Academic vs. play-based preschools

"Rowntree is Brampton's Top Choice Private School year after year. Focusing on excellence, leadership, and inclusivity, each child develops academic strengths in both traditional and 21st Century skills." —From the school

"Junior Academy offers programs for students from Toddler to Grade Eight, in midtown Toronto. The average class size is 10 to 14 students and it caters to many types of students with different learning profiles." —From the school

"La Citadelle teaches French and English as first languages within a Gr. 8 Reach Ahead, IB and AP programme, academically advanced, university-bound, and grounded in a warm community that shapes confident global citizens." —From the school

"Elmwood School is Ottawa’s leading school for girls from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. With high academic standards, small classes, and a supportive environment, each girl is known, challenged, and empowered to reach her" —From the school

"Lynn-Rose School is a premier private school for grades PK-12 that prepares students to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners. We foster global citizenship, preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving world" —From the school

"Kendellhurst offers students an enriched curriculum blending project-based, traditional and arts-infused curriculum within a seamless technology program. Our school team supports a positive and safe school experience." —From the school

"The Lycée Français de Toronto offers the excellence of the French curriculum in a multicultural setting, developing strong academics, full bilingualism, and globally minded students." —From the school

"Calgary French & International School's immersive language learning environment and enriched curriculum inspires a deep curiosity, respect and exploration of the world for children aged 19 months to 18 years." —From the school

"Our goal is to nurture curious spirits, which is why we value a multilingual pedagogy that encourages both French immersion and a wide selection of langage courses. French and excellence are our priorities." —From the school

"Matthews Hall aims to inspire academic excellence and a lifetime of joyful learning in the students we serve. We offer a trusted and balanced journey of academic, character and leadership development to our students." —From the school

"GIST is Toronto’s only full-time trilingual school (English, French, German). As an IB World School, we offer a European-style education with a focus on languages and STEM in small, supportive classes." —From the school

"Independent Pre-JK–Grade 6 school in Calgary where childhood is cherished, every child is known, and wonder inspires learning." —From the school

"Saplings is the North Shore’s ONLY nature-based school which teaches your students the curriculum through hands-on outdoor experiences. Supporting deeper learning through concept-based and competency-driven approaches" —From the school

"Asland Learning Academy supports children ages 2.5–14 through early learning, tutoring, languages, STEM, camps, and self-management programs that build confidence, character, and academic growth." —From the school

"25 Years of Academic Excellence. Wise Owl stands apart with small class sizes, a rigorous curriculum, and a nurturing culture that develops character, leadership, academic excellence, and the whole child." —From the school

"Housed in state-of-the-art facilities, we offer a 48-year legacy of providing a perfect learning environment with enriched academic, arts, & athletic programs - inspiring every student to be extraordinary." —From the school

"Here, curious, driven students thrive in an environment that balances academic excellence with arts, athletics, and character development. Cutting-edge STEM labs, creative studios, and new Athletics Centre!" —From the school

"CGS represents a strong sense of community where we partner with our families and experienced team of educators to promote a balanced academic-and-values based environment; diversity and inclusion are paramount." —From the school

"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

"We weave together arts, academics, and mindfulness to unlock each student's full potential. Guided by our Five-Pillar philosophy, young minds don't just learn - they discover their power to shape a better tomorrow." —From the school

"The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus." —From the school

"Bloomsbury Academy’s unique integrated Montessori/Focus approach enables our students to develop essential skills such as self-direction, collaborative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence." —From the school

"Fern Hill School provides an engaging & rigorous academic program for children from Preschool to Grade 8. Our traditional and structured approach focuses on developing intellectual curiosity, creativity & confidence." —From the school

"The close-knit community at Star delivers on Learn to Love to Learn™ with passionate, talented educators beginning at Kindergarten. Our Five Pillars of Child Development guide learning experiences at all grade levels." —From the school

"Vision : Cultivating citizens who shape the future, locally and globally. Mission: Fostering a challenging, transformative bilingual education in a multicultural environment, bringing out excellence in every student." —From the school

"At SCELS we believe giving children an early education will build a solid foundation to prepare them for their next school setting." —From the school

"Our mission is personalized student academic success in a friendly and caring school community, in which all students are emotionally supported and socially welcome." —From the school

"Progressive Academy's programs inspire students from preschool to grade 12 in Edmonton, Alberta. Wonderful faculty, wide range of experiential opportunities and high expectations ignite a desire to learn." —From the school

"Bright Start Academy empowers elementary/secondary students with learning challenges. We offer small classes, 1:1 support & credit courses for academic independence and success." —From the school

"Building on internationally acclaimed preschool reading success, SLI has grown into a hub for ground-breaking student achievement in literary, scientific, coding, and entrepreneurial achievement across Pre-K - Grade 6." —From the school

"InnovOak is built on surpassing Ontario standards, emphasizing skill-based academic excellence. Our LifeReady program ensures real-world readiness, preparing students for tomorrow using a sensible and innovative approach" —From the school

"CJA is a modern Jewish day school offering a dual curriculum combining the Alberta curriculum with Jewish learning. Small classes and strong relationships support confident learners prepared for a complex world." —From the school

"Fern Hill School is a private school for Preschool through Grade 8 providing enriched learning that is delivered by passionate teachers. Our school is regarded as one of the pre-eminent elementary schools in Canada." —From the school

"At Hitherfield we believe that every child is unique, and has their own strengths and interests.  With individualized programming, Hitherfield continues to nurture growth, success and confidence in our students. " —From the school

"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

"Beamish Academy combines certified teachers with AI-supported learning through CENTURY Tech, helping students K-6 of all levels achieve mastery while building confidence, independence, and future-ready skills." —From the school

"Discover an exceptional education. Albert College is an independent boarding and day school for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Belleville, Ontario. AP offered as well as ESL summer school (OSSD credit)." —From the school

"The first five years shape a child’s brain and lifelong learning. CEFA schools nurture physical, social, intellectual, and emotional growth—giving children the right education at the right time for lasting success." —From the school

"Early Learning Centre to Grade 12. Discipline. Character. Respect. Complete your child's academic and spiritual foundation. Discover why PCA students excel!" —From the school

"Collège Bourget is a day and boarding school located between Montreal and Ottawa. French and English high school programs are offered. Bourget aims to foster personal autonomy, academic development, and perseverance." —From the school

"Wesley Christian Academy offers programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Markham. As we are a Christian school, we share our beliefs with all our students but we warmly welcome families from ALL faiths and backgrounds!" —From the school

"Heuristic & autodidactic, inspired by Sudbury & democratic models. Students are self-directed, and holistically empowered. Voluntary attendance, year-round calendar, agency, & consent inspire free learning. Also Forest" —From the school

"Ottawa’s Fern Hill School offers Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary Grades, including Core & Advanced French. Tuition starts at $3,550." —From the school

"Cousteau School offers a bilingual French-English education with a dual curriculum: the French Ministry of Education program and the BC curriculum, fostering academic excellence and global citizenship." —From the school

"UNISUS blends an IB education with personalized learning, Scholar-Athlete Academie, Enrichment Programs & weekend boarding adventures within a supportive, close-knit community; inspiring growth beyond the classroom." —From the school

"Renfrew is a specialized school for children with disabilities, where education and therapy are integrated to create personalized, inclusive programs that support each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth." —From the school

"Kuper Academy offers programs from pre-school to Pre-University (Grade 12) in Kirkland. Its average class size is 22 students." —From the school