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Liberal arts schools in Canada

Find a list of the top private liberal arts schools in the country

Liberal arts schools in Canada share with traditional schools an emphasis on core knowledge acquisition but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A liberal arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a traditional program. Read more


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List of liberal arts schools

Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.

1. Schools with in-depth reports

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.

Havergal College


Toronto, Ontario
Lawrence Avenue West/Avenue Road
 
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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.

  1. Beautiful 22-acre campus in the heart of Toronto.
  2. Innovative curriculum and future-ready programming for students.
  3. Small class sizes with a focus on wellness and student agency.
  4. Award-winning Art, Music and Drama departments.

—From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $43,600 to $83,700
 
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Havergal College 43600 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Girls
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.

  1. Worldwide university acceptances
  2. 315 acres on Lake Katchewanooka
  3. AP Capstone School
  4. Harkness Method

—From the school

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $40,500 to $82,400
 
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Lakefield College School 40500 HighSchools Day Boarding Coed

Upper Canada College


Toronto, Ontario
St Clair Ave W/Avenue Rd
 
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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.

  1. High-achieving, all-round students
  2. Challenging but rewarding IB Programme
  3. First rate academics, athletics and arts
  4. 19 different sports and 80+ clubs

—From the school

  • Gr. SK to 12 (Boys)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $42,800 to $85,300
 
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Upper Canada College 42800 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Boys

Trinity College School


Port Hope, Ontario
Ward St/Deblaquire St. N
 
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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.

  1. AP Capstone school with extensive AP course offerings
  2. Rural campus setting with 100 acres of fields and facilities
  3. Academic and service learning travel education programs
  4. Personalized guidance and support for academics and health and wellness

—From the school

  • Gr. 5 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $33,500 to $91,000
 
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Trinity College School 33500 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed

St. Clement's School


Toronto, Ontario
Yonge St./Eglinton Ave.
 
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Meet them at the Expo: Oct 04

"Our goal is for SCS students to understand learning as an outcome in and of itself. Learning that doesn't follow a straight path. And if it gets messy, that's okay, because at SCS it's safe to explore and be who you are.

  1. Girls' school, founded in 1901
  2. Enriched and balanced academics at all grade levels
  3. Unrivaled Advanced Placement course offerings
  4. 100% university acceptance

—From the school

  • Gr. 1 to 12 (Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $39,900
 
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St. Clement's School 39900 Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Girls
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Meet them at the Expos: Oct 04, Oct 19

"Since 1962, TFS offers an exceptional English and French education from age 2 to Grade 12, on two campuses. TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario within the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) framework. Co-ed.

  1. High academic standards
  2. Bilingual education
  3. International perspective
  4. Introductory French program to Grade 7

—From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $25,440 to $43,340
 
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TFS - Canada's International School 25440 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Appleby College


Oakville, Ontario
Lakeshore Road West/Fourth Line
 
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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.

  1. $5.3+ million in financial assistance
  2. 20+ AP courses & AP Capstone programme
  3. Social Emotional Learning and Positive Education
  4. S. Bruce McLaughlin Northern Campus

—From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $45,250 to $90,270
 
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Appleby College 45250 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed

Branksome Hall


Toronto, Ontario
Bloor Street East/Mount Pleasant Road
 
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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.

  1. 13-acre downtown campus
  2. Athletics and Wellness Centre
  3. IB programs: JK to Grade 12
  4. Leadership opportunities

—From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $40,940 to $82,290
 
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Branksome Hall 40940 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Girls

2. Schools with standard reports

Meet them at the Expo

Toronto, Ontario
York Mills/Leslie
 
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"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

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $21,700 to $27,400
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WillowWood School 21700 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
Meet them at the Expo

Toronto, Ontario
York Mills Road/Don Mills Road
 
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"We value partnership with parents, creating a genuinely warm and friendly community. We raise the academic bar on academic excellence, and expectations of character, helping the boys become the best that they can be." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Boys)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $21,500 to $25,850
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Northmount School 21500 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Boys

Stratford, Ontario
Ontario Street/Waterloo Street South
 
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"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

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $18,000 to $42,725
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Nancy Campbell Academy 18000 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed

Rothesay, New Brunswick
Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd
 
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"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

  • Gr. 6 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $26,390 to $76,140
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Rothesay Netherwood School 26390 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed

