When parents begin searching for the best gifted school in Toronto, the needs are often clear: a challenging, nurturing, and enriched environment where bright children can flourish beyond traditional grade-level expectations — both in their learning and in their personal growth.

At the Sidney Ledson School (SLI), we have been meeting and exceeding those expectations for over 40 years.

Whether you’re looking for a gifted preschool, an advanced elementary program, or early preparation for selective school entry, SLI offers a rigorous, customized learning experience paired with a warm, inclusive community where every child is seen, heard, and valued.

1. The Sidney Ledson Method – Education Backed by Innovation

Our proprietary teaching model was developed by Sidney Ledson, a pioneer in early gifted education. It emphasizes:

• Accelerated learning in math, reading, and writing
• Critical thinking and creativity from a young age
• A balance between structure and exploration

We believe that gifted children learn differently — and deserve to be taught differently.

Curriculum Tailored for Gifted Learners

At SLI, we go far beyond the Ontario curriculum. Our programs integrate:

• Advanced literacy and numeracy
• STEM-focused projects, including coding and engineering
• Entrepreneurship and public speaking
• Daily challenges to foster independence and intellectual confidence

Each child’s learning path is carefully adjusted to match their unique pace and potential.

Small Class Sizes — Academic and Social Flourishing

With class sizes averaging 12 students, our educators can provide:

• Direct guidance and real-time feedback
• Flexible pacing and differentiated instruction
• Meaningful mentorship and deep-dive discussions

But small class sizes also mean every voice is heard and validated. Students are encouraged to share ideas, express individuality, and celebrate each other’s achievements.

Our inclusive, close-knit environment ensures children:

• Form genuine friendships across grades
• Build confidence in expressing themselves
• Learn respect, empathy, and collaboration
• Have frequent opportunities to mingle with younger and older peers through House events, mixed-age projects, and school-wide activities

Here, your child doesn’t just fit in — they belong.

Better Than Public “Gifted” Programs or Exclusively Gifted Schools

Many public gifted programs or exclusive gifted-only schools rely on segregated labels that can unintentionally create social barriers and limit children’s perspectives.

At SLI, while we provide all the academic advantages of a gifted education, we avoid the potentially harmful “gifted” nomenclature and isolation from other capable learners. Instead, we bring together students of exceptional potential with those who achieve remarkable things through persistence, creativity, and hard work.

This approach helps students:

• Avoid a sense of elitism or social separation
• Recognize and respect multiple paths to excellence
• Develop resilience and adaptability when working with peers of varied strengths
• Become better prepared — mentally and socially — for the diverse dynamics of the real world

The result is not just a brilliant student, but a grounded, empathetic, and collaborative young person ready to succeed in life beyond the classroom.

Highly Qualified Faculty

Our teaching team includes passionate, experienced educators — many with advanced degrees and specialization in gifted education. SLI is also a recognized teacher training school affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Proven Student Outcomes

SLI students consistently perform several grade levels above their age group. Many go on to:

• Win math and science competitions
• Score in the top percentiles on the SSAT and other assessments
• Gain admission into elite secondary schools and gifted programs in Canada and abroad

Leadership with First-Hand Gifted Experience

SLI is uniquely guided by leaders who truly understand the needs of gifted and high-achieving children.

Our current Director of Gifted Experience, Jasmine Kara, experienced both public and private gifted education first-hand during her elementary years, giving her a rare perspective on how different environments shape exceptional learners. She currently serves as the Chair of Mensa Canada’s Gifted Youth Committee, advocating for gifted students nationwide. Jasmine studied psychology, followed by advanced training in school administration at Harvard University, and has brought the best practices from her academic and professional journey to shape SLI’s programs — blending academic challenge with emotional and social development.

Our founder, Sidney Ledson, also understood gifted education from the inside out. A former member of Mensa Ottawa, he dedicated his career to creating environments where bright children could thrive without limits. His pioneering methodology continues to guide our approach today.

Advanced Subjects for Capable Students — From Day One

From Preschool through Grade 6, our programs progress to allow students to engage in early exposure to:

• Coding, Website development, and Data Science
• Model UN
• Science fairs and Entrepreneurial Challenges

Creativity, leadership, and community spirit are further integrated into every subject and classroom experience.

SLI welcomes students from these and surrounding areas:

• North York
• Thornhill
• Scarborough
• Don Mills
• Richmond Hill
• Willowdale

Our central location and flexible school hours make it convenient for busy families seeking high-caliber education and a supportive school community.

Q: What age groups does SLI serve?
We offer programs from Preschool (ages 2.5+) through Grade 6.

Q: How do I know if my child is gifted?
We conduct a personalized intake process including observations, assessments, and interviews. Parents may also submit prior testing reports.

Q: Is SLI only for children with formal “gifted” identification?
No. Many of our students are high-achieving, curious learners who benefit from an enriched academic setting.

Q: How do I apply?
Visit our Admissions Page to start the inquiry process or schedule a private tour.

If you’re searching for the best gifted school in Toronto, the journey ends here. Contact us to book a personalized school tour or speak directly with our admissions team.

SLI – The Sidney Ledson School
Nurturing the brilliance in every child.

Learn more about: Gifted Schools in Toronto