Here’s OUR KIDS guide to private Catholic schools in Canada. Across the country, these faith-based institutions combine rigorous academics with values-driven education, serving students from preschool through high school. Families will find options that include dedicated Catholic schools, schools with integrated religious programming, and academies that emphasize character formation alongside a full academic curriculum. Tuition varies depending on region, grade level, and program offerings, generally ranging from about $7,000 to $42,000 per year, with many schools averaging between $15,000 and $20,000.
For nearly 30 years, we’ve visited schools, spoken with families, and gathered real insight to help you compare options and make confident decisions. Start exploring below. For a discussion of faith-based education in general, including a detailed discussion of types of schools and curricula, check out our guide to religious-affiliated schools.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
"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.
—From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario York Mills Road/Don Mills Road "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." —From the school
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 King City, Ontario Keele St./King Rd. "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, AP and Domestic ESL." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Mississauga Rd/QEW "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" —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./St. Clair West "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." —From the school
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 Wilcox, Saskatchewan Railway Ave/Rouleau St "No other high school in the world has developed more Elite, Junior, Collegiate, USPORT, NCAA, National, Olympic or Pro athletes with over 215 in the NHL alone. ND graduates attend the top ranked universities worldwide." —From the school
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 Etobicoke, Ontario "Quo Vadis offers a dynamic trilingual Polish-English-French program within a Catholic environment. The school prioritizes academic excellence, self-esteem, and the formation of well-rounded, responsible individuals." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Dufferin St/Lawrence Ave W "LDVA provides foundational education and challenges students to develop to their full potential. Officially recognized by the Italian Government, our unique curriculum incorporates Italian language and culture." —From the school
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 Oakville, Ontario "Mater Boni Consilii Academy is Halton Region’s only private Catholic school focused on Integral Formation®; forming strong habits, discipline, perseverance, and excellence—building a solid foundation for success." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "Hawthorn partners with parents to form well-rounded young women rooted in the Catholic faith. Through personalized attention, students excel in academics, leadership, and character, with exceptional university placement." —From the school
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 Ottawa, Ontario Donald St/Frances St "Promote academic excellence that stimulates the acquisition of language skills, the development of scientific and artistic competencies as well as the formation of a critical mind, in a multicultural environment." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario ""Alderwood Academy nurtures the heart, mind, and soul of every child through holistic education rooted in love, culture, and Catholic values—where learning becomes a joyful journey."" —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW "Clear Water Academy, a traditional private Catholic school in Calgary, offering Jr. Kindergarten–Grade 12. Our University Prep Program has a 100% acceptance rate, forming Christian leaders who will transform society." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario "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." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Queensway "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." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Avenue Road/St. Clair Ave. "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 20-25 students and tuition at $18,550 - $19, 700." —From the school
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Catholic schools are faith-based schools associated with the Christian denomination of Catholicism. Most Catholic schools, though, don’t require their students to be either Catholic or Christian.
In Canada, there are both public and private Catholic schools. Public Catholic schools are fully funded by the government and supervised by the Catholic School Board.
Private Catholic schools have lots of benefits. For instance, they provide a strong education in Catholicism, dedicated teachers who tailor instruction to individual learning needs, a close-knit community of peers and teachers, and an intensive and enriched dual-track curriculum.
Different schools have different approaches, policies, cultures, and developmental priorities. You should explore any prospective school closely, to determine whether it’s the right fit for your child and family.
We list private Catholic schools on this site. Moreover, our parent discussion forum allows you to discuss options and get answers to your questions.
2 | Unique features of private Catholic schools |
Roman Catholic schools—commonly known simply as “Catholic schools”—belong to the broader category of faith-based education rooted in Christian and Catholic tradition. In Canada, these schools may operate as either public or private institutions.
