AN OUR KIDS REPORT:Mentor College vs. Learning Beam Academy

one-to-one comparison:

View Mentor College's full report
VS.
View Learning Beam Academy's full report

  • SCHOOL LOCATION

    Distance From

    Map

    Address

    Address

    40 Forest Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario, L5G 1L1, Canada

    19 Woodbine Downs Blvd #209, Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6N5, Canada

  • SCHOOL OVERVIEW

    Basics

    Basics

    Founded

    1982

    0

    Enrolment

    1500

    10

    Grades

    JK to 12

    9 to 12

    Gender

    Coed

    Coed

    Living arrangements

    Day

    eSchool

    Language of instruction

    English

    English

    Faith Based

    School focus

    Academic

    Academic

    Developmental Priorities

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

    Academics

    Academics

    Curriculum

    Traditional

    Traditional

    Curriculum pace

    Standard-enriched
    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.
    Student-paced
    The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.

    Academic culture

    Supportive
    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
    Supportive
    A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

    Avg. Class Size

    16 to 19

    Varies

    Special needs support

    Gifted learner support

    Preschool/K curriculum

    Academic
    Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.

    Tuition

    Tuition

    Day Tuition

    $15,965 to $23,200

    Boarding Tuition

    Financial aid (FA)

    No

    No

    Students on FA

    0%

    0%

    Eligible grades for FA

    None

    None

    Median FA package size

    $0

    $0

    Enrollment

    Enrollment

    Avg. enrollment per grade

    100

    3

    Percent in boarding

    0%

    0%

    Admissions

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    99%

    Day entry years

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

  • OUR PERSPECTIVE

    The Our Kids Review

    The Our Kids Review

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    information not available

    Our Take

    Our Take

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Mentor College and TEAM School are closely associated, something that brings unique strengths to both. They are overseen by a single administrative body, and they share some facilities, services, and extracurricular programs. The benefits are in a shared infrastructure and organizational efficiency. The facilities are modern and robust, as are student services and transportation. There is a robust, rich program of extra-curricular activity, something that, again, is a benefit of not only the school's size, but also the intra-school associations and programs. That said, the division of the campuses gives each—high school, intermediate, and primary—its own sense of propriety and identity. It's a unique model, one that gains both the benefits of a large student population, as well as those of smaller communities of students. In numbers, this is one of the largest schools in Canada, though the lived experience of the families that attend doesn't bear that out. Frequent and casual communication between parents and teachers, as well, underscores a personal, student and family-centered approach.

    View full report

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Learning Beam Academy is a fully online, private, and ministry-inspected secondary school that complies with all the regulations and guidelines of the Ontario Ministry of Education. This 1 school offers individual credit courses allowing students to upgrade their existing high school marks to fulfill post-secondary requirements on their own time and at their own pace. With a range of courses from Grades 9 to 12, domestic and international students can earn credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), enabling them to apply to globally-recognized colleges and universities.

     

    View full report
  • School’s perspective

    Who are you, as a school?

    Who are you, as a school?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    "Mentor College provides a strong academic program for its students. A caring environment rich in personal attention has been established, and this positive atmosphere both allows and encourages students to think and reason for themselves. The school places emphasis on communication between the teacher, parent, and student. The homework book, monthly teacher phone call, and regular assessment ensure that this communication is clear and current. Located in Port Credit, Mississauga, the High School (Grades 9 to 12) and Intermediate (Grades 5 to 8) levels are housed at the Main Campus. An adjacent Primary Campus is home to the JK to Grade 4 students. The facilities include an indoor pool, artificial turf field, seasonal dome, multiple age and grade-appropriate gyms, science labs, and music rooms. Co-curricular trips to the school's Outdoor Education Centre in Muskoka enhance in-class learning in the upper grades. Extracurricular activities abound, and include learning opportunities in sports, music, drama and special-interest clubs."

    • Very strong academic program
    • 1:1 Laptop Program (Grades 9-12)
    • Turf Field & Winterized Dome
    • Mobile Technology
    • Two visual art studios
    • Separate campus for JK to Grade 4
    • Outstanding classroom facilities
    • High school: ROPSSAA Athletics
    • Elementary school: PSAA Athletics
    • Transportation available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    "Learning Beam Academy is the best Online high school in Ontario. Learning Beam Academy provides excellent individualized academic instruction for children in high school. We offer globally recognized Ontario credit courses from grade 9 to grade 12 through our innovative online learning platform. We deliver OSSD courses that not only meet but extend beyond the curriculum requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education to prepare students for post-secondary education."

