Christian versus Catholic schools
Comparing Christian and Catholic schools in Canada
Find a list of schoolsWhat’s the difference between Christian and Catholic schools? And which option is better for your child?
What’s the difference between Christian and Catholic schools? And which option is better for your child?
Below, we compare Christian to Catholic schools in Canada, in terms of many criteria. We also discuss the main similarities and differences between these schools.
This should help you decide which option, if either, is right for your child. It may also help you decide whether you should pursue a private or public school education, whether Christian or Catholic.
Catholicism is a Christian denomination. Other Christian denominations include Protestantism, Anglicanism, Baptism, Unitarianism, and Methodism.
This means that all Catholic schools are Christian schools, by default. Some Christian schools aren’t Catholics schools, though, since they’re not affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. Instead, they may belong to another sect of Christianity or be a non-denominational Christian school.
There are many public Catholic schools in Canada. Despite the separation of church and state, some Catholic schools, in many Canadian provinces, receive full or partial funding from the government. These schools are considered public and are part of the Catholic School Board.
There are no public Christian schools in Canada that aren’t Catholic, though. For instance, there are no public Baptist, Lutheran, Greek Orthodox, or other Christian denominational or non-denominational schools.
There are, though, lots of private Catholic and Christian (non-Catholic) schools to choose from in Canada. This includes Catholic and Christian boarding schools. Parents will need to pay for these schools, unlike public schools. These schools are also unconstrained by provincial guidelines, though many follow them closely.
There is a wide variance in the approach to religious education among both Christian and Catholic schools. Some of these schools have many required religious courses, while others have few. Some integrate religious with secular education, while others keep these distinct. This goes for both private and public Christian and Catholic schools.
One difference is that Catholic schools, to a greater or lesser degree, focus on Catholicism in their religious teachings. This may include Catholic doctrines such as the seven holy sacraments of Catholicism, as well as the theology of the body and communion. Christian schools, meanwhile, don’t teach these Catholic doctrines or focus on them much less.
Christian and Catholic schools also vary widely in their approach to secular education. They may or may not integrate secular with religious education. And some schools use a more traditional approach to delivering the curriculum, while others use a more inquiry or discovery-based approach.
Normally, though, both Christian and Catholic schools in Canada provide a strong secular education. They offer a wide range of demanding courses, from core subjects, like math, science, and the language arts, to less mainstream offerings, like technology, foreign languages, and music. Indeed, these schools often have a curriculum that surpasses provincial standards.
Christian and Catholic schools both have many great features. If they’re private, they’ll share many of the same benefits of other private schools. This includes small class sizes, individualized learning, dedicated teachers, academic enrichment opportunities, and great resources and extracurriculars.
As faith-based schools, though, Christian and Catholic schools tend to have other unique advantages. This includes intensive religious instruction, a dual-track curriculum (focusing on religious and secular studies), a close-knit community, and a safe and warm school environment. And normally these traits can be found in both private and public Christian and Catholic schools in Canada.
Private Christian and Catholic schools charge fees, and like other private schools, may have other costs not covered by these fees. These schools tend, though, to be on the cheaper side of private school tuition. Many charge between $10, 000 and $20, 000 a year. And some offer substantial subsidies to defray costs.
Public Catholic schools, meanwhile, normally don’t charge tuition. If you send your child to one of these schools, your main costs will be extras like school supplies, after- or before-school programs, lunch programs, and the like. This is one of the unique advantages of the Catholic school system in Canada.
So, what’s right for your child: a Christian or Catholic school? This will depend on a lot of factors.
If you’re Catholic, you’re more likely to choose a Catholic school, right? Not necessarily. Many Catholic students go to Christian schools and vice versa. And most Christian and Catholic schools admit students who don’t practice either religion.
What’s really important, then?
Consider the features of religious education that mean a lot to you: e.g., form of religious instruction, approach to teaching the bible, religious practices, degree of religiousness, etc. You should also consider the traits that seem integral to any kind of school: e.g., school size, location, cost, community, culture, reputation, etc.
You’ll then want to look at specific schools, and visit and compare them (if you want to compare specific schools one-to-one, visit our compare hub). In the end, the right school, Christian or Catholic, private or public, will address your most pressing needs, goals, and desires.
While there’s no such thing as the perfect school, there is such a thing as a great fit. You should aim to find the best school for you, your child, and your family.
ERA’s environmental and social mandate [Read more]
Well-being and belonging at Trinity College School [Read more]
Trinity College School’s financial assistance program [Read more]
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
Toronto, Ontario — The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day & boarding school for girls. Students build the academic skills to thrive at university and beyond. Over $2 million available in financial assistance. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Progressive, Reggio Emilia
Tuition:
$35,800 to $69,145
Living:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
1000
Avg. Class:
18 to 20
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Toronto, Ontario — Havergal has been preparing young women to make a difference since 1894 through its innovative curriculum and future-ready programming with a focus on wellness and student agency. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$36,950 to $68,540
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
1000
Avg. Class:
18 to 22
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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 and AP.
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Hawthorn School is located in Toronto. We offer a co-ed toddler-SK program and an all girls program for grade 1- grade 12. Our unique mentoring program is tailored to help students reach their full potential.
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CAA has been serving the GTA for over 65 years. Our students learn through a strong academic curriculum, community engagement and alumni mentorship – with a 98% acceptance rate to the University of their first choice.
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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.
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Niagara Christian Collegiate offers both middle school and secondary school programs from Grades 6-12. Graduating students achieve top university placements around the world. We accept both day and boarding students.
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Students receive an excellent education which prepares them well for university, college and a wide variety of workplaces.
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Emmanuel Christian School offers an Elementary and High School bilingual program. Our caring Christ-centered environment enables students to thrive and excel academically and spiritually through a variety of programs.
