Questions to ask schools about their online learning approaches
What you need to know about online learning in schools
Here we provide you with a list of key questions to ask schools that offer online learning.
Here we provide you with a list of key questions to ask schools that offer online learning.
Below, you'll also find two separate lists of schools: (1) fully online schools and (2) partly online schools. But before exploring those, it helps to understand the difference between these two types of schools.
Fully online schools offer education entirely through the internet. All classes are conducted online, and these schools usually don’t have a physical campus. There’s no in-person interaction with teachers, staff, or administrators—everything takes place virtually.
Partly online schools, on the other hand, blend in-person and online learning. While they have a physical campus, they also offer online components, ranging from a few digital resources to full virtual classes. The approach and extent of online learning vary significantly from one school to another.
Some of these schools began offering online programs in response to COVID-19. While some will continue online programming beyond the pandemic, others may return entirely to in-person learning.
Read our more in-depth articles on online learning in schools
To determine whether an online or blended school is right for your child, it’s essential to ask detailed questions. This helps you understand how online learning is delivered, the level of teacher involvement, and what kind of support is offered. Below are key questions grouped by topic:
We list many private schools offering online programs across levels—high school, middle school, elementary, and even preschool. Options exist throughout Ontario (including Toronto), British Columbia (including Vancouver), Quebec, Alberta, and the Maritimes.
Some schools also offer online private tutoring, group tutoring, and even summer school. You can also explore online virtual camps and programs to keep your child learning year-round.
For more questions and a printable checklist, visit Understood’s comprehensive guide.
These schools are completely online and have no physical campus. All of their courses and programs are online.
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"Cambridge Showcase School offering skill-based, globally benchmarked learning in intentionally small classes. Students are known, challenged, and mentored within a focused, close-knit academic community.
—From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Sheppard Avenue East/Highway 401 "Sunray Academy of Canada prepares learners with a personalized high school education (OSSD), empowering them to design their future, pursue global opportunities, and emerge as confident & internationally minded leaders." —From the school
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Brampton, Ontario "OES offers fast, flexible, and fully online OSSD courses with 24/7 tutoring. Join a community where 80% of students achieve over 85%. Expertly supported, Ministry-accredited, and available year-round." —From the school
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Bayfield, Ontario "After 25+ years of teaching courses online, VHS is unrivaled in experience, credibility, and expertise. Our student-centred model provides a world-class educational experience for thousands of Ontario students each year." —From the school
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Nepean, Ontario "R.I.S.E. Academy empowers youth with personalized, experiential learning rooted in equity and the UN SDGs.We focus on inquiry-based, culturally relevant education that fosters creativity, leadership, and community impact" —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario "A place where every learner is seen, heard and empowered to make an impact in their communities. An unparalleled online learning experience, providing academic excellence, experiential learning and personalized support." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/Sheppard Ave "Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Ministry-inspected credit-granting institution offering Grades 6-12 courses in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access." —From the school
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Caledon, Ontario The Gore Road/Old Church "The King's College experience develops in students responsibility, accountability, and ownership of their own learning and a passion for making a difference. Students can attend in person or synchronously online." —From the school
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Ancaster, Ontario "École Louis Legrand is a virtual French K-12 school in Ontario, Canada. Students can attend online and earn their high school diploma from anywhere, no need to travel or arrange accommodations." —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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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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Toronto, Ontario St. Clair Ave West/Avenue Road "Founded on the science of neuroplasticity, Arrowsmith Program provides students with the skills necessary to overcome their learning disabilities and transform their academic, cognitive, emotional and social lives." —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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These schools offer some online courses to supplement their in-person courses.
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"Prestige School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 15 to 20 students.
—From the school
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"Prestige School offers individualized programs from pre-school to grade twelve with an average class size of twelve students. Our new induction into the IB program gives our students an added academic advantage.
—From the school
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"SMLS is the premier independent school for girls west of Toronto.
—From the school
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"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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"Our vision: Life-long Georgians ready to use their scholarship, compassion, conscience and courage to make a difference. Our mission: To challenge and inspire each boy to become the best version of himself.
—From the school
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"Our Adviser Program guides the personalized approach found in all aspects of life at Greenwood. From academics to co-curriculars to outdoor education, students feel engaged as they grow through successes & challenges.
—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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Mississauga, Ontario Mississauga Road/Eglinton Avenue "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
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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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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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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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Ottawa, Ontario Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road "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
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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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Ottawa, Ontario Richmond Rd./John Sutherland Dr. "We drive learners of all ages to ask questions, think critically, solve complex problems collaboratively, and act. Academic success is achieved via dynamic learning, differentiated teaching and meaningful assessments." —From the school
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North York, Ontario Avenue Road/Lawrence Avenue "Through our dynamic individual education plans, mentorship, and therapeutic counselling we ensure all students feel comfortable, respected and cared for, so they stay actively engaged in their educational journey." —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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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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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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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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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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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, scientific, coding, and entrepreneurial achievement across Pre-K - Grade 6." —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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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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North York, Ontario 401/404 "NYA pairs rigorous academics with personalized counselling, US university credit options, and global pathways. 100% grad rate; 90% to Canada’s top-10. A diverse, caring community that grows character and ambition." —From the school
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Whitby, Ontario "Cambridge International Academy offers an enriched curriculum from grades 1 to 12 in Whitby. Central to the school’s philosophy is the belief that students learn best both inside and outside the classroom." —From the school
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Scarborough, Ontario McCowan/Lawrence Ave E. "Future Hope Academy develops confident learners, athletes, and leaders through faith, academic excellence, mentorship, and community service in a Christ-centred environment." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Sheppard "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
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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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Ottawa, Ontario "Our mission is to provide students with the support they deserve to enable them to reach their full academic potential. This solid foundation equips students to confidently pursue their desired post-secondary paths." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bloor St/St. George St "Keystone School offers a globally minded, project-based education in a supportive, close-knit environment—empowering students to think critically, lead confidently, and learn with purpose." —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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Westmount, Quebec Mount Pleasant Avenue/Cedar Avenue "Located in Montreal, QC, Miss Edgar’s & Miss Cramp’s School offers a bilingual education for girls from K-12. From entrepreneurship to STEAM, our unique learning environment empowers girls to lead the way." —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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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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Mississauga, Ontario Tomken Rd./Eglinton Ave. E "Northstar Montessori offers an accredited Montessori curriculum from Toddler age to Grade 8. Our goal is to develop strong character and contributing citizens who understand that their involvement makes a difference." —From the school
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Montreal, Quebec Rue Sherbrooke/Ave Connaught "College Prep International, a traditional private school in Montreal, offers English instruction with partial French immersion, for grades five to twelve. Its average class size range from 12 to 18 Students." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/Lawrence Ave "Blyth Academy has five Ontario campuses offering programming in-person and virtual. As part of the Globeducate network, students benefit from world class academics, personalized learning and global opportunities." —From the school
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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
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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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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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