SMITH Program Viewbook | Metropolitan Preparatory Academy

Nurture Your Child’s Creativity and Unlock Endless Possibilities with MetroPrep’s Exclusive SMITH Program

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”

- Aristotle

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SMITH METRO PREP ACADEMY’S

School of Music, Integrated Arts, Theatre & Humanities

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ABOUT

METROPREP Metropolitan Preparatory Academy

At MetroPrep, we believe every student has the potential to change the world. For over 40 years, we’ve been more than just a school — we’ve been a launchpad for students with curious minds, creative hearts, and big dreams.

Here, academic success is only the beginning. We go beyond the traditional classroom to spark a passion for learning, personal growth, and self-expression that transforms lives.

What makes us different? At MetroPrep, we celebrate individuality. Our innovative SMITH Program brings together creativity, character, and academic excellence to nurture each student’s unique strengths. Whether your child’s future lies in the arts, humanities, or STEM, the SMITH Program fosters a love of learning in an environment where imagination knows no limits.

Our students don’t just learn facts — they explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and develop the confidence to follow their passions. From immersive field trips to worldclass productions, collaborative projects, and real-world experiences, MetroPrep students are equipped to lead, innovate, and excel.

Greatness doesn’t happen by chance — it’s nurtured here.

Your child’s potential is waiting to be unleashed. Discover how the SMITH Program at MetroPrep can shape your child’s future for success, both inside and beyond the classroom.

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Ryan Seeley

is the current school Principal and founder of SMITH - Metro Prep Academy’s School of Music, Integrated Arts, Theatre and Humanities in Toronto. He has been teaching the Arts and Humanities at MetroPrep since 2001. Prior to this, Ryan earned his Master’s degree in Drama at the University of Toronto. He is a graduate of the British American Drama Academy at Oxford University, U.K. and received his Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Guelph. Outside of teaching, Ryan is a professional actor, director and musician and lives with his daughter, Scarlett and his wife, Courtney in Hamilton.

METRO PREP ACADEMY’S

SMITH PROGRAM

The SMITH Program at Metro Prep Academy is more than just an academic program — it is a transformative journey that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership. Designed to cultivate a deep appreciation for the arts and humanities, SMITH combines Music, Integrated Arts, Theatre, and Humanities to develop the skills that set students apart in today’s world.

SMITH offers your child the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse disciplines, from music and media arts to theatre, film, and visual arts. In this conservatory-style environment, students dive deep into their passions, guided by experienced professionals who help them push boundaries and discover their unique voice. While they explore their artistic talents, they also benefit from the rigorous academic foundation MetroPrep is known for.

But SMITH goes beyond the arts. It’s a journey through the world’s greatest thinkers and innovators, where students learn to connect their creativity with the broader human experience. Through an enriched humanities curriculum, SMITH nurtures global thinking and intellectual curiosity, ensuring students are not just ready for university — but for life.

At MetroPrep, we believe that creativity, character, and curiosity are the keys to success. The SMITH Program prepares students to lead with confidence, inspire others, and excel in any field they choose. This is where your child’s potential is unlocked, and greatness begins.

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ABOUT

MUSIC

At MetroPrep, music is about creating harmony across generations. Our Alternative Orchestra, founded in 2007, brings together musicians of all skill levels to perform timeless classics. Each year, new students join this diverse group, making it a dynamic and collaborative ensemble.

Whether performing on stage or rehearsing together, students connect through the universal language of music, learning teamwork and discipline along the way.

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“Listening Lounge”

On-site recording & engineering

On-site jam space

Sound mixing & producing

Live concert performance

BONUS

Professional musician mentorship

TRACKS

Songwriting workshops

Leading industry connections

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INTEGRATED

ARTS

MetroPrep’s Integrated Arts Program blends traditional techniques with modern approaches, encouraging students to explore creative expression across multiple disciplines. From painting and photography to digital design and filmmaking, students experiment with various mediums, developing their creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. In a supportive, handson environment, students are challenged to push boundaries and explore new ideas, building confidence and adaptability that will serve them in both academic and personal growth.

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Documentary filmmaking

Exhibit curation

Immersive field trips & workshops

Photography lighting

Studio

BONUS

Industry standard design/film programs On-site art gallery

TRACKS

Fully functional visual art

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THEATRE

An honest connection between an actor and director should never be underrated, especially in the theatre.

The SMITH Theatre Program offers a comprehensive introduction to both performance and technical theatre. Students interested in acting, directing, or behind-the-scenes work have the opportunity to hone their skills through workshops, rehearsals, and performances. Set in an intimate black-box theatre, the program fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence, allowing students to grow artistically both on and off stage.

