100% Canadian
Canada's Guide
to Private Schools
 
Find Schools
Evaluate Schools
Explore Advice
Meet Schools

My Shortlist

Keep track of your top schools
1

BUILD YOUR SHORTLIST

Login or sign up to save schools.
2

EVALUATE YOUR SCHOOLS

3

TRACK IMPORTANT DATES

Trusted by families since 1998.
Ridley College logo
in-depth report
OUR KIDS Report:
Report on Ridley College
TOPICS
Grades JK — 12 — St. Catharines, ON (Map)
 Add to shortlist
Visit school website

THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Ridley College
REPORT CONTENTS
Reviews
Analysis

Boarding Life


Ridley College’s boarding program, encompassing Grades 6 to 12, features a notably high proportion of boarding students compared to most other institutions. Parents and alumni highlight the school’s focus on personal and academic growth, the diverse community that fosters cultural exchange, and the unique, familial atmosphere that enriches the boarding experience.

Page Contents

Facts and analysis

Boarding Population

Ridley College has 368 boarding students, which is 42% of its total enrollment.

The proportion of boarding students at Ridley College is larger than 56% of other boarding schools we cover.

  • Breakdown by grade

    Grade Boarding students as a percentage of total enrollment per grade
    Ridley College Median of all other boarding schools
    Gr. 66%20%
    Gr. 711%20%
    Gr. 819%19%
    Gr. 944%40%
    Gr. 1069%48%
    Gr. 1172%53%
    Gr. 1268%60%

  • Why it matters

    The size of a school’s boarding population and its ratio to total enrollment shape the character of campus life. A larger boarding community can create a more immersive residential environment and a more consistent daily rhythm that often includes day students as well. A smaller boarding population typically strikes a balance between two styles of campus life, juxtaposing the intensity of boarding with the flexibility of the day student experience.

Boarding grades

Ridley College offers boarding for students in Grades 6 to 12.

Across all Canadian schools, boarding can begin in the middle school years (Grades 6–7) and continue through Grade 12, though most boarding programs focus on the high school grades.

  • Breakdown by grade
    Grade Boarding enrollment
    Ridley College Median of all other boarding schools
    Gr. 632
    Gr. 764
    Gr. 8145
    Gr. 94426
    Gr. 108728
    Gr. 1110520
    Gr. 1210911

  • Why it matters

    The grades in which boarding is offered shape the overall experience of residential and school life. They determine not only when students can first join the boarding community, but also how their daily routines, peer groups, and developmental experiences unfold over time. Comparing a school’s boarding grade range with national patterns provides valuable context, revealing how early boarding can begin, how long it can continue, and how a school’s approach aligns with or differs from other Canadian schools.

 

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.


Education at Ridley focuses on flourishing through personal and academic growth.

Perspectives from administrators, parents, and students highlight that Ridley College emphasizes a balance of academic excellence and personal development, supported by structured programming and a strategic alignment with its mission.

Having attended boarding school myself over 30 years ago, I can say that today it is a very different and positive experience. Ridley has provided my boys with character development, maturity, and a well-rounded education. The school has been a wonderful platform, helping them flourish as students and as people. As a parent, I have always felt settled and reassured, and I am grateful for the choice we made.
—Kiran Chandiramani-Perkins, parent (beginning in Gr. 9) (see full interview)
The concept of flourishing is deeply embedded in every part of our program. We believe the primary purpose of education is to teach young people how to lead flourishing lives and help others do the same. As a boarding school, and even for our day students who live a boarding-style life, we are uniquely positioned to support balance: the pursuit of academic excellence alongside the pursuit of goodness and well-being. Our academic supports include a full learning center, peer and external tutoring, and evening study hours. At the same time, we emphasize personal development, emotional resilience, meaning, and purpose—skills rooted in the science of positive psychology.
—Ed Kidd, school leader (see full interview)
I use this analogy: PYP is nurturing, MYP builds independence, Upper School prepares them to fly. My son is a day student but stays until 9 p.m. sometimes. He has a room and a desk—he loves being there. I’d rather have him there, in a learning environment, than somewhere else. Upper School’s strength is the boarding program. They’re exploring how day students can participate more, even virtually. I think that’s an important direction.
—Jo Hanna, parent (see full interview)

Diverse community enhances cultural exchange and learning.

Observations from administrators, parents, and the community reveal that Ridley College's diverse international and local population fosters rich cultural exchanges, offering students a globally representative education and a deeper understanding of the world.

