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Metropolitan Preparatory Academy:
The Our Kids Report > Academics
Grades Gr. 7 TO Gr. 12 — Toronto, ON (Map)
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Metropolitan Preparatory Academy:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

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Metropolitan Preparatory Academy ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS


Curriculum Traditional

[Show definition of Curriculum]

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

Curriculum approach at Metro Prep: Traditional

Metro Prep has a Traditional approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Liberal Arts, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

[Show: About Traditional?]

Our Kids definition: 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.

Compare Metro Prep's Curriculum with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Traditional - 41%
  Liberal arts - 13%
  Progressive - 34%
  Montessori - 11%
  Reggio Emilia - 0%
  Waldorf - 1%

What Metro Prep says about their overall curriculum and approach:

Metro Prep is a semestered, co-ed, university preparatory day school for grades 7 to 12. We offer a variety of courses from all disciplines, specializing in Mathematics, Science, Business and Computers. Courses are also offered in music, visual, media, film and dramatic arts. Metro Prep provides a structured program stressing academic excellence geared for success at the university level. Organizational skills and the development of good work and study habits are stressed. Teacher-parent communication is encouraged to facilitate the best learning environment for each student.


Approach

Focus
Academic

Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics

    Equal Balance

    Mathematics approach at Metro Prep: Equal Balance

    Metro Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Compare Metro Prep's Mathematics with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 69%
      Traditional math - 26%
      Discovery math - 5%

    What Metro Prep says:

    This information is not currently available.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials:

    This information is not currently available.

    Calculator policy:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Science

    Equal Balance

    Science approach at Metro Prep: Equal Balance

    Metro Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: 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.

    Compare Metro Prep's Science with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 69%
      Expository - 5%
      Inquiry - 26%

    Teaching approach:

    This information is not currently available.


    Treatment of evolution:

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

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    SubjectOffered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature

    Equal Balance

    Literature approach at Metro Prep: Equal Balance

    Metro Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.

    Compare Metro Prep's Literature with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 76%
      Traditional - 21%
      Social justice - 3%

    What Metro Prep says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

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

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

    Equal Balance

    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Metro Prep: Equal Balance

    Metro Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

    Compare Metro Prep's Humanities and Social Sciences with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 82%
      Perennialism - 8%
      Pragmatism - 10%

    What Metro Prep says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Foreign Languages

    Equal Balance

    Foreign Languages approach at Metro Prep: Equal Balance

    Metro Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

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

    Compare Metro Prep's Foreign Languages with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 65%
      Audio-lingual - 2%
      Communicative - 33%

    What Metro Prep says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Language instruction offered in:

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

  • Fine Arts

    Equal Balance

    Fine Arts approach at Metro Prep: Equal Balance

    Metro Prep has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Our Kids definition: These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Compare Metro Prep's Fine Arts with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Equal balance - 66%
      Receptive - 1%
      Creative - 33%

    Program offers:

    SubjectOffered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Metro Prep says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Computers and Technology

    Medium integration

    Computers and Technology approach at Metro Prep: Medium integration

    Metro Prep has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).

    [Show: About Medium integration?]

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

    Compare Metro Prep's Computers and Technology with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Medium integration - 54%
      Light integration - 18%
      Heavy integration - 28%

    What Metro Prep says:

    This information is not currently available.


    Program covers:

    SubjectOffered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

    What Metro Prep says:

    This information is not currently available.

  • Advanced Placement courses
    This information is not currently available.

  • Sex and health education

    Ontario curriculum

    Sex and health education approach at Metro Prep: Ontario curriculum

    Metro Prep has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

    Our Kids definition: The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

    Compare Metro Prep's Sex and health education with other schools on OurKids.net:
      Follows provincial curriculum - 58%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 42%

    Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

    Metro Prep has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).
    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    Our Kids definition: By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What Metro Prep says:

    This information is not currently available.

Language English

Learn about Metropolitan Preparatory Academy's languages of instruction and enrolment.

Metro Prep offers English as the primary language of instruction.

