Many parents feel that Catholic schools, like other Christian schools, offer some advantages over public schools. But if you want the best education for your child is Catholic school or private school better? And what are the advantages of each, in a final analysis?
Catholic schools are an appealing alternative to public schools, especially as many of these have been built new in the last ten years, with excellent facilities featuring the latest technology and very up-to-date features. And (for example) in the province of Ontario, the government funds Catholics schools and thus free, as opposed to the high tuition required by private schools.
Private schools have more variety of exciting options for students than ever before. Private schools give children a solid educational foundation with greater involvement in academics and extracurricular activities. In addition, parents are encouraged to participate within the school community and also help with learning at home.
To compare specific schools one-to-one, visit our compare hub. You can also check out our list of private Catholic schools in Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa, Ontario, Montreal, and Quebec. And if you want to learn about the difference between Catholic and other Christian schools, read our guide.
Catholic schools participate in the mission of the Church, integrating religious education as a core subject in their curriculum. In many Canadian provinces, Catholic schools are funded by the province and may offer free education.
Catholic schools, whether private or public, profess different educational affiliations while encouraging students' growth in the life of the Church as well as study of doctrine and theology.
It is rare that (public or private) Catholic schools require students or their parents to profess the Roman Catholic faith these days. It is usually enough that schools are allowed to teach Roman Catholic doctrine to children.
Arguably, some Catholic schools do not have the resources that private schools have. Also, many of these schools have larger class sizes. In general, private schools focus on smaller class sizes offering a distinct academic advantage. Many private schools focus on academics in a way that is not possible in publicly funded schools. Private schools are able to turn away applicants. This makes them harder to get into, of course, and also results in an improved classroom environment.
While this is true, investing in a good education reaps lifelong rewards for children.
Most private schools have smaller class sizes and teachers have more time with students. In many cases, private schools offer IB, AP, gifted, or international exchange programs (although there are also Catholic schools offering these courses and programs). Surveys show that private school students have better advancement in their career. The high standard of discipline in private schools is understood.
The community concept in private schools also discourages unacceptable behaviors among the students. The admission process in private schools is strict. This ensures that the standard of students admitted to such schools is high. Today, private schools are a way of life for students who get the opportunity to have new academic and life experiences. Many of the best private schools pride themselves on the diversity and excellent caliber of their students.
There are many private Catholic schools offering all the advantages of both private and Catholic schools. We list them on this page.
ERA’s environmental and social mandate [Read more]
Well-being and belonging at Trinity College School [Read more]
Trinity College School’s financial assistance program [Read more]
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
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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.
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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.
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Villanova College is York Region's only independent Catholic school offering Grades 4 to 12 in King City, Ontario. Average class size is 18 students. Specialty programs include STEM and AP.
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Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all-girls English Catholic high school, has been preparing girls to change the world. We offer grades 7 to 12, day school and boarding.
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We strive to take the best aspects of Catholic teaching & interpret it in a modern context for the confident young woman of today. They are imbued with a strong work ethic, sense of purpose & a desire to change the world
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Collège Bourget is a day & boarding school situated between Montreal & Ottawa. The school offers Quebec's french program from Grade 7 till Grade 11 and english program from Grade 10 till Grade 12.
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Notre Dame is a private, independent co-educational high school with an exceptional educational & boarding experience with a balance of strong academic, athletic and spiritual growth in a safe & caring prairie community.
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Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School in Mississauga offers Casa Montessori programs for children a ged 2.5 to 6. Before- and after-school care and summer camps also available.
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Providence Academy is the only Private French Catholic School offering a trilingual program of study in Ontario with classes from nursery to grade eight. Tuition: $8,800-10,300. Extracurricular activities: $600-$650.
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Guiding Light Academy is a Catholic private elementary school in Streetsville, Mississauga. We offer an enriched curriculum for JK, SK and Grades 1 to 8. We are located just minutes away from the Streetsville Go Station.
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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.
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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.
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Since our founding in 1896, we have nurtured the unique talents and passions of our students to help them become the leaders of tomorrow, forming them into men and women for others.
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De La Salle College is a Catholic, co-educational, university preparatory school in Toronto from Grade 5 to 12, with an average class size of 20 students and tuition at $16,300 - $16,900.
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St. Michael’s Choir School was founded in 1937 and provides sacred music for services at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. Located in downtown Toronto, SMCS is an all boys school from grades 3 through 12.
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Quo Vadis, through a Polish-English bilingual program, aims to assist in the formation of well-rounded, responsible individuals, promotes academic excellence and encourages self-esteem within a Catholic environment.
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Windsor, Ontario — JK- 12/IB/AP , inter-faith/R.C.co-ed day, and boarding located in Windsor, ON Family of Schools includes Nursery, Elementary and Secondary Schools, athletic facilities, performing arts wing (music and dance studios). View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$10,950 to $50,000
Living:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
250
Avg. Class:
10 to 16
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All-boys Catholic schools
Find a list of the top all-boys private Catholic schools in Canada. (August 14, 2019)
Christian schools for boys only
Find a list of the top all-boys Christian schools in Canada. (August 14, 2019)
Christian high schools
Find a list of the top private Christian high schools in Canada (June 26, 2019)
Christian elementary schools
Find a list of the top Christian elementary schools in Canada (June 26, 2019)
