One of the reasons that private school is attractive is because there is no assumption that one size fits all, and Guiding Light is a great example of that. It presents both traditional and Montessori instruction in consort with the values and lessons of the Catholic church. It’s not for everyone, though for some, it provides a strikingly tailored fit. The ideal family is one that is active within the Catholic faith and looking for a school that will support that spiritual life. Families who enroll are drawn by the strength of the academic program, as well as by the breadth of extra-curricular offerings, all offered within a very close-knit school community. There is no other school like it, and for the families that enrol, that's perhaps Guiding Light's greatest strength.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Guiding Light Academy is a Catholic private elementary school in Streetsville, Mississauga. We offer an enriched curriculum for JK, SK & Grades 1 to 8 that far exceeds the Ontario standard. We focus on spiritual development, academic excellence & an extensive co-curricular program that includes music, gymnastics, sport, drama, elocution & dance. The Spiritual Guidance is under the full responsibility of The Heralds of the Gospel & Lumen Veritatis Academy. Each school day begins with Daily Mass at our local Parish."
Catholic private education from Kindergarten to Grade 8
Faith Based Environment that teaches all students the foundations of the Catholic Faith
Daily Mass at the Local parish
Accelerated Academic program using Guiding Light Academy's propriety blended curriculum & workbooks
Accelerated French Program from Jk to Grade 8 includes DELF examinations
Themed learning weeks for students to develop an attachment to a particular subject
Accelerated French Program from Jk to Grade 8 includes DELF examinations
Graduating Students test into IB programs, AP programs or other Private Schools
Extensive Co-curricular program includes professional voice training, public speaking and sports
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
Information not yet available.
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
Information not yet available.
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
Information not yet available.
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
Information not yet available.
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Preschool (current),Preschool (current) — As a first-time parent, entrusting your child to the care of others is a pivotal moment in your life. The teachers, administrators and staff at Guiding Light Academy made the transition such a smooth and easy one. The school is very family-oriented and from the moment our children stepped through their doors, they were welcomed as members of the GLA family. 7 years and 2 children later, this holds true even today. As parents we have the peace of mind of knowing that our children are being educated in a safe, trusting, familial, spiritual and caring environment. Both my children view GLA as an extension of their own family. Together, the parents, children, teachers and administrators have carefully cultivated an environment that will have a profound impact on the lives of our young ones.
My children have been at Guiding Light Academy for 9 years and have been very happy there. The Catholic formation has been excellent for them, and the curriculum stimulating and challenging. It is a small learning environment so they all get a lot of one-on-one attention. The teachers have worked hard to provide extra material above the regular Ontario curriculum so that when they leave the school at grade 8 they will be more than ready for high school. It is not only the academics though they enjoyed, they also enjoyed the various feast days the school would celebrate such as dressing up as their favourite saint for All Saints' day, or the Crowning of Mary, as well as the themed weeks the school would put on during the year, such as Reading week, Math week, French week etc. Currently they are learning coding which will be very useful for future studies in computer science. The small class sizes also provides the feeling of a family, so no one ever feels left out.
A large part of our worries as parents is wondering what our children’s experience will be at school. After all, they spend so much time there without us to watch over them. After prayer and careful consideration, we decided to put our son in Guiding Light Academy. Our son's experience at Guiding Light Academy has been nothing short of wonderful. From the first day of J.K, to his present day in grade 1, the friendly greetings he has received on a daily basis by both his teachers and peers is very welcoming. Shortly after joining Guiding Light Academy, my son came out of his shell and soon engaged children of all ages at the school, which gave my son a newfound confidence. My son is enthusiastic about going to Guiding Light Academy because he enjoys it. From his interactions with his teachers to laughing with his classmates to accomplishing the work set out for him. I enjoy listening to him excitedly tell me everything he learned and did each day.
Guiding Light Academy has been a home away from home for all my children. I am mother to seven children, of which six have had the opportunity to attend Guiding Light Academy. Guiding Light has been a blessing for our family. My children went from having a very negative experience in schooling to really enjoying going to school. My children love being greeted at the door by name every morning and knowing that they are not just a number but rather truly cared for by all at the school. My children have not only enjoyed the academics of Guiding Light but also having the chance to grow spiritually daily. My children have expressed that they are thankful for having the opportunity to attend Guiding Light Academy and my husband and I share and are also thankful in knowing that they are receiving a high level education and that they are being strongly formed in our Catholic faith.
My children love their experience at Guiding Light. The school provides a warm, welcoming, and safe environment for them. They enjoy interacting with their peers and teachers. They have never complained about any negative interactions such as bullying or teasing by other students. The teachers also treat them with respect and in turn, they are well liked by my children.
My children simply enjoys going to school, seeing their friends, learning new things, going on field trips, and interacting with their teachers. There is really nothing that they find disappointing.
The school provides a challenging experience for them, but yet, is not too challenging that they are discouraged. With a very good teacher-to-student ratio, the teachers are able to spend the time needed for each student.
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