Down syndrome schools
Private schools for Down syndrome
Many children with Down syndrome now attend mainstream playgroups, preschools, daycares, kindergartens, and schools. Read more
Many children with Down syndrome now attend mainstream playgroups, preschools, daycares, kindergartens, and schools. Read more
Meet schools in person, ask real questions, and find the best fit all in one afternoon.
Private School Expo - Fall 2025 Yes, I want to attend
These are dedicated special needs schools which support Down syndrome . They provide full-time support for all students in the school, through accommodations, modifications, and remediations.
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 Yonge/Finch "Monarch Academy is a private school for children with autism, rooted in a culture of belonging. We offer a strength-based, individualized approach that supports each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Lawrence/Don Mills "Brighton is the leading private school in Toronto for students with academic and/or social challenges. We offer curriculum-based and remedial Elementary programs; and credit, pre-credit and non-credit Secondary streams." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Breadalbane St/St Luke Ln "The YMCA Academy is an alternative school for students in grades 6 to 12 with learning disabilities and learning style differences, offering individualized Special Education support." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Turner Valley Road "Oakwood is a distinguished private school in Mississauga specializing in special needs education, featuring programs rooted in the innovative Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®)." —From the school
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North York, Ontario Bathurst/Wilson "Magnificent Minds Inc. caters to students whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing personal best through a balanced approach to education." —From the school
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Cambridge, Ontario Franklin Blvd/Myers Road "OAK BRIDGE ACADEMY is an alternative, not-for-profit school. Our highest priority is to provide financially accessible, highly specialized education to every child with Autism Spectrum Disorder & other neurodiversities." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Carling Avenue/Broadview Avenue "Edelweiss Private Academy offers elementary education to students with ASD and other exceptionalities, maintaining small teacher to student ratios. We promote strong academic, physical and social-emotional development." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Ford Drive/Royal Windsor Drive "We believe every child can learn when presented with an environment and instructional practices that meet their needs. Our mission is to facilitate academic success and social emotional well-being for every student." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Guelph Line/New Street "At ELEVATE, we are focusing on identifying and meeting the needs of students with learning differences. We use evidence-based approaches like UFLI, Wilson, and OG to support our students." —From the school
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These are regular schools offering some support for Down syndrome. Environments offered may include dedicated, integrated, and withdrawal special needs classes, as well as regular classes with resource support and in-class adaptations.
"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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"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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Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Argentia Rd "There’s a different energy at SJA. As a leading IB World School and university prep school, SJA creates an atmosphere of acceptance that allows us to challenge students to take ownership of their own success." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "We identify experiences that enhance learning, empowering individuals while fostering a community of collaborative contributors. This is achieved through interdisciplinary projects that are seamlessly integrated." —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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Burlington, Ontario King Road/North Service Road "BCA provides a transformative JK-8 education, blending Christian faith, values, and academic excellence. Our nurturing environment, diverse programs, and dedicated faculty inspire each student’s passion and potential." —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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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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Toronto, Ontario Lawrence Ave./Bathurst St. "The Clover School's innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Lakeshore Rd/Brant St "Blyth Academy Burlington, located in Village Square in the heart of downtown Burlington, offers not only our outstanding Grades 9–12 program but also a middle years program and facilities for students in Grades 5–8." —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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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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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 Davenport/Dupont "The Mabin School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 in Toronto. Its average class size is 20 students." —From the school
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Amaranth, Ontario "The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave. "Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful learning." —From the school
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Oshawa, ON, Ontario "DMS is a Montessori school servicing children at the early childhood level. DMS offers authentic Montessori programming with the Montessori pedagogy at the core of the children's day." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Queen Street East/Glen Manor Drive "Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development." —From the school
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Bayfield, Ontario "After 20+ 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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Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore road/Southdown road "Rooted in Christian values, Meadow Green Christian Academy combines academic rigor, personal attention, and a safe, nurturing environment to empower each student’s unique potential." —From the school
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Kitchener, Ontario "InnovOak is built on surpassing Ontario standards, emphasizing skill-based academic excellence. Our LifeReady program ensures real-world readiness, preparing students for tomorrow using a sensible and innovative approach" —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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North Vancouver, British Columbia Wellington Dr/Fromme Rd "Cousteau School offers a bilingual French-English education with a dual curriculum: the French Ministry of Education program and the BC curriculum, fostering academic excellence and global citizenship." —From the school
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However, this isn’t your only option. Today, you can send your child to a school that supports children with Down syndrome. At a Down syndrome school, your child will receive specialized programming, individualized instruction, and a lot of one-on-one instruction. They may also receive additional services, such as physiotherapy, counselling, and tutoring.
Some Down syndrome schools also support other developmental disabilities, such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, Williams syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. They may also support children with learning, behavioural, and physical disabilities.
Down syndrome is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.
As research has shown, kids with Down syndrome can normally do most things that a child without this disability can. Sometimes they reach developmental milestones later than other kids. Early intervention programs, beginning in infancy, help affected children achieve their full potential.
Since many children with Down syndrome take longer to learn new things, Down syndrome schools and programs can be a big help. And in general, children with Down syndrome benefit from living with their family and interacting with other children.
Certain activities that develop learning, language, gross and fine motor, socialization, and self-help skills benefit kids with Down syndrome. On-site daycare and sibling programs promote inclusion, especially in the early years.
Early intervention, a good home environment, and sound medical care can also be very effective. These necessities can help reduce the threat of social isolation and educational deficiency that has plagued so many kids with Down syndrome in the past.
Down syndrome schools concentrate on inclusion, building self-esteem, and intellectual exercises. In addition, speech-language therapy and behavior-management therapy are also typically included.
On this page, we list private Down syndrome schools in Canada. This includes schools exclusively devoted to supporting kids with Down syndrome, as well as those that also support kids with other special needs. Find a Down syndrome school near you.
Profile of Janice Gruchy, Director of the Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E.
Q&A with Janice Gruchy to learn more about the educational approach at P.A.C.E. (June 12, 2025)
Profile of David Young, Head of St. George's School
It's far more fulfilling for us to send our students off to their next adventure knowing they're going somewhere they want to go. (June 9, 2025)
St. Clement’s Junior School: A community rooted in curiosity, connection, and care
Small class sizes, inquiry-driven learning, and a focus on well-being have created an environment that nurtures confident and curious learners (May 29, 2025)
Building Confidence and Stretching Limits: Advanced Academic Pathways at Hudson College
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How financial aid availability impacts the school community
What you need to know about the role of financial aid programs in shaping a school's culture (April 7, 2025)