Below, find lists that rank Toronto's private schools based on a number of factors. We present this as one tool for parents or families, as they search for a school. However, along with many education experts, we strongly caution parents against a focus on rankings, ratings or "best schools" lists. We join school administrators who caution, for example, that there is "no such thing as the number one school for everyone," and we advise parents to focus on finding the right school for you and your child. For further information on this, please read our cautious look at school ratings, or the even more skeptical overview on ranking private schools.
Rankings lists can be used as a cross-reference with other considerations. However, you should never look at school rankings as a determining factor in your final decision. Instead, parents should focus on the needs of their child. We encourage parents to engage in a long research process, consult with many different authorities and look at their options from as many different angles as possible. Do your homework. Do the legwork. Our Kids offers school expos, comparison tools and rich information guides intended to help you make the most fully informed, well-reasoned decision.
Below, you'll find our broad look at Toronto private school rankings. (On another page, we look at rankings of Toronto high schools.) School rankings like those below can be used as tools to help you understand where schools on your shortlist stack up against others. They can also be a means of getting a snapshot of where a school fits in the bigger picture.
Learn more at GTA Private School Expos
Expos mentioned above include the Halton-Peel private school expo, and the Toronto school expo. There, you can meet face-to-face with top-ranked local schools and a few international boarding schools. Sit in on informative Q&A information seminars led by education experts. They'll address your concerns and shed light on vital topics when it comes to making the right school choice. Meet with admissions teams from each school and gain valuable insights from current parents who have experienced the journey firthand. All in one afternoon. Click here for details and to RSVP.
Which Toronto private schools are hardest to get into? Below you will find a list of the top ten private schools in the city who claim the lowest acceptance rates.
| School | Location | Grades | Acceptance rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Head Start Montessori School | North York, ON | NS to 3 | 7% |
| 2 | University of Toronto Schools | Toronto, ON | 7 to 12 | 20% |
| 3 | York School | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | 20% |
| 4 | Crescent School | Toronto, ON | 3 to 12 | 25% |
| 5 | Branksome Hall | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | 30% |
| 6 | Crestwood Preparatory College | Toronto, ON | 7 to 12 | 30% |
| 7 | Havergal College ✝ | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | 30% |
| 8 | TFS - Canada's International School | Toronto, ON | NS to 12 | 30% |
| 9 | De La Salle College ✝ | Toronto, ON | 5 to 12 | 33% |
| 10 | Sterling Hall School | Toronto, ON | JK to 8 | 35% |
Some parents seek the most expensive schools, based on an assumption that a school's charging the highest tuition must mean it offers the best education. There's no real reason to think that this is so. And of course, many superior Toronto private schools, turning out exceptional graduates, charge very reasonable private school tuition. Of course, schools that charge higher tuition tend to have more impressive facilities, may be able to afford more highly qualified instructors, offer a greater amount of extracurricular activities and support. For what it's worth, then, here is a list of Toronto's most expensive private schools.
| School | Location | Grades | Tuition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Havergal College ✝ | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | $41,520 to $79,905 |
| 2 | Branksome Hall | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | $38,990 to $78,600 |
| 3 | Upper Canada College | Toronto, ON | SK to 12 | $36,750 to $71,875 |
| 4 | Bishop Strachan School ✝ | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | $35,800 to $69,145 |
| 5 | J. Addison School | Markham, ON | K to 12 | $19,000 to $50,200 |
| 6 | Greenwood College School | Toronto, ON | 7 to 12 | $42,780 |
| 7 | York School | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | $40,350 |
| 8 | Crescent School | Toronto, ON | 3 to 12 | $39,590 |
| 9 | TFS - Canada's International School | Toronto, ON | NS to 12 | $23,070 to $39,020 |
| 10 | Trillium School | Markham, ON | NS to 12 | $11,500 to $37,500 |
Here is a look at Toronto's oldest private schools. Some may feel that it is important to get into the most established school, but many other factors should be part of your school decision.
| School | Location | Grades | Founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upper Canada College | Toronto, ON | SK to 12 | 1829 |
| 2 | De La Salle College ✝ | Toronto, ON | 5 to 12 | 1851 |
| 3 | St. Michael's College School ✝ | Toronto, ON | 7 to 12 | 1852 |
| 4 | Bishop Strachan School ✝ | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | 1867 |
| 5 | Olivet School ✝ | Etobicoke, ON | JK to 5 | 1893 |
| 6 | Havergal College ✝ | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | 1894 |
| 7 | St. Clement's School | Toronto, ON | 1 to 12 | 1901 |
| 8 | Branksome Hall | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | 1903 |
| 9 | University of Toronto Schools | Toronto, ON | 7 to 12 | 1910 |
| 10 | Crescent School | Toronto, ON | 3 to 12 | 1913 |
This list ranks Toronto private schools on the basis of the size of their endowment.
| School | Location | Grades | Endowment |
|---|
This list offers parents a top five list of Toronto private schools ranked by most notable alumni produced. Notable alumni include all graduates who have a Wikipedia page, which we view as a credible contemporary indicator of influence or achievement.
| School | Location | Grades | Notable alumni | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upper Canada College | Toronto, ON | SK to 12 | 98 |
| 2 | St. Michael's College School ✝ | Toronto, ON | 7 to 12 | 47 |
| 3 | Royal St. George's College | Toronto, ON | 3 to 12 | 31 |
| 4 | University of Toronto Schools | Toronto, ON | 7 to 12 | 22 |
| 5 | Bishop Strachan School ✝ | Toronto, ON | JK to 12 | 15 |
Are Toronto private schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about Toronto private schools on this page.
What is the most expensive Toronto private school?
Havergal College has the highest tuition fees from $41,520 to $79,905 per year with an average tuition of $60,713 per year.
Which Toronto private school has the lowest acceptance rates?
The Toronto private school with the lowest acceptance rate is Head Start Montessori School. The school has an overall accepance rate of 7%.
What is the oldest Toronto private school?
Upper Canada College is the oldest Toronto private school. The school was founded in 1829.
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