“When I go to school, I am surrounded by people I want to be with and we’re all learning,” says Juliet Caragianis, a Grade 11 student at Elmwood School in Ottawa, Ontario. With a focus on digital learning, including a one-to-one laptop program and the use of interactive SMART Boards in classrooms, this all-girls independent school encourages students to feel comfortable and confident with technology. Read more
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Private School Expo - Fall 2025 Yes, I want to attend
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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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.
—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 Expos: Oct 04, Oct 19
"SMLS is a premier independent school for girls Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. We give our students the tools to excel in the world—and help shape it.
—From the school
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Meet them at the Expos: Oct 04, Oct 19
"We strive to take the best aspects of Catholic teaching & interpret it in a modern context for the confident young woman of today. They are imbued with a strong work ethic, sense of purpose & a desire to change the world
—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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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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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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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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Ottawa, Ontario Iris St/Woodroffe Ave "Empowering girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 through bilingual education." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 17th Ave SW/Richmond Road SW "In addition to academics, our focus on mentorship, hands-on learning in and outside the classroom, and character development, will allow our students to thrive academically and personally as they discover who they are." —From the school
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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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Westmount, Quebec Mount Pleasant Avenue/Cedar Avenue "Located in Montreal, QC, Miss Edgar’s & Miss Cramp’s School offers a bilingual education for girls from K-11. From entrepreneurship to STEAM, our unique learning environment empowers girls to lead the way." —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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Halifax, Nova Scotia "With a global network of schools around the world, a rich and proud history, and a strong and unique set of core values, Sacred Heart offers not just an education but an experience that is unparalleled in Nova Scotia." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge/St. Clair "At The Linden School, we empower students to lead, think critically, and thrive in an inclusive, progressive environment. Our innovative approach to education promotes student voice, well-being, and academic excellence." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW "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
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Aurora, Ontario St. John's Sideroad/Shining Hill Way "Girls at St. Anne's will thrive in an inspirational and progressive learning environment. The school’s focus on STEM/STEAM, community giving, leadership, and wellness will develop well-rounded, global-minded citizens." —From the school
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Montreal, Quebec "We believe in Girls' Education. Trafalgar offers a strong liberal arts education, a comprehensive STEAM program, a broad and dynamic athletics program and a host of leadership opportunities through clubs and activities." —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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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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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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Westmount, Quebec The Boulevard/Place Braeside "The Study, founded in 1915, is one of Canada's premier all-girls' schools. Our bilingual mother-tongue program, experiential learning, and small classes help girls become leaders who are driven to make a difference." —From the school
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For Juliet, who writes a weekly blog about student life, technology use is just one way that her school defies many of the stereotypes associated with an all-girls’ environment. “Elmwood also strongly promotes its math and science programs,” she says.
According to Elmwood’s Head of School, Cheryl Boughton, at least 50 percent of the school’s graduates go on to study math and science in university. “Ours is a very enabling environment,” Boughton says. “We provide opportunities for educational risk-taking and we establish supportive learning communities.”
In the classroom, students are encouraged to express opinions and ask questions, Juliet says. “When you’re in a coed environment, the boys often try to say funny things and the girls try to sound smart,” she says. “Here, our classes are much more relaxed.”
According to a study released by the University of California, Los Angeles in March 2009, female graduates of single-sex high schools in the United States showed higher levels of academic engagement, SAT scores and confidence in mathematical ability and computer skills than their counterparts at coeducation schools.
The study also showed higher levels of self-confidence among students in girls’ schools, says Meg Milne Moulton, Executive Director of the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools. “Most girls’ schools offer against-the-grain learning experiences where students take on challenges that they may not have done on their own—and are encouraged to learn from their mistakes,” Moulton says.
Without boys around, Elmwood students are able to focus on doing well in school and making friends—with much less social drama, says Ella Mar, who has one daughter in Grade 12 at the school and another who recently graduated. “But the girls aren’t without male friends, because that’s an important part of being a teenager.
“During the school day the focus is on academics and not on boys, it’s nice not to have that distraction.”
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
Benefits of an all-girls education
Elizabeth Falco shares how girls are celebrated and empowered (September 25, 2019)
Girls' schools
Guide to private schools for girls (September 24, 2019)
Testimonials: What it's like at an all-girls school
Students share what they love most about their experience (September 24, 2019)
How single-sex schools let kids flourish
A more in depth look at the learning differences between boys and girls (August 14, 2019)
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