Why boarding in Canada?
We asked Clayton Johnston, Admissions Director at Brentwood College School the question "Why Boarding in Canada"?
We asked Clayton Johnston, Admissions Director at Brentwood College School the question "Why Boarding in Canada"?
He spoke to us about the benefits of boarding school and why parents in Canada are choosing the boarding school lifestyle for their children.
Okay, straight to the chase: why pay so much money to go to a boarding school in Canada when there are quality day schools right near me? In fact, if I don't like my local high school, why don't I just do a home study program? Even better, why don't I just take some free MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) or attend a 'virtual high school'?
As an Admissions Director of one of the largest boarding schools in Canada, Brentwood College School, I am faced with these questions every day.
These are great questions and hard ones to answer until one understands that a boarding school is not just a school where people live: it is a way of life; it is all encompassing and life altering. It is the totality of this experience that is the 'value added' of boarding; this is fundamentally why students ask their parents to go to a boarding school.
The latest research concludes that the most important influence on young people today is not the quality of their education, nor the prevalence of a successful athletic or arts program; it is not even the kind of relationships that can occur between teachers and students, though all of these are critical.
The most important influence on students is, quite simply, that of their peers; those with whom they spend the majority of their time. In a quality Canadian boarding school, students are only selected if they are 'mission appropriate'; though this might be true at most selective day schools, only in a boarding environment can a healthy culture be created, nurtured and maintained 24/7. This 'culture' in the grand scheme of things is the defining difference.
The depth and breadth of the interrelationship of all aspects of living and learning together is palpable at a boarding school. Being surrounded by like-minded, positive, motivated and supportive peers is unparalleled.
Only in a boarding school is 'education' considered to extend well beyond the classroom; it is a 24-hour a day commitment that has buy-in from the staff and students. Living together on campus allows teens to move forward, unhindered from much of the common pressures found in day-to-day world of teenage life.
The boarding culture is one of tolerance, commitment, support, positivity, engagement, motivation and diversity. It is rich beyond explanation and permeates all levels of life.
Canadian boarding schools build strong and durable foundations in preparation for life in a way that cannot be replicated in any other educational setting.
Independent research has shown at its core, the boarding environment is conducive to the development of life skills and a successful preparation for the future. The synergy created by living together cannot be replicated outside of the boarding environment; in fact, only at a boarding school can this occur.
Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Why boarding in Canada??
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.
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
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.
"At Ridley College, an IB World School and one of the largest boarding schools in Canada, our mission is to teach students a foundation of skills and habits to pursue their dreams and build fulfilling careers.
—From the school
|
"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
|
"Havergal’s supportive environment drives academic excellence and cultivates confident leaders through unparalleled programs, empowering students to pursue their passions, take initiative and thrive.
—From the school
|
"LCS combines rigorous academics, immersive outdoor learning, and a caring global community on Canada’s largest waterfront campus, giving teens the confidence, curiosity, and skills to thrive and succeed anywhere.
—From the school
|
"Niagara Christian Collegiate offers Grades 6–12 with day and boarding options in a safe, diverse community along the Niagara River. Our graduates earn top university placements in competitive programs worldwide.
—From the school
|
"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
|
"This traditional private school in Ottawa offers Grades 4-12 with 100 boarding and 650 day students. Tuition ranges from $38,970 to $84,700. Ashbury excels in academics, co-curriculars, and experiential learning.
—From the school
|
"At TCS, we believe that healthy habits and universal values developed now go a long way in developing curious, capable, and compassionate individuals ready for what's next.
—From the school
|
"Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only leading International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls in JK-Grade 12, developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age.
—From the school
|
"Appleby College in Oakville is recognized globally as one of Canada's leading independent schools. Breadth, excellence, innovation and caring are the characteristics that define the essence of the Appleby experience.
—From the school
|
"The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day & Boarding school for girls. Students build academic skills to thrive at university and beyond. Over $2 million available in financial assistance.
