Many sources ostensibly offer a list of the best boarding schools. At Our Kids, we're hesitant to do this, because there is no such thing as the top boarding school for any child no matter who that child is. Sources such as The Fraser Institute rank schools based on a variety of criteria. We believe you need to make your own decision about what is best for you and your child, based on your unique needs and considerations. We don't think you should trust anyone else to make that decision for you. That said, we help you prioritize your own needs and find schools that best match your top priorities.
Before you decide on the boarding school, in Canada or elsewhere, that is highest on your list, you need to consider the following ideas from our step by step guide to choosing the right school:
Understand the needs of your child, prioritize these, and decide how important it is that a school matches up with these needs. If your child has a learning disorder that takes priority over many other considerations, for example, many boarding schools have a variety of solutions to that.
Make a list of priorities that includes other considerations such as finances, location, class sizes, size of the school, and other factors that you might think important.
Make a short list of 3 to 5 boarding schools, then begin evaluating which is best for your family's needs. Our Kids' private school expos are the industry leader in helping parents meet face-to-face with schools. If you can attend an expo, this is the best way to learn about the schools you are interested in. It is ideal to narrow your search down to 2 or 3 schools, visit those schools and learn all you can firsthand about them.
Download Our Kids' Guide to Choosing the Best School
As you move closer to deciding on the boarding school that is best for you, keep in mind this list of other factors:
The environment created by the boarding school. How big is the school?
What is the boarding school's philosophy, and how does that match your own? What is the school's motto? What is the school's policy on bullying? Answers to these and other questions should be important in your final decision.
Extracurricular activities, including sports and others.
Academic placement. This is a huge factor for many parents choosing a boarding school and one of the biggest determining factors in traditional lists of "best boarding schools." You want to know how many alumni have gone on to the best universities and had the most successful careers.
All of that said, boarding schools have a lot to offer. Many of these schools provide terrific special needs support, extracurricular resources, and specialized programming.
Child-specific advice on choosing a boarding school
Read our child-specific insights on choosing the right school, including boarding schools. We explore how choosing the right type of school crucially depends on kids' unique traits, such as their mental and academic focus, social tendencies, and activity level.
To customize over 350 school profiles with insights unique to your child's traits, create a child profile through an Our Kids user account.
Below, easily locate many of the finest boarding schools from across North America and around the world.
Our complete list includes some of the highest quality boarding schools in places as wide-ranging as Vancouver, Toronto, upstate New York, Florida, and elsewhere.
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"Focussed on Community First, Outdoors Every Day, and Authentic Learning, LCS offers a world-class, individualized, day/boarding program (Grades 9 -12) designed for teenager to be leaders who care, connect and contribute.
—From the school
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for students’ academic & personal growth, nurturing students' confidence & self-esteem and willingness to take risks through the classroom & organized activities.
—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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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"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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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"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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"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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"SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration and experiential learning. Through its IB curriculum, SJK provides exciting experiences and guides students to discover their talents and passions. Go beyond at SJK.
