250 Lesmill Road, North York, Ontario, M3B 2T5, Canada
1279 Seaton Road, Sheffield & Lynden, Ontario, L0R 1Z0, Canada
2016
1996
100
179
9 to 12
JK to 8
Coed
Coed
Day, Homestay
Day
English
English
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Traditional
5 to 10
16
In-class adaptations
$14,000 to $20,000
$13,500
No
Yes
0%
2%
None
JK to 8
$0
$14,000
25
16
0%
0%
90%
85%
9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 9 - 12
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
information not available
information not available
While still a young school, founding principal, Henry Michels, brings a wealth of enthusiasm, insight, and decades-long experience to the program. Small class sizes are a draw, with less than 10 per, allowing for a very student-directed delivery, building from individual strengths, talents, and areas of interest. The school addresses itself to students operating at the top of their peer group, granting them the challenges and diversity of approach that can make the most of their gifts. The diversity of the student body—the homestay program attracts overseas students—adds to the experience, allowing for a range of perspective within classroom discussion.
View full reportLee 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.
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"The unique approach the school took when it came to course planning for my son caught my attention."
Gilbert Tossa - Parent (Jun 08, 2021)
My son joined Webtree Academy during a challenging year, when we were at the middle of a pandemic, w...
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"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...
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"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...
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"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...
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"Webtree Academy is a private day school for Gr. 7-12 students, focusing on university preparation. Our institution employs an innovative, nurturing approach to education, tailored to each student's needs. By fostering creativity and individualized learning, we aim to cultivate responsible, engaged citizens, and future leaders. Recognizing the evolving landscape of technology, workplace demands, and multicultural societies, we strive to offer a diverse range of educational programs to meet the unique needs of every student."
"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
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"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."
DEAR STUDENTS, STAFF, AND PARENTS
Education has been a lifelong passion and is the greatest gift, we give to our youth. It has the transformative power to change lives and continually redefine the limits of what can be achieved. As an educator with over 30 years experiences working with gifted, special needs, second language learners, I am convinced that all students can excel to reach their full potentials with provision of stimulating challenge, encouragement, and the targeted support.
Therefore, at Webtree, we value every individual's uniqueness, recognize his /her strength and areas that need improvement, so as to personalize the academic path leads to each student's ultimate success.
At Webtree., we aim to nurture our student with global version, a sense of citizenship, a critical mindset, in addition to their academic success. Webtree Academy. is the home away from home for our students; is a school where they will laugh and shine.
WEBTREE PRINCIPAL: HENRY MICHELS
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Traditional
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Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
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At Webtree., we strive to provide our students with the necessary language, academic, and technological skills required for students to achieve their educational and personal goals as well as being successful in post-secondary studies. Additionally, we aim to assist our students to not only better immerse them into Canadian cultural and social environments but also to thrive in a competitive global environment.
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.
Traditional Math
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
Our OCT Math teachers are qualified in Mathematics and some in Special Education, having the qualifications to manage student groups of varying needs including ESL accommodations, the sequentially-chunked curriculum at a pace that suits the individual student. Being that our mathematics credit courses are Academic and University-level, our focus is to achieve high standards of achievement in preparation for university entrance requirements.
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Ministry-approved textbooks along with learning materials from SOLARO.
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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.
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No
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Equal Balance
Expository science is the more traditional method of teaching science: students learn scientific facts, theories, and the relationships between them through direct instruction by the teacher. These programs still incorporate hands-on experimentation and “live science”; however, relative to inquiry-based programs, expository science tilts towards content mastery and knowledge acquisition. Direct instruction ensures this acquisition process is efficient. Textbooks are emphasized (starting in earlier grades than inquiry-based programs), as are knowledge tests: students are asked to demonstrate they have thoroughly learned the content of the course, and can apply that knowledge to novel and challenging problems or questions.
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.
Our Science OCT teachers are qualified in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as well as Special Education. Our teachers are qualified to manage student groups of varying needs including ESL accommodations, the sequentially-chunked curriculum at a pace that suits the individual student. Being that our Science credit courses are Academic and University-level, our focus is to achieve high standards of achievement in preparation for university entrance requirements.
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Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Zoology
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
Our English OCT teachers are qualified to manage student groups of varying needs including ESL accommodations. The curriculum is offered at a pace that suits the individual student and is designed thematically. Being that our ENG credit courses are Academic and University-level, our focus is to achieve high standards of achievement in preparation for university entrance requirements. Our ESL program is comprehensive in building the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills for other language-oriented credit courses.
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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
Not applicable
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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To study History, Economics and Philosophy is to embark on a voyage of discovery, to seek in many ways to advance beyond the limitations and preoccupations of the present. Only by exploring the human experience in the past can we see how and why society changes and develop a sense of perspective on where we are heading in the 21st century.
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Not applicable
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Not applicable
At Webtree, we offer Mandarin as an international language credit course.
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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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Not applicable
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
Not applicable
At Webtree, we offer visual arts, dramatic arts & music (keyboard & guitar) to enrich our academically-focussed students.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Not applicable
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
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At Webtree, students are allowed to use personal laptops to complete homework or assignments such as writing essays, constructing Power Point slides for presentation. Our science teachers sometimes use Virtual Labs on computers to demonstrate physics or chemistry experiments in assisting teaching and learning.
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Web design
Robotics
Computer science
We utilize the soccer field and rented space for physical education credit courses and the afterschool sports program.
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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.
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.
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.
At Webtree, credit courses can be completed in 10-week blocks in small-sized groups (ranging from 1-6 students per OCT teacher). Teachers are sensitive to differentiated instruction including multiple intelligences.
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Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
In addition to teaching academic credit courses, we offer specialized learning programs for our students entering into DECA competitions and Waterloo Math Contests. For our International students we offer intensive, personalized support toward accomplishing their post-secondary goals into reputable universities and colleges in Canada, USA and abroad. We offer summer camps for our students to explore different cultural areas of Toronto. We have OCT teachers giving extra hours to tutoring students within our school and other students from leading Preparatory schools.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
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Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Not applicable
Not applicable
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Not applicable
Not applicable
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
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
JK - 8
0%
2%
$0
$14,000
90%
85%
9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades 9 - 12
Yes: grades JK - 8
No
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
We are looking for well rounded applicants. Who is committed to work towards his/her goal.
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.
Completed Application Form with Signature
Report Card from Previous School
Copy of Identification
Application Fee - $250 CDN
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.
250 Lesmill Road, North York, Ontario, M3B 2T5, Canada
1279 Seaton Road, Sheffield & Lynden, Ontario, L0R 1Z0, Canada
