Our History
A Tradition of Excellence Since 1982
Metropolitan Preparatory Academy was founded in 1982 as a rigorous, university-preparatory institution committed to high academic standards and close faculty engagement.
From its earliest years, MetroPrep distinguished itself through small classes, direct mentorship, and demanding expectations. Students were challenged to perform at a high level and supported in reaching it. That structure established a culture of achievement that continues to define the school.
Over more than four decades, MetroPrep has built a sustained record of academic excellence. Its graduates consistently gain admission to top competitive universities in Canada, the United States, and internationally to their first-choice programs and pursue demanding careers across medicine, engineering, law, finance, research, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
From the beginning, the school has aimed not simply to prepare students for university admission, but to equip them to excel once there.
Building Academic Distinction
Through the 1980s and 1990s, MetroPrep strengthened its academic foundation while preserving its personalized academic model. Faculty engagement remained central, ensuring accountability and intellectual depth in student work. MetroPrep expanded its academic scope in defining stages.
The SMITH Program formalized conservatory-level arts and humanities within a rigorous academic framework.
The Momentum Program strengthened leadership and academic preparation in the middle years.
The Impact Program extended leadership into entrepreneurship and civic initiative.
Venture introduced a global business and experiential learning dimension to the curriculum.
With its authorization as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, MetroPrep aligned its curriculum with internationally recognized academic standards while preserving its individualized mentorship approach.
Together, these milestones expanded the scope of the school’s academic offering and reinforced its standing as one of Toronto’s most distinctive independent institutions.
Leading in Biotechnology
In 2025, MetroPrep introduced Toronto’s first high school biotechnology program, marking a significant advancement in pre-university science education.
By bringing advanced laboratory study in DNA science, forensic analysis and molecular biology into the secondary school environment, MetroPrep expanded what high school education could include. Students gained early exposure to scientific disciplines typically encountered only at the post-secondary level.
This initiative positioned MetroPrep at the forefront of biotechnology education at the secondary level.
The Origins of Lore the Lion
A formative chapter in MetroPrep’s history occurred during a humanitarian initiative in Tanzania, where students supported the construction of a village school.
Working alongside members of the local community, students became familiar with the cement bags used to lay the school’s foundation. During their visit to nearby homes, they noticed bright material draped across ceiling beams, bringing colour and warmth to modest spaces.
Only later did they realize that what they had admired as decoration was, in fact, the same cement bags used in construction, cleaned, flattened, and repurposed rather than discarded. The bags were printed with a lion emblem.
The connection was immediate. The material used to build a foundation had been transformed through creativity and care. One of the original lion-printed cement bags from that experience is now framed and displayed on campus.
The lion came to represent the values inscribed on MetroPrep’s crest, Courage, Creativity and Character. The name “Lore” reflects the stories and lessons carried forward across generations of students.
Campus Development and Expansion
MetroPrep is expanding to occupy the entire building at 1 Duncan Mill Road, extending its campus to 65,000 square feet across 3.65 acres in Toronto.
This expansion includes a purpose-built theatre, recording studio, dance studio, innovation centre, dedicated maker space, and expanded biotechnology laboratories. Together, these facilities strengthen the performing arts, scientific research, entrepreneurial initiatives, and applied innovation that increasingly define the school’s direction.
The campus is being shaped to support the level of work MetroPrep students undertake, from laboratory research and forensic analysis to theatrical production, venture development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This expansion embodies the scale and ambition of MetroPrep’s programs today.
A Legacy Carried Forward
MetroPrep’s legacy is reflected in its graduates.
Alumni have gone on to highly selective universities in Canada, the United States, and internationally, including institutions such as Harvard, Yale, the University of Toronto, McGill, and other leading universities across North America. They pursue demanding paths in medicine, engineering, law, finance, research, entrepreneurship, public service, and the arts.
Many remain closely connected to the school, returning to mentor students and maintain lasting relationships with faculty. Their continued involvement reflects a community shaped by high expectations, close mentorship, and shared standards.
MetroPrep graduates leave prepared not only to gain admission to distinguished institutions, but to thrive within them.
Today
More than four decades after its founding, Metropolitan Preparatory Academy stands as an established independent school defined by high academic standards and distinctive program leadership.
As an IB Diploma school, MetroPrep aligns its curriculum with internationally recognized academic benchmarks while maintaining individualized mentorship. Its expanded campus, including advanced biotechnology laboratories, performance spaces, and innovation facilities supports the advanced academic and creative work undertaken by its students.
MetroPrep graduates leave prepared not only for admission to highly selective universities, but for the demands that follow, equipped with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to excel.