Breslau, Ontario
 
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"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

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $10,760 to $29,850
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Woodland Christian High School 10760 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed
Meet them at the Expo

Whitby, Ontario
Garden Street/Hwy. 2
 
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"Whether exploring science and technology, creating art, or competing in athletics, there is nothing a Trafalgar girl can't handle." —From the school

  • Gr. 4 to 12 (Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $32,000 to $83,000
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Trafalgar Castle School 32000 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Girls

Woodbridge, Ontario
Kipling/Highway 7
 
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"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

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $20,100 to $50,000
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Toronto District Christian High School 20100 HighSchools Day Homestay Coed

Vancouver, British Columbia
 
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"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

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $28,220 to $32,970
  • Day school
  • 545 students
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Stratford Hall 28220 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Calgary, Alberta
Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW
 
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"Clear Water Academy is a private Catholic school in Calgary, offering education from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our prep program has a 100% university acceptance rate, forming Christian leaders to transform society." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Boys/Coed/Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $16,060 to $19,100
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Clear Water Academy 16060 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Day Day Boys Coed Girls

Regina, Saskatchewan
 
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"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

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $10,750 to $42,910
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Luther College High School 10750 HighSchools Day Boarding Coed

Burlington, Ontario
 
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"Willowbrook Heights: Teaching students how to learn so they can master anything—intellectually curious, practically skilled, and grounded in strong character. Join us in shaping thinkers and doers for a changing world." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $19,763
  • Day school
  • 35 students
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Willowbrook Heights 19763 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Meet them at the Expo

Fort Erie, Ontario
Central Avenue/Wintemute Street
 
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"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

  • Gr. 6 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $10,000 to $55,850
  • Day, Boarding
  • 220 students
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Fort Erie International Academy 10000 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Meet them at the Expos

Markham, Ontario
Woodbine Av./Hwy 7
 
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"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

  • Gr. 1 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $18,000 to $48,000
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J. Addison School 18000 Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boarding Coed

Toronto, Ontario
York Mills/Leslie
 
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"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

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed/Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $1,200 to $21,650
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Hawthorn School 1200 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Day Homestay Coed Girls
Meet them at the Expo

Toronto, Ontario
Bathurst St./St. Clair West
 
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"Canada’s only independent, Catholic school for boys in Grades 7-12, taught in the Basilian tradition of forming the mind, body, and soul. Since 1852, we have educated students in goodness, discipline, and knowledge." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Boys)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $24,250
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St. Michael's College School 24250 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Boys

Calgary, Alberta
 
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"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

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $1 to $4,200
  • Homestay, eSchool
  • 1020 students
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ursa 1 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Homestay eSchool Coed

Toronto, Ontario
University Ave./Dundas street
 
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"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

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; Montessori
  • $15,800 to $26,000
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Cornerstone Montessori Prep School 15800 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Toronto, Ontario
Bloor St. W/Spadina Ave.
 
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"UTS is a hub where the boldest and brightest young minds come together. Rigorous academics are complemented by vibrant co-curriculars including clubs, committees, publications, athletics, and performance groups." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $35,180
  • Day school
  • 675 students
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University of Toronto Schools 35180 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Meet them at the Expo

Toronto, Ontario
 
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"Howlett Academy is a private, co-educational school for JK to Grade 8. Accountability, Integrity, Teamwork, Innovation, Creativity and Energy are our core values." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 8 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $24,000 to $28,000
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Howlett Academy 24000 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed
Meet them at the Expos

Toronto, Ontario
Yonge St/Lawrence Ave
 
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"Blyth Academy Lawrence Park is one of nine Blyth Academy campuses in Ontario. Our campus located in midtown Toronto provides the warmth and community of a neighbourhood school." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $23,550 to $27,750
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Blyth Academy Lawrence Park 23550 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Winnipeg, Manitoba
South Dr/North Dr
 
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"SJR focuses on academic excellence. It is the world’s leading school in Debating and Public Speaking. 100% of SJR graduates are accepted to university, with 98% accepted to their first-choice university program." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $29,390 to $31,467
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St. John's-Ravenscourt School 29390 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Meet them at the Expos

Mississauga, Ontario
 
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"At Blyth Academy Mississauga, we know each of our students and through our individualized approach, we can meet their needs and make school a great place to be. We're one of eight Blyth Academy campuses in Ontario." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $20,325 to $24,785
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Blyth Academy Mississauga 20325 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Vaughan, Ontario
Major Mackenzie/400
 
