Meeting a member of the royal family is just one perk for young people involved in the Duke of Edinburgh's Youth Achievement Award. Designed to help youth develop a sense of themselves and their community, the leadership-in-action program is open to 14- to 25-year-olds around the globe.
Many Canada's private and independent schools are embracing the program and its philosophies, says Jill Hermant, executive director of the award's Ontario division.
Founded in the United Kingdom in 1956, the program includes bronze, silver and gold awards—each demands an increasing time commitment. To qualify, young people must complete four sections: community service, an expedition, one of 200 hobby or vocational skills, and physical recreation.
The incentives are plentiful. Not only is the award presentation exciting and the activities fun, but listing the Duke of Edinburgh's Award on resumes and university applications holds a lot of weight.
Cutting edge academic programs, such as Focus Learning, suggest that, yes, they do. [Read more]
| School Name | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Trinity College School (est. 1865)
TCS students appreciate that school needs to be more than just reaching their academic potential–it’s about exploring all facets of themselves so that the realization of talents reach far beyond the classroom walls. [View profile] |
$24,750 to $57,750 Our Kids Review User reviews (3) |
|
St. Margaret's School (est. 1908)
St. Margaret's School (est. 1908) is an independent school in Victoria, BC, offering empowering education for girls from JK to Grade 12. At SMS, girls don't just get equal opportunity; they get every opportunity. [View profile] |
$14,180 to $65,490 User reviews (5) |
|
Blyth Academy Yorkville is a private high school for Grade 9-12 students, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, moments away from some of Toronto’s most exciting cultural and entertainment venues. [View profile] |
$17,995 to $23,395 |
|
Fieldstone School (est. 1997)
Fieldstone prepares students to be future global leaders. As Canada's Cambridge School, we offer a stimulating curriculum in the context of a small and nurturing environment. [View profile] |
$17,750 to $24,120 |
|
St. Michaels University School (est. 1906)
Independent K-12 boarding & day school in Victoria, BC, Canada focusing on university prep. Find out how a SMUS education can benefit your family. [View profile] |
$18,500 to $77,490 User reviews (3) |
|
The Country Day School (est. 1972)
The Country Day School offers JK-12 in a co-ed, non-denominational environment located on 100 beautiful acres just north of Toronto in King. [View profile] |
$29,500 User reviews (1) |
|
Columbia International College (est. 1979)
Columbia International College is a day and boarding school, offering programs to international students in grades 7 to 12. [View profile] |
$7,383 to $18,000 /semester |
|
TMS (est. 1961)
Internationally recognized since 1961,TMS is the leading university preparatory school in Richmond Hill with Montessori & IB frameworks that provide students with the foundation for a life of goodness & excellence. [View profile] |
$16,750 to $29,000 |
|
Hudson College (est. 2003)
Hudson College is a non-denominational, co-ed school offering superior academic programs from JK‒Grade 12. [View profile] |
$15,600 Our Kids Review User reviews (4) |
|
Elmwood School (est. 1915)
Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from JK to Grade 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential. [View profile] |
$13,500 to $25,660 |
|
Crescent School (est. 1913)
Crescent School is a Toronto independent day school for boys in Grades 3 to 12. Our learning environment develops students' characters through academics, arts, athletics, business, outreach and robotics. [View profile] |
$33,250 User reviews (1) |
|
Southpointe Academy (est. 2000)
Southpoint Academy offers enriched curriculum for grades K-12. We provide the IB PYP curriculum and is a candidate school for the IB MYP. College board AP course are available for grades 10-12. [View profile] |
$14,965 to $29,560 |
|
The York School (est. 1965)
The York School is a JK to Grade 12 co-ed, independent, International Baccalaureate school in midtown Toronto. The school is accredited by CAIS, IBO, and CIS. [View profile] |
$24,100 to $31,100 User reviews (1) |
|
St. Jude's Academy (est. 2006)
St. Jude's Academy is an IB World School that offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 16 to 18 students. [View profile] |
$9,265 to $13,695 User reviews (8) |
|
TFS - Canada's International School (est. 1962)
TFS - Canada's International School offers Canada's only bilingual IB programs from PK to Grade 12. Average class size is 12 to 22 students. Entrance Scholarship to Grade 7 is available. [View profile] |
$19,180 to $32,980 |
|
Brookes School Canada (est. 2009)
Brookes School Canada, an IB World School on beautiful Vancouver Island, offers grades 6 to 12 for both day and boarding students with an average class size of 12 students. [View profile] |
$14,400 to $52,550 |
|
St. George's School (est. 1930)
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. [View profile] |
$22,450 to $68,085 |
|
Toronto Prep School (est. 2009)