Language of enrolment include: English, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Hebrew

Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched

[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

Curriculum Pace approach at Metro Prep: Standard-enriched

Metro Prep has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

[Show: About Standard-enriched?]

Our Kids definition: 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.

Compare Metro Prep's Curriculum Pace with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Standard-enriched - 56%
  Accelerated - 18%
  Student-paced - 26%

What Metro Prep says about their curriculum pace:

This information is not currently available.


Flexible pacing style

Type Offered
Subject-streaming (tracking)
Multi-age classrooms as standard
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
Regular guided independent study opportunities
Differentiated assessment

What Metro Prep says about their flexible pacing:

This information is not currently available.

Academic Culture Rigorous

[Show definition of Academic Culture]

Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

Academic Culture approach at Metro Prep: Rigorous

Metro Prep has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

[Show: About Rigorous?]

Our Kids definition: 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”.

Compare Metro Prep's Academic Culture with other schools on OurKids.net:
  Rigorous - 49%
  Supportive - 51%

What Metro Prep says about their academic culture:

We praise high academic achievement while providing a very nurturing and supportive environment. Metro Prep follows the semester system, where strong academic students are able to take up to 5 courses each semester.

Developmental priorities Intellectual

[Show definition of Developmental priorities]

Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

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

Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

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

What Metro Prep says about their developmental priorities:

We believe that students flourish in a safe, inviting, learning atmosphere where they feel confident expressing their individuality, asking questions, and seeking the help they need to thrive. Because of this, Metro Prep operates without uniforms and with open faculty doors. In preparation for both university and future careers students are encouraged to trust their instincts and think both critically and creatively.

Special needs support

[Show definition of Special needs support]

Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Indirect Support:
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:

Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.
    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.
    Dyscalculia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.
    Dysgraphia
    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.
    Language Processing Disorder
    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.
    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)
    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.
    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
  • Developmental
    Autism
    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).
    Asperger's Syndrome
    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.
    Down syndrome
    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
    Intellectual disability
    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).
    Williams syndrome
    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
    Clinical Depression
    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.
    Clinical anxiety
    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.
    Suicidal thoughts
    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.
    Drug and alcohol abuse
    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.
    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis
    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.
    Cerebral palsy
    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
    Muscular dystrophy
    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.
    Spina Bifida
    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.
    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.
    Blindness
    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."
    Deafness
    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).
    Cystic Fibrosis
    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.
    Multiple physical
    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

Read our guide to special needs schools and special education


Academic support

TypeOffered
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities

TypeOffered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

Additional support

TypeOffered
Social skills programs
Occupational therapy
Psychotherapy
Speech-language therapy

Gifted learner support No Support

[Show definition of Gifted learner support]

Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.

Class structure

Program Offered
Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

In-class adaptations

Program Offered
Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

What Metro Prep says about their gifted learner support:

This information is not currently available.

Homework Policy

[Show definition of Homework Policy]

Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

Nightly homework

In grade Gr. 12, Metro Prep students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

789101112
Metro Prep60 mins60 mins90 mins120 mins120 mins160 mins
Site Average54 mins58 mins75 mins86 mins102 mins109 mins

What Metro Prep says about their flipped classroom policy:

This information is not currently available.

Report Card Policy

[Show definition of Report Card Policy]

While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

How assessments are delivered across the grades

TypeGrades
Lettered or numbered gradesGr. 7 to Gr. 12
Prose (narrative)-based feedbackGr. 7 to Gr. 12
Parent-teacher meetingsGr. 7 to Gr. 12

Extracurricular Activities

While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.

Sports offered

Metropolitan Preparatory Academy offers 18 competitive sports and 20 recreational sports.

