"Okay, stop the car!," Kyla Staffen told her parents, half in jest and half in panic. "I want to go home!"
Staffen was on her way to boarding school for the first time.
"I didn't know what to expect," says Staffen of the first-day jitters experience.
She had chosen to go to Pinehurst School, a small boarding school in St. Catharines, Ontario that caters to kids with learning difficulties.
But when she was in the car and on her way on this latest adventure, it suddenly became real. Instead of having her own cosy bedroom, she would be in with three other girls and the showers were down the hall.
"Oh, it was strange! I never even shared a room before," she says. "[That night] I think I stared at the ceiling for like three hours. I didn't get much sleep."
It didn't take her long to settle in, but for the first few days she was on the phone regularly to friends back home.
Homesickness is a very natural feeling, says Aimee Belmore, associate director of The Association of Boarding Schools in Washington, D.C.
But experienced school staff know what to do to stem that lonely feeling. For instance, Belmore says, parents can prepare their children by allowing them to take part in other overnight activities, like camp.
Parents also need to find a school where their child will feel at home.
"Every school has a different culture," Belmore says. Visiting the campus is absolutely essential.
Some youngsters will thrive in a fast-paced environment; others, she says, feel more at home in a smaller school.
Belmore urges parents to check the extracurricular activities and make sure they include activities their child already enjoys, which will make finding friends and fitting in easier.
Having a good friend among students or staff is the single best indicator of whether a child will want to return to the school the following year, says Doug Wetherill, admissions director at Sedbergh School, a small boarding school in Montebello, Quebec. At Albert College, in Belleville, Ontario, groundwork begins with the student interview. If a youngster has been away from home—to camp, for instance—how did he or she cope?
"As a parent, I would not send my child (to board) before Grade 7," says Kristopher Churchill, assistant head. Parents are contacted regularly during the summer before a new student arrives, and new students are introduced to their faculty adviser on arrival.
"Kids get homesick, sure they do," Churchill says. "Usually it's that first month that's the big bump."
"Sometimes it's harder on the parents than it is on the kids," says Heather Kidd, who works with Churchill in admissions.
In the first week, it is crucial students are kept busy with activities. Then, Kidd says, residential staff keep alert to clues that a new youngster is feeling blue. Word could even come from something overheard by a member of the kitchen staff.
At Sedbergh School, Grade 11 and 12 students come back a day early to be there to help newcomers. The new students arrive Monday or Tuesday, Wetherill says, so there's no weekend lag, and classes and sports programs start right away. Sedbergh School takes in only 30 new students a year. Parents drop them off in the afternoon and are not encouraged to linger, which can only prolong the discomfort.
Caring staff members are vital. "We have a lot of staff in their 30s," Wetherill says. "They are not beyond saying (to the homesick kid), Hey, let's go mountain biking."
Jeff Warner, dean of residential life at Western Reserve Academy, in Hudson, Ohio, suggests homesickness "is not something that necessarily goes away in the first few weeks. I would say we lose two or three students a year due to homesickness."
His coed school, he says, draws many students from small towns where families have no boarding tradition.
Western Reserve works hard to create that family feeling new students may be missing. Staff and their families live on campus, often have students in their homes and enjoy sit-down meals with boarders to get away from that institutional feeling.
Most kids, Warner says, "soon find friends and feel very comfortable."
As to the parents' role? They should be quite firm about choosing the boarding option rather than wavering, but at the same time should recognize that not every school is for every child, Warner says.
So what should a parent do when a child calls home early, feeling a little blue?
"Be consoling," Wetherill says. "Recognize what they are feeling during that adjustment period." It's also a good idea, he says, to contact the faculty adviser or dorm parent if a child is homesick. In a small school, staff usually would have noticed anyway; in a larger school, "the child may be putting on a brave face," he says.
Like Kyla Staffen, many new students will miss their friends at home just as much —or more than—their parents, says Dave Bird, Pinehurst's principal. "There are always those difficult phone calls, 'My girlfriend says if I don't go home this weekend, she won't go out with me anymore.'"
Parents, he says, should talk about routines for contact, phone calls and weekends (although too many weekends at home mean the student is excluded from much of the school's social life). "What goes through a lot of teens' minds is rejection. They are being sent away. It's not true."