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Sound Design Set Design

Method Acting

BONUS

Blackbox Theatre

TRACKS

Voice Training

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PAST SMITH

PRODUCTIONS

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FEATURES

FEATURES • Blackbox Theatre • Set Design • Voice Training • Sound Design • Method Acting

Frankenstein (2024) John (2023) Sweat (2022) Once (2019) The Flick (2018) Of Mice and Men (2017) The First Waltz (2016) Lord of the Flies (2015) A Lie Of The Mind (2013) Better Living (2012) God Of Carnage (2011) The Wayne’s (2009) Escape From Happiness (2008) My Favourite Movie Is Jaws (2007) Buried Child (2006) Can You See Me Yet? (2005) Waiting for Godot (2004) The Laramie Project (2003) The Crucible (2002) 13

HUMANITIES

Humanity is at the core of MetroPrep’s educational approach. Our humanities courses encourage students to think critically about the world and their place within it, while instilling values such as empathy, equality, and integrity. The curriculum challenges students to engage with complex topics and explore history, literature, and philosophy in ways that inspire independent thinking.

MetroPrep students leave with a deeper understanding of humanity and how they can apply it to today’s world.

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• Contemporary creative writing techniques • Student-centered approach • Extensive archives and library of classics • International humanitarian trips • Expert faculty that are masters in their craft • Strong focus on independent thinking • Locally designed courses

BONUS

• Amazon River, Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador • Oldonyowas, Tanzania, Africa • Nyeri Town, Kenya, East Africa • San Pedro Town, Belize, Central America • Moratuwa, Sri Lanka • San Pedro Town, Belize, Central America

TRACKS

NOTABLE AID PROJECTS

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BEYOND THE

CLASSROOM

At MetroPrep, education goes beyond the classroom walls. Through the SMITH Program, students are immersed in a world of creativity, critical thinking, and character-building experiences that prepare them not just for university, but for life. From transformative field trips and world-class performances to humanitarian missions that expand horizons, MetroPrep equips students with the skills to lead, innovate, and excel.

Your child’s future starts here. Opportunities at MetroPrep are unparalleled, and spots in our sought-after programs are limited.

Don’t miss your chance to give your child the education that will set them apart.

“Our students will change the world.”

- Joanna Johnson Vice Principal, Metro Prep Academy

ADMISSION

ADMISSIONS

JOIN US TODAY

At MetroPrep, we place a strong emphasis on the potential of each individual and the support required to reach that potential. While academic ability is important, we also value effort, attitude, and a commitment to selfimprovement. These qualities are strong indicators of a child’s compatibility with our school’s philosophy and culture.

How to Apply 1

APPLY Take the first step to secure your child’s place at MetroPrep.

• Apply Online: Complete the application quickly and easily at www.metroprep.com/apply.

• Apply by Mail, Fax, Email, or In Person: Download the PDF application form at www.metroprep.com/apply/download and submit it with the required documents via mail, fax, email, or drop it off in person.

Required Documents: • Most recent report card • Year-end report cards from previous two academic years • Birth certificate or passport

2 INTERVIEW Once we receive your application, we’ll contact you to schedule an interview. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you and your child better, and for you to learn more about our school.

3 STUDENT ASSESSMENT Grades 7–9: Students may be required to complete an entrance exam (optional with completed SSAT). A strong personal statement explaining how the applicant will benefit from and contribute to the MetroPrep community may exempt them from the entrance exam.

Grades 10–12: Admission is based on current academic records.

4 ADMISSIONS DECISION

After reviewing all documentation, test results (if applicable), and the interview, we will notify you of our decision. If accepted, you’ll be invited to submit completed registration forms to secure your child’s placement.

VISIT US See firsthand what makes MetroPrep unique by scheduling a visit to our campus. Use our online calendar to choose a date and time that fits your schedule.

Schedule your visit: www.metroprep.com/visit

CONTACT OUR ADMISSIONS TEAM

We’re here to answer all your questions! Reach out in the way that’s most convenient for you:

Online: Submit your questions at www.metroprep.com/inquire Call Us: (416) 285-0870 Email Us: admissions@metroprep.com 17

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“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

- Martin Luther King Jr.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO: THE DEDICATED STAFF AND FACULTY AND TO CURRENT AND FORMER STUDENTS OF METRO PREP ACADEMY FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT METROPREP AND THE SMITH PROGRAM, VISIT US:

PRODUCED BY RYAN SEELEY RECORDED AT METRO PREP ACADEMY, TORONTO, CANADA. ASSISTANT ENGINEER - JOANNA JOHNSON © 2024 METROPOLITAN PREPARATORY ACADEMY, TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA.

METROPOLITAN PREPARATORY ACADEMY 1 DUNCAN MILL ROAD TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA M3B 1Z2 PHONE: (416) 285-0870 EMAIL: ADMISSIONS@METROPREP.COM ONLINE: WWW.METROPREP.COM