Private Catholic schools integrate Catholic doctrines, beliefs, and practices alongside core Christian values such as respect, community, and responsibility. Although these schools emphasize Catholic faith, many do not require students to be practicing Catholics. For example, Northmount School in Toronto reports that approximately 47% of its students come from non-Catholic backgrounds. As the admissions director notes, “We don’t require our students to be Catholic or to subscribe, without questioning, to Catholic or Christian beliefs or values.”
Some private Catholic schools serve as day schools, others as boarding schools, and some offer both formats. Most are coeducational (coed), although there are also schools exclusively for boys or girls (Catholic boys’ schools, Catholic girls’ schools).
These schools are known for balancing strong secular academics—math, science, English, and history—with rich religious education taught by experienced instructors.
The religious education curriculum typically includes multiple required classes each term, covering the Catholic Bible, its practical application, Catholic values, and prayer, often making up over a third of course time.
Private Catholic schools educate students in the Christian faith, with a particular focus on Catholic doctrines, beliefs, and practices.
Students also study key Catholic teachings like the seven sacraments (for example, baptism and confirmation), communion, and concepts such as theology of the body.
Many schools use an integrated approach, weaving faith into both religious and secular studies. Northmount’s chaplaincy coordinator calls this “part of an authentic Catholic education”:
“While Catholic schools conform to government‑mandated curricula, they should implement programs with an overall religious orientation… confidence in our ability to attain truth… based not on feeling but on faith… Unwavering commitment to truth is at home in an authentically Catholic school.”
Catholic values and scripture often permeate character education and daily school life. At Northmount, students meet monthly with advisors to discuss values and may receive guidance and prayer through liturgies and integrated lessons:
“We integrate scripture with school life—liturgies, character lessons, and daily prayer. Catholicism is a comprehensive way of life… we must foster love for wisdom and truth, integrated with faith, culture, and life.”
Many schools include religious observances, such as weekly or daily Catholic mass and saying grace before meals. Some provide optional confession. Assemblies may include prayer and religious teachings, and students are often encouraged to participate in service activities such as donating to food banks—especially during key seasons like Lent and Easter.
3 | Private versus public Catholic schools |
While most faith-based schools in North America are private due to the separation of church and state, Canada is a notable exception when it comes to Catholic education. In several provinces, including Ontario, some Catholic schools are fully or partially funded by the government. These are considered public Catholic schools and are governed by Catholic school boards.
In contrast, private Catholic schools in Canada do not receive full government funding, meaning parents are responsible for tuition. However, these schools offer unique advantages. With fewer bureaucratic constraints, teachers in private Catholic schools can implement diverse and personalized teaching methods to better support a wide range of student needs. These schools also often feature smaller class sizes and lower teacher-to-student ratios than their public counterparts.
Lauren Lowry, who moved her children—Oliver (age 11) and Thomas (age 7)—from a public school to Northmount, a private Catholic school, reports a significant improvement. “At Northmount, the curriculum is more demanding, and the teachers are more dedicated and passionate. There are also more enrichment opportunities than in the public school system. Oliver and Thomas have acquired better work habits and are more engaged in school.”
Beth Duffy shares similar praise for private Catholic education. Her children, Rachel (grade 11) and Eddy (a graduate), attended Villanova College, a private Catholic school in King City, Ontario. “Villanova is a home away from home. The teachers have helped my kids grow as persons. They experience life triumphs and defeats; that presents a lot of learning opportunities.”
This is not to say that private Catholic education is always the preferred option, but it does come with meaningful benefits—many of which are shared by other private schools. Some of the top private Catholic schools in Canada are located in cities like Toronto, Brampton, and Mississauga.
For further insights into the differences between these educational paths, read our detailed guide on private vs. public schools.
4 | Benefits of private Catholic schools |
Private Catholic schools in Canada offer several meaningful advantages, starting with their strong religious studies programs.
