"Rigid typecasting of independent schools," writes researcher Deani Van Pelt, "is more myth than reality ... the lingering stereotypes are not reflective of the landscape."
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These schools prove that point and then some. One was founded by a saint, another by someone who was diagnosed, as a child, with significant learning disabilities. One's in a castle, and another is in a house. One school helped create the country, another shaped the way we learn. All of them add character and depth to the Canadian educational mosaic.
“If we look at a lot of special education programs, the majority assume the learner is fixed,” says Barbara Arrowsmith-Young. “What my program is saying is that we can change the learner so they can learn.”
Barbara Arrowsmith-Young
As a child, Arrowsmith-Young struggled to learn, an experience she wrote about in her 2012 book, The Woman Who Changed Her Brain. She could understand concrete things but struggled with concepts, ideas, and relationships. “My world was a series of disconnected bits and pieces of unrelated fragments," she said during a TEDx talk in 2013, "and eventually, my fragmented view of the world ended up causing a very fragmented sense of myself.”
“In Grade 1 I was identified as having a mental block. I was told I had a defect, and I was told that I would never learn like other children. And, really, the message at that time was loud and clear." Namely, that she would simply have to learn to live with her limitations.
Nevertheless, her father was an inventor who taught her that, if you need a solution, you go out and try to find one. And, she did. Based on her study of the research on neuroplasticity—how the brain changes in response to stimuli—she devised exercises to strengthen her weaknesses. Her successes lead her to create the Arrowsmith School, a learning disability school, in Toronto, Ontario, in 1980, as well as a second school in Peterborough, Ontario, in 2005. The Arrowsmith program has also been adopted in schools in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.
Arrowsmith-Young's methods have been met with skepticism, something that continues even today, in part because they are based more on lived experience than objective research. That said, it’s true that the program has been successful, in many cases remarkably so. And, yes, there can be many reasons for it, not limited to neuroplasticity, including how educators approach children who are struggling. “What breaks my heart,” says Arrowsmith-Young, “is that I still meet people today—children, people who are struggling with learning problems—and they’re still being told what I was told in 1957, that they need to learn to live with their limitations. They don’t dare to dream.” Her life, and the school, is an example of what can happen when you do.
De La Salle College "Oaklands" is a Lasallian school, part of an international association of schools founded by Saint Jean-Baptist de La Salle in France in 1679. Canonized in 1900, La Salle was later proclaimed by the Vatican as the patron saint of teachers. So, in all, it's quite a pedigree. The school--like more than 80 Lasallian schools worldwide--is administered by members of the Lasallian Brothers of the Christian Schools, an order based in Rome. This Catholic school, located in Toronto, Ontario, was founded in 1851, later moving into a building at the corner of Adelaide and George streets. They've moved since, though that building still stands, and still bears the inscription "De La Salle Institute Erected A.D. 1871." Alumni include a chief justice of Ontario, a roster of professional hockey players, and Keanu Reeves.
King's-Edgehill SchoolKing’s-Edgehill School, in Windsor, Ontario, is the oldest independent school in Canada and was founded as King’s Collegiate by United Empire Loyalists in 1788. It was given royal assent by King George III the following year, the first instance that honour was bestowed outside Britain. The initial goal of the school was to prevent young men from traveling abroad to receive an education, men that would be needed to stay to administer and defend the colonies. And it succeeded in that. While the school remained small, its alumni took prominent roles in military, legal, religious, and political life, including two fathers of Confederation. We’ll never know, but it’s possible that King’s was the flap of the butterfly wings, in a sense, that led to the creation of a country.
The school continues to hold a place in the national consciousness today. Because of the age and importance of the buildings, King’s College is a National Historic Site, a designation it has held since 1923.
As a teacher, Diane Goudie continually locked horns with other educators by demanding that education be based on a sense of equity, especially as girls and women are concerned. She felt she was right, and in 1993 with Eleanor Moore, she founded The Linden School, a girls' school in Toronto. Ever since, the school has done exactly what it hoped it would: provide an example of a school for girls that will make a difference in the students’ lives and, in turn, encourage them to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
The goal, Moore says, is to educate each student to “speak with courage … [to] be credible, find a community, listen for all voices, change structures, be a leader and above all make a difference.” Goudie and Moore have led by example, earning an honorary doctorate of law degrees from York University in recognition of their leadership in the field of education.