—From the school
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Meet them at the Expos: Oct 04, Oct 19
"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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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"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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"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
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"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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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
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Victoria, British Columbia "GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that empowers and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life." —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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Victoria, British Columbia Richmond Rd/McRae Ave "Independent Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, Canada focusing on outstanding preparation for life. Find out how a SMUS education can benefit your family." —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, 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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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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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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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 academic skills to thrive at university and beyond. Over $2 million available in financial assistance." —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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North Vancouver, British Columbia Harbourside Drive/ "Bodwell High School provides a competitive, well-rounded education with strong student support. The school's motto, "Strength in Diversity," pays homage to the 40+ countries students come from to live and learn together." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
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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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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Fort Erie, Ontario Townline Rd./Niagara Parkway "Niagara Christian Collegiate offers both middle school and secondary school programs from Grades 6-12. Graduating students achieve top university placements around the world. We accept both day and boarding students." —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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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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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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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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Meet them at the Expo
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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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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Kimberley, British Columbia "Grateful. Mindful. Purposeful. Successful. At Purcell Collegiate School, we will prep you--for university and for life. Learn more about the Uprep@PCS suite of extra-curricular programs on our website." —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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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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Meet them at the Expos
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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Meet them at the Expos
Burlington, Ontario Hwy 6/Dundas Street "Our belief is Forward Learning. Transforming People. We focus on S.T.E.A.M., collaborative project-based learning, gifted arts, 21st-century skills, and inquiry-based thinking to empower students with global competencies" —From the school
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Vaughan, 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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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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Meet them at the Expo
Belleville, Ontario "Discover an exceptional education. Albert College is an independent boarding and day school for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12." —From the school
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Montreal, Quebec Atwater/Docteur-Penfield "Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all-girls English Catholic high school, has been preparing girls to change the world. We offer grades 7 to 12, day school and boarding." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "Our vision is student success. Success is realized through our highly flexible programs, outstanding instructional delivery, and extensive student supports. Our bursary program ensures our services are accessible to all." —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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Toronto, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "Hawthorn is the only independent, Catholic-inspired, all girls school in Toronto that provides character education, personal mentorship, and a classical liberal arts education that is university preparatory." —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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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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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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Summerland, British Columbia "Want your child to experience an education that goes beyond textbooks? UNISUS is a K-12 IB boarding school that strives to make education an enjoyable, memorable experience that fully prepares students for any future." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "SMS has been leading the way in girls' education since 1908. Our 22-acre Victoria campus attracts leaders from around the world. We are the sole girl-centred school on Vancouver Island." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
North York, Ontario Leslie Street/401 "Webtree Academy offers a rich learning experience in STEM, ARTS and AP in a highly individualized curriculum fully customized to each students needs." —From the school
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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
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Meet them at the Expo
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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Kelowna, British Columbia Hwy 97/John Hindle Drive "Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School in Kelowna, British Columbia offers programs for Preschool to Grade 12 with enrollment of 700 day students and class sizes that range from 16-22 students." —From the school
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Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia "Beginning in Grade 8, our unique Shawnigan journey purposefully guides students through a distinct, unparalleled and bold educational experience on our stunning waterfront campus on Canada’s beautiful West Coast." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
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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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
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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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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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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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St. Catharines, Ontario Ridley Road/Henrietta Street "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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Meet them at the Expo
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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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 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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Kanata, Ontario Terry Fox/Maple Grove "At OSA Private School, we provide a distinctive educational environment where students can pursue their passion for sports or the arts while receiving a comprehensive, competitive and supportive academic foundation." —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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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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Vancouver, British Columbia Dunsmuir/Seymour "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
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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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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
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Lanciano, Chieti "Canadian College Italy provides a nurturing environment on our beautiful historic campus so that students may experience an intellectual awakening — a passion for the pursuit of reason, human connection, and curiosity." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Garrison Blvd SW/33 Ave SW "Experience exceptional bilingual education in Calgary with dual French Ministry & Alberta Education curricula. A unique bilingual journey from preschool to high school! Join us now!" —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
Ottawa, Ontario Mariposa Avenue/Springfield "This traditional private school in Ottawa offers Grades 4-12 with 100 boarding and 600-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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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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Montreal, 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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Rosseau, Ontario Hwy. 141/Bright Street "Through extraordinary learning opportunities rooted in meaningful outdoor education experiences in our unique natural environment, RLC graduates develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to take on any challenge." —From the school
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Bracebridge, Ontario "Dewey Institute adheres to John Dewey's 'student centered' & 'learning by doing' and the cultivation of harmonious character, sportsmanship, and aesthetic abilities, for a holistic preparing individuals for success." —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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Collingwood, Ontario Oak Street/Third Street "National Ski Academy offers a fully integrated high-performance alpine racing program and rigorous secondary education. Located in Collingwood, Ontario, beside the escarpment and the shores of Georgian Bay." —From the school
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Boarding schools attract some of the finest instructors available, including remedial teachers to help students dealing with learning disabilities. Core competencies of schools listed below include strong remedial support for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, and various other language -based learning disorders.
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for students’ academic & personal growth, nurturing students' confidence & self-esteem and willingness to take risks through the classroom & organized activities.
