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
1. How do I choose the right private school in Canada for my child?
Choosing the right private school may take some time. You should look at academic standards and see what each school is known for. It is also a good idea to find schools that have small class sizes. Think about how your child’s personal strengths will fit into the school. Try to match the school environment with your own core values and make sure it will work for them.
See if the school has the right programs and extracurricular activities that your child will enjoy. Make sure the school cares about emotional intelligence, not just academics. It is good to visit the school in person. This will help you know what feels right and what will give your child the best education.
2. Are private schools in Canada better than public schools?
Private schools aim for academic excellence and want every student to have holistic development. In these schools, class sizes are smaller than in public schools. This lets teachers give more attention to each student. Private schools use special teaching methods. They may also give classes you will not get in other places. Outside the classroom, there are many different activities for students. These help grow leadership skills and support intellectual curiosity. Because of all this, private schools are a good choice for people who want new and better ways to learn and improve.
3. What support is available for new students and families?
Canadian private schools give many types of support to international students. The schools have financial aid to help pay for school. They also give emotional intelligence programs to help with feelings and making friends. The teachers and people there work hard to make a friendly and welcoming place. Students can do community service and take part in a mentor-mentee system. All of this helps international students feel like they are part of the new group. The staff help with schoolwork and daily life, so students can get used to the new school and community in a good way.
4. Can international students attend Canadian private schools?
Yes, private schools in Canada do welcome international students. Boarding schools take in these students as well. The schools like to have students who come from different countries. Some of these private schools are also known as IB World Schools. These schools offer programs that many people know, and these programs are used in places all over the world. This can help international students feel at home in the Canadian school system.
5. What is the average class size in private schools?
In private schools in Canada, you will see small class sizes. Most classrooms have about 8 to 20 students. This means the teacher can give more time to each one in the class. A small class size can make the learning environment feel better for all. Because of this, academic programs can be stronger. Small class sizes in private schools help give everyone a good quality education.