  Competitive offered          Recreational offered
all sports]
  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Ultimate
  • 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

Clubs offered

Metropolitan Preparatory Academy offers 18 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Clubs offered           Clubs not offered
all clubs and programs]
  Foreign Language Club
  Habitat for Humanity
  Jazz Ensemble
  Math Club
  Musical theatre/Opera
  Ballet and Classical Ballet
  Online Magazine
  Outdoor Club
  Outdoor Education
  Paintball
  Photography
  Poetry/Literature club
  Radio club
  Robotics club
  Round Square
  School newspaper
  Science Club
  Scouting
  Student Council
  Yearbook
  Yoga
  Animation
  Art Club
  Astronomy Club
  Audiovisual Club
  Band
  Chess Club
  Choir
  Community Service
  Computer Club
  Dance Club
  Debate Club
  Drama Club
  Environmental Club

What Metro Prep says about their extracurricular activities:

  • Metro Prep’s Elementary Track team competed at the annual SSAF meet held at Brampton’s Terry Fox Stadium. The boys were led by Christian, earning a whopping 4 medals in 5 events. Luka also fared well claiming silver in the 400m.
  • SSAF Cross Country championships held at Sunnybrook Park. Over 500 athletes competed in six different categories for their chance to call themselves a champion. Metro athletes faired very well in the U20 boys division as Kieran and Kenny finished in the top 10 out of a competitive field.
  • Metro Prep’s U20 Boys and Girls Track team competed well at the annual SSAF meet held at York University. Cameron placed 2nd in the long jump. Daniel earned a silver medal in the 400 meter dash. The girls were just as successful earning two medals of their own. Melanie placed 3rd in the 200 meter and Randi earned gold for Metro Prep in the triple jump.
  • The Metro Prep Soccer team hosted the third annual Metro Cup Indoor Soccer Tournament earlier this semester. The tournament brought 12 schools together to compete at the nearby Toronto City Sports Centre Dome. Metro boasted a strong line up and prevailed through their quarter final match but fell short in the semifinals, finishing fourth overall. It was a strong showing and a great opportunity to keep working on ball handling skills in the winter.
  • The girls’ basketball team had one of the most successful seasons to date. With leadership from senior captain Casey Q., and junior captain Casey A., the team earned its first birth into playoffs in years. The girls were committed and persevered through various challenges during the season. The team improved with every game and is looking forward to next season. We hope this positive performance and progression in girls’ basketball will lead to future success for the Metro Prep Predators.
  • The hockey team once again hit the ice at the Victoria Village Arena every Tuesday throughout the year. Although the SSAF hockey tournament was cancelled this year the Metro team still was able to compete in an exhibition game against TMS. The team was led by seniors Nick and Josh, who held down the crease throughout the year.
  • The Senior Basketball team fell short of their goal of winning three consecutive championships by losing in the semifinals to a tough team from ARS. Although the team did not finish a perfect season, progress was made throughout the year and a solid foundation has been laid down for a successful season next year. Highlights for the year include Batu scoring 60 points in a single game, Allen L. making 8 out of 10 three-pointers in the pre-season championship game, and Kirk leaving Metro Prep to continue his basketball career at Durham College.
  • The Metro Prep Predators once again competed in the SSAF ball hockey championships held at the Magna Centre in Newmarket. The team was comprised of both ice hockey players and other students who learned their hockey skills in the gymnasium. The team battled hard but unfortunately lost in the semifinals. The team was led by Joshua R. who played hard and backstopped the team making over 100 stops on the day. Great job boys.
  • The girls’ volleyball team had a very successful season this year. After finishing the regular season in 2nd place with a 4 and 1 record, they moved onto the final tournament which boasted the top 4 SSAF schools from the North and South divisions. After a tough day of battling on the court, the girls earned a respectable 5th place overall in the SSAF.
  • Both the U20 and elementary students competed at the SSAF badminton championships this past spring. The elementary team unfortunately did not earn a spot in the playoff rounds but the senior team did extremely well in their qualifying tournament. Adam and Allen W. placed 2nd and 3rd in men's singles along with Terry and Pierce, who earned a 3rd place in the men's doubles competition and earned a spot in the championship tournament. Randi and Tiffany M. also qualified in women's doubles as well as Daniel D. and Melanie who qualified in mixed doubles.
  • The tennis team once again competed at the annual SSAF invitational tournament held at the Mayfair tennis club. Entering both singles and doubles teams, the students battled through stiff competition throughout the day. Adam, Mark and Pierce all earned silver and bronze medals respectively!
  • The boys’ soccer team had a very successful season. Starting way back in October the team participated in 2 indoor tournaments and finished the season in May competing in 2 outdoor tournaments. Although they came up short in the tournaments they did end the year with three 3rd place finishes against a very competitive group of teams.
  • The senior softball team put in a tremendous amount of work throughout the season. They practiced 3 times a week, for over a month, and many players were able to greatly improve their overall ability. The team fared well at the tournament and finished with 3 wins and 2 losses on the day, eventually losing to the championship team.
  • The elementary soccer team competed both in the SSAF indoor and outdoor championships this past year. The team battled hard and was able to earn a spot in the playoff rounds in both tournaments. They were led by strong goaltending by Luka and by their defensive line lead by Steven.
  • MOUNTAIN BIKING- After a lengthy hiatus, the Metro mountain biking club has been resurrected. We have taken advantage of Metro's close proximity to the Don Valley mountain biking trails by going on weekly rides in the fall and spring. Berms were thrashed, jumps were hit, and roots were crushed.
  • ARCHERY- Flinging arrows and putting holes in targets like Swiss cheese! This autumn, Metro Prep introduced the first ever Archery Club. The club practiced at the outdoor Toronto Archery Range in E.T. Seton Park, a little oasis amongst the towers of the concrete jungle we call Toronto. It was a safe and interactive environment where the club members learned how to shoot, handle and perfect their skills in archery.
  • BOARD GAME CLUB- Every Monday after school, several students have been meeting in room 21 to have some friendly competition playing games. Each week, students have volunteered to bring in various board games or card games and compete against one another.
  • ROCK CLIMBING CLUB- approximately 15 middle and high school students from Metro Prep attended a climbing trip to the Toronto Climbing Academy. For many of the students it was their first experience climbing. The students received professional instruction, rentals and were able to climb for three hours. A few students overcame their fear of heights and reached the top of the climbing walls.
  • ROBOTICS CLUB- On Saturday, November 29, Metro Prep’s Robotics Club participated in the Vex Robotics Competition – Skyrise where they placed 22nd out of 69 schools. This competition had students build a complex robot and learn how to control and alter its handling characteristics. It was our first major robotics competition and the students did very well. We will look to improve our performance next year.
 

