How Much Are Private School Fees in Canada? A Detailed Overview

Selecting a private school to attend with your child is indeed a big factor in life, not in terms of knowledge, but also financially. In contrast to government-funded education, which is free or typically free of cost to access, the opposite is true of the private type of education that attracts different costs of tuition fees and other expenditures. That is the reason why **families that would like to pursue this should carefully plan their finances**.

In 2025, the average private school fees in Canada per year vary widely depending on school type and location. From religious elementary schools to elite international boarding programs, families face vastly different financial commitments.

The guide is a complete resource that tells you just how much you pay in a year of school fees in Canada in 2025, examining the national average, both province-wise and school type, such as Montessori, religious, international, and even boarding schools. We also look at the fee variation between high school and elementary levels and offer useful budgeting tips to enable families to cope with tuition fees, hidden costs and affordability. Be it a local day school in Ontario or the top boarding program in British Columbia, this guide will enable you to know the true cost and plan ahead for a child in future.

How Much Are Private School Fees in Canada?

Curious about what the cost of private school in Canada will be in 2025? Depending on which school, its location, and the type of the school, the annual tuition is between 4,000 dollars and more than 75,000 dollars. Fees at Canadian private schools are very broadly distributed depending on the type and location of schools. Religious or Montessori elementary schools are a fraction of the cost of IB or boarding high schools ranging as low as 8,000 a year and as high as over 60,000 dollars a year. The prices also vary, whether you are ready to pay domestic or international tuition.

The section deals with usual fee structures and significant cost drivers of Canadian families in 2025. The boarding and international programs fees are significantly higher; however, the average cost of the tuition in a typical Canadian private school amounts to between 12,000 and 25,000 dollars a year.

National Averages & Annual Tuition Ranges

In 2025, annual private school fees typically range from $4,000 to $26,000, depending on grade and prestige (madeinca.ca). Day schools average $14,000–$30,000, while prestigious boarding schools can reach $60,000–$75,000 (ourkids.net). These figures provide a starting point for understanding tuition requirements across Canada.

Elementary vs High School: Cost Differences

When comparing how private school fees vary for elementary vs high school in Canada, it’s clear that costs rise significantly as students progress to upper grades. Private school programs at elementary levels are usually less expensive, and at high school levels could increase by $15,000 to $30,000 per year, with the boarding option creating much more. It incorporates expanded employment, programmed curriculum, and extracurricular courses at the secondary level. What does an elementary, private school cost in Canada? They usually range between 8,000 and 15,000 each year, with variable pricing depending on to province and curriculum.

Regional Breakdown: How Private School Fees Differ by Province

The tuition fee in the private schools is significantly different in different provinces of Canada because of the cost of life, demand and government subsidizing. As an illustration, Quebec has one of the lowest fee since a part of it is funded publicly whereas Quebec and British Columbia have a higher average. Regional differences are helpful because they can assist families to have a better comparison between options with regard to location and budget.

It is necessary to comprehend the differences between the provinces in Canada in regard to the price on the fees of the private schools in Canada: Quebec has the most affordable rates, whereas Ontario and BC are generally more costly. Families seeking academic excellence and diverse programs can explore top-rated private schools in Brampton and Mississauga that cater to both local and international students.

Province	Elementary Day	High School Day	Boarding
Ontario	$8,000–$20,000	$15,000–$30,000	$50k–$75k
BC	$8,000–$18,000	$14,000–$28,000	$34k–$70k
Quebec	$4,250–$10k	$10k–$20k	Subsidised, day only
Alberta	$8,000–$16k	$15k–$25k	$30k–$40k
Atlantic	$10k–$13k	$13k–$20k	$20k–$50k

Day vs Boarding vs International Students

Day-school fees suit local families, but boarding adds room and board costs often an additional $15,000–$30,000. International students typically pay a premium: in MB, boarding can cost $72,500 versus $57,200 for Canadian boarders (en.wikipedia.org).

What Tuition Includes (and Excludes)

Private school tuition in Canada isn’t always all-inclusive—knowing what’s covered and what’s not is crucial for accurate financial planning. Tuition can vary greatly based on the school’s educational philosophy, whether it’s Montessori, IB, religious, or a traditional college-preparatory model. Some schools include many services in their base fee, while others charge separately for each amenity. The best private high schools in Canada offer enriched academics, university prep, and global curricula like IB or AP to prepare students for top post-secondary institutions.

Base Fees, Meals, Facilities

The base tuition fee typically covers classroom instruction, access to school facilities like libraries and science labs, and administrative services. For day students, this may also include supervised study hours, guidance counselling, and extracurricular activities. Boarding schools, on the other hand, include housing, meals, and access to dormitory amenities such as laundry, dining halls, and after-hours security services. For international students, fees may also include airport pickup, custodianship letters, ESL instruction, and assistance with visas or immigration documentation. Earning an OSSD certificate from a recognised Ontario private school opens pathways to Canadian universities and is highly valued by institutions worldwide.