—From the school
|
 Stratford / VR Campus, Ontario Ontario Street/Waterloo Street South "Private intermediate and secondary micro-school in Stratford, Ontario dedicated to providing a holistic education that values academic excellence, moral leadership, emotional well-being and social responsibility." —From the school
|
 Shawingan Lake, British Columbia "A close-knit IB school blending flexible pathways with outdoor and hands-on learning. We nurture curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking in a supportive community focused on developing balanced, capable humans." —From the school
|
 Caledon, Ontario Hwy 10/Old School Road "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
|
 Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario "SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration in a caring and inclusive community. Through its IB curriculum and rich co-curricular programming, SJK guides students to discover their unique talents and passions." —From the school
|
 Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. "Recognizing each student's potential in their pursuit of excellence, we encourage progress, we develop opportunities, and we advocate belonging as they create paths that take them into uncharted territories." —From the school
|
 Belleville, Ontario "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
|
 Toronto, Ontario "MIA is proud to foster a family environment through our small class sizes and close knit academic community. Our support for students goes far beyond the classroom to best prepare them for life after graduation." —From the school
|
 Fort Erie, Ontario Central Avenue/Wintemute Street "FEIA's environment fosters global awareness and advances our student body into responsible and globally aware citizens who are well-equipped for life beyond academics." —From the school
|
 Mississauga, Ontario Dundas St W./Mississauga Rd. "The Erindale Academy is a JK-Grade 12 school located next to the University of Toronto Mississauga. We offer small classes, inquiry-based learning, and strong AI and Leadership programs to prepare students for success." —From the school
|
 Burlington, Ontario Hwy 6/Dundas Street "Laureate’s whole‑brain, cross‑curricular and collaborative project‑based culture, enriched by gifted arts and co‑op programs, offers a forward learning pathway backed by 100% university acceptance rate to date." —From the school
|
 Regina, Saskatchewan "Luther College prepares students to be compassionate, creative, and critical thinkers who go on to create a more grace-filled, just, and joyful world. Luther College is the only IB World School in southern Saskatchewan." —From the school
|
 Markham, Ontario 14th Ave/Kennedy "Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten." —From the school
|
 Laval, Quebec Notre-Dame/ "Laval’s only private English high school—no certificate of eligibility required. A launchpad for future leaders, lifelong learners, and thoughtful citizens through strong academics and real-world learning. Grades 7-12." —From the school
|
 Montreal, Quebec De Maisonneuve West/Park Row West "At Kells, flexibility is 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
|
 North York / Port Hope, Ontario York Mills Rd/Don Mills Rd "We inspire global learners through a rigorous IB & AP programs, nurturing curiosity, confidence, and character. In a small-class setting, each student receives individual attention to excel and lead globally." —From the school
|
 St. Catharines, Ontario Ontario St./Welland Ave. "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
|
 Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Bronte College Ct "Bronte College integrates rigorous academics, holistic development, and global awareness through STEM education, leadership development, a diverse cultural environment, and inquiry based, hands-on teaching." —From the school
|
 Victoria, British Columbia "Brookes Westshore is an IB World School on Vancouver Island, BC, offering small class sizes, engaging teachers and a caring community to boarding and day students from grades 4 to 12." —From the school
|
 Scarborough, Ontario Brimley Avenue/Finch Avenue East "RCS’s purpose is to unleash the potential in each student and set them on the path for a successful life. We provide rigorous academics with individual attention in a diverse, energizing, and caring environment." —From the school
|
 Summerland, British Columbia "UNISUS blends an IB education with personalized learning, Scholar-Athlete Academie, Enrichment Programs & weekend boarding adventures within a supportive, close-knit community; inspiring growth beyond the classroom." —From the school
|
 Newmarket, Ontario Mulock Drive/Bayview Avenue "Pickering College's fully-integrated Global Leadership Program (JK to Grade 12) inspires students to become agents of courageous, ethical and positive change with the confidence, knowledge and skills to shape the future." —From the school