Toronto Prep School starts later in order to maximize teen learning. The optimal time for teenagers to learn is late in the morning through to late afternoon. Our classes start at 10:00 am. [View profile] |
$25,250 to $26,250 |
|
Delano Academy (est. 2014)
D.A. is a K-12 university prep, coed IB candidate 21st Century school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum. Balanced academics, arts, athletics & character development. We value best practices & evidenced based approaches. [View profile] |
$16,995 to $19,995 User reviews (2) |
|
Appleby College (est. 1911)
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. [View profile] |
$36,510 to $72,875 Our Kids Review |
|
The Dragon Academy (est. 2001)
Dragon Academy is the right fit for gifted students, grades 6 to 12. Dragon's small, discussion-based classes go beyond the classroom into our world-class city . An inclusive, exciting, can't wait to get there school. [View profile] |
$20,500 to $26,500 User reviews (10) |
|
|
Heritage Academy of Learning Excellence (est. 1989)
Heritage Academy is an Ottawa private school that is designed for students with DYSLEXIA, ADD/ADHD and similar learning exceptionalities. [View profile] |
$14,600 to $16,000 User reviews (3) |
|
|
Bishop's College School (est. 1836)
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 DP and course certificates. [View profile] |
$24,000 to $55,500 |
|
|
Holy Trinity School (est. 1981)
HTS offers a remarkable opportunity for students from JK-12 to shape their own experience through our comprehensive academic and co-curricular programming, lead by our incredible faculty and staff. [View profile] |
$26,995 |
|
|
Rosseau Lake College (est. 1967)
Rosseau Lake College - The Personalized Learning Community [View profile] |
$10,100 to $51,100 User reviews (3) |
|
|
Meadowridge School (est. 1985)
Meadowridge is an IB Continuum World School that supports the development of the whole child in a safe, supportive and challenging environment. [View profile] |
$21,300 to $31,300 |
|
|
De La Salle College (est. 1851)
De La Salle College is a Catholic, co-educational, university preparatory school in Toronto from grade five to 12, with average class sizes of 22 students and tuition at $14,575. [View profile] |
$14,575 to $14,875 |
|
|
Summit West Independent School (est. 2015)
An independent school that offers an individualized self-directed learning approach for tomorrow's leaders. Bursary programs available to qualified applicants. JK to Grade 12, Alberta Curriculum. [View profile] |
$8,925 to $10,750 |
|
|
St. Andrew's College (est. 1899)
St. Andrew's College offers programs from grades 5 to 12 in Aurora. Its average class size is 17 students. [View profile] |
$35,120 to $63,500 |
|
|
Holy Name of Mary College School (est. 2008)
Holy Name of Mary College School in Mississauga, is an independent Catholic school for girls in grades 5-12 offering an enriched university preparatory programme. The average class size is 12 students. [View profile] |
$17,250 |
|
|
Brockton School (est. 2004)
Brockton School is an independent, co-ed, non-denominational, IB World School.
Brockton hosts an Early Learning Years program, a Junior School, and a Senior School, with students from Junior Kindergarten to grade 12. [View profile] |
$18,000 to $21,100 |
|
|
Blyth Academy London (est. 2013)
We focus on personalized education, very small class sizes, and experiential learning. Our London campus is conveniently located in historic Ignatia Hall on the banks of the Thames. [View profile] |
$15,995 to $20,795 |
|
|
University of Toronto Schools (est. 1910)
University of Toronto Schools (UTS) offers a transformative education to high-achieving students in Grades 7 to 12. UTS graduates take initiative and innovate as socially responsible global citizens. [View profile] |
$26,050 |
|
|
West Island College (est. 1982)
West Island College offers post-secondary preparatory programs from grades 7 to 12 in Calgary. It's class size varies from 15 to 25 students. French Immersion is offered alongside the English program [View profile] |
$16,120 to $21,120 |
|
|
Mediated Learning Academy (est. 2013)
The Mediated Learning Academy is a special need school for students K-12 with certified teachers, supported by Speech-Language Pathologists; Occupational and Physiotherapists, and Counsellors [View profile] |
$11,000 to $13,000 |
|
|
West Island College (Montreal) (est. 1974)
West Island College offers French and French Immersion programs from grades seven to 11 in Montreal. It is a leader in innovative teaching methods. Average class size 22 students. [View profile] |
$12,265 |
|
|
The Sacred Heart School of Montreal (est. 1861)
Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all girls English Catholic high school, has been graduating exceptional leaders. [View profile] |
$16,795 to $52,814 |
|
|
Ridley College (est. 1889)
Ridley College is an acclaimed co-educational boarding and day school that prepares meaningful and flourishing lives by teaching the habits of mind, body, and spirit, and the values needed to lead in a global society. [View profile] |
$16,500 to $65,700 |
|
|
Hillfield Strathallan College (est. 1901)