For example, Guiding Light Academy in Mississauga offers a uniquely authentic spiritual education through its Catholic guidance program, operated by Lumen Veritatis and the Brothers of the Heralds of the Gospel. As Jonah Jackson, the academy’s director, explains:
“Our classes are taught by real clergymen—the brothers of the Heralds of the Gospel. They also guide students in developing their spiritual life. Not many schools offer this. We provide a unique and authentic Catholic education.”
Beyond religious formation, private Catholic schools offer a range of additional benefits, including:
5 | Choosing a private Catholic school |
In your search for the right Catholic school, it’s important to speak with teachers, educators, and your child.
Start looking at these schools early, as much as a year before applying. You can research them here on this site (starting with our list of schools), on school websites, at open houses, during on-site visits, at our annual school expos, and other venues.
Questions to ask prospective schools
There are some key questions to ask schools you’re looking into.
Beyond these more general questions, there are also specific questions to ask private Catholic schools. These include:
Questions for private Catholic schools
It’s best to discuss these questions with the school head, as well as teachers. It’s also a good idea to do a classroom visit and talk to other parents, to get a sense of teaching philosophies, school culture, and the like.
Keep in mind, different schools have different curricular approaches, policies, developmental priorities, and the like. It’s important to gather as much information as possible before making a decision. This is sure to improve your chances of finding a school that’s the right fit for your child and family.
6 | Paying for private Catholic school |
There are plenty of resources to help you pay for private Catholic school. Financial aid is quite common, with Catholic schools offering lots of scholarships and grants. Students who are accomplished or involved in a particular area, such as academics, art, community service, or athletics, may be eligible for a scholarship. If you can demonstrate need, you may also be eligible for a bursary to help subsidize your child’s education.
In many provinces in Canada, paying for a religious-affiliated school counts as a charitable donation, for which you can receive a tax break. Speak with a provincial government official for more information or read our guide on tax breaks for private school education.
7 | Frequently asked questions about private Catholic school |
There are some questions commonly asked about private Catholic schools. Some of these have already been answered, and so won’t be addressed here. We’ll only answer those that haven’t yet been answered or fully answered.
Does my child need to be Catholic?
Not typically. Most private Catholic schools don’t require their students to be Catholic, or even Christian, to attend their school. Some very traditional Catholic schools, though, may require this.
Will my child need to perform Catholic prayers or go to Catholic mass?
Some traditional private Catholics schools may require kids to pray or perform other religious rituals. Less traditional schools don’t require kids to pray or perform other religious rituals, though they may ask them to go to mass.
Does my child need to believe in God?
Not typically. The vast majority of private Catholic schools don’t require kids to believe or profess belief in God. On the other hand, some very traditional schools may assume their students believe in God. It’s unlikely, though, they’ll require them to profess their belief.
How strong is the secular curriculum?
Most schools meet and surpass the curriculum standards set by the provincial government of Ontario. Moreover, some kids find the dual-track curriculum of these schools challenging. Some also find it enriches their secular studies—in a way that can’t be achieved at many schools without a religious affiliation.
Some kids find the dual-track curriculum of private Catholic schools challenging. Some also find it enriches their secular studies—in a way that can’t be achieved at many non-denominational schools.
Do private Catholic schools make religious studies mandatory?
Most do. Some, though, have only optional religion courses. These schools, though, are usually Catholic secondary schools (high schools), and have lots of extracurricular religious activities, such as prayers, scripture readings, and assemblies.
How do I know if a private Catholic school is the right fit for my child?
You need to look for a good match between your child and the school in terms of religion, academics, culture, values, and the like. Keep in mind that private Catholic schools can differ from other Christian schools in important ways. You should also consider the pros and cons of private vs. public Catholic schools.
As Barbara Bierman, executive director of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools, puts it:
“Parents have to look for what best matches the environment in their home. That may be a cultural, religious, or pedagogical decision. They should be asking themselves: How does my child learn best? What sorts of schools match up to our faith system? Parents also need to consider the spectrum of different religious orders. For instance, Christianity has several denominations, so they need to look into that detail when considering faith-based schools.”
