40+ Top Private Schools in Canada: Programs & Fees for 2025

Key Highlights of Top Private Schools in Canada

• Find out 40+ top private schools in Canada. The list features renowned institutions like Upper Canada College, Ridley College, Branksome Hall and USCA Academy
• Learn about special chances for international students who want to study in Canada. The schools let you choose from daytime or boarding options to fit what you need.
• See how small class sizes at these private high schools help each student get more focus from teachers. This helps them reach for academic excellence and feel free to ask questions or try new thinking.
• Find out how extracurricular activities, like sports and public speaking, help build strong leadership skills. These options also help with holistic development and teach good life skills outside the classroom.
• Get important details about financial aid, the many academic programs, and what life is like at these high schools. All of this can help you and your family make a better choice.
• Count on expert advice to pick the best high school or secondary school diploma for your child, so they will be ready for the future.

Introduction

Private schools in Canada are known for giving students quality education. The schools use strong academic programs, and these help all children to learn well. The places feel safe, caring, and good for study. It does not matter if you are from Canada or from some other country. Private schools are ready to work with your child’s skills, needs, and dreams.

At these schools, the students take part in strong academic programs. There are several extracurricular activities for everyone. The class sizes are small, so each student gets more attention. The teachers look at the whole person, not just the grades. They help bring out leadership skills in all students, not just a few.

This guide will help you learn about best private schools in Canada. You will read about some of the best ones. You will also get some good tips to help your child as they start their school life.

40+ Top Private Schools in Canada (2025) – Compare Programs, Fees & Highlights

Check the table below for a detailed comparison of the Top 40+ Private Schools in Canada, including programs, tuition fees, and unique highlights.