On receiving the doctorate, Goudie addressed the convocation saying “Ask yourselves the tough questions: What do you want to achieve beyond your paycheque? What are you prepared to risk to make a difference in your communities or the global community?”
The interiors are as striking as the exterior: turrets, arches, wood, and stone, there’s even a suit of armor outside the head of the school’s office. Continuing the theme, the school team is the Dragons, the campus shop is the Dungeon, and Latin is a required course. Trafalgar Castle School, a girls' school in Whitby, Ontario, is also genuinely old, having been founded in 1874, though the building pre-dates the school.
Yet, as ever, appearances can be deceiving. In contrast to the building that houses it, the school's program is strikingly modern. It includes the Singapore math and science curricula; Mandarin instruction; the “i-Think” integrated problem-solving initiative developed by the Rotman School of Business; and writing instruction based on the program developed at the University of Chicago. Which, perhaps, is proof that you shouldn’t judge a school by its façade.
University of Toronto Schools (UTS) began its life in 1910 as a laboratory school within the University of Toronto department of education. The initial intention was to create at least two schools, hence the plural “schools” in the name, though in fact there has only ever been one. Nevertheless, in the century since that one school was founded, it has educated two Nobel Laureates, twenty Rhodes Scholars, eleven Olympians, and three ambassadors.
UTS also weathered some interesting times along the way, including student protests in the 1960s. At one point a student presented the headmaster with a blank sheet of paper saying “This is a list of our demands.” The school was at the centre of the debates that would, in time, bring some important advances to public schooling in Canada, including the abolition of matriculation exams and the adoption of a 4-year secondary school program (rather than 5).
Those changes, and others, are symbolic of the school’s place within Canadian education and academic life. Most Canadians have never heard of UTS, though it has helped to shape the experience of students across the country.
Small class sizes, inquiry-driven learning, and a focus on well-being have created an environment that nurtures confident and curious learners
As math and science fields continue to evolve, especially with the rise of AI and advanced technologies, the demand for skilled STEM graduates grows.
The power of the Leonardo Da Vinci Academy of Arts & Sciences
How parents, teachers, and professionals can help
The art of providing holistic learning environments for teens
Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
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"Sunnybrook School offers the IB Primary Years Program for all students in JK - Grade 6. Our inquiry approach fosters and develops critical thinking, student agency and globally minded citizens.
—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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"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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"The York School is a co-ed JK-Grade 12 IB World School in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to nurture curious learners to become globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose.
—From the school
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"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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Oakville, Ontario Winston Churchill/Lakeshore Road East "Clanmore is one of the few schools offering authentic Montessori programming from Toddler - Middle School. Our culture is warm and inviting and our philosophy empowers us to support each child as a unique individual." —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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Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview/Hwy 407 "Lauremont School is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation for life." —From the school
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Brampton, Ontario Sunforest Drive/Bovaird Drive E "Rowntree is Brampton's Top Choice Private School year after year. We focus on excellence, leadership, and inclusivity while developing each child’s academic strengths, both in traditional and 21st Century skills." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Davenport Rd/Spadina Rd "Waldorf education is 'schooling with heart'. Students and parents love our smaller class sizes, strong teacher relationships, incredible curriculum, unique opportunities and arts-infused academics!" —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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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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Mississauga, Ontario Derry/Millcreek "Lynn-Rose School is a premier private school for grades PK-12 that prepares students to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners. We foster global citizenship, preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving world" —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road "Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Trafalgar Road/Dundas "TRMS uniquely provides enriched French as a second language (FSL) instruction for all levels from Preschool to Elementary. We give students a head start in their educational journey, instilling a "Love of Learning!"" —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Spadina Ave/College Street "Authentic, CCMA accredited Montessori Schools located in downtown Toronto, offering programs for Toddlers, Casa, Elementary and Adolescent children in beautiful settings with large and expansive natural playgrounds." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario QEW/Ford Drive / Ninth Line "La Villa Montessori is an AMI recognized school that adheres to Dr. Montessori's principles. We provide a nurturing environment that fulfills the child's emotional, social, physical and intellectual needs." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario "At Central Montessori School (CMS), young minds are inspired to be creative, innovative, and inquisitive. We cultivate bright, young leaders and strong communicators ready for the 21st century." —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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Richmond Hill, Ontario "Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio-inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP and MYP Authorized School for children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave. "Century Private School is located in Richmond Hill, and our campus occupies 12 acres of land. Our programs runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Appleby Line/Upper Middle Road "Halton Waldorf School offers an education that fosters confidence, independence and intelligence. Located on five forested acres, the school has been uniquely designed to support the goals of Waldorf education. Est 1984" —From the school
