Below, find OUR KIDS’ rankings of Canadian private high schools and secondary schools. These rankings are based on information we collect from schools themselves. The private high school rankings below focus on the criteria we know you’ll find most helpful.
Choosing the right school for your children is a foundational life decision. Make that choice with all the tools and information at your disposal.
Rankings like those below are a helpful tool, but OUR KIDS gives you much more, to help you make the best decision for your family and your child, confidently, and with clarity:
Dive deep into each school’s report on OUR KIDS, where you can learn about its academics, the student body, and its leadership, then also consider its admissions policies, tuition, and any other factors that are important to you.
There’re still more tools and information on OurKids.net, and we’re always expanding our tool set and deepening information we give. Keep that context in mind as you browse the rankings below. Use them as a small window onto the big picture of Canada’s private high schools. Use rankings as a tool of high-level insight, and for discovery, as you decide on the best high school for your family.
Best university placement
Private high schools below are ranked by university placement, based on the number of graduates who've attended top universities (in the last five years): Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford, and Cambridge (UK). This is one measure of academic outcomes, but it shouldn't be the deciding factor in your school search. Instead, look closely at how schools prepare students for post-secondary life.
Most affordable private high schools are ranked, based objectively on lowest tuition. Lower tuition costs can make private secondary education more accessible for families, but this should be weighed against academics, school culture, and student support.
Private high schools are ranked below by highest tuition fees. Higher tuition may lead to advanced facilities, enriched academics, strong extracurriculars, or other options, but cost does not measure quality. Compare what schools provide day to day before deciding whether price reflects any value for your child. Please note that this list includes day schools only and excludes boarding school tuition.
Oldest private high schools are listed here by founding year. Long-established schools might offer tradition, continuity, and strong alumni networks, but bear in mind that newer secondary schools may bring fresh programs, modern approaches, and more flexibility.
Schools with the smallest average enrollment per grade
Private high schools with the smallest average enrollment per grade appear here. Schools with smaller grade cohorts can foster stronger friendships, closer advising, and a greater sense of belonging, but note that this is not the same as class size.
Private high schools with the strongest financial foundations are ranked below. Use this ranking as context while assessing how each school invests in student learning and well-being.
Schools with the highest percentage of financial aid
Private high schools are ranked below based on the percentage of students receiving assistance. This helps you identify schools that make independent education more accessible, certainly, but balance this consideration against academic fit, community, and the overall student experience.
Private high schools are ranked below by total enrollment. Bigger schools may offer more courses, clubs, teams, and peer diversity, but smaller schools may provide closer relationships and more personal guidance. Use this ranking to compare school size and atmosphere.
Schools with the largest average enrollment per grade
Private high schools are ranked by the largest average enrollment per grade below. Larger grade cohorts might support more academic options, extracurricular variety, and social diversity, but find a school where your child will feel engaged and confident.