Rank	School Name	Grades	Type	Program(s)	Tuition Range	Province	Unique Highlight
1	Branksome Hall	JK–12	Girls	IB, Arts, STEM	$38,000–$70,000	Ontario	Top IB World School with global exchange program
2	Crescent School	3–12	Boys	STEAM, Robotics, AP	$35,000–$42,000	Ontario	Renowned boys’ leadership and character program
3	USCA Academy	6–12	Co-ed	University Prep, AP, OSS Curriculum	$16,000–$22,000	Ontario	Flexible intakes for international students
4	York House School	JK–12	Girls	Arts, IB	$25,000–$29,000	British Columbia	Outstanding student wellness support
5	St. George’s School	1–12	Boys	Boarding, IB, Outdoor Leadership	$30,000–$68,000	BC	Elite outdoor education and boarding program
6	Appleby College	7–12	Co-ed	AP, Boarding, Tech Integration	$40,000–$80,000	Ontario	Leadership development & innovation lab
7	Havergal College	JK–12	Girls	IB, Arts, Wellness Programs	$32,000–$40,000	Ontario	Strong alumnae network for mentorship
8	Shawnigan Lake School	8–12	Co-ed	Boarding, AP, Athletics	$40,000–$68,000	BC	Scenic lakeside campus with holistic programs
9	Bishop Strachan School	JK–12	Girls	STEM, AP, Arts	$35,000–$38,000	Ontario	Women-led innovation and entrepreneurship
10	Upper Canada College	SK–12	Boys	IB, STEAM, Leadership	$36,000–$70,000	Ontario	Oldest independent school with global prestige
11	Lower Canada College	K–12	Co-ed	IB, French Immersion	$25,000–$34,000	Quebec	Strong bilingual curriculum
12	Ridley College	JK–12	Co-ed	IB, Boarding, Athletics	$25,000–$70,000	Ontario	Focus on global citizen leadership
13	Rosseau Lake College	7–12	Co-ed	Experiential, Outdoor Ed	$24,000–$62,000	Ontario	Emphasis on adventure-based learning
14	Trinity College School	5–12	Co-ed	AP, STEM, Athletics	$30,000–$70,000	Ontario	Balanced academics and spiritual growth
15	Lakefield College School	9–12	Co-ed	AP, Environmental Ed	$30,000–$68,000	Ontario	Immersive outdoor campus and leadership focus
16	King’s-Edgehill School	6–12	Co-ed	IB, Boarding, Athletics	$25,000–$65,000	Nova Scotia	Oldest IB school east of Ontario
17	Pickering College	JK–12	Co-ed	Global Leadership, Boarding	$23,000–$65,000	Ontario	Emphasis on global perspective and ethics
18	Vancouver College	K–12	Boys	Catholic Curriculum	$12,000–$17,000	BC	Values-based education with strong academics
19	Collingwood School	JK–12	Co-ed	AP, STEAM	$24,000–$29,000	BC	Entrepreneurial and innovation-focused
20	West Island College	7–12	Co-ed	STEM, French Immersion	$22,000–$28,000	Alberta	Excellence in bilingual STEM education
21	Glenlyon Norfolk School	JK–12	Co-ed	IB, Arts, Marine Studies	$20,000–$28,000	BC	Island campus with marine science labs
22	Montcrest School	JK–8	Co-ed	Personalized Learning	$22,000–$26,000	Ontario	Inclusive and student-centric environment
23	Rothesay Netherwood School	6–12	Co-ed	IB, Outdoor Ed	$24,000–$56,000	New Brunswick	Strong college prep with nature immersion
24	The York School	JK–12	Co-ed	IB, Urban Campus	$35,000–$39,000	Ontario	Leading urban IB school with global exposure
25	Blyth Academy Mississauga	9–12	Co-ed	Personalized, AP	$18,000–$25,000	Ontario	Small class sizes with flexible schedules
26	Meadowridge School	JK–12	Co-ed	IB, Outdoor Learning	$25,000–$30,000	BC	Forest campus with emphasis on experiential ed
27	St. Michael’s University School	K–12	Co-ed	AP, Boarding, Arts	$25,000–$68,000	BC	High university acceptance rate
28	Columbia International College	7–12	Co-ed	University Pathway, ESL	$16,000–$25,000	Ontario	Top destination for international students
29	Keystone International School	K–12	Co-ed	Canadian + Global Curriculum	$20,000–$24,000	Ontario	Holistic focus with sustainability programs
30	Bond Academy	JK–12	Co-ed	IB, ESL, University Pathway	$15,000–$22,000	Ontario	Strong ESL and transition support
31	Webber Academy	JK–12	Co-ed	STEAM, Advanced Placement	$12,000–$19,000	Alberta	Academic excellence and innovation lab
32	Canadian International School (HK)	K–12	Co-ed	IB, Global Curriculum	$28,000–$32,000	International	Strong Canada-based global program
33	Linden School	6–12	Girls	Progressive Curriculum	$24,000–$26,000	Ontario	Girl-powered, feminist academic focus
34	Fieldstone School	JK–12	Co-ed	British Curriculum, AP	$18,000–$22,000	Ontario	British-style learning in a Canadian setting
35	Rundle College	K–12	Co-ed	Academic Enrichment, AP	$12,000–$15,000	Alberta	Known for academic rigour and character dev.
36	Queen Margaret’s School	JK–12	Co-ed	IB, Equestrian, Arts	$25,000–$40,000	BC	Equestrian program and arts integration
37	The Study Montreal	K–11	Girls	Bilingual, STEAM	$18,000–$20,000	Quebec	Girls’ leadership with French-English balance
38	École internationale de Montréal	K–11	Co-ed	French IB	Public	Quebec	Tuition-free international program
39	Albert College	Pre-K–12	Co-ed	AP, Boarding, Arts	$25,000–$60,000	Ontario	Oldest co-ed boarding school in Ontario
40	International Grammar School	K–12	Co-ed	Multilingual, Global Ed	$28,000–$32,000	International	Multilingualism with global university pathway
41	North Star Academy Laval	7–12	Co-ed	STEM, AP, Quebec Curriculum	$12,000–$18,000	Quebec	Academic excellence in Quebec’s English stream
42	Anchor Academy	K–12	Co-ed	Personalized, Faith-Based	$6,000–$10,000	BC	Affordable option with Christian worldview

Real-World Advice from Experts & Parents Choosing Private Schools in Canada

When you think about private schools in Canada, it is good to read what other people have to say. Experts say that you should not just look at the rankings or the costs alone. A school’s way of teaching and the activities it has outside of class are also very important for how well students do. All of these things help you pick the best place for your child.

