Private day schools offer endless opportunities

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Experts discuss the widespread appeal of day schools. To many it might be an obvious choice but there are more reasons than immediately apparent.


Parents seeking a quality education for their child often find this and more at an independent or private day school.

Stay-at-home kids

Because attending a day school doesn't require a child to be physically separated from his or her family—outside regular school hours, that is—most parents enjoy the fact that they can remain actively involved in their child's daily life. No homesickness (or "kidsickness") or missed occasions required.

"There's a significant group of parents who like to have their children educated in their communities and have brought forward a bulk of new independent day schools," says Robin Hinnell, Executive Director of the Independent Schools Association of BC. "Parents these days don't want to send their child away. They want them to be closer to their homes."

While some parents choose day schools to keep kids nearby, others take their commutes into consideration.

"Some parents choose our day schools because it's closer to where they work, rather than where they live," says Katherine Poyntz, Executive Director of the Canadian Council of Montessori Administrators, which has 160 day schools as members. "That allows them to come and see their children at lunch and be close to them."

A school for every child

Under the day school umbrella, parents can pursue nearly every type of education model—academic, specialty, alternative, or faith-based.

In addition, day school programs would suit the majority of students.

"It would be a rare and extreme case for a day school to not work for a child," says Poyntz.

Whether or not students pursue boarding school as they grow older, day schools remain an obvious choice for the very young. "Our schools begin with very young students—a few of them are 18 months [old]," says Poyntz. "The day school environment answers the needs of very young children in that age group."

First-class education

George Briggs, Executive Director of the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario, says that parents can be confident that their child will receive a high quality, university preparatory education in an environment with dedicated teachers and excellent resources.

"Our schools control class sizes to ensure that all students are known by their teachers and are supported in their learning" he says.

He points out out that day schools also offer students a wide range of co-curricular activities in the arts, athletics and social service opportunities.

"Given the current economic situation, I believe parents will continue to seek the best learning environments for their children," he says.

Hinnell also notes that parents value the variety of program options offered at day schools, such as the International Baccalaureate Programme and Advanced Placement courses.

"Parents find them very attractive for academics, the arts and athletics," he says. "They are a lot more selective these days. The key is to choose a school that best suits their child."

Poyntz agrees that parents select day schools primarily because of the type of education they want for their children.

"Even if it means longer drives and fiscal sacrifices," she says.

Cheques and balances

Many parents select day schools as a more economical alternative. When it comes to private education, day schools are generally less expensive than the costs of sending a child away.

"Especially with families of three kids," Hinnell says. "When you start comparing the cash total of day schools versus boarding, for some families, the cost of boarding can be prohibitive."

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Bond Academy


Toronto, Ontario
Ellesmere Rd/Birchmount Rd
 
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"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for success in class & beyond; nurturing the growth of students' confidence & self-esteem, to take risks when learning, to reach their personal & academic potential.

  1. Character Education
  2. Free Before/After School Program
  3. Weekly Swimming Lessons
  4. Early start French Classes

—From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $7,000 to $16,000
 
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Bond Academy 7000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Coed

"We are a therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 3-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home stay or boarding environments" —From the school

  • Gr. 3 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $30,750 to $89,180 /program
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Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning 30750 MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Boarding Coed
Caledon, Ontario
Hwy 10/Old School Road
 
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"The Hill Academy is Canada's premier independent school for students in K-12/PG. Students are challenged in a supportive environment to explore the boundaries of their academic, athletic and leadership potential." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $13,500 to $49,600
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The Hill Academy 13500 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Boarding Coed
Toronto, Ontario
York Mills/Leslie
 
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"Hawthorn School is located in Toronto. We offer a co-ed toddler-SK program and an all girls program for grade 1- grade 12. Our unique mentoring program is tailored to help students reach their full potential." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Girls/Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $17,000 to $40,000
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Hawthorn School 17000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Day Girls Coed
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"GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that empowers and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $9,345 to $73,145
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Glenlyon Norfolk School 9345 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Boarding Day Homestay Coed
Toronto, Ontario
Yonge/Eglinton
 
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"We go beyond curriculum expectations to provide opportunities for students to earn admission into their choice of university using our AP accreditation, staff expertise and individual goal setting in small classes." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $14,500 to $21,500
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Toronto STEM School 14500 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Harbourside Drive/
 
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"Bodwell High School emphasizes a well-rounded education with strong student support. The school's motto, "Strength in Diversity," pays homage to the 40+ countries students come from. Bodwell offers AP and IB courses." —From the school

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $26,000 to $29,000
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Bodwell High School 26000 HighSchools Day Homestay Boarding Coed
Calgary, Alberta
Garrison Blvd SW/33 Ave SW
 
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"Lycée international de Calgary is the only school in Calgary to teach the French Ministry of Education and Alberta Education curricula. 3-years-old to Grade 12. All linguistic backgrounds are welcome. Small class sizes." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $16,150 to $18,310
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Lycée international de Calgary 16150 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
Vaughan, Ontario
 
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"At Vaughan College instructions are embedded with strategies appropriate to the students' unique needs. We develop students' confidence and their urge to do better, which results in a high university acceptance rate." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $570 to $36,000
  • Day, Homestay, eSchool
  • 340 students
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Vaughan College Private School 570 HighSchools Day eSchool Homestay Coed
Toronto, Ontario
Yonge/Sheppard
 