The good news, Wetherill says, is that most teenagers are adaptable and homesickness soon disappears.
Parents tell me that, at first, they get phone calls every night. Then once a week. And then they call the school to see if their son or daughter is still here!
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Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
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.
"The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day & Boarding school for girls. Students build academic skills to thrive at university and beyond. Over $2 million available in financial assistance.
—From the school
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"At Upper Canada College tradition, excellence and innovation meet. UCC inspires boys to lead lives of leadership, service and impact through transformative learning experiences that develop head, heart and humanity.
—From the school
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"Niagara Christian Collegiate offers Grades 6–12 with day and boarding options in a safe, diverse community along the Niagara River. Our graduates earn top university placements in competitive programs worldwide.
—From the school
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"At Ridley College, an IB World School and one of the largest boarding schools in Canada, our mission is to teach students a foundation of skills and habits to pursue their dreams and build fulfilling careers.
—From the school
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"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.
—From the school
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"LCS combines rigorous academics, immersive outdoor learning, and a caring global community on Canada’s largest waterfront campus, giving teens the confidence, curiosity, and skills to thrive and succeed anywhere.
—From the school
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"Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only leading International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls in JK-Grade 12, developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age.
—From the school
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"At TCS, we believe that healthy habits and universal values developed now go a long way in developing curious, capable, and compassionate individuals ready for what's next.
—From the school
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"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.
—From the school
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"Havergal’s supportive environment drives academic excellence and cultivates confident leaders through unparalleled programs, empowering students to pursue their passions, take initiative and thrive.
—From the school
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"Our Beyond the Books approach prioritizes academic success & personal growth, using success to nurture students' confidence & self-esteem to develop a willingness to take risks in the classroom & school activities.
—From the school
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"This traditional private school in Ottawa offers Grades 4-12 with 100 boarding and 650 day students. Tuition ranges from $38,970 to $84,700. Ashbury excels in academics, co-curriculars, and experiential learning.
—From the school
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 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
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 Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. "Recognizing each student's potential in their pursuit of excellence, we encourage progress, we develop opportunities, and we advocate belonging as they create paths that take them into uncharted territories." —From the school
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 Stratford / VR Campus, Ontario Ontario Street/Waterloo Street South "Private intermediate and secondary micro-school in Stratford, Ontario dedicated to providing a holistic education that values academic excellence, moral leadership, emotional well-being and social responsibility." —From the school
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 Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario "SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration in a caring and inclusive community. Through its IB curriculum and rich co-curricular programming, SJK guides students to discover their unique talents and passions." —From the school
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 Caledon, Ontario Hwy 10/Old School Road "The Hill Academy is Canada's premier independent school for students in K-12/PG. Students are challenged in a supportive environment to explore the boundaries of their academic, athletic and leadership potential." —From the school
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 Shawingan Lake, British Columbia "A close-knit IB school blending flexible pathways with outdoor and hands-on learning. We nurture curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking in a supportive community focused on developing balanced, capable humans." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Dundas St W./Mississauga Rd. "The Erindale Academy is a JK-Grade 12 school located next to the University of Toronto Mississauga. We offer small classes, inquiry-based learning, and strong AI and Leadership programs to prepare students for success." —From the school
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 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
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 Toronto, Ontario "MIA is proud to foster a family environment through our small class sizes and close knit academic community. Our support for students goes far beyond the classroom to best prepare them for life after graduation." —From the school
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 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
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 Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Eglinton "We go beyond curriculum expectations to provide opportunities for students to earn admission into their university of choice using our AP accreditation, staff expertise and individualized goals in small classes." —From the school
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 Montreal / Westmount, Quebec "Our community inspires students to discover joy and passion in their learning, purpose in their lives, and the confidence to express their unique selves in a nurturing, inclusive, and collaborative environment." —From the school