Is a private or public Catholic school better for my child?
There’s no right answer here. Public Catholic schools are free, and many can give your child a strong secular and religious education, supervised by the Catholic District School Board.. Private Catholic schools, though sometimes costly, often have smaller classes, lower teacher-to-student ratios, more tailored instruction, strong extracurriculars, and other advantages over public Catholic schools. In short, they share many of the same benefits of private schools in general.
How much is tuition?
This varies, just as it does for all types of private schools. That said, on average, the tuition at private Catholic schools tends to be lower than other types of private schools. And remember, many of these schools offer significant subsidies and tax breaks.
Are private Catholic schools accredited?
Not by the government. No private school in Canada, religious-affiliated or not, is accredited by the federal or provincial government. High schools, though, must meet provincial curricular requirements. And, some private Catholic schools are accredited by independent institutions.
What kind of training should teachers have?
This varies based on the school and the subjects taught. To teach math and science, a strong background in these subjects is needed. To teach both secular and religious subjects, a proper secular and religious education (in the relevant subjects) is needed. Teacher’s college and specialized training in Catholic and Christian studies are also pluses.
Is French offered?
Private Catholic schools, like all private schools in Canada, aren’t required to offer French. That said, almost all private schools do offer French, beginning in the early grades. And, most schools make French a required course up until grade 9, like public schools in Ontario.
8 | Compare private Catholic schools |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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Sacred Heart School of Halifax | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Northmount School | Liberal Arts | Accelerated | Rigorous | 12 to 18 | No support | Light integration | ||
Villanova College | Traditional | Accelerated | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | ||
Holy Name of Mary College School | Progressive | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Heavy integration | |||
St. Michael's College School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 21 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame | Reggio Emilia | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 12 to 20 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Heavy integration | ||
Quo Vadis Elementary School | Traditional | Accelerated | Rigorous | 6 to 12 | No support | |||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | |||
Mater Boni Consilii Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Hawthorn School | Liberal Arts | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | Light integration | ||
Academie Providence | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 20 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | |
Alderwood Academy | Progressive | Reggio Emilia | Student-paced | Supportive | 5 to 12 | No support | Light integration | |
Clear Water Academy | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate Candidate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Guiding Light Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | 5 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | Standard-enriched | 10 to 15 | No support | |||||
De La Salle College | Liberal Arts | Accelerated | Rigorous | 18 to 25 | No support | Medium integration |
Legend:
Sacred Heart School of Halifax | ||||||||||||||||||||
Northmount School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Villanova College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Holy Name of Mary College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Michael's College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame | ||||||||||||||||||||
Quo Vadis Elementary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | ||||||||||||||||||||
Mater Boni Consilii Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hawthorn School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Academie Providence | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alderwood Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Clear Water Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Guiding Light Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School | ||||||||||||||||||||
De La Salle College |
| Tuition (boarding school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sacred Heart School of Halifax | 14% | 1 | $7,500 | |
Northmount School | 5% | JK - 8 | $2,500 | |
Villanova College | 4 - 12 | |||
Holy Name of Mary College School | 15% | 5 - 12 | $1 | |
St. Michael's College School | 20% | 7 - 12 | ||
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame | $32,000 to $75,000 | 30% | 9 - 12 | $10,000 |
Quo Vadis Elementary School | 10% | 1 - 8 | $4,000 | |
Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences | 15% | 1 - 8 | $5,000 | |
Hawthorn School | 35% | JK - 12 | $8,000 | |
Academie Providence | 35% | 1 - 8 | $40 | |
Clear Water Academy | 20% | 1 - 9 | $5,000 | |
De La Salle College | 18% | 5 - 12 | $12,500 |
9 | Further resources |
To discuss Catholic schools and private school education in general, go to our parent discussion forum.
The following associations provide support to Catholic schools:
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