    Array

    What do you do differently and uniquely well?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    "Mentor College offers a consistently high quality of education from JK through to university entrance. Students benefit from this continuity as they progress through the grades and transition from the Primary to Intermediate to High School Divisions."

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    "Students can register and begin credit courses at any time of the the year."

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    "At Mentor, we pride ourselves on providing clear and consistent communication. The monthly phone call by the child's homeroom teacher (beginning with an introductory call in early September) provides parents with steady, clear, two-way communication. The homework book is another key component that begins in JK and continues to Grade 12. Evaluations take place throughout the entire school year and every student receives a detailed, formal progress report three times per year."

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    "Courses are easily accessible anywhere at any time. Students are able to meet graduation requirements through the online platform from any part of the world."

    Array

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

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    "We believe that the Mentor extracurricular program offers a club or team for just about every interest. There are clubs, teams, and special events at Mentor that have been running for decades. Many of these groups were initiated by a student or staff member's passion and knowledge in a specific area. Most clubs, teams, and events are grade/division-specific and schoolwide events like the Culture Show and the charity Fashion Show bring together students of all ages."

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What might families find surprising about your school?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    "Families are pleased when they discover how long Mentor College has been in existence. For over 40 years, Mentor has had a steady presence in Mississauga - preparing generations of students for success in university and in life. Parents are also reassured by the fact that all of the members of our leadership team - from director Mr. Macdonald to the principals - were at one time teachers in a Mentor classroom."

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

    Array

    How will your school change in the next 5 years?

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    Information not available

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Information not available

  • SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

    Message from school leadership

    Message from school leadership

    Hello and thank you for taking the time to visit the Mentor College page at the Our Kids website. I am sure you will like what you see when you read about our school. Mentor College has been offering excellence in education since the school's founding in 1982. With our high standard of academics, extensive extracurricular programme, and superb teaching staff, we are able to prepare students for success in post-secondary education and beyond! If you would like to know more about the school, I kindly invite you to our next open house. Please click on the "Events" link for the next open house date. If you cannot make it on that day, one of our principals will be more than happy to meet with you and your child on a more convenient date.

    Learning Beam Academy is an online private high school, inspected by Ontario Ministry of Education, Canada (BSID#889197). We offer Ontario high school diploma(OSSD) and credit courses for grades 9-12. Canadian and international students can enroll to obtain high school credits that are globally recognised by colleges and universities. Avail innovative learning through our supportive and professional staff.

  • ACADEMICS

    • OVERALL CURRICULUM


      Primary Curriculum

      Primary Curriculum

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Traditional


      Secondary Curriculum

      Secondary Curriculum

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available


      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      Our Take: primary curriculum type

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      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.

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      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.


      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      Our Take: secondary curriculum type

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Not applicable

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      What the school says about their curriculum

      What the school says about their curriculum

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Academic

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available

    • COURSE PEDAGOGIES

      • Mathematics


        Approach

        Approach

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Not applicable

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        Equal Balance


        Our take: math approach type

        Our take: math approach type

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Not applicable

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

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


        What the school says about their math program

        What the school says about their math program

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Information not available

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        Students are challenged to solve problems in innovative ways. Problems are solved using critical thinking and then the proper method is taught after students attempt them. The skills to solve similar problems are developed and students are better able to apply knowledge to real world problems and word problems.


        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        Textbooks and supplementary materials

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Information not available

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        Information not available


        Calculator policy

        Calculator policy

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Information not available

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        Students are allowed to use a calculator for certain concepts.

      • Science


        Approach

        Approach

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Not applicable


        Our take: science approach type

        Our take: science approach type

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Not applicable

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        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.


        What the school says about their science program

        What the school says about their science program

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Information not available

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        Information not available


        Topics covered in science curriculum

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        MENTOR COLLEGE

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

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

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


        Treatment of evolution (value)

        Treatment of evolution (value)

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Not applicable

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        Not applicable

      • Literature


        Approach

        Approach

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Not applicable


        Our take: literature approach type

        Our take: literature approach type

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Not applicable

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.