What people say about the Academics

Exceptional university preparation

Comments from alumni and parents underline how the rigorous academic environment at Metropolitan Preparatory Academy effectively equips students for university-level challenges.

Metropolitan Preparatory Academy is like middle school and high school combined. I entered the school in 7th grade, so I was there for six years. Metro Prep influenced a lot of what I intend to study, different passions of mine, and definitely the university I chose. Metro Prep helped me realize what I value the most and what areas of studies I enjoy the most. The teachers there really shaped my areas of interest. I became interested in social sciences, such as political science, law, economics, etc. I also know quite a few people who became very interested and passionate about STEM fields, and then they're pursuing that as well in university.
—Haikun Liu, alum (2014-2019) (see full interview)
One thing that I've appreciated is how hard the classes were at Metropolitan Preparatory Academy, especially chemistry. When I got to university chemistry, a lot of it was review because the chemistry teacher at Metropolitan Preparatory Academy worked so hard to have us prepared for university-level chemistry. I think because of her, I did so well in university chemistry. If something was hard in high school chemistry for me, let's say I got like a 75%, when I did it again in university, I would end up with a 90%. Now that I'm looking back on it, yes, it was hard in high school, but it made my life so much easier in university.
—Danielle Perlon, alum (see full interview)
The three big reasons someone should choose Metropolitan Preparatory Academy are the school’s focus on academics and extracurriculars, and the staff there. The teachers are so unique, you will not find a better set of staff and educators. I felt prepared for university, which I think is a lot of people's main goal when they're in high school. Metro Prep did such a good job of preparing students. We actually used one of the university prep books in our calculus class.
—Danielle Perlon, alum (see full interview)

Personalized teaching with small classes

Observations from parents and students highlight that Metro Prep's small class sizes foster personalized education, where teachers can address individual needs and students feel more connected and engaged.

