Testimonials on Gifted Programs
Jump to: Stimulating young masterminds | It challenges me | A chance to broaden our skills and knowledge  The perfect private school?It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child. Let our experts and school insiders guide you through your best options, red flags to watch out for, and tips to a successful application. Private School Expo - Fall 2024 Yes, I want to attend |
Stimulating young masterminds“All our students have been identified as intellectually gifted,” says Barbara Rosenberg, Director of The Academy for Gifted Children–P.A.C.E., in Richmond Hill, Ontario, where all of the students undergo a psychosocial assessment to determine their abilities. “But once they enter the building, it’s a very normal environment, which is important.” P.A.C.E. focuses on teaching higher-level thinking skills such as applying, analyzing, and evaluating information while nurturing students’ creativity and intellectual curiosity. Students learn a broad mix of academic and creative subjects, and the school also offers extracurricular programs to engage students’ imagination, including puppetry and a rocket club. Students also enthusiastically participate in competitions with other schools, testing their skills in math, writing, chess, improvisation, and theatre—even Lego architecture. Rosenberg isn’t just the school’s director, she’s also a parent. She founded the school 15 years ago, unsatisfied with the choices out there for her gifted sons. “I wanted a program that was appropriate to their needs,” she says. “I just wanted what every parent wants: A good solid education for my children.” —Megan Griffith-Greene It challenges me“I felt bored, and I was getting in trouble a lot of the time. I didn’t fit in and I didn’t have a lot of friends,” says Jamie, 11. At Choice School for Gifted Children, in Richmond, British Columbia, that has all changed. “When we get kids who have behaviours that are inappropriate, we certainly don’t allow those behaviours but we understand where they’re coming from,” teacher Karen Noel-Bentley explains. Teachers redirect energies into “Choice Challenges” and “Passion Projects” that allow the kids to pursue their own interests during the school week, whether it be dinosaurs, insects, or The Chronicles of Narnia. “It challenges me in a way that makes me want to do it,” says Jamie. “Everyone accepts you because you’re like everybody. In Choice, everyone’s like you.” —Heather Greenwood Davis A chance to broaden our skills and knowledgeAge 16 and an aspiring doctor, Indu has already travelled to China, worked in a teaching hospital, and studied politics in Ottawa. The mandatory external studies program at St. Mildred ’s-Lightbourn School in Oakville, Ontario made it possible. “It gives all of us a chance to broaden our skills and knowledge and do really interesting things,” says Indu, who spent a month working with genetics researchers at two of the top hospitals in the country. “I can’t even express how much I learned from this experience. You really get to know the field.” —Heather Greenwood Davis |
Find Private Schools:
In the spotlight
-
Balancing academics and social-emotional well-being
The art of providing holistic learning environments for teens
-
-
Out of the class and into the community
TCS’s service learning program provides the hands-on experience of giving back
-
The benefits of multilingualism
What language education at Alexander von Humboldt German International School Montreal provides
-
Fostering connection in online classrooms
How HTS is building a state-of-the-art online education platform that focuses on student relationships
-
Creating real-world impact in classrooms
How The Linden School paves the way for global change through their STEM programs
-
Leveraging performing arts to boost self-confidence and communication skills
How a new on-site theatre will support Villanova College’s rich arts programming
Start here: Five steps to finding the perfect school.
List of gifted schools and programs
Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
1. Schools with in-depth reports
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
"Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best!
—From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo: Oct 26
"Prestige School offers individualized programs from pre-school to grade twelve with an average class size of twelve students. Our new induction into the IB program gives our students an added academic advantage.
—From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo: Oct 20
"Choose to Succeed, at Banbury Crossroads School. We offer a truly unique learning experience, with self-directed, collaborative, tutorial-style classrooms that average 10:1 students per teacher.
—From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo: Oct 26
"Prestige School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 12 to 19 students.
—From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expos: Oct 26, Oct 27
"SMLS is a premier independent school for girls Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 since 1891. We give our students the tools to excel in the world—and help shape it.
—From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo: Oct 26
"As a Cambridge School, we teach a curriculum that sets the global standard for education designed to help students develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning.