        What the school says about their literature program

        What the school says about their literature program

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Information not available

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        Information not available


        Domains covered by the literature program

        Topics covered in literature curriculum

        MENTOR COLLEGE

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

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

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

      • Computers and Technolgy


        Approach

        Approach

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Not applicable

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        Light integration


        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        Our take: computers and technology approach type

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Not applicable

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        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.


        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        What the school says about their computers and technology program

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Information not available

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        Information not available


        Courses offered in:

        Topics covered in science curriculum

        MENTOR COLLEGE

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

        LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

        Web design
        Robotics
        Computer science

    • PRESCHOOL/K CURRICULUM


      Approach

      Approach

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Academic

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      Our Take

      Our Take

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      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.

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Not applicable


      What the school says

      What the school says

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      All-day JK & SK.

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available

    • CURRICULUM PACE


      Pace

      Pace

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Standard-enriched

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Student-paced


      Our Take

      Our Take

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      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.

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      The main curriculum pace is non-standardized and is HIGHLY responsive to the pacing of individual students, (via differentiated instruction, differentiated assessment, etc). In theory, some students outpace the default/normalized curriculum, while others spend periods "behind schedule" if they need the extra time.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available

    • ACADEMIC CULTURE


      Culture

      Culture

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Supportive


      Our Take

      Our Take

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.


      What the school says

      What the school says

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available


      Approach to student honours

      Approach to student honours

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available

    • DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES


      Primary

      Primary

      MENTOR COLLEGE

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

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

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


      Secondary

      Secondary

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Not applicable
      Not applicable

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Not applicable
      Not applicable


      What the school says

      What the school says

      MENTOR COLLEGE

      Information not available

      LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

      Information not available

  • EXTRACURRICULARS

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Competitive

    Comp.

    Recreational

    Rec.

    Badminton

    Baseball

    Basketball

    Canoeing/Kayaking

    Cricket

    Cross-country skiing

    Cycling

    Downhill skiing

    Equestrian

    Fencing

    Field Hockey

    Figure Skating

    Football

    Golf

    Gymnastics

    Ice Hockey

    Ice Skating

    Lacrosse

    Martial Arts

    Mountain biking

    Racquet Ball

    Rowing

    Rugby

    Running

    Sailing

    Skateboarding

    Snowboarding

    Soccer

    Softball

    Squash

    Swimming

    Tennis

    Track & Field

    Volleyball

    Weightlifting

    Wrestling

    Archery

    Curling

    Ultimate


    Clubs Offered

    Clubs offered

    MENTOR COLLEGE

    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

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    Ballet and Classical Ballet
    Yoga
    Yearbook
    Student Council
    Scouting
    Science Club
    School newspaper
    Round Square
    Robotics club
    Radio club
    Poetry/Literature club
    Photography
    Paintball
    Outdoor Education
    Outdoor Club
    Online Magazine
    Musical theatre/Opera
    Math Club
    Jazz Ensemble
    Habitat for Humanity
    Foreign Language Club
    Environmental Club
    Drama Club
    Debate Club
    Dance Club
    Computer Club
    Community Service
    Choir
    Chess Club
    Band
    Audiovisual Club
    Astronomy Club
    Art Club
    Animation


    What the school says

    What the school says

    MENTOR COLLEGE

  • Financial Aid

    Grades eligible

    Grades eligible

    Students on aid

    Students on aid

    0%

    0%

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    Avg. aid package (annual)

    $0

    $0

  • ADMISSIONS

    Admissions

    Admissions rate

    100%

    99%

    Day entry years

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

    Boarding entry years

    Day admissions deadline

    Rolling

    Not available

    Boarding admissions deadline

    Not available

    Not available

    Interview required?

    Yes

    No

    SSAT required

    No

    No

    SSAT(out of province) required

    No

    No

    Entrance exams required

    Yes

    Yes: grades 9 - 12

    Entrance essay required

    No

    Yes: grades 9 - 12

    Application fee required

    No

    No

    Type of student school is looking for

    Type of student school is looking for

    What the school says

    What the school says

    LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY

    We follow PLAR process to allow admission to our school on full time basis.

  • NOTABLE ALUMNI

    Alumni

    information not available
    information not available

Compare:

MENTOR COLLEGE:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  

LEARNING BEAM ACADEMY:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT  




x

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