Established in 1901, Hillfield Strathallan College is one of Canada’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering programs to students 18 months through Grade 12 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. [View profile] |
$7,184 to $49,813 User reviews (1) |
|
|
Rothesay Netherwood School (est. 1877)
Rothesay Netherwood School offers programs for grades six to 12 in Rothesay, New Brunswick. Its average class size is 14 to 16 students and an outstanding supportive community. [View profile] |
$20,110 to $54,090 |
|
|
Vaughan College Private School (est. 2009)
An Ontario ministry inspected private secondary school in Woodbridge, Vaughan. We accept International Students, have small class sizes, low tuition, high university acceptance rate. AP Courses also available! [View profile] |
$8,900 to $23,500 |
|
|
Queen Margaret's School (est. 1921)
Queen Margaret's School is an independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC. [View profile] |
$6,250 to $46,700 User reviews (1) |
|
|
Luther College High School (est. 1913)
Luther students, from many different social and cultural backgrounds, have the opportunity to be part of a tightly woven community of students, parents, teachers, staff, and alumni. [View profile] |
$7,550 to $32,310 User reviews (3) |
|
|
Blyth Academy Online School (est. 2012)
Blyth Academy Online is a private school for Grades 9 to 12. We offer over 100+ affordable course which can be accessed 24 hours a day, every day of the year. 95% of our students succeed with Blyth Academy Online. [View profile] |
$2,995 |
|
|
Kuper Academy (est. 1987)
Kuper Academy offers programs from pre-school to grade eleven in Kirkland. Its average class size is 22 students. [View profile] |
$5,121 to $14,640 |
|
|
Class Afloat - West Island College International (est. 1984)
Class Afloat - West Island College International offers leading experiential education opportunities for Grade 11, 12, University and GAP year students. Students attend classes aboard a majestic tall ship, exploring over 20 ports of call worldwide. [View profile] |
$52,000 |
|
|
Odyssey Heights School for Girls (est. 2018)
Odyssey Heights School starts at 10:30am; 1 month Overnight Outdoor Ecological Experiential Ed trips & Equestrian Program are included in tuition, plus French Ministry of Education FSL curriculum, and "No Homework Ever!" [View profile] |
$20,981 to $27,825 User reviews (1) |
|
|
Canada Star Secondary School (est. 2016)
Canada Star Secondary's vision is to provide superior academic opportunities that allow our students to develop interests, pursue passions, and to follow the path to success and admission to top-ranked universities. [View profile] |
$14,800 to $27,800 |
|
|
Havergal College (est. 1894)
Havergal College is an all-girls school in Toronto for students in JK to Grade 12. Preparing Young Women to Make a Difference Since 1894. [View profile] |
$32,750 to $59,875 Our Kids Review User reviews (1) |
|
|
The Bishop Strachan School (est. 1867)
Located in Toronto, The Bishop Strachan School is Canada's oldest independent JK to Grade 12 day and boarding school for girls, welcoming students from Toronto and around the world. [View profile] |
$32,060 to $60,730 User reviews (1) |
|
|
St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School (est. 1891)
Oakville's SMLS continues to be a premier independent school for girls Preschool to Graduating Year since 1891. "Millie" graduates take on the world with confidence and the knowledge that they can do anything. [View profile] |
$17,000 to $27,600 |
|
|
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (est. 1905)
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational day school for Grades K-12 close to Calgary, AB. [View profile] |
$15,450 to $22,930 |
|
|
Crestwood Preparatory College (est. 2001)
Crestwood Preparatory College offers a university preparatory program for students in grades 7 to 12. Crestwood always strive to Inspire Excellence and to Nurture the Individual. [View profile] |
$26,500 to $29,950 |
|
|
Glenlyon Norfolk School (est. 1913)
Glenlyon Norfolk School, an independent school in Victoria, BC, provides International Baccalaureate programs from JK to Grade 12. GNS offers 5- and 7-day Family Boarding for students who are not residents of Victoria. [View profile] |
$16,165 to $47,500 |
|
|
St. Clement's School (est. 1901)
St. Clement's School develops outstanding women who are intellectually curious, courageous, and compassionate. [View profile] |
$29,900 |
|
|
Avante School (est. 2009)
Avante School provides a custom tailored learning experience for accelerated success and much less stress. [View profile] |
$8,500 to $13,500 |
|
|
Blyth Academy Downsview Park (est. 2016)
Blyth Academy Downsview Park offers outstanding education coupled with unique opportunities for student-athletes to engage in sports-specific and fitness training throughout their regular school day. [View profile] |
$16,395 to $22,625 |
|
|
MacLachlan College (est. 1978)
MacLachlan is a world-class school offering the benefits of small class sizes, highly dedicated and engaged teachers and an internationally recognized curriculum for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. [View profile] |
$10,000 to $29,870 |
|