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We are proud to offer families Private elementary school education where God and His Word are central to the curriculum. Our faculty of qualified teachers is committed to loving and teaching each child.
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Our students learn in a progressive, authentic, inspiring, welcoming, nurturing and in a safe, child-centred environment. Our small size, with one class for each grade, gives a sense of being part of a close-knit family.
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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!
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The Priory specializes in early childhood education, a place where childhood is cherished, and where meaningful learning takes place in an enriched and nurturing learning environment.
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Early Learning Centre to Grade 12. Discipline. Character. Respect. Complete your child's academic and spiritual foundation. Discover why PCA students excel!
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Ottawa Victory Christian Academy becomes an extension of your family. Staff and teachers know each child and work with students and their family to achieve success academically, socially, physically, and spiritually.
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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.
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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.
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Grade 9-12 students are encouraged to be confident servant-leaders. Student diversity provides a global perspective of life and faith. Great Lakes' graduates are accepted by colleges and universities of their choice.
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HDCH, founded in 1956, is imaginative, innovative learning environment. Our programs are designed to challenge a wide range of learners. We welcome local and international students into our Christ-Centred community!
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Quo Vadis, through a Polish-English bilingual program, aims to assist in the formation of well-rounded, responsible individuals, promotes academic excellence and encourages self-esteem within a Catholic environment.
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Since our founding in 1896, we have nurtured the unique talents and passions of our students to help them become the leaders of tomorrow, forming them into men and women for others.
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Ottawa Christian School is an independent Christian day school, educating children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 for a life of faithful Christian discipleship and service.
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LCH is the only full-service independent high school in London. Through a Christian worldview, we offer the OSSD, OFSAA sports, extracurriculars, travel opportunities, and authentic learning experiences.
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Brampton Christian School in Caledon, Ontario, offers an academic-based, JK to Grade 12 program, with average class sizes from 18 to 24 students and a one-student tuition cost of $11, 780.
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Providence Academy is the only Private French Catholic School offering a trilingual program of study in Ontario with classes from nursery to grade eight. Tuition: $8,800-10,300. Extracurricular activities: $600-$650.
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RJC is a Grades 10-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs.
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Notre Dame is a private, independent co-educational high school with an exceptional educational & boarding experience with a balance of strong academic, athletic and spiritual growth in a safe & caring prairie community.
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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.
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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
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Central Baptist Academy began as a ministry of Central Baptist Church Brantford in 1978. It's purpose is to provide a regular academic course of study for students, with instruction from a definite Christian world view.
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Carmel New Church School provides a loving, peaceful place with indoor and outdoor classrooms where students are taught to become productive and caring people, both in this life and the next.
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At Olivet School, we focus on building the "whole child". We create a warm, caring environment for our students through small class sizes and integrating Christian values and character development into all that we do.
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Oakville Christian School is committed to instilling confidence in young lives during their formative years, and cultivating in its students solid Christian character traits and values.
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Christ is the center of Richmond Hill Christian Academy. To know Him and to make Him known is our mission while at the same time, preparing the next generation for academic excellence in His service is our goal!
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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.
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We welcome children from all families, Christians, or non-Christians. We tailor make k-12 curriculum to fit each kid’s unique characteristics. our teachers are professional with truthful love & highly responsible.
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At Haven, we equip our students with critical thinking skills, a global perspective, and a respect for core values of honesty, loyalty, perseverance, and compassion.
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Faith is at the center of all we do at MCI- from the court, to the stage, to the classroom. We work to provide a safe space for students to ask questions, dig deeper, grow into who God is calling them to be.
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Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years.
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Total student growth -- academically, athletically, spiritually, and with a heart for community.
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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 students and tuition at $16,300 - $16,900.
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King’s Christian Collegiate is an independent Christian high school providing superb instruction in a safe, stimulating academic environment. Caring staff set the tone for a positive, up-beat culture.
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Glenmore Christian Academy (GCA) is a private school in Calgary with specialist educators in academics, arts, and athletics. Our mission is to Teach Truth, Inspire Excellence, Experience Christ and Serve through Love.
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Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment. Strong academics combined with sports, enriched music, visual arts, and dramatic arts programs provide a well-rounded experience
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North Toronto Christian School offers a full day, co-educational program from junior kindergarten to grade 12.
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St. Michael’s Choir School was founded in 1937 and provides sacred music for services at St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. Located in downtown Toronto, SMCS is an all boys school from grades 3 through 12.
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Incorporating academic excellence, service and peace-making, Rockway is a diverse learning community of students in Grades 7 to 12 including a dynamic international student exchange program.
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Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in York Region. Its average class size is 15 students.
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Collège Bourget is a day & boarding school situated between Montreal & Ottawa. The school offers Quebec's french program from Grade 7 till Grade 11 and english program from Grade 10 till Grade 12.
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Each student is unique. Why be just a number when you can be valued for who you are? We enfold, engage and empower every student in a safe, friendly, and supportive learning community. You belong here!
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Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all-girls English Catholic high school, has been preparing girls to change the world. We offer grades 7 to 12, day school and boarding.
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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.
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Luther College High School values excellence in teaching and cares for our students as individuals in our tight-knit community. Our focus in on the whole student - social, emotional, intellectual, physical and spiritual.
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Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful learning.
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A private Christian college prep school with students from 60 countries, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn high academics, faith education and multicultural immersion.
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All-boys Catholic schools
Find a list of the top all-boys private Catholic schools in Canada. (August 14, 2019)
Christian schools for boys only
Find a list of the top all-boys Christian schools in Canada. (August 14, 2019)
Christian high schools
Find a list of the top private Christian high schools in Canada (June 26, 2019)
Christian elementary schools
Find a list of the top Christian elementary schools in Canada (June 26, 2019)
