Testimonials on Gifted Programs
Jump to: Stimulating young masterminds | It challenges me | A chance to broaden our skills and knowledge |
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 |
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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.
"Prestige School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 15 to 20 students.
—From the school
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"Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. is a private school for intellectually gifted students in grades 1 through 8. —From the school
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"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
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"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
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"Cambridge Showcase School offering skill-based, globally benchmarked learning in intentionally small classes. Students are known, challenged, and mentored within a focused, close-knit academic community.
—From the school
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"SMLS is the premier independent school for girls west of Toronto.
—From the school
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2. Schools with standard reports
 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
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 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
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 Ottawa, Ontario Richmond Rd./John Sutherland Dr. "We drive learners of all ages to ask questions, think critically, solve complex problems collaboratively, and act. Academic success is achieved via dynamic learning, differentiated teaching and meaningful assessments." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore Road/Southdown "Parents can expect higher academic exposure and research-supported learning strategies to develop intellectual, character, and a social-emotional skills for a personal edge. Kindness and respect for others are valued." —From the school
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 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
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 Ottawa, Ontario Iris St/Woodroffe Ave "Empowering girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 through bilingual education." —From the school
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 Markham, Ontario Woodbine/HWY 7 "Wishing Well Schools offers an accelerated, enriched curriculum in a supportive, family-focused environment, where students thrive, lead, and develop a lifelong love of learning." —From the school
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 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 - Grade 6." —From the school
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 Unionville, Ontario Kennedy Road/16th Avenue "UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 12. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child." —From the school
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 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
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 Etobicoke, Ontario Bloor St West/Kipling Ave "Beamish Academy combines certified teachers with AI-supported learning through CENTURY Tech, helping students K-6 of all levels achieve mastery while building confidence, independence, and future-ready skills." —From the school
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 Ottawa, Ontario Pinecrest Road/Queensview Drive "MindWare Academy is a small, supportive private school specializing in education for students with learning differences. Here, students rediscover their strengths and succeed academically and personally." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Bloor St. W/Spadina Ave. "At UTS, we ignite the brightest minds to make a difference in the world. Join our vibrant and caring community where students searching for an academic challenge find their purpose, push boundaries and shape the future." —From the school
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 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
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 Toronto / Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario Ellerslie/Yonge St "TFMS offers bilingual education in English and French from Pre-K to Gr. 8. Spanish is introduced as a second language from Gr. 1–8. Small classes and Christian values support each child’s full development and growth." —From the school
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 Pickering, Ontario Kingston/Altona "At École Montessori, students become bilingual critical thinkers through a rich French Montessori curriculum that fosters independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Eglinton Ave W/Ninth Line "Sherwood Heights School is a leading private school in Mississauga, offering a comprehensive K–12 programme where motivated students thrive in a structured, supportive environment with small class sizes." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Bloor St W/Jane St "A specialized micro school for bright learners with ADHD, giftedness, and complex profiles. We offer individualized, strengths-based learning in a calm, supportive environment where students feel understood and thrive." —From the school
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 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
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 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
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 Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Sheppard "25 Years of Academic Excellence. Wise Owl stands apart with small class sizes, a rigorous curriculum, and a nurturing culture that develops character, leadership, academic excellence, and the whole child." —From the school
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 Markham / 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
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 Toronto, Ontario "Aurora Alternative Micro School has created a curriculum that combines academic and creative experiences , engaging a child's head, heart and hands in an environment that is supportive, nurturing and rich in growth." —From the school
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 North Vancouver, British Columbia "Saplings is the North Shore’s ONLY nature-based school which teaches your students the curriculum through hands-on outdoor experiences. Supporting deeper learning through concept-based and competency-driven approaches" —From the school
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 Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "Aurora Montessori delivers an enriched Montessori program that builds strong academic foundations, critical thinking, and independence, while developing adaptive, future-ready skills in a supportive community." —From the school
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 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
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 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
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 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 20-25 students and tuition at $18,550 - $19, 700." —From the school
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 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
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 Oakville, Ontario Dundas St. E./Trafalgar Crossing "Dearcroft Montessori Trafalgar Crossing is a thoughtfully prepared learning community grounded in Montessori pedagogy, fostering academic excellence, independence, and holistic child development." —From the school
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 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
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Series: Gifted Programs
Sub-types
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How language immersion, IB, AP, and Montessori programs work for gifted kids (January 31, 2017)
