Sean is only 16 but he reckons he's ready for university. Two years ago he transferred from his high school in Kanata, near Ottawa, to Stanstead College in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, as a boarder. "I wanted to get into the university of my choice, and this seemed the best way," he says.
It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child. Let our experts and school insiders guide you through your best options, red flags to watch out for, and tips to a successful application.
Private School Expo - Fall 2023 Yes, I want to attend
Maybe Sean didn't realize it, but one of his biggest gains from switching schools would be in the area of life skills. Parents talk about it, schools promote it, but acquiring life skills is a lot harder to describe and measure than, say, winning a scholarship or scoring a goal.
Sean remembers: "The hardest thing was switching my personality-manners at the dinner table, and being courteous. It took a little bit of work."
Promptness and application were two other qualities he acquired. He was used to being at school at 9:00 and going home at 3:30. But at Stanstead College, the day starts with assembly at 8:10 and classes at 8:30, with sports or club activities like jazz or debating at 3:30 and a two-hour study session before bed. The first year his marks dropped about five percent, but have since picked up. By the end though, he was a prefect, and was offered a scholarship to take commerce at Queen's, the university of his choice.
"I guess I have learned I am capable of reacting to change," he says. "I am a much more rounded person."
Christian Wells, assistant headmaster at Stanstead College, sees it as a whole package of life skills-from the family-style lunches with place settings that students enjoy with their advisers in the first four weeks of school, to the emphasis on public speaking at the daily assemblies, to learning time management. "I think certainly in a boarding school, you learn to handle yourself and that gives you a great advantage in the first year at university."
Part of it, he says, is, "we keep the kids extremely busy." It's a theme repeated by Courtenay Shrimpton, assistant headmaster and director of student life at St. Andrew's College, in Aurora, Ontario. "Here, it's cool to be involved," he says. "Heart, mind, body and spirit, through academics, clubs, leadership, sports. The spirit of this place is that those who are most involved are the ones who are most admired by the school community and the other students." The school's mission, he says, echoing the ideal of many institutions, "is to produce the complete man."
An one-of-a-kind program that promotes science and critical thinking [Read more]
Chase your passion with a one-of-a-kind sports opportunity at Académie Ste-Cécile International School [Read more]
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]
|
Meet them at the Expo: Oct 14
"Confident Learners. Inspiring Leaders. Creating a thriving world.
—From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo: Oct 14
"Our goal is for SCS students to understand learning as an outcome in and of itself. Learning that doesn't follow a straight path. And if it gets messy, that's okay, because at SCS it's safe to explore and be who you are.
—From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo: Oct 14
"The York School is a JK-Grade 12 Gender Inclusive IB World School in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world.
—From the school
|
|
Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. "Parents trust us to personalize the educational experience of each girl, to care for each girl, to challenge her to grow, to build a supportive community around her, and, most importantly, to prepare her for the future." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "Learning is not one to many. It's many to one. From the teachers to the principal to the coaches and beyond, learning at WillowWood is a team approach." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario Spadina/St Clair Ave W "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." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Ottawa, Ontario Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road "Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario Dufferin Avenue/401 Highway "The Sterling Hall School understands how boys learn best. Teacher relationships and extensive co-curriculars empower and inspire each boy. Our focus on learning, character and community ensure all boys belong." —From the school
|
|
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario QEW/Erin Mills Parkway "GlenOak Academy offers an educational experience as EXTRAORDINARY as your child! Our innovative, engaging approach to teaching and learning focuses on positive relationships, character development and academic success." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/Sheppard Ave "Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Ministry-inspected credit-granting institution offering Grades 7-12 courses in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access." —From the school
|
|
Victoria, British Columbia "We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects." —From the school
|
|
Belleville, Ontario "We are a therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 3-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home stay or boarding environments" —From the school
|
|