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 Newmarket, Ontario Mulock Drive/Bayview Avenue "Pickering College's fully-integrated Global Leadership Program (JK to Grade 12) inspires students to become agents of courageous, ethical and positive change with the confidence, knowledge and skills to shape the future." —From the school
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 Markham, Ontario 14th Ave/Kennedy "Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten." —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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 Oxford, Oxfordshire "St Clare’s, Oxford is England’s oldest IB World School, inspiring globally minded students through academic excellence, leadership, independence and exceptional university preparation." —From the school
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 Laval, Quebec Notre-Dame/ "Laval’s only private English high school—no certificate of eligibility required. A launchpad for future leaders, lifelong learners, and thoughtful citizens through strong academics and real-world learning. Grades 7-12." —From the school
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 Thornhill, Ontario Bathurst Street/Steeles Avenue West "TAIE International is a prestigious international school in Canada, dedicated to academic excellence and university preparation for students in Grades 7–12." —From the school
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 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
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 Rosthern, Saskatchewan "RJC is a Grades 9-12 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
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 Summerland, British Columbia "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
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 Montreal, Quebec De Maisonneuve West/Park Row West "At Kells, flexibility is key. We develop programs allowing students to work within their comfort zone, which may be above, below or at grade level. The result is students who outperform even their own expectations." —From the school
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 North York, Ontario Leslie Street/401 "Enriched STEM, Arts, and AP learning environment with individualized programming, small classes, and personalized support built around each student’s strengths, university goals, and future success." —From the school
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 Rome, Italy Ponte Sublicio/Lungotevere Aventino "An IB World School located in the heart of Rome. A connected community driven by our 5 core values of Scholarship, Integrity, Creativity, Independence, and Care; culturally inspiring students since 1964." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Finch Avenue/Islington Avenue "Nile Academy offers small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, while also following the Ontario Curriculum, ensuring our students are well prepared for the rest of their educational pursuits here in Canada." —From the school
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 South Wales, New York(USA) "With 100 years of expertise, The Gow School is the leader in educating and empowering students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and other language-based learning differences." —From the school
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 Lanciano, Other • Richmond Hill, Ontario "Canadian College Italy blends Ontario academics with Italian culture, offering small classes, personalized support, and immersive travel that helps students grow in confidence, independence, and global perspective." —From the school
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 Vaughan / Woodbridge, Ontario "At Vaughan College instructions are embedded with strategies appropriate to the students' unique needs. We develop students' confidence and their urge to do better, which results in a high university acceptance rate." —From the school
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 Rosseau, Ontario Hwy. 141/Bright Street "At RLC, Muskoka's outdoors become an extension of the classroom. By integrating academics, outdoor education, athletics, and leadership, students build character, resilience, and confidence to thrive beyond high school." —From the school
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 North Vancouver, British Columbia Harbourside Drive/ "A globally oriented university-preparatory day and boarding school combining BC academics, diverse perspectives, and structured pathways that evolve with students from Grades 8–12." —From the school
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 Vancouver, British Columbia West Georgia Street/Robson Street "We aim to create the opportunity for students to achieve their learning goals. In collaborative learning spaces, students explore content, ideas and perspectives to better understand the world around them." —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta "A member of the Third Schools system, ursa extends our principles of independent, inspiriting, and inclusive beyond the traditional classroom to learners wherever they may be." —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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 Neuchâtel, Switzerland • Toronto, Ontario "Neuchâtel Junior College offers a transformative Grade 12 or gap year in Switzerland. Students study Canadian curriculum, immerse themselves in French Swiss culture, and gain independence and a global perspective." —From the school
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 North York / Port Hope, Ontario York Mills Rd/Don Mills Rd "We inspire global learners through a rigorous IB & AP programs, nurturing curiosity, confidence, and character. In a small-class setting, each student receives individual attention to excel and lead globally." —From the school
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 Kelowna, British Columbia Hwy 97/John Hindle Drive "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
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 Windsor, Nova Scotia College Rd/King St "Benefitting from its safe and beautiful Nova Scotia location, King's-Edgehill facilitates the opportunity for every student to Be More – in the classroom, on the sports fields, on stage, in the community and beyond." —From the school
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 Rigaud, Quebec Rue Saint-Pierre/Rue Bourget "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
