At Sidney Ledson School (SLI), our mission goes beyond simply offering gifted education in Toronto. We are committed to creating an environment that truly serves the long-term success of bright and high-achieving children — academically, socially, and emotionally.

Many parents searching for a gifted school in Toronto quickly discover a challenge: in public gifted programs and some exclusive private gifted-only schools, children are often labeled “gifted” and grouped apart from their peers. Research has shown that this segregative nomenclature can create unintended consequences:

• It can foster social division between “gifted” and “non-gifted” peers (Peters, 2013)
• It can instill a fixed mindset, where students believe success comes from innate talent rather than hard work (Dweck, 2006)

This mindset may feel harmless in childhood but can prove damaging in adulthood, where perseverance, adaptability, and collaboration often matter more than IQ alone.

No Labels — Just Individualized Excellence

At SLI, we never use the “gifted” label in the classroom. While we recognize and support students with high IQ and advanced abilities, that designation remains a private conversation between parents, teachers, and administration — used only to inform individualized learning plans.

This allows us to:

• Preserve humility and a love of learning
• Encourage all students to value persistence, effort, and growth
• Foster respect for different strengths and talents in others

Mixed-Ability, High-Achievement Environment

Our intake process does not admit solely by IQ. Alongside exceptionally bright children, we welcome hard-working, high-potential students who achieve equal results through determination and creativity.

This combination creates a rich classroom dynamic, preparing students for the real world — where success depends on working with people of all backgrounds, not just those with similar cognitive profiles.

1. The Sidney Ledson Method

Developed by Sidney Ledson — a Mensa Ottawa member and pioneer in early childhood gifted education — our proprietary teaching model emphasizes:

• Accelerated literacy, numeracy, and STEM learning
• Critical thinking and creativity
• A balance of structure and exploration

2. Tailored Curriculum for Advanced Learners

We go far beyond the Ontario curriculum, integrating:

• Advanced math, reading, and writing
• Coding, robotics, and engineering projects
• Entrepreneurship and public speaking
• Daily academic challenges to stretch thinking and build confidence

3. Small Class Sizes for Academic and Social Growth

Average classes of 10–14 students ensure:

• Direct, personalized instruction
• Opportunities for every voice to be heard
• Strong peer relationships and cross-grade friendships
• Mixed-age events that develop leadership and empathy

Better Preparation Than Segregated Gifted Programs

While public and gifted-only private schools may deliver academic rigor, they often do so in socially isolated environments. At SLI:

• Students learn to thrive alongside peers of varied strengths
• They see first-hand that excellence can come from both talent and determination
• They graduate better equipped to navigate the diverse social and professional settings they will encounter in life

Proven Results Without the Harmful Labels

SLI students consistently perform several grade levels above peers, win academic competitions, and gain admission into elite secondary schools in Canada and abroad — all without the need for public gifted labels.

Leadership with Lived Experience

Our Director of Gifted Experience, Jasmine Kara, understands the nuances of gifted education first-hand, having experienced both public and private systems as a student. Now Chair of Mensa Canada’s Gifted Youth Committee, she combines a background in psychology with advanced training in school administration from Harvard University to design programs that nurture both intellect and character.

SLI welcomes students from North York, Thornhill, Scarborough, Don Mills, Richmond Hill, Willowdale, and beyond.

Q: Is SLI a gifted school in Toronto?
Yes. We provide the academic advantages of a gifted school in Toronto while avoiding the social drawbacks of formal labeling.

Q: How do you identify high-ability students?
Through a holistic intake process — observations, assessments, and interviews — focusing on both ability and potential.

Q: Do you only accept formally identified gifted students?
No. We also welcome motivated, high-potential learners who thrive in enriched academic settings.

If you’re seeking a gifted school in Toronto that nurtures brilliance while fostering resilience, humility, and social skills, SLI offers the ideal balance. Book a tour today and see why families choose Sidney Ledson School.