separate class, separate from physical education, once a week. Our music program exposes students to various composers and musicals.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Students learn through creative expression: they learn to understand and to analyze, to problem solve and to self-express, and they learn about themselves and about the world around them. So while they strum, or stroke, or sing, or sculpt, they learn a new way to express themselves and to convey feelings; students learn to become active meaning-makers, not passive recipients. By learning from the entire symbolic range, students evolve as both artist and learner of the arts. Through language and art, dance and movement, photography, film and multimedia, students learn to understand the essence of things – of people, culture, art, business, sciences, politics – and the nuances within them.


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Acting
        Dance
        Drama/Theatre
        Graphic Design
        Music
        Visual Arts

      • Computers and Technolgy


        Approach

        Approach

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Medium integration

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Medium integration


        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.


        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Students are exposed to computers studies starting in grade 1 until grade 8. Computer studies is also offered as high school credits. Young students learn the very important skill of typing. Once typing is learned, then students are exposed to various computer programs that will be of use throughout their entire life. Older students are exposed to programming.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        At Meadowridge, we teach our students to acquire, use, and share information in multiple forms and ways so that it becomes meaningful knowledge. When it comes to technology, every decision we make is based on learning, and that’s because technology cannot replace outstanding teaching or collaboration with other learners. We make sure that our school and our students control technology, and are not controlled by it.


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

      • Physical Education


        What the school says about their physical education program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

        Our approach aims at helping students develop an understanding of the factors that contribute to healthy development, a sense of personal responsibility for lifelong health, and a respect for their own health in relation to others and the world around them. Our approach focuses on the following three components: active living, movement competence and healthy living. Students actively participate in a wide variety of physical activities while also understanding the responsibility for their safety and safety of others. Student also perform movement skills and learn how to apply movement strategies properly. For the healthy living component, students learn about nutrition and healthy eating.

        MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

        In Physical and Health Education, students learn to appreciate the value of physical activity and develop the motivation for making healthy life choices. PHE is taught so that students learn about and learn through physical activity. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes which contribute to a healthy and balanced lifestyle: a balanced lifestyle which includes a healthy body, mind, and spirit. PHE is a critical element of a well-rounded learner. All students in the PYP and MYP participate in PHE, and have additional requirements for physical and activity outside of their courses.

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach


      Our Take

      Our Take

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      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.

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      Prestige School's enriched kindergarten program incorporates learning opportunities in the subject strands of mathematics, language, science, social studies, music, French, physical health and education, dance and the visual arts. Our kindergarten program helps to foster the development of many important social, emotional and academic skills. Our program provides opportunities for teacher-guided and student-guided learning experiences. In addition, we use a lot of hands-on exploration of concepts to support their understanding of the world around them.

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      Meadowridge’s Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs provide developmentally-appropriate learning opportunities for children to explore, socialize and grow in a safe and supportive environment. This takes place in a brand new, purpose built Early Childhood Education building. Children are active learners. In Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten children learn by exploration and problem-solving in a safe environment. Students learn through play and units of inquiry based on the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. This includes exploration into science, art, community, literacy, math, dance, athletics, technology, music, and more. Student develop skills through a hands-on activities where they can test, try, and engage.

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      Accelerated


      Our Take

      Our Take

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      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).

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      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

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      Information not available

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture


      Our Take

      Our Take

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      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”.

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      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

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      At Prestige School, students are held to a high academic standard. Students are exposed to an advanced curriculum and teachers provide the necessary help a student would need to succeed in their academics.

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      Our program challenges our students to find out more about their own beliefs, their own bodies, and society. When students graduate, they are equipped to deal with the complex realities of life, where critical thinking is at a premium. There are trained to question: how could this be better? In every unit of instruction, the children have a guiding question which they seek to answer. At the younger grades, the question is generated by the teacher, and smaller questions arise from the students. In older grades, we expect students to generate their own questions, and to personalize their learning.


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

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

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

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

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

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

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

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


      Secondary

      Secondary

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

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

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

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


      What the school says

      What the school says

      PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

      Prestige School aims to nurture a well-rounded individual. We educate our students the importance of staying balanced physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually.

      MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

      At the heart of all we do at Meadowridge is our Mission Statement, learning to live well, with others and for others, in a just community. We have created a just community within the school – one that is shaped by caring and trust, and also clarity of expectation and rules. We teach our students how to care for themselves, because a balanced and happy life is critical to their future. Students also learn to care for others, because a successful future is one in which common welfare is shared by all.

  • 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

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    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

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    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

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    • We offer after school extra curricular clubs everyday of the week. Some of the clubs we offer include: tennis, art, computer science, book, Hebrew, soccer, dance, chess, fun science, and french club
  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    9 - 12

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    80%

    0%

    Day entry years

    Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Rolling

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes: grades 1 - 12

    Yes: grades JK - 12

    SSAT required

    No

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    Yes: grades 6 - 12

    Entrance exams required

    Yes: grades 2 - 12

    Yes: grades K - 12

    Entrance essay required

    No

    No

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    We look for students who possess and can represent our three core values: wisdom, courage and integrity.

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    A Meadowridge student is one that seeks challenges in order to grow. We are not looking for perfect children, as they don't exist, but children who love to learn and explore the world. Children who are kind, willing to make mistakes and learn from them, and share their knowledge with others. From Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, our students call Meadowridge home.

    What the school says

    What the school says

    PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS

    Prestige School offers a unique learning environment designed to meet the child's individual needs and encourage each student to pursue integrity and excellence. We help all perspective students and their parents to become familiar with the school, our programmes, and our educational philosophy.

    Admission Criteria

    1. Academic standing as seen through a candidate’s current report card.
    2. Information gathered during an interview.
    3. Results of the in-house entrance test (applicable only to Grades 2 to 12).

    On receipt of the application form, students applying to our kindergarten programme will be invited for a class visit. Applicants to the kindergarten programme are encouraged to bring a photograph or story book to generate conversation (please no toys), and to assist with verbal skills assessment.  

    MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL

    Our admissions process is set-up specifically to determine if your child and family are the right fit for Meadowridge. From inquiry to assessment, we strive to get to know each family and the potential of each child.

    There are tests and assessments but what it really comes down to is the fit. If your child will flourish at Meadowridge and your family will be an active member of our community is one of the most important factors for admissions.

    Not all children and families are the right fit for our school. Meadowridge is a challenging school. We offer a rigorous curriculum and have high expectations of our students, not just academically but intellectually and emotionally. We expect them to take our Mission to heart, "Learning to live well, with others and for others, in a just community".

    All Applicants:

    • Online Application Form completed 
    • Visit Us! Learn about our school and let us meet you at one of our Open Houses
    • Student Assessment/Observation
    • Family Meeting
    • Teacher Recommendation
    • Examples of student work/hobbies
    • Grade 1+ two report cards from previous years
    • Grade 6 to 11 SSAT

    Click here for a detailed list of requirements.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

PRESTIGE SCHOOL - TORONTO CAMPUS:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

MEADOWRIDGE SCHOOL:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




x

By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2023 All right reserved.