With small classrooms, I connected more with the teachers; they get to know you personally rather than just a number in a classroom, something absent at my previous schools. Because of the small class sizes, participation in extracurricular activities was encouraged more. I joined nearly every sports team at Metro, a feat I wouldn't have achieved at other schools. From being a novice at volleyball to being the coach in Grade 12, the opportunities were abundant compared to other public schools.
—Stephanie, alum (see full discussion)
My son had previously gone to a Montessori school, with a focus on hands-on learning, communication skills, and teamwork. And we're looking for a middle school, high school that can continue him down the same path. We visited quite a few schools looking for small class sizes, a close-knit community of teachers, students, and staff, and above all, academic excellence. Metro Prep fits the bill.
—Wei Su, parent (see full interview)
The class sizes are small, so new students get to know everybody quickly and the teachers have the resources and the time to look after each student with a personalized approach. 
—Wei Su, parent (see full interview)

Passionate and accessible teachers

Parents and students emphasize that Metro Prep's teachers are passionate and accessible, creating a nurturing environment where students feel supported both academically and socially.

It was a refreshing experience for my daughter, and for me too, knowing that the teachers genuinely cared about the well-being of the students and how they were performing academically and otherwise. She appreciated being in a smaller classroom, being able to access her teachers, when she needed to.
—Mishma Gashyna, parent (see full interview)
To prospective parents, I’d say, if you're looking for a place where teachers genuinely care about how well your child is performing, academically and socially, then Metro Prep is the place for your child. If you're looking for a place where you know that you can access the teachers, if there is ever a concern, then the Metro Prep teachers are accessible. And those are the three things that were important to me: My daughter feeling safe and comfortable to be herself at Metro Prep, my daughter's teachers actually caring and loving their jobs. And that's what you'll find at Metro Prep, the teachers love their jobs and teaching is their passion.
—Mishma Gashyna, parent (see full interview)
We are a very academic school with a strong focus on the sciences, including maths, STEM, and computer science. We also take the arts seriously, integrating it well with our science subjects. Our teachers are passionate and skilled, always striving to improve and explore new aspects of their subjects. The teaching staff is experienced, with some having been with us for a very long time. 
—Ryan Seeley, Vice Principal (see full interview)

Balancing rigour with holistic development

Feedback from students and alumni suggests that Metro successfully blends a caring environment with rigorous academics, preparing students for university while fostering a strong work ethic.

Something that a new student at Metropolitan Preparatory Academy might find surprising is how collaborative everyone is. Usually, when a school is so focused on academics, everyone's extremely competitive, but that was never the environment at Metro Prep. Of course, you wanted to do well, but no one would put someone else down to achieve that.
—Danielle Perlon, alum (see full interview)
The Metro Prep environment fosters so much personal growth within its students. It helped me build confidence in myself and in my abilities. It's taught me so many skills that I will utilize for the rest of my life. Things ranging from self-discipline to good study habits to debating skills. For my classmates, I've seen the really introverted ones come out of their shell and become more sociable. I've seen kids who have struggled academically go on to win awards at graduation. It's really shaped us to be our best selves.
—Alexis Gashyna, alum (see full interview)
Something my daughter was quite proud of was being placed on the honour roll at Metro Prep on a regular basis. She worked really hard, and so it showed when she was able to see her name on the honor roll amongst the other students who had also placed. She really enjoyed being part of the SMITH Program, the Performing Arts Program at Metro Prep. That was something she was quite proud of as well, her participation, and that was very important. So her confidence in herself grew tremendously from being at Metro Prep and achieving all the goals that she had set for herself.
—Mishma Gashyna, parent (see full interview)
 

THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Metropolitan Preparatory Academy

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