—From the school
|
2. Schools with standard reports
|
Meet them at the Expo
Mississauga, Ontario Mississauga Road/Eglinton Avenue "Kendellhurst offers students an enriched curriculum blending project-based, traditional and arts-infused curriculum within a seamless technology program. Our school team supports a positive and safe school experience." —From the school
|
|
Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/King Road "Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. is a private school for intellectually gifted students in grades 1 through 8." —From the school
|
|
North York, Ontario Avenue Road/Lawrence Avenue "Through our dynamic individual education plans, mentorship, and therapeutic counselling we ensure all students feel comfortable, respected and cared for, so they stay actively engaged in their educational journey." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Ottawa, Ontario Iris St/Woodroffe Ave "Empowering girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 through bilingual education." —From the school
|
|
Ottawa, Ontario Highway 417/Greenbank "Acadecap International School (Académie de la Capitale), an IB World School, offers bilingual and/or English programmes from JK to Grade 12. Students thrive in a growth mindset environment and a culture of excellence." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Eglinton "We go beyond curriculum expectations to provide opportunities for students to earn admission into their university of choice using our AP accreditation, staff expertise and individualized goals in small classes." —From the school
|
|
Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore Road/Southdown "Peel Montessori and Carrington College div. students learn above grade level for subjects of strength. Individualized curriculum, advanced academic strategies, and character development give students a personal edge." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Calgary, Alberta "Our Academy (in-person) and Studio (online) personalizes learning for students with a diagnosed learning disability to reach their academic and personal potential through outstanding support in and out of the classroom." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Ottawa, Ontario Donald St/Frances St "Promote academic excellence that stimulates the acquisition of language skills, the development of scientific and artistic competencies as well as the formation of a critical mind, in a multicultural environment." —From the school
|
|
Etobicoke, Ontario "Oak Learners inspires meaningful learning every day for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Passionate teachers nurture students' natural curiosity about their world through hands-on experiences and the Arts." —From the school
|
|
Mississauga, Ontario "Guiding Light Academy is a Catholic private elementary school in Streetsville, Mississauga. We offer an enriched curriculum for JK, SK and Grades 1 to 8. We are located just minutes away from the Streetsville Go Station." —From the school
|
|
St. Catharines, Ontario Edinburgh Dr/Scott Street "We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community." —From the school
|
|
Caledon, Ontario The Gore Road/Old Church "The King's College experience develops in students responsibility, accountability, and ownership of their own learning and a passion for making a difference. Students can attend in person or synchronously online." —From the school
|
|
Unionville, Ontario Kennedy Road/16th Avenue "UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 10. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child." —From the school
|
|
Bracebridge, Ontario "Dewey Institute adheres to John Dewey's 'student centered' & 'learning by doing' and the cultivation of harmonious character, sportsmanship, and aesthetic abilities, for a holistic preparing individuals for success." —From the school
|
|
Vaughan, Ontario Major Mackenzie/400 "Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Student Wellness. We value best practices & evidence-based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech-Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum." —From the school
|
|
Pickering, Ontario Kingston/Altona "École Montessori is Durham Region's premier French private school dedicated to transforming your child into a bilingual critical thinker with our enriched curriculum that fosters the genius within each student." —From the school
|
|
Edmonton, Alberta Groat Road/107 Avenue "Progressive Academy's programs inspire students from preschool to grade 12 in Edmonton, Alberta. Wonderful faculty, wide range of experiential opportunities and high expectations ignite a desire to learn." —From the school
|
|
Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Sheppard "Wise Owl fosters a safe, enriching environment, celebrating uniqueness, inspiring resilience, emotional well-being, and responsibility, nurturing students into respectful global citizens." —From the school
|
|
London, Ontario Richmond Street/King Street "A Canadian Private Secondary Boarding school, located in the heart of London, Ontario. LIA is authorized to grant the Ontario Secondary School and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Ottawa, Ontario Kirkwood/Laperriere "Revel Academy is a learner-driven micro-school that utilizes adaptive and mastery-based technology, Socratic discussions, hands-on projects, and real-world apprenticeships in an innovative, character-forging community." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario Don Mills Rd/York Mills Rd "Building on internationally acclaimed preschool reading success, SLI has grown into a hub for ground-breaking student achievement in literary, scientific, coding, and entrepreneurial achievement across Pre-K - Gr 6." —From the school
|
|
North York, Ontario Don Mills Road/York Mills Road "For over a decade, Merit College has been helping thousands of talented students from local communities and around the world reach their full potential and gain admission to top universities." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Oakville, Ontario Lakeshore Road East/Bel Air Drive "Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers. We have three campuses in Oakville, delivering exceptional Montessori Programs." —From the school
|
|
Mississauga, Ontario Eglinton Ave W/Ninth Line "Sherwood Heights School offers Enriched Academic Programmes from Kindergarten to Grade 12, in Mississauga. The Programmes are Enriched and Comprehensive, delivered with Extra Attention and Care." —From the school
|
|
Toronto, Ontario Church/Bloor "Founded in 1997, the Abelard School is a small independent school for grades 7 through 12, located in downtown Toronto. It offers small class sizes and an enriched, integrated curriculum to bright, motivated students." —From the school
|
|
Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/Davisville Ave "2E Learners, differentiated profiles AP, Reach Ahead classes, and enrichment Academic focus on inquiry and critical analysis Collaborative and feedback-rich environment Unique and robust clubs/extra curriculars" —From the school
|
|
Toronto, Ontario Bloor St. W/Spadina Ave. "UTS is a hub where the boldest and brightest young minds come together. Rigorous academics are complemented by vibrant co-curriculars including clubs, committees, publications, athletics, and performance groups." —From the school
|
|
Whitchurch-stouffville, Ontario Ninth Line/Main Street "Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in North York, and Toddler programs in Stouffville. Its average class size is 15 students." —From the school
|
|
Ottawa, Ontario Conroy Rd/Walkey Rd "Astolot Educational Centre is a day school with grades 1 to 12 in Ottawa, Ontario. Classroom teacher-student ratios are 1 to 10. Students have the ability to reach their full potential with Astolot programming." —From the school
|
|
Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills!" —From the school
|
|
Markham, Ontario Woodbine/HWY 7 "Wishing Well Schools offers an enriched, academically advanced program spanning from 18 months to Grade 8." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario Avenue Road/St. Clair Ave. "De La Salle College is a Catholic, co-educational, university preparatory school in Toronto from Grade 5 to 12, with an average class size of 20 students and tuition at $17,550 - $18,500." —From the school
|
|
North Vancouver, British Columbia "Saplings is the North Shore’s ONLY nature-based school which teaches your students the BC curriculum through hands-on outdoor experiences. Supporting deeper learning through concept-based and competency-driven approaches" —From the school
|
Series: Gifted Programs
Sub-types
Latest Articles
Gifted kids no longer bored
(May 23, 2019)
Assessing gifted kids
Gifted children shine in the right environment (May 1, 2019)
Schools for Gifted Kids
Gifted Kids (March 11, 2019)
Gifted curriculum alternatives
How language immersion, IB, AP, and Montessori programs work for gifted kids (January 31, 2017)
TOP