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"A STEM-oriented private high school in North York, catering to local and international students both in-person and virtual classes. We take pride in our students' impressive university placement achievements." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $12,900 to $24,000
  • Day, Homestay, eSchool
  • 275 students
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Rutherford Private School 12900 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day eSchool Coed
Toronto, Ontario
 
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"We welcome children from all families, Christians, or non-Christians. We tailor make k-12 curriculum to fit each kid’s unique characteristics. our teachers are professional with truthful love & highly responsible." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $2,000 to $34,700
  • Day, Homestay
  • 77 students
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Community Life Christian School 2000 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
Montreal, Quebec
 
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"Our community inspires students to discover joy and passion in their learning, purpose in their lives, and the confidence to express their unique selves in a nurturing, inclusive, and collaborative environment." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 11 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $21,286 to $55,280
  • Day, Homestay
  • 470 students
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St. George's School of Montreal 21286 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
St. Catharines, Ontario
Ontario St./Welland Ave.
 
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"Heuristic & autodidactic, inspired by Sudbury & democratic models. Students are self-directed, and holistically empowered. Voluntary attendance, year-round calendar, agency, & consent inspire free learning. Also Forest" —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed/Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $57 to $10,000
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Agate Private School 57 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day eSchool Boarding Coed Girls
Hamilton, Ontario
Rymal Road West/Glancaster Road
 
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"HDCH, founded in 1956, is imaginative, innovative learning environment. Our programs are designed to challenge a wide range of learners. We welcome local and international students into our Christ-Centred community!" —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $19,350
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Hamilton District Christian High 19350 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
Montreal, Quebec
De Maisonneuve West/Park Row West
 
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"At Kells, flexibility is the key. We develop programs allowing students to work within their comfort zone, which may be above, below or at grade level. The result is students who outperform even their own expectations." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $23,550 to $44,750
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Kells Academy 23550 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Homestay Coed
Woodbridge, Ontario
Kipling/Highway 7
 
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"Each student is unique. Why be just a number when you can be valued for who you are? We enfold, engage and empower every student in a safe, friendly, and supportive learning community. You belong here!" —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $19,340
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Toronto District Christian High School 19340 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
Kitchener, Ontario
 
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"Incorporating academic excellence, service and peace-making, Rockway is a diverse learning community of students in Grades 7 to 12 including a dynamic international student exchange program." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $19,700 to $42,650
  • Day, Homestay
  • 327 students
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Rockway Mennonite Collegiate 19700 MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
Oakville, Ontario
Burnhamthorpe Rd. W/Neyagawa Blvd.
 
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"King’s Christian Collegiate is an independent Christian high school providing superb instruction in a safe, stimulating academic environment. Caring staff set the tone for a positive, up-beat culture." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $18,600
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King's Christian Collegiate 18600 HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
Vancouver, British Columbia
Dunsmuir/Seymour
 
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"Alexander Academy is a private high school offering the BC Dogwood High School Diploma and a unique University Transfer Program in a culturally rich and academically challenging environment." —From the school

  • Gr. 10 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $16,500 to $22,800
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Alexander Academy 16500 Homestay Day Coed
Toronto, Ontario
Leslie Street/401
 
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"Webtree Academy offers individualized education programs which fully support students' academic needs, and helps them achieve educational and personal goals. Small class sizes are designed to inspire and engage students." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum
  • $14,000 to $22,000
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Webtree Academy 14000 HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
Oshawa, Ontario
Wilson Road/Adelaide Ave
 
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"At G.B.MS, D.E.P.S and Durham Academy Secondary school focus is on each individual student and helping them meet their unique potential and goals. We believe in excellent customer service and families have a voice. Throughout the year we enhance our programs through program enhancement and enrichment." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; Montessori
  • $10,400 to $14,000
  • Day, Homestay
  • 187 students
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Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. 10400 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Day Coed
Hamilton, Ontario
Garth Street/Fennell Avenue West
 
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"Established in 1901, Hillfield Strathallan College is one of Canada’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering academic programs from Montessori Toddler and Pre-K to Grade 12, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum; Montessori
  • $21,123 to $33,334
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Hillfield Strathallan College 21123 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
Duncan, British Columbia
Brownsey Avenue/Government Street
 
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"Queen Margaret's School is a gender inclusive independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC that focuses on preparing young trailblazers...no two journeys are the same." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • $17,500 to $79,230
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Queen Margaret's School 17500 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Boarding Coed
Ottawa, Ontario
Mariposa Avenue/Springfield
 
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"This traditional private school in Ottawa, Ontario offers Grades 4 to 12 with 100 boarding and 600 day school students. Tuition is from $33,720 to $76,830." —From the school

  • Gr. 4 to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $33,720 to $76,380
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Ashbury College 33720 MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Boarding Day Coed
Thetford, Vermont(USA)
 
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"TA’s award-winning faculty are recognized for their innovative teaching practices, learners are engaged, and diversity is celebrated. TA students work collaboratively and independently to reach their full potential." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum
  • US $20,963 to US $49,545
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Thetford Academy 20963 MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay Day Coed
Breslau, Ontario
 
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"Students receive an excellent education which prepares them well for university, college and a wide variety of workplaces." —From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $19,789 to $20,580
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Woodland Christian High School 19789 HighSchools Homestay Day Coed

Series: Day Schools


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