For example, Canadian private high school fees for Indian students can range from $16,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the school, the province, and whether the student is enrolled as a day or boarding pupil. Boarding fees can add $15,000 to $25,000 to the base tuition, especially when additional services are required for overseas students. (Source)

Extras: Uniforms, Books, Tech, School Trips

Beyond tuition, families should prepare for a range of extra expenses, often not disclosed upfront. Most private schools require uniforms, which can cost between $500 and $1,500 annually, depending on the number of pieces and seasonal requirements. Textbooks and course materials can add another $300 to $800 per year, particularly for upper-grade or AP/IB courses.

Technology fees are another consideration. Many schools now charge $500 or more annually for digital learning platforms, devices, or software subscriptions. Some require students to bring their own devices (BYOD), while others provide laptops or tablets for an additional fee.

Also consider optional but popular activities such as overnight field trips, international exchanges, robotics clubs, music programs, or athletics, which may add $200 to $2,000 or more to your annual bill. Some high schools also charge extra for college counselling, standardised test prep, or graduation fees.

When evaluating tuition, it’s important to look at the total cost of attendance, not just the base fee. Comparing multiple schools? Always ask for a full itemised fee schedule to avoid surprises and ensure you’re making an informed financial decision. (Source)

Tuition Trends and Historical Increases

Private school fees have risen approximately 5–7% annually in recent years, driven by inflation, teacher salaries, and facility improvements (ourkids.net). For instance, an elementary tuition of $10,000 in 2020 may exceed $13,000 today. Understanding these trends helps parents anticipate future tuition and validates investment in private education.

School-Specific Tuition Examples (2025)

Here are sample 2025 tuition ranges for notable schools:

Ontario – Upper Canada College (Toronto)

• Day grades 6–10: $42,400; grades 11–12: $44,100
• Boarding grades 8–10: $73,700; grades 11–12: $75,400 (superprof.ca)

British Columbia – St George’s School (Vancouver)

• Day grades 8–12: $34,300
• Boarding: $70,000 (superprof.ca)

Quebec – Villa Maria (Montreal)

• Grades 7–11: $4,900 + $2,330 extra fees (en.wikipedia.org)

Manitoba – St. s-Ravenscourt (Winnipeg)

• Day K–5: $24,960; Grades 6–12: $25,590
• Boarding: $26,262 (MB); $57,200 (Canada); $72,500 (international) (en.wikipedia.org)

Budgeting & Flexible Payment Options

Private schools increasingly offer flexible plans to ease payment burdens. Many institutions now understand that tuition can be a major hurdle for families and aim to make education more accessible through customisable payment structures. Some schools allow monthly instalments, deferred payments, or hybrid models that include early-payment discounts.

In addition, financial aid, scholarships, and sibling discounts are common tools schools use to help families manage rising education costs. Proactive financial planning and communication with school admissions teams can unlock opportunities you may not initially be aware of. More private schools in Canada now offer flexible fee payment options, including monthly instalments or deferred payment plans, to help families budget effectively for tuition and extras.

How Parents Can Pay: Monthly, Annual, Hybrid

Many schools allow parents to choose between lump-sum annual payments (often discounted), monthly instalments, or hybrid plans requiring smaller up-front deposits.

Tips for Financial Planning

• Consider tuition insurance in case of early withdrawal.
• Explore tax credits or deductions (e.g., education savings plans).
• Apply for school-based financial aid, scholarships, or bursaries.
• Factor recurring extras into your annual budget to avoid surprises.

Comparison of Public and Private School Fees

A detailed comparison of public and private school fees in Canada shows that while public schooling is tuition-free, private schools offer specialised programs at a premium. Fees for private schools in Canada accepting international students are typically higher, ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 annually, especially at boarding institutions.

Item	Public School	Private School
Tuition	Free	$4k–$75k per year
Facilities	Basic	Enhanced, modern facilities
Activities	Limited/free	Extensive, often for fee
Administrative Fees	Minimal	Can be $500–2,000
Tech/Uniforms	Varies	Often mandatory, extra cost

Public schools are tuition-free, but parents may still pay for busing, sports fees, or field trips. Private schools include more services but come with higher and more varied costs.

Tools & Resources to Help Parents Decide

Choosing the right private school involves more than just comparing tuition. Parents can benefit from tools like tuition calculators, budgeting worksheets, and side-by-side school comparison guides. These resources help estimate long-term costs, evaluate financial aid options, and align school choices with academic and financial priorities.

Tuition Calculator (interactive or downloadable)

Use tools to project future costs, adjusting for inflation and school changes. A downloadable spreadsheet allows side-by-side comparisons across schools and family needs.

Downloadable Planning Sheet

Track payments, financial aid awards, deposit deadlines, and extras. Downloadable templates can help you stay organised year-over-year and inform conversations with school admissions.

Conclusion 

Private school fees in Canada in 2025 range significantly: from under $8,000 for Montessori beginnings to over $75,000 at top boarding schools. Costs vary by province, grade, and international versus domestic status. Parents should weigh base tuition, additional fees, inflation trends, and financing options. Prioritise budgeting with flexible payment plans, financial aid, and tax-savvy savings. With informed planning, private education can be a realistic, rewarding investment in your child’s future. Understanding how private school fees in Canada differ by province and grade level is essential when planning ahead for long-term affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Much Are Private School Fees in Canada