Guidepost Academy Toronto
Discover your individual path to excellence
We are a modern Montessori-inspired middle school, located at 1767 Queen Street East, next to beautiful Woodbine Park and Ashbridge's Bay Park.
Guidepost Academy delivers a powerful education for independence, and develops curious, self-motivated adolescents who thrive in school and in life.
Address: 1767 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 3Z2, Canada
Phone: 416-703-2582.
E-mail: lmccarthy@guidepostacademy.ca
Welcome to the future of middle school education!
Students at Guidepost Academy Toronto develop foundational skills in a way that opens up an increasing number of opportunities. Our students don't just memorize knowledge — they understand, integrate, and apply it to projects driven by their own interests.
What kind of student is a good fit for Guidepost Academy Toronto?
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Ambitious students looking to follow their passions with support and guidance
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High-achieving students who are looking for an intellectually challenging school where they can take on more freedom and responsibility
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Students looking for a small, supportive community and a more personalized learning path
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Elementary Montessori students who want to continue thriving in this model of education
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Any student who wants to actualize their full potential in school and beyond
Why choose Guidepost Academy Toronto?
Academic rigor for the real world
Guidepost Academy students receive a rigorous education that meets or exceeds the Ontario curriculum -- and then are supported to extend their learning into the creation of new and original application work.
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Students do real work in the world
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They serve as a productive members of the community
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They realize their natural desire for independence in a high-agency environment
We foster a love of learning
Learning is a lifelong pursuit. We help students discover their own love of learning, and watch as it motivates them to expand their knowledge. Students are challenged to engage with life's big questions and look at both sides of every issue; we teach them how to think, not what to think.
Intentionally small community
At Guidepost Academy Toronto, our class size is capped at 18 students. We are intentionally small because we believe that is the best way to give students the personalized attention that they need to grow and explore.
Our students learn and practice self-governance, leadership, and conflict resolution, gaining a sense of ownership and pride for the community around them.
Learn by doing, not by lecturing
Our Montessori-inspired learning pairs learning academic foundations with real life skill building. Dr. Montessori emphasized that teens should do real work: not just in school, but fully in the world.
For example, Guidepost Academy students plan, develop and run their own businesses. Entrepreneurship is a rich opportunity for students to learn incredibly valuable life skills in leadership, communication, time management and goal setting.
One-on-One Coaching
Every Guidepost Academy Toronto student is paired with a coach, who meets one-on-one to help define the student's values, set goals, take risks, and chart their own path. The coaching curriculum has been built by educational experts and psychologists to support the process of self-creation that is so fundamental to adolescence.
The coaching process emphasizes:
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Self-worth
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Self-efficacy
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Self-creation
Small school, connected to the community
Guidepost Academy Toronto has a tight-knit student group that is also connected to the broader community. This allows students to learn from industry experts, take part in unique electives, find mentors in their field, and connect with local businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
​What does a typical day at Guidepost Academy look like?
Guidepost students begin each day with a 3-hour uninterruped work cycle; this allows them the freedom to dive deeply into their work, progress at their own pace, and manage their own time. Then, we all eat lunch together and head to Woodbine Park for free time outdoors; baseball, soccer and the playground are popular activities. In the afternoons, students participate in French, Art, electives, work cycle or micro-economy, depending on the day of the week. At the end of each day, students care for the classroom and then gather together for a final meeting where they reflect on the day's activities and look ahead to what's planned. Throughout the day, students use their weekly planners to track their progress towards their goals.
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When did your school open?
Guidepost Academy Toronto opened in the fall of 2022. At first, we were called The Academy of Thought and Industry and we were part of the larger Guidepost Montessori network. Now, we are independent and locally owned. We are proud to be celebrating our 5th anniversary this year!
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What is your admissions process?
We admit students on a rolling basis. Applying in September of the year before admission is recommended to ensure availability. Our admissions process involves a school tour, written application, and a shadow day, which includes an informal interview and academic assessment. Shadow days are a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know prospective students and for them to become comfortable with our environment, guides and current students.
Learn
Learn about Guidepost Academy by attending a school tour
Attend
Consider attending a shadow day on campus to experience a day in the life of Guidepost Academy
Apply
Submit your student application to Guidepost Academy, which includes financial aid if necessary.
Start
Work with admissions to prepare for your first day of school! We can't wait to have you join our community.
Take a school tour
E-mail: lmccarthy@guidepostacademy.ca
Address: 1767 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 3Z2, Canada
Phone: 416-703-2582