—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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Meet them at the Expo
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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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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Fort Erie, Ontario Townline Rd./Niagara Parkway "Niagara Christian Collegiate offers both middle school and secondary school programs from Grades 6-12. Graduating students achieve top university placements around the world. We accept both day and boarding students." —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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Victoria, British Columbia "SMS has been leading the way in girls' education since 1908. Our 22-acre Victoria campus attracts leaders from around the world. We are the sole girl-centred school on Vancouver Island." —From the school
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Meet them at the Expo
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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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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Kanata, Ontario Terry Fox/Maple Grove "At OSA Private School, we provide a distinctive educational environment where students can pursue their passion for sports or the arts while receiving a comprehensive, competitive and supportive academic foundation." —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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A number of top boarding schools offer specialized support for ADHD and other special needs. Because they are uniquely positioned economically, and often ahead of the curve in understanding the special needs of students, the schools listed below offer the best support for your child with ADHD and other related learning challenges.
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04
"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for students’ academic & personal growth, nurturing students' confidence & self-esteem and willingness to take risks through the classroom & organized activities.
—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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Meet them at the Expo
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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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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Fort Erie, Ontario Townline Rd./Niagara Parkway "Niagara Christian Collegiate offers both middle school and secondary school programs from Grades 6-12. Graduating students achieve top university placements around the world. We accept both day and boarding students." —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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Meet them at the Expo
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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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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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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Sporting competition is a heavier emphasis at some boarding schools than others. There are Canadian and US boarding schools with a track record of turning out some of the very best athletes in hockey, for example. Other boarding schools excel in producing world-class competitors in canoeing, kayaking, and related water sports. Olympic glory has awaited many alumni of boarding schools that excel in athletics, as listed below.
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"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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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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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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Many NHLers played hockey in boarding school varsity leagues. Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Brad Richards, Wendel Clark, and many others donned high school hockey jerseys for top prep schools, as a critical component of their development. A number of one-time boarders praise the boarding experience as helping them develop unique leadership skills that helped them develop as players certainly, but also as people. And of course, the integration of boarding school allows you extra rink time you wouldn't have anywhere else, to hone your on-ice skills and give you all the time you want to play the game you love.
Below is a list of boarding schools with exceptionally strong hockey programs, including both varsity play and intramural.
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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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Kanata, Ontario Terry Fox/Maple Grove "At OSA Private School, we provide a distinctive educational environment where students can pursue their passion for sports or the arts while receiving a comprehensive, competitive and supportive academic foundation." —From the school
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When boarding schools offer open houses, this affords families a unique opportunity to check out schools, the grounds, and the environment of the school. If you allow yourself enough time to check out a good selection of schools, you can make a wise, appropriately careful decision, finding the best boarding school for you and your family.
| School name | Date | Location |
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College Bourget | September 13, 2025 1:00 pm | College Bourget 65 rue Saint-Pierre Rigaud QC J0P1P0 |
North Star Academy Laval | September 25, 2025 6:00 pm | |
Pickering College | October 18, 2025 10:00 am | Pickering College 16945 Bayview Avenue Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4X2 |
Pickering College | October 18, 2025 1:00 pm | Pickering College 16945 Bayview Avenue Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4X2 |
Hamilton District Christian High | October 25, 2025 5:30 pm | Hamilton District Christian High 92 Glancaster Road Ancaster Ontario L9G 3K9 |
Pickering College | January 31, 2026 10:00 am | Pickering College 16945 Bayview Avenue Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4X2 |
Pickering College | January 31, 2026 1:00 pm | Pickering College 16945 Bayview Avenue Newmarket Ontario L3Y 4X2 |
Hamilton District Christian High | February 07, 2026 11:00 am | Hamilton District Christian High 92 Glancaster Road Ancaster Ontario L9G 3K9 |
The Our Kids' Private School Expos allow you to meet face-to-face with representatives and students from boarding schools from across the world. You'll also get a taste of what boarding school is like, as you talk to students attending those schools, now. In face-to-face conversation, they can share with you their personal experience of what it was like to leave home, attend boarding and immerse themselves in some of the richest education experiences in the world. Learn more at ourkids.net/expo/.
