"We were quite surprised to find that safety was at the top of the list," says Patricia Allison, co-author of the study and part-time professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Western Ontario.
According to the study, many parents reported safety concerns in their previous school systems or said they weren’t willing to take that risk. Key factors in creating a safe school environment include small school sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios.
"Most private schools are much smaller, so you can oversee everything going on at all times," explains Allison. "It’s harder for safety to be a problem in a small school." She also highlights that private schools often have clearly articulated disciplinary philosophies, enabling swift action when issues arise. "Parents in private schools won’t tolerate unsafe situations—schools must respond quickly and appropriately."
How do private schools prepare for emergencies?
At Collingwood School in Vancouver, students undergo lockdown drills every term to build readiness for real emergencies. These drills simulate scenarios such as wildlife intrusions or uninvited individuals entering the school premises.
"As a school, we’re very proactive with it," says Andrew Shirkoff, director of emergency protocol at Collingwood. "It’s become accepted as the norm."
Although no real emergencies have occurred, Collingwood prioritizes preparedness through a dedicated risk management committee that evaluates all student activities—from athletics to international trips—to ensure safety remains a constant focus.
Why does the staff-to-student ratio matter for safety?
At Central Montessori Schools in Toronto, safety is rooted in vigilant supervision and access control.
"Parents hand off their children to a teacher in the morning and pick them up directly from the classroom at day’s end," says Rosa Marcellino, a supervisor at the school. "When kids go outside to play, they do so in small groups with at least three supervisors."
These high staff-to-student ratios, along with ongoing safety training, ensure that student security is always a top priority.
How do private schools foster respect and emotional safety?
With growing awareness about bullying, many schools focus on cultivating respectful, inclusive classrooms.
"When a parent or teacher yells at a kid, the kid often turns around and yells at someone else," says Aaron Sawatsky of St. Jude's Academy. The school emphasizes emotional validation and helps students build self-worth through positive reinforcement and close attention from teachers.
How do private schools ensure online safety?
Digital safety is also a priority. At Lower Canada College in Montreal, the discovery of a student accessing inappropriate content led to the implementation of robust web filtering tools.
"We use a web filter that captures every web request, ensuring students only access safe content," says Gary Millward, director of IT at the school. All students must sign an acceptable-use agreement that outlines expectations around digital behaviour, including respecting others and avoiding inappropriate content or software downloads.
How do private schools create tight-knit communities?
Many private and independent schools function as close communities where everyone knows each other. This social fabric supports a safer environment and often extends to parents and faculty as well.
Some schools, like The Gow School near Buffalo, NY, benefit from rural settings that reduce external risks. With on-campus nurses and security staff, and a full schedule of extracurriculars, students are kept active, engaged, and well-supported.
Why does a safe environment enhance learning?
Safety isn't just about physical security—it also fosters better learning outcomes.
"Studies have shown that kids can learn more if they feel safe," says Sawatsky. "When children aren’t distracted by fear or discomfort, they’re free to focus on what’s being taught."