It stands out that Ridley College is an international coed boarding and day school. You end up having a lot of different kinds of people from different walks of life. The experiences and perspectives that they have, just by a matter of everyone meeting together in the dining hall, or being in the dorms, they're going to share that with you. You're going to learn a lot more about other people and begin to realize things about yourself.
—Christian, alum (see full discussion)
This year, we have 62 nationalities represented at our school, which makes Ridley, as far as nationalities are concerned, truly one of the most diverse schools in the world. We are somewhat unique in that we are a large boarding school—one of Canada’s largest—with 380 students living on campus. They come from all over Canada and all over the world. We have intentionally sought the best and brightest students from a variety of nations, bringing a rich diversity to our campus. Even within our day population, which makes up nearly 50%, we see immense diversity. In the Niagara region, many families have moved from the GTA or other parts of the world and are seeking a world-class education. This brings a wonderful texture to our community.
—Ed Kidd, school leader (see full interview)
I think what's surprising about the school is actually just how international Ridley College is, and that balance between day students and boarders. I know that there are Canadian families who send their kids to boarding school, but within the dorm, you're going to find different subgroups.
—Christian, alum (see full discussion)

Ridley College’s atmosphere creates a unique and familial boarding experience.

Accounts from students, parents, and alumni suggest that Ridley College's beautiful campus, unique traditions, and supportive staff cultivate a nurturing and captivating environment, making the boarding experience feel like being part of an extended family.

It’s such a great experience for boarders. Each house is run differently, with its own traditions. There’s Saturday school, house activities, and outings. It becomes a long-standing tradition—siblings and even generations follow into the same house.
—Jo Hanna, parent (see full interview)
The admissions process was great. We live in the GTA, so it meant that we had multiple options for schools our daughter could go to. She did apply and get accepted at other schools. It was when we went to Ridley that we really felt that the experience made us feel at home as a family. When my daughter made the decision that she was comfortable with the boarding aspect of school, it was a really easy choice to choose Ridley because it aligned with what we were looking for in a school. It has been an amazing experience for our daughter, and it has really allowed her to thrive. Our decision process in choosing a school was: how do we set our kids up to become the best version of themselves? Ridley has done a fantastic job of that for our daughter.
—Jennifer Alexander, parent (beginning in Gr. 9) (see full interview)
My daughter stepped in not knowing anyone, on day one, when we dropped her off for boarding, and that is an overwhelming experience. They were there every step of the way. Now she is entering her last year, she is going to be one of the heads of the school, and she has really taken to the experience. She has chosen to participate in all the school has to offer, including sports and extracurriculars, and that has been just a great experience. The support she has been given by teachers, coaches, and friends, along with opportunities to try things out of her comfort zone, has been a great experience. Living at the school and immersing herself in the process has been phenomenal.
—Jennifer Alexander, parent (beginning in Gr. 9) (see full interview)

Ridley offers a balanced and engaged lifestyle for students.

Insights from students, staff, and parents indicate that Ridley College provides a mix of structured and spontaneous activities, enabling students to thrive academically, explore diverse interests, and develop through community service and engagement.

Boarding has given my children the chance to grow into good young people and responsible citizens. The school nurtures self-growth and character building. I have always felt welcomed and supported, and my experiences over the last four years have been entirely positive. Ridley offers a well-rounded program that balances academics, sports, arts, and community. The emphasis on community involvement was especially important to me, as I believe young people should contribute to the communities they live in.
—Kiran Chandiramani-Perkins, parent (beginning in Gr. 9) (see full interview)
I know that Ridley, as a community, is quite involved within the local community of St. Catherine's. I know that in my boarding house … one of our yearly events to get engaged with the local community was going door to door during Halloween to collect canned goods. Ridley College really does pride itself on service.
—Vida, alum (see full discussion)

Ridley's location provides a mix of study focus and adventure.

Students share that Ridley's strategically situated campus allows for both dedicated study time and nearby adventures, offering a balanced mix of academic focus and exploratory experiences.

When we came to Canada for our final decision, walking onto campus, we just knew. The campus is beautiful and very well-maintained. It’s hard not to imagine your kids walking on those grounds. There’s a really natural atmosphere. The old buildings, the ice rink, the boarding houses—it’s just stunning.
—Jo Hanna, parent (see full interview)
 

OUR KIDS REPORT: Ridley College

  Previous: Student Body
Next: Tuition  

Continue your research on Ridley College:

 Add to shortlist
Visit school website
 Add to shortlist
Visit school website
How helpful is this report?
We'd love to hear your feedback at [email protected]
Our Kids
Get the eNewsletter
Canada's Guide to Private Schools
Canada's Guide to Camps & Programs

By logging in or creating an account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Information presented on this page may be paid advertising provided by the advertisers [schools/camps/programs] and is not warranted or guaranteed by OurKids.net or its associated websites. By using this website, creating or logging into an Our Kids account, you agree to Our Kids' Terms and Conditions. Please also see our Privacy Policy. Our Kids ™ © 2023 All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive our exclusive eNews twice a month.


Name
Email
Verify Code
verification image, type it in the box
You can withdraw consent by unsubscribing anytime.

Our Kids
From OUR KIDS, Canada’s Guide to Private Schools,
Camps & Kids' Programs.