Legend:
| DS | DC | SE | CC | IS | CL | AC | LI | AP | IB | SN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lakefield College School | |||||||||||
Bond Academy | |||||||||||
St. George's School | |||||||||||
Havergal College | |||||||||||
Upper Canada College | |||||||||||
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame | |||||||||||
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | |||||||||||
Appleby College | |||||||||||
Trinity College School | |||||||||||
Merrick Preparatory School | |||||||||||
Branksome Hall | |||||||||||
WillowWood School | |||||||||||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | |||||||||||
The Hill Academy | |||||||||||
St. Michaels University School | |||||||||||
Balmoral Hall School | |||||||||||
Nancy Campbell Academy | |||||||||||
Rothesay Netherwood School | |||||||||||
Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning | |||||||||||
The Bishop Strachan School | |||||||||||
McDonald International Academy | |||||||||||
Bodwell High School | |||||||||||
Toronto STEM School | |||||||||||
Woodland Christian High School | |||||||||||
Niagara Christian Collegiate | |||||||||||
Royal Crown School | |||||||||||
Bishop's College School | |||||||||||
Westfield Secondary School | |||||||||||
Toronto District Christian High School | |||||||||||
Lowell High School | |||||||||||
Brentwood College School | |||||||||||
Purcell Collegiate School | |||||||||||
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate | |||||||||||
IMG Academy | |||||||||||
J. Addison School | |||||||||||
Laureate College | |||||||||||
Vaughan College Private School | |||||||||||
Pickering College | |||||||||||
Albert College | |||||||||||
The Sacred Heart School of Montreal | |||||||||||
ursa | |||||||||||
Luther College High School | |||||||||||
Hawthorn School | |||||||||||
College Bourget | |||||||||||
Stanstead College | |||||||||||
Rosthern Junior College High School | |||||||||||
Kells Academy | |||||||||||
Unisus School | |||||||||||
St. Margaret's School | |||||||||||
Webtree Academy | |||||||||||
Columbia International College | |||||||||||
Trafalgar Castle School | |||||||||||
Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School | |||||||||||
Shawnigan Lake School | |||||||||||
Fort Erie International Academy | |||||||||||
St. Andrew's College | |||||||||||
Merit College | |||||||||||
Bronte College | |||||||||||
King's-Edgehill School | |||||||||||
Ridley College | |||||||||||
NOIC Academy | |||||||||||
Agate Private School | |||||||||||
Nile Academy | |||||||||||
OSA Private School | |||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | |||||||||||
North Star Academy Laval | |||||||||||
Alexander Academy | |||||||||||
Brookes Westshore | |||||||||||
Queen Margaret's School | |||||||||||
Canadian College Italy | |||||||||||
Lycée international de Calgary | |||||||||||
Ashbury College | |||||||||||
Trillium School | |||||||||||
St. George's School of Montreal | |||||||||||
Rosseau Lake College | |||||||||||
Dewey Institute | |||||||||||
Hamilton District Christian High | |||||||||||
National Ski Academy |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lakefield College School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 14 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Bond Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | |
St. George's School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 22 | No support | |||
Havergal College | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 22 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Upper Canada College | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 20 to 25 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Heavy integration | ||
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Appleby College | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Trinity College School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 12 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Merrick Preparatory School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 6 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Branksome Hall | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 22 | No support | Heavy integration | |
WillowWood School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | |
The Hill Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 20 | No support | |||
St. Michaels University School | Reggio Emilia | Reggio Emilia | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
Balmoral Hall School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Supportive | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | ||
Nancy Campbell Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | Withdrawal Assistance | Heavy integration | ||
Rothesay Netherwood School | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 14 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning | Progressive | Student-paced | Supportive | 4 to 6 | Special needs school | Medium integration | ||
The Bishop Strachan School | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 22 | No support | Medium integration | ||
McDonald International Academy | Traditional | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Bodwell High School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | No support | Medium integration | |
Toronto STEM School | Progressive | Student-paced | Supportive | 2 to 10 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Heavy integration | ||
Woodland Christian High School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Supportive | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | |||
Niagara Christian Collegiate | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | ||
Royal Crown School | Progressive | Reggio Emilia | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | |
Bishop's College School | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Westfield Secondary School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 25 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Toronto District Christian High School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 20 to 25 | Withdrawal Assistance | Medium integration | ||
Lowell High School | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | |
Brentwood College School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 16 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Purcell Collegiate School | Progressive | 12 to 20 | No support | |||||
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 24 | No support | Medium integration | ||
IMG Academy | Traditional | Indirect Support | ||||||
J. Addison School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Light integration | ||
Laureate College | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 8 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Vaughan College Private School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | ||
Pickering College | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 20 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Albert College | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
The Sacred Heart School of Montreal | Traditional | Accelerated | Rigorous | 14 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | ||
ursa | Liberal Arts | Indirect Support | ||||||
Luther College High School | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 23 | No support | Light integration | |
Hawthorn School | Liberal Arts | Accelerated | Rigorous | 8 to 15 | No support | Light integration | ||
College Bourget | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | |||
Stanstead College | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 11 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Rosthern Junior College High School | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 20 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Kells Academy | Traditional | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | |||
Unisus School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
St. Margaret's School | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Webtree Academy | Traditional | Accelerated | Rigorous | 6 to 12 | No support | Light integration | ||