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Pickering, Ontario whites/kingston road "Montessori Learning Centre is a non denominational, inclusive school in operation for 40 years. We acknowledge religious and cultural events supporting our whole life philosophy education." —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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Vancouver, British Columbia "Stratford Hall takes learning beyond IB with its IDEA Lab, OEE and partner schools, where students strive to develop harmony between the urban and natural world through activities like camping, music, and orienteering." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario "Humberside Montessori School is internationally recognized and accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Our AMI certified teachers provide an authentic Montessori experience for our students." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Alta Vista Drive/Industrial Road "OMS Montessori is a non for profit, independent school offering separate French and English programs within a world class Montessori environment." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario "Rotherglen School - MISSISSAUGA is a montessori school that offers programs from JK to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students." —From the school
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Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills!" —From the school
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North York, Ontario Bayview/Sheppard "Bannockburn provides a strong academic foundation anchored in the principles of the Montessori philosophy that supports your child’s intellectual, moral, social, and emotional development in a nurturing environment." —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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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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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Queensway "Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School in Mississauga offers Casa Montessori programs for children a ged 2.5 to 6. Before- and after-school care and summer camps also available." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine Ave/Major Mackenzie Dr E "Royal Cachet has authentic Montessori programs for infants to grade 6 in our healthy and safe environments. We focus on the Language & Math areas of the Montessori Curriculum & encourage our students to grow and succeed." —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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Markham, Ontario Woodbine/HWY 7 "Wishing Well Schools offers an accelerated, enriched curriculum in a supportive, family-focused environment, where students thrive, lead, and develop a lifelong love of learning." —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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Oakville, Ontario "Rotherglen School - OAKVILLE offers programs for students age 4 to grade eight. The average class size is 18 students." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Glen Erin/Dundas "Kaban Montessori School is a CCMA accredited school in the west area of Mississauga . Our environments foster each child's interests and abilities while supporting them to achieve their full potential." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Bank Street/Marché Way "Our programs find the interaction of youth’s developmental characteristics, the Ontario curriculum, and the requirements of the adult world to create the focussed engagement that naturally leads to personal excellence." —From the school
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North Vancouver, British Columbia Keith Rd/Lynnmouth Ave "Collaborative and engaging, North Star's programs put students at the center of their learning and quest for knowledge." —From the school
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St. Catharines, Ontario Edinburgh Dr/Scott Street "We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairview Street "Fairview Glen Montessori offers academically stimulating education for children 18 mo.-14 yrs. Our collaborative and supportive community, also specializes in French, Music, Visual Arts and Phys-Ed programs." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "Please bring your child for a free trial and let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!" —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Dufferin St/Lawrence Ave W "LDVA provides foundational education and challenges students to develop to their full potential. Officially recognized by the Italian Government, our unique curriculum incorporates Italian language and culture." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario St/Matheson Blvd E "ABC Montessori is one of Mississauga's premier private schools. We offers montessori and traditional school programs from preschool to Grade 5 with an emphasis on developing literacy, numeracy, sciences, and arts." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Lakeshore Road East/Bel Air Drive "Offering Montessori programs from Toddler to Grade 8, Dearcroft is accredited by CCMA and staffed by dedicated teachers. We have three campuses in Oakville, delivering exceptional Montessori Programs." —From the school
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Thornhill, Ontario Bathurst St/Rutherford Rd "Toronto Waldorf School offers a curriculum that integrates academics, arts and movement while addressing the intellectual, physical, emotional and social aspects of child development from preschool to gr. 12." —From the school
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Whitchurch-stouffville, Ontario Ninth Line/Main Street "Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in North York, and Toddler programs in Stouffville. Its average class size is 15 students." —From the school
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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
As math and science fields continue to evolve, especially with the rise of AI and advanced technologies, the demand for skilled STEM graduates grows. (April 29, 2025)
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)
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