Oakville, Ontario Winston Churchill/Lakeshore Road East "Clanmore is one of the few schools offering authentic Montessori programming from Toddler - Middle School. Our culture is warm and inviting and our philosophy empowers us to support each child as a unique individual." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Stratford, Ontario Ontario Street/Waterloo Street South "Private Secondary School in Stratford, Ontario dedicated to providing a holistic education that values happiness, academic excellence, personal growth, and social responsibility." —From the school
|
|
Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/King Road "Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. is a private school for intellectually gifted students in Richmond Hill, Ontario, from grades 1 through 8." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Eglinton "We go beyond curriculum expectations to provide opportunities for students to earn admission into their choice of university using our AP accreditation, staff expertise and individual goal setting in small classes." —From the school
|
|
Calgary, Alberta "Calgary French & International School's immersive French language learning environment and enriched curriculum for children aged 2 to grade 12 inspires a deep curiosity, respect and exploration of the world around them." —From the school
|
|
London, Ontario Wellington Street/Central Avenue "Sycamore School offers grades 8-12 personalized education in an alternative programs that address the needs of secondary school students who may thrive in a small community of learners working toward graduation." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario Don Mills Rd/York Mills Rd "Building on internationally acclaimed preschool reading success, SLI has grown into a hub for ground-breaking student achievement in literary, STEM, and artistic achievement across Pre-K - Gr 6 (offered on site/ online)" —From the school
|
|
Thetford, Vermont(USA) "TA’s award-winning faculty are recognized for their innovative teaching practices, learners are engaged, and diversity is celebrated. TA students work collaboratively and independently to reach their full potential." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Etobicoke, Ontario "Oak Learners inspires meaningful learning every day for students in Kindergarten through Grade Eight. Passionate teachers nurture children’s natural curiosity about their world with hands-on experiences." —From the school
|
|
St Catharines, Ontario Ontario St./Welland Ave. "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
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario "Howlett Academy is a private, co-educational school for JK to Grade 8. Accountability, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation, Creativity and Energy are our core values." —From the school
|
|
Ottawa, Ontario Conroy Rd/Walkey Rd "Astolot Educational Centre is a day school with grades 1 to 12 in Ottawa, Ontario. Classroom teacher-student ratios are 1 to 10. Students have the ability to reach their full potential with Astolot programming." —From the school
|
|
Calgary, Alberta 17th Ave SW/Richmond Road SW "In addition to academics, our focus on mentorship, hands-on learning in and outside the classroom, and character development, will allow our students to thrive academically and personally as they discover who they are." —From the school
|
|
Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "NOW WITH LICENSED DAYCARE! Bring your child for a free trial to let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!" —From the school
|
|
Toronto, Ontario Bayview Ave/Broadway Ave "A daily goal is for our children to arrive at school excited for the day ahead. Aside from our excellent academic programs, we plan many fun events for the children to enjoy throughout the school year." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Aurora, Ontario St. John's Sideroad/Yonge Street "With a tradition dating back to 1899, St. Andrew's remains the single largest all-boys boarding school in Canada. Our 126-acre campus provides our students with an ideal setting for learning and growth." —From the school
|
|
Cambridge, Ontario Franklin Blvd/Myers Road "OAK BRIDGE ACADEMY is an alternative, not-for-profit school. Our highest priority is to provide financially accessible, highly specialized education to every child with learning exceptionalities." —From the school
|
|
Merrickville, Ontario St. Lawrence Street/Elgin Street "Whether your child is excelling or not reaching their potential, our inclusive, safe, diverse and caring community, with individualized academic attention will improve academic standing, confidence and self-esteem." —From the school
|
|
Rosthern, Saskatchewan "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." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Hamilton, Ontario Garth Street/Fennell Avenue West "Established in 1901, Hillfield Strathallan College is one of Canada’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering academic programs from Montessori Toddler and Pre-K to Grade 12, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada." —From the school
|
|
Vancouver, British Columbia West Hastings St./Granville St. "Alexander Academy is a private high school offering the BC Dogwood High School Diploma and a unique University Transfer Program in a culturally rich and academically challenging environment." —From the school
|
|
North York, Ontario Bathurst/Wilson "Magnificent Minds Inc. caters to students whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing personal best through a balanced approach to education." —From the school
|
|