Columbia International College | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 22 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Trafalgar Castle School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | Withdrawal Assistance | Heavy integration | |||
Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Shawnigan Lake School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 17 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Fort Erie International Academy | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | ||
St. Andrew's College | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 17 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Merit College | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 5 to 15 | Special needs school | Medium integration | ||
Bronte College | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | ||
King's-Edgehill School | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 15 to 17 | No support | Medium integration | |
Ridley College | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 17 to 18 | No support | Heavy integration | |
NOIC Academy | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | |
Agate Private School | Progressive | Student-paced | Supportive | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | |||
Nile Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 16 | No support | Medium integration | |
OSA Private School | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 9 to 12 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Heavy integration | ||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 8 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
North Star Academy Laval | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 25 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Alexander Academy | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Brookes Westshore | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 12 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |
Queen Margaret's School | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 22 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Canadian College Italy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 12 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Lycée international de Calgary | Traditional | Student-paced | Rigorous | 14 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Ashbury College | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 17 | No support | Medium integration | |
Trillium School | Traditional | Montessori | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Medium integration | ||
St. George's School of Montreal | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 12 to 20 | No support | |||
Rosseau Lake College | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Dewey Institute | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 5 to 15 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | ||
Hamilton District Christian High | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 18 to 22 | Resource Assistance | Medium integration | ||
National Ski Academy | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 4 to 12 | Indirect Support | Light integration |
Legend:
Lakefield College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. George's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Havergal College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Upper Canada College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Appleby College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trinity College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Merrick Preparatory School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Branksome Hall | ||||||||||||||||||||
WillowWood School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Hill Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Michaels University School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balmoral Hall School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nancy Campbell Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rothesay Netherwood School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Applewood Academy for Progressive Learning | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Bishop Strachan School | ||||||||||||||||||||
McDonald International Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bodwell High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto STEM School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Woodland Christian High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Niagara Christian Collegiate | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Crown School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop's College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westfield Secondary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto District Christian High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lowell High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brentwood College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purcell Collegiate School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate | ||||||||||||||||||||
IMG Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Addison School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Laureate College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Vaughan College Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pickering College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Albert College | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Sacred Heart School of Montreal | ||||||||||||||||||||
ursa | ||||||||||||||||||||
Luther College High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hawthorn School | ||||||||||||||||||||
College Bourget | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stanstead College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rosthern Junior College High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Kells Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unisus School | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Margaret's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Webtree Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Columbia International College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trafalgar Castle School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shawnigan Lake School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Fort Erie International Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Andrew's College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Merit College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bronte College | ||||||||||||||||||||
King's-Edgehill School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ridley College | ||||||||||||||||||||
NOIC Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Agate Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nile Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
OSA Private School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Durham Elementary, Durham Academy and G.B.M.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||
North Star Academy Laval | ||||||||||||||||||||
Alexander Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brookes Westshore | ||||||||||||||||||||
Queen Margaret's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Canadian College Italy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Lycée international de Calgary | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashbury College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Trillium School | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. George's School of Montreal | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rosseau Lake College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dewey Institute | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hamilton District Christian High | ||||||||||||||||||||
National Ski Academy |
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