Boys' schools offer young men in Canada the chance to separate themselves from girls and focus on learning. Boys' schools allow educators to take advantage of the fact that boys learn differently from girls. Recent research has reinforced an understanding of this difference. Read more
Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
"With a global network of schools around the world, a rich and proud history, and a strong and unique set of core values, Sacred Heart offers not just an education but an experience that is unparalleled in Nova Scotia.
—From the school
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"St. George's School in Vancouver offers university-preparatory program to Canadian and International boarding students from Grade 8 to 12. The School's mission: Building Fine Young Men. One Boy at a Time.
—From the school
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"At Upper Canada College tradition, excellence and innovation meet. UCC inspires boys to lead lives of leadership, service and impact through transformative learning experiences that develop head, heart and humanity.
—From the school
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"Crescent School is an independent day school for boys in Grades 1 to 12 in Toronto. Our relational learning environment develops students' character through academics, arts, athletics, business, outreach and robotics.
—From the school
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"Our vision: Life-long Georgians ready to use their scholarship, compassion, conscience and courage to make a difference. Our mission: To challenge and inspire each boy to become the best version of himself.
—From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario York Mills Road/Don Mills Road "We value partnership with parents, creating a genuinely warm and friendly community. We raise the academic bar on academic excellence, and expectations of character, helping the boys become the best that they can be." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Dufferin Avenue/401 Highway "The Sterling Hall School understands how boys learn best. Teacher relationships and extensive co-curriculars empower and inspire each boy. Our focus on learning, character and community ensure all boys belong." —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta 17th Ave SW/Richmond Road SW "In addition to academics, our focus on mentorship, hands-on learning in and outside the classroom, and character development, will allow our students to thrive academically and personally as they discover who they are." —From the school
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 Oakville, Ontario "We know boys have different learning styles. Research shows that boys learn differently and socialize in their own distinct ways. We also know through research that boys thrive in an all-boys’ learning environment." —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW "Clear Water Academy, a traditional private Catholic school in Calgary, offering Jr. Kindergarten–Grade 12. Our University Prep Program has a 100% acceptance rate, forming Christian leaders who will transform society." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./St. Clair West "Canada’s only independent, Catholic school for boys in Grades 7-12, taught in the Basilian tradition of forming the mind, body, and soul. Since 1852, we have educated students in goodness, discipline, and knowledge." —From the school
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 Aurora, Ontario St. John's Sideroad/Yonge Street "With a tradition dating back to 1899, St. Andrew's remains the single largest all-boys boarding school in Canada. Our 126-acre campus provides our students with an ideal setting for learning and growth." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Duplex Ave/St Clements Ave "At SCELS we believe giving children an early education will build a solid foundation to prepare them for their next school setting." —From the school
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The focus on academics—coupled with increased engagement and learning—are among the reasons that boys’ schools are increasing in popularity. “It’s not just the absence of girls that gives the school legitimacy,” says Brad Adams, Executive Director of the International Boys’ School Coalition. “What matters most is the quality of the teaching and the sensitivity of that teaching to optimize student motivation.”
For Mark, a focus on hands-on learning, including designing and building roller coasters and conducting science lab experiments, was the highlight of his high school experience. But, as Adams explains, single-gender schools also offer a safe place for boys to take risks, express their emotions and explore subjects such as the arts and literature. What is typically considered “un-cool” by an adolescent trying to impress the opposite sex, is actually celebrated and encouraged in a single-gender environment. To learn more, click here.
For some, the benefits of a single-gender school are best realized at a young age. According to Kathryn Kirkland, head of the Junior School at Royal St. George’s College, boys in the primary years often lag 18 months cognitively behind girls. “If you’re constantly being told to sit down and be quiet, then it starts to affect your happiness and self-perception as a student and a learner,” Kirkland says. “Here, we give the boys the freedom to be who they are and the encouragement to succeed.”
But, what of the transition in later life to a coed learning and working environment? “These boys are not isolated from socialization with girls and they get plenty of opportunities to work in coed groups on extracurricular projects,” Adams says.
Mark, who is heading to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in the fall, says he’s not concerned. “For the first few weeks, it might be a bit of an adjustment, but I don’t think it will be a problem,” he says. “Overall, I loved the all-boys’ experience—I stepped up and took every opportunity that I could and developed lifelong friendships along the way.”
What does “individualized education” actually look like?
Building a strategic academic pathway from the early years
At Hudson College, learning to write is a developmental journey that shapes how students think, communicate, understand, and interact with the world around them.
A program designed for young boys
How Mindful Career helps students build a roadmap for the future
Small class sizes, inquiry-driven learning, and a focus on well-being have created an environment that nurtures confident and curious learners
All-boys schools: coed versus single-sex
Comparing boys' schools to coed schools (October 17, 2019)
All-boys schools: top benefits
Advantages of a boys-only education (August 19, 2019)
Guide to private schools for boys
A look at all-boys education (August 15, 2019)
Allowing boys to be boys at St. Andrew's College
(August 14, 2019)
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