Cedar Ridge High School is an independent high school, grades 7 to 12, in Kanata, Ontario. Our school offers an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a focus on leadership, innovation, student engagement and academics. [View profile] |
$14,750 |
|
Blyth Academy Whitby is a private school for Grade 6-12 students, conveniently located for students across the Durham Region. [View profile] |
$14,995 to $20,795 |
|
|
Shawnigan Lake School (est. 1916)
Shawnigan Lake School is the largest boarding school in Canada. Located in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, we offer a comprehensive program to 500 young men and women in grades 8-12. [View profile] |
$27,200 to $67,900 |
|
|
Blyth Academy Burlington (est. 2015)
Blyth Academy Burlington, located in Village Square in the heart of downtown Burlington, offers not only our outstanding Grades 9–12 program but also a middle years program and facilities for students in Grades 5–8. [View profile] |
$13,595 to $20,795 |
|
|
Fulford Academy (est. 2002)
Fulford Academy is a day/boarding school in Brockville, Ontario, offering programs for grade 6-12. The average student/teacher ratio is 7:1, and STEM + Arts is the core of our Academic Programming. [View profile] |
$14,120 to $29,590 /semester |
|
Blyth Academy Ottawa focuses on personalized education, very small class sizes, and experiential learning for Grades 7-12. Big experience in a small school! [View profile] |
$16,395 to $22,625 |
|
|
Lower Canada College (est. 1909)
Lower Canada College is a coed, K-12 university preparatory school, committed to excellence in teaching and learning. It is the only English school in Quebec offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. [View profile] |
$18,150 to $23,150 |
|
Blyth Academy Mississauga is a flourishing private middle and high school housed in unique heritage buildings. We focus on personalized education, very small class sizes, and experiential learning. [View profile] |
$16,995 to $23,395 |
|
|
Trafalgar School For Girls (est. 1887)
Based in the heart of downtown Montreal, Trafalgar School for Girls is a diverse school community that challenges and inspires girls to love learning, build confidence and shape a better world. [View profile] |
$18,000 |
|
|
Villa Maria (est. 1854)
Villa Maria offers programs from grades 7 to 11 in Montreal. Its average class size is 30 to 34 students. [View profile] |
$5,000 to $5,700 |
|
|
AVRO Academy (est. 2010)
AVRO Academy is an alternative high school in Toronto for grades 9 to 12. Students earn credits while developing skills that best prepares them for post secondary education. We focus on student strength! [View profile] |
$15,175 |
|
Blyth Academy Thornhill, located 30 minutes from downtown Toronto, focuses on personalized education, small class sizes, and experiential learning. [View profile] |
$15,995 to $20,795 |
|
|
Greenwood College School (est. 2002)
Greenwood College School in Toronto offers programs for Grades 7 through 12. Its average class size is 15 to 19 students. [View profile] |
$35,600 |
|
|
The Linden School (est. 1993)
The Linden School provides a challenging academic program for girls from JK - Grade 12. We create opportunities to discover the joys of learning and foster the development of critical thinking and physical well-being. [View profile] |
$15,400 to $20,950 User reviews (2) |
|
|
Centennial Academy (est. 1998)
Centennial is the only high school in Quebec that helps students master their challenges of learning and graduate on time. Over 90% of our students graduate in five years and go on to college and university. [View profile] |
$18,950 |
|
|
Blyth Academy Etobicoke (est. 2018)
Blyth Academy Etobicoke, located in Toronto's west end, focuses on personalized education, small class sizes, and experiential learning. [View profile] |
$17,995 to $23,395 |
|
|
Blyth Academy Waterloo (est. 2016)
At Blyth Academy Waterloo we are building an active and dynamic school community. We offer not only our outstanding Grades 9–12 program but also a middle school program and facilities for students in Grades 7–8. [View profile] |
$14,995 to $20,795 |
|
|
Bodwell High School (est. 1991)
Bodwell High School in North Vancouver is a full boarding school that enrolls 600 students. Tuition starts at $15,500. We provide Education for a Changing World. The school motto is "Strength in Diversity." [View profile] |
$19,150 to $38,450 |
|
|
Blyth Academy Lawrence Park (est. 2015)
Our campus located in midtown Toronto provides the warmth and community of a neighbourhood school. We are a short distance from our partners at the Royal Ontario Museum and Outward Bound at the Evergreen Brickworks. [View profile] |
$17,995 to $23,395 |
|
|
Royal St. George's College (est. 1964)
RSGC is an urban day school that combines academic excellence with a stimulating and supportive environment. Our mission is to challenge and inspire each boy to become the best version of himself. [View profile] |
$32,100 |
|
King's View Academy offers students the opportunity to study grades 7 through 12, including Advanced Placement courses, in a self-directed, self-paced, flexibly-scheduled and well-supported academic environment. [View profile] |
$10,500 to $19,125 |