Toronto, Ontario Bloor St. W/Spadina Ave. "UTS is a hub where the boldest and brightest young minds come together. Rigorous academics are complemented by vibrant co-curriculars including clubs, committees, publications, athletics, and performance groups." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario "GIST is the only full-time German school in Toronto offering high-quality education that empowers students to excel as global citizens. Our Character framework strengthens and promotes the best in every student." —From the school
|
|
Montreal (DDO), Quebec "West Island College offers French and French Immersion programs from grades 7 to 11 in Montreal. It is a leader in innovative teaching methods. Average class size 24 students." —From the school
|
|
Rothesay, New Brunswick Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd "Our unique, daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support." —From the school
|
|
Calgary, Alberta Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW "Clear Water Academy is the only private Catholic school in Alberta. We offer a rigorous academic program from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12 for students of all faiths. 100% of our students pursue post-secondary education." —From the school
|
|
West Vancouver, British Columbia "Collingwood’s personalized and inclusive approach fosters academic excellence and well-being as our students explore opportunities across the four strands--academics, athletics, arts and service learning." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/King St "Keystone students become internationally-minded inquirers, who ask questions and seek their own answers through both local and global perspectives. By nurturing students’ natural curiosity, we foster a love for learning." —From the school
|
|
Toronto, Ontario Queen/Silver Birch "The Cole Academy welcomes students of all genders and orientations and their families. Using stories of under-represented communities, TCA prepares students socially, emotionally, and academically for future schooling." —From the school
|
|
Summerland, British Columbia "Looking for an education that's out of the ordinary? Unisus School is a Pre - K to Grade 12 day and boarding school in Canada's Okanagan, offering the International Baccalaureate program + the B.C. Diploma (Dogwood)." —From the school
|
|
Duncan, British Columbia Brownsey Avenue/Government Street "Queen Margaret's School is a gender inclusive independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC that focuses on preparing young trailblazers...no two journeys are the same." —From the school
|
|
Fort Erie, Ontario Central Avenue/Wintemute Street "FEIA's environment fosters global awareness and advances our student body into responsible and globally aware citizens who are well-equipped for life beyond academics." —From the school
|
|
Toronto, Ontario Church/Bloor "Founded in 1997, the Abelard School is a small independent school for grades 7 through 12, located in downtown Toronto. It offers small class sizes and an enriched, integrated curriculum to bright, motivated students." —From the school
|
|
West Vancouver, British Columbia Upper Levels Highway/Cypress Bowl exit "By inspiring excellence – the continuous pursuit of personal best - in education and life, Mulgrave strives to equip lifelong learners to thrive in a diverse and interdependent world." —From the school
|
|
Oakville, Ontario QEW Highway/403 Highway "Walden International School is the only private school in Halton region that is authorized to deliver the IB PYP and MYP programmes. Walden is committed to Making Good People. And, from goodness arises greatness." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Ottawa, Ontario Kirkwood/Laperriere "Revel Academy is a learner-driven micro-school that utilizes adaptive and mastery-based technology, Socratic discussions, hands-on projects, and real-world apprenticeships in an innovative, character-forging community." —From the school
|
|
Ottawa, Ontario Carling Avenue/Broadview Avenue "Edelweiss Private Academy offers elementary education to students with ASD and other exceptionalities, maintaining small teacher to student ratios. We promote strong academic, physical and social-emotional development." —From the school
|
|
Hamilton, Ontario Rymal Road West/Glancaster Road "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!" —From the school
|
|
Hamilton, Ontario Main St. W./Longwood Rd. S. "Columbia International College is Canada’s largest private boarding school, offering Grade 9 to 12 programs. #1 in scholarships awarded by universities. The University of Toronto's official Global Partner School." —From the school
|
|
Meet them at the Expo
Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/Davisville Ave "2E Learners, differentiated profiles AP, Reach Ahead classes, and enrichment Academic focus on inquiry and critical analysis Collaborative and feedback-rich environment Unique and robust clubs/extra curriculars" —From the school
|
Helping kids deal with climate anxiety
An one-of-a-kind program that promotes science and critical thinking (August 17, 2023)
Combining high academics with prep hockey
Chase your passion with a one-of-a-kind sports opportunity at Académie Ste-Cécile International School (July 24, 2023)
British Columbia International Baccalaureate schools
Find IB schools throughout the province of BC (July 7, 2023)
Sustainability, responsibility, and accessibility (in service of student success)
(May 15, 2023)
Vancouver Island private schools
Find the best private and independent schools on Vancouver Island (May 11, 2023)