|
 Stanstead, Quebec Dufferin Street/Willow Lane "An English school in a French milieu, Stanstead College is located on the Quebec-Vermont border, offering rigorous university-prep, Grades 7 to 12 (including AP options), in a secure, family-focused learning environment." —From the school
|
 Markham, Ontario McCowan Road/Denison Road "Markham, Ontario; IB School; OSSD; OSSD online credit course; NOIC ACADEMY’s annual university enrolment rate is 100% and we have 95.74% of graduates admitted by University of Toronto in 2024." —From the school
|
 Wilcox, Saskatchewan Railway Ave/Rouleau St "No other high school in the world has developed more Elite, Junior, Collegiate, USPORT, NCAA, National, Olympic or Pro athletes with over 215 in the NHL alone. ND graduates attend the top ranked universities worldwide." —From the school
|
 Rosthern, Saskatchewan "RJC is a Grades 9-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs." —From the school
|
 North Vancouver, British Columbia Harbourside Drive/ "A globally oriented university-preparatory day and boarding school combining BC academics, diverse perspectives, and structured pathways that evolve with students from Grades 8–12." —From the school
|
 Whitby, Ontario Garden Street/Hwy. 2 "Whether exploring science and technology, creating art, or competing in athletics, there is nothing a Trafalgar girl can't handle." —From the school
|
 Rigaud, Quebec Rue Saint-Pierre/Rue Bourget "Collège Bourget is a day and boarding school located between Montreal and Ottawa. French and English high school programs are offered. Bourget aims to foster personal autonomy, academic development, and perseverance." —From the school
|
 Rothesay, New Brunswick Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd "Our unique, daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support." —From the school
|
 Merrickville, Ontario "Our small class sizes, dynamic club programs, and house-based community activities ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging at Fulford Academy. Whether they are boarding or day students, all individuals know" —From the school
|
 Thornhill, Ontario Bathurst Street/Steeles Avenue West "TAIE International is a prestigious international school in Canada, dedicated to academic excellence and university preparation for students in Grades 7–12." —From the school
|
 Rosseau, Ontario Hwy. 141/Bright Street "At RLC, Muskoka's outdoors become an extension of the classroom. By integrating academics, outdoor education, athletics, and leadership, students build character, resilience, and confidence to thrive beyond high school." —From the school
|
 Mill Bay, British Columbia "Brentwood is a leading university prep school that brings to life student choice through its bold tripartite program. We are a true boarding school, not merely a school with boarding, and the ocean is our playground." —From the school
|
 Lanciano, Other • Richmond Hill, Ontario "Canadian College Italy blends Ontario academics with Italian culture, offering small classes, personalized support, and immersive travel that helps students grow in confidence, independence, and global perspective." —From the school
|
 Sherbrooke, Quebec "Bishop's College School is an English boarding and day school for students in grades 7 through 12. Small in size and culturally diverse, BCS is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme and Canadian curricula." —From the school
|
 Belleville, Ontario "Discover an exceptional education. Albert College is an independent boarding and day school for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Belleville, Ontario. AP offered as well as ESL summer school (OSSD credit)." —From the school
|
 Toronto, Ontario Finch Avenue/Islington Avenue "Nile Academy offers small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, while also following the Ontario Curriculum, ensuring our students are well prepared for the rest of their educational pursuits here in Canada." —From the school
|
 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
|
 Windsor, Nova Scotia College Rd/King St "Benefitting from its safe and beautiful Nova Scotia location, King's-Edgehill facilitates the opportunity for every student to Be More – in the classroom, on the sports fields, on stage, in the community and beyond." —From the school
|
 Markham, Ontario Woodbine Av./Hwy 7 "Character at the core sets apart J. Addison School. Our goal is to build successful well-rounded individuals guided by our core values—Respect, Kindness, and Manner." —From the school
|
Day schools vs. boarding schools
Comparing day and boarding schools (October 17, 2019)
Tips on schools, scholarships and studying abroad
(June 25, 2019)
Education without borders
International boarding school checklist (May 23, 2019)
Coed boarding schools
Find the top private coed boarding schools (May 15, 2019)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2023 All rights reserved.