Parents say it is good to visit schools in person. This lets you see the real learning environment. You can look at what the school is like. By talking with the teachers and other families, you get more information. You can also see if the school is right for your child. You get to know if it matches your child’s personal strengths. It also helps you check if the school supports your child’s school dreams and how they grow. You can also check parent reviews on platforms like OurKids.net and school performance

How Families Shortlist Schools Beyond Rankings

Families who choose private schools often look for more than just a high school that ranks well. They want a place that matches their child’s needs and shares the core values they feel are important. In Canada, the way a school feels is very important to many people. Some best private schools in Mississauga focus on community service. There are other schools that help students learn to be leaders in different ways, for example, through sports or art programs.

Another key thing to look at is how your child’s personal strengths match what the school offers. Check if the private school puts focus on things like liberal arts, STEM classes, or wants students to have holistic development. This will play a big part in how your child will grow and learn in the school.

It is a good idea to check what the school believes in. Also, look at the kind of quality education it gives. Find a school that gives your child what you want for them. This should be not just learning but also things like emotional intelligence. You can go to the school, talk with advisors, or join an open house event. These are good times to see if your child will feel happy at this place. It also helps you know if they will do well in class and with other people.

Things You’ll Miss If You Only Compare Tuition & Curriculum

If you only look at the tuition fees and classes, you might miss out on what is special about affordable private schools in Canada. These schools offer more than just lessons. They also give students the chance to take part in extracurricular activities. In these activities, students work as a team. They practice how to speak in front of other people. These are skills that you do not always get in a normal class. This is one thing that can make private schools stand out.

A holistic approach to teaching is a big reason many schools help students grow in many ways. It is not only about learning facts in class. Students also get the chance to practice critical thinking. They join in community service and try outdoor education. These activities work together to help make them more independent. They also learn a lot about social responsibility. In the end, it can help your child be someone who can take on a leadership role.

It is very important for kids to feel like they belong in the student body. When there are kids from many backgrounds at a school, it helps everyone have a better time. Mentoring programs give your child help that feels personal and just for them. If you only choose a school because of money, you may miss out on these good things. Resources like CAIS help you compare private school features beyond just cost.

Common Mistakes Parents Make When Choosing a Private School

Picking a private school in Canada can be hard. You have to look at all the things that are important. A lot of people only check the academic programs, but this is not enough. You should also see if the school has a good, nurturing environment. The school should help students build their emotional intelligence along with learning from books.

Many parents do not always see how much class sizes can matter. When there are small class sizes, your child can get help that is made just for them. If class sizes get bigger, it gets hard for the teacher to give each child the help that they need. This can make it tough for your child to do well in class.

It can be a problem if you do not see if the school cares about social responsibility and learning outside the classroom. Doing well and getting good grades at school is key, but that is not the only thing that matters. Other things, like helping your child have integrity, learn empathy, and practice public speaking, are also important for their growth. Schools that do a lot with the community help kids get these skills. These skills can help kids become future leaders. This is why parents should look to see if the school does more than focus on just academic excellence and helps grow all parts of a child.

Expert Tips for International Families

International families who want to get private education in Canada can use these tips to help them:

• Understand Boarding School Options: When you look at a boarding school, think about the kind of learning environment it has. A good school will help your child learn every day, but it will also take care of how they feel.
• Review Programs Across Different Countries: Look into IB World Schools. Also, check to see if there are Advanced Placement courses. This is how you know if the school can meet top academic standards in different countries.
• Consider Cultural & Language Integration: Try to find the boarding school where people speak both English and French. A bilingual program makes it easier for international students to feel good at the school and feel like they fit in.
• Examine Admission Requirements: Make sure you gather all the right papers. You will need things like language test results, school report cards, and letters from teachers.

It is a good plan to go to school open houses. There, you can talk with international students who go to that school now. This lets you get to know the school system and learning environment. You can find out if it will be a good fit for your family. You also get to see what life is like each day for international students. It helps you see how this school stands up to other schools in different countries.

Conclusion

To sum up, picking the right private school in Canada for your child is about more than just looking at a checklist or thinking about the money. You need to listen to experts and other parents talk about what life is like every day at the school. It is good to look at the school environment, what the school stands for, and how it fits with the local area. If you know the mistakes people often make and think about what really matters in a school, you can make good choices that feel right for your child.

Private education keeps changing, so try to see new trends and ideas. This will help make sure your choice works for your child even later on. If you need any help or want advice, we are here for you. Let us help your family find the school that is the best fit!

Frequently Asked Questions About Top Private Schools in Canada