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 Stanstead, Quebec Dufferin Street/Willow Lane "An English school in a French milieu, Stanstead College is located on the Quebec-Vermont border, offering rigorous university-prep, Grades 7 to 12 (including AP options), in a secure, family-focused learning environment." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Don Mills/York Mills "Westfield is a focused, future-driven private school for ambitious students. We offer rigorous academics, elite university prep, and a high-performance culture for families who value discipline, excellence, and outcomes." —From the school
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 Hamilton, Ontario Rymal Road West/Glancaster Road "HDCH, founded in 1956, is an 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
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 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
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 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
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 Bradenton, Florida(USA) "IMG Academy is the world's leading sports education brand, providing access and opportunity for student-athletes with an innovative suite of on-campus and online programming." —From the school
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 Merrickville, Ontario "Our small class sizes, dynamic club programs, and house-based community activities ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging at Fulford Academy. Whether they are boarding or day students, all individuals know" —From the school
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 Burlington, Ontario Hwy 6/Dundas Street "Laureate’s whole‑brain, cross‑curricular and collaborative project‑based culture, enriched by gifted arts and co‑op programs, offers a forward learning pathway backed by 100% university acceptance rate to date." —From the school
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 Belleville, Ontario "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
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 Scarborough, Ontario Brimley Avenue/Finch Avenue East "RCS’s purpose is to unleash the potential in each student and set them on the path for a successful life. We provide rigorous academics with individual attention in a diverse, energizing, and caring environment." —From the school
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 Woodbridge, Ontario Kipling/Highway 7 "You belong here! At TDChristian, we celebrate each student’s unique gifts in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. With faith, learning, and belonging at our core, we engage, enfold, and empower every student." —From the school
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 Markham, Ontario Woodbine Av./Hwy 7 "Character at the core sets apart J. Addison School. Our goal is to build successful well-rounded individuals guided by our core values—Respect, Kindness, and Manner." —From the school
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 Markham, Ontario McCowan Road/Denison Road "Markham, Ontario; IB School; OSSD; OSSD online credit course; NOIC ACADEMY’s annual university enrolment rate is 100% and we have 95.74% of graduates admitted by University of Toronto in 2024." —From the school
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 Kitchener, Ontario "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." —From the school
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 Vancouver, British Columbia Beatty/Robson ""Learn. Serve. Lead." Dedicated to helping hard-working students get accepted into the world's top Universities." —From the school
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 Victoria, British Columbia "Brookes Westshore is an IB World School on Vancouver Island, BC, offering small class sizes, engaging teachers and a caring community to boarding and day students from grades 4 to 12." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Bronte College Ct "Bronte College integrates rigorous academics, holistic development, and global awareness through STEM education, leadership development, a diverse cultural environment, and inquiry based, hands-on teaching." —From the school
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 Markham / North York, Ontario Don Mills Road/York Mills Road "For over a decade, Merit College has been helping thousands of talented students from local communities and around the world reach their full potential and gain admission to top universities." —From the school
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 Whitby, Ontario Garden Street/Hwy. 2 "Whether exploring science and technology, creating art, or competing in athletics, there is nothing a Trafalgar girl can't handle." —From the school
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 Regina, Saskatchewan "Luther College prepares students to be compassionate, creative, and critical thinkers who go on to create a more grace-filled, just, and joyful world. Luther College is the only IB World School in southern Saskatchewan." —From the school
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 Oshawa, Ontario Wilson Road/Adelaide Ave "At G.B.MS, D.E.P.S and Durham Academy Secondary school focus is on each individual student and helping them meet their unique potential and goals. We believe in excellent customer service and families have a voice. Throughout the year we enhance our programs through program enhancement and enrichment." —From the school
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 Breslau, Ontario "Woodland combines academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement. With a Christ-centered education, diverse curriculum, dedicated faculty, and supportive culture, it's an ideal choice for families." —From the school
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 Sherbrooke, Quebec "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 Diploma Programme and Canadian curricula." —From the school
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 Mill Bay, British Columbia "Brentwood is a leading university prep school that brings to life student choice through its bold tripartite program. We are a true boarding school, not merely a school with boarding, and the ocean is our playground." —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta Garrison Blvd SW/33 Ave SW "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
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Day schools vs. boarding schools
Comparing day and boarding schools (October 17, 2019)
Tips on schools, scholarships and studying abroad
(June 25, 2019)
Education without borders
International boarding school checklist (May 23, 2019)
Coed boarding schools
Find the top private coed boarding schools (May 15, 2019)
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