Below, find Ontario boarding schools ranked by specific criteria, using data schools have submitted to OUR KIDS. These are available as a helpful tool in your research, but are only a small part of the comprehensive information you can find on OurKids.net. We caution you against over-reliance on rankings and remind you to always focus on finding the school where your child will thrive. Since parents request rankings, we can offer these thanks to a decades-long history with boarding schools across the province.
The information below is exclusive. The search for the best school for your child should be a diligent process that takes time and research. You’ll need to dive deep into the academic approaches, staffing, instructional styles, extracurricular life, special education services, and gifted programming offered by schools. Focus overall on the school environment and how your child will fit in and feel.
Tools and information across OurKids.net are all built to offer you nuanced, multi-dimensional support in your research. Those include:
Below, we rank Ontario boarding schools by university placement. These rankings reflect the number of graduates over the past five years who have gone on to attend leading universities such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford, or Cambridge (UK). While this can be an exciting indicator of academic strength and post-secondary preparation, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. In your school search, also weigh factors like teaching style, campus culture, extracurricular opportunities, and how well your child will thrive in a boarding environment.
Below, we highlight Ontario boarding schools with the most selective admissions. These schools admit a smaller percentage of applicants, which can reflect high demand, competitive programs, or a distinctive educational approach that draws families from across Canada and beyond. While selectivity can signal prestige, it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. A lower acceptance rate doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best fit for your child. In your search, also look closely at teaching methods, community culture, student support, and how well the school’s philosophy matches your child’s personality and ambitions.
Below, find Ontario boarding schools ranked by the smallest average class size. Smaller classes can mean greater individual attention from teachers, increased participation, and stronger relationships between students and faculty. This environment can be especially beneficial for students who thrive on close mentorship or need extra academic support. However, while small classes can enhance learning for many, they’re just one part of the bigger picture. In your school search, balance this factor with a careful look at academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, community life, and the overall fit for your child’s personality and goals.
Below is a ranking of Ontario boarding schools with the lowest tuition fees. For some families, affordability opens the door to an education that might otherwise be out of reach, but cost alone should never be the deciding factor. Boarding school is a full, immersive experience that extends well beyond the classroom, shaping academic growth, social connections, independence, and personal character. As you review this list, weigh tuition alongside the school’s teaching philosophy, student culture, extracurricular depth, and the overall environment in which your child will live and learn. The true value of a boarding school education comes from how well it supports your child’s journey.
Below is a list of Ontario boarding schools with the highest tuition fees. While a high price tag can reflect exceptional facilities, extensive extracurricular programs, and enriched academic resources, it’s important to remember that cost is not a direct measure of quality—or of the right fit for your child. Many outstanding boarding schools offer exceptional education at a lower price point, while some of the most expensive may not align with your child’s learning style, personality, or goals. Look beyond the numbers to consider the full value: the teaching approach, the community atmosphere, the support services, and the unique opportunities your child will experience by living and learning there.
Below are Ontario boarding schools ranked by founding date, from the most historic to more recently established. Many of these schools carry deep traditions, long-standing values, and extensive alumni networks built over generations. Their longevity can reflect stability and a proven approach to education, but age alone doesn’t make a school the right fit. Newer schools may offer equally strong academics and fresh, innovative programs. As you compare options and consider a school’s history, balance that with your child’s specific needs and goals.
Below are Ontario boarding schools ranked by the number of distinguished graduates, identified by having Wikipedia pages as a marker of achievement. These alumni reflect success across various fields like politics, arts, business, and science. While a strong alumni network can indicate a school’s ability to develop talent, it’s only one factor to consider. Your child’s growth depends on much more, including academics, extracurriculars, community, and personal fit. Balance prestige with these broader aspects to find the school best suited to your child’s needs.
Below is a list of Ontario boarding schools ranked by their endowment. Strong financial backing often supports top-notch facilities, advanced technology, and competitive salaries for staff, contributing to a rich learning environment. However, financial wealth alone doesn’t guarantee the best fit for your child. Many schools with more modest resources still deliver excellent education and supportive communities. When choosing a boarding school, consider how well the school’s culture, programs, and values align with your child’s needs alongside its financial strength.
Below, find Ontario boarding schools ranked by the highest percentage of students receiving financial aid. Access to aid can make boarding schools more attainable for many families, helping to ease the financial burden. While financial assistance is an important factor in your decision, it should not overshadow how well a school fits your child’s individual needs and personality. Look beyond the numbers to explore academics, extracurriculars, community, and support services to find the best match for your family.
Below is a list of Ontario boarding schools ranked by their total student enrollment. Larger schools often offer a wider range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and social opportunities, giving students more choices to explore their interests. However, bigger doesn’t always mean better. Smaller schools can provide a more close-knit community and personalized attention. When choosing a boarding school, consider how the size aligns with your child’s learning style and social needs to ensure the best fit.
Below is a list of Ontario boarding schools ranked by the smallest average enrollment per grade. Smaller grade sizes can foster closer peer relationships, more individualized attention, and a supportive learning environment, especially beneficial for students who thrive in intimate settings. While this factor may be important for some families, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. When selecting a boarding school, consider the overall fit, including academics, extracurriculars, community, and how your child will thrive both socially and academically.
Below is a list of Ontario boarding schools ranked by the highest average enrollment per grade. Schools with larger grade sizes often offer a broader range of courses, diverse extracurricular activities, and more competitive academic and athletic environments. This can provide students with greater opportunities to explore their interests and challenge themselves. However, size isn’t everything—consider how well the school’s culture and environment suit your child’s individual needs to find the best overall fit.