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"Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Student Wellness. We value best practices & evidence-based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech-Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; Montessori
  • $17,600 to $23,600
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Delano Academy & Delano High 17600 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Meet them at the Expos

Burlington, Ontario
Lakeshore Rd/Brant St
 
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"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

  • Gr. 5 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $22,510 to $26,230
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Blyth Academy Burlington 22510 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Vaughan, Ontario
 
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"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

  • Gr. 9 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $570 to $36,000
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Vaughan College Private School 570 HighSchools Day Homestay eSchool Coed

Montreal, Quebec
Av de Monkland/Boul Cavendish
 
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"Lower Canada College is a gender-inclusive, K-12 university preparatory school, committed to excellence in teaching and learning. It is the only English high school in Quebec offering both the IB MYP and DP." —From the school

  • Gr. K to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $28,500 to $30,750
  • Day school
  • 895 students
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Lower Canada College 28500 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Kanata, Ontario
March Road/Sandhill Road
 
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"March Academy offers an alternative approach to education. Small classes, enriched academics, and teachers that build confidence in kids. PLUS: weekly music, arts, nature, yoga, taekwondo, and daily physical education." —From the school

  • Gr. 1 to 8 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $16,000
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March Academy 16000 Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed

Calgary, Alberta
Highway 1/Stony Trail East
 
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"Third Academy is a school with a heart. We are inclusive, supporting students with a variety of disabilities and disorders. Our sliding scale bursary program makes our services accessible to all families." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $2,625 to $17,500
  • Day school
  • 250 students
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Third Academy 2625 Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed

Mill Bay, British Columbia
 
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"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

  • Gr. 8 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $32,000 to $96,300
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Brentwood College School 32000 HighSchools Day Boarding Coed
Meet them at the Expo

Toronto, Ontario
Avenue Road/St. Clair Ave.
 
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"De La Salle College is a Catholic, co-educational, university preparatory school in Toronto from Grade 5 to 12, with an average class size of 20-25 students and tuition at $17,875 - $19, 025." —From the school

  • Gr. 5 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum
  • $17,000 to $19,000
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De La Salle College 17000 MiddleSchools HighSchools Day Coed
Meet them at the Expos

Mississauga, Ontario
Cawthra/Lakeshore
 
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"TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers the Ontario, France and IB programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7 in Mississauga. We are bilingual, coed, non-denominational and and IB World School." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 7 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $23,160 to $33,410
  • Day school
  • 200 students
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TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) 23160 Preschool Kindergarten Elementary MiddleSchools Day Coed

However, whereas the progressive approach tends to prioritize instrumental knowledge—knowledge that can be “used”—liberal arts private schools place more emphasis on theoretical and academic learning. At the heart of the liberal arts approach is the premise that humans are rational beings and that cultivating the intellect is not only a sufficient goal in and of itself but is the goal.

The best private liberal arts schools emphasize deep engagement with humanity’s loftiest and most enduring ideas (artistic, scientific, philosophical, and mathematical). Attaining this cultural literacy—no matter the teaching method or pathway—is a key aim of the approach.

Liberal arts schools rankings

Is there a ranking of liberal arts schools in Canada? In short, no. And there shouldn't be.

At Our Kids, we don't think these kinds of rankings are useful. There's simply no such thing as the best school: for instance, the best liberal arts, Montessorispecial needs, or Waldorf school. Schools can't be ranked or rated #1, 2, 3, etc. overall.

Instead, when choosing a school, it's best to think in terms of fit. Is this school the right fit for my child? Does it meet their learning, social, and emotional needs? Is it a place they can thrive and grow in? While this will partly depend on the school, it will also depend on your child and their unique characteristics. Are they academically motivated? What are their areas of interest? Are they outgoing or more introverted? Do they have any special needs? These are some of child-focused questions you'll need to reflect on trying to find their best-fit school.

One way rankings can be useful is in terms of very specific criteria. For instance, what are the oldest schools? Which have the smallest class sizes? Which have the lowest acceptance rates? Which have the most notable alumniOur rankings of schools through specific criteria may be helpful for you in your school search.

Questions to ask liberal arts schools

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List of liberal arts schools

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