Pop culture has painted boarding school in a way that isn’t necessarily accurate. While the depictions are exaggerated examples of what the reality of boarding school life is actually like, film, TV and books have left people asking: why would anyone want to go to boarding school?
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Private School Expo - Fall 2025 Yes, I want to attend
Well, boarding school simply isn’t like the movies. It’s an opportunity for students to learn a number of life skills while having access to a high-quality education.
Boarding schools offer a variety of benefits to students. The decision to attend boarding school is the first step in what many consider a big picture decision: by attending boarding school, the advantages that come with it will pay off in the long term. The number of leaders and successful members of society began their journey at a private school: former presidents, actors, athletes, successful business people, and other politicians.
However, what makes most boarding schools work well is the vast number of activities, programs, and challenges available to students on a daily basis. The typical boarding school student is one who wants to embrace this huge opportunity they’ve been afforded: to live in a community where learning, personal growth and exploration are top priority; where programs and activities are abundant; where making friends is paramount; and where success is celebrated.
"It's a very professional environment here. I feel like I'm advancing a lot."
–Alena, Victoria Ballet Academy
Another reason to attend boarding school is independence. Independence might be the greatest gift that parents can give to their children. Today, when so many parents are hyper-vigilant and want to be involved in every aspect of their child’s life, boarding school can be the perfect antidote.
Children are required to navigate through the elements, do their own laundry, and get up in the morning. Parents aren’t there to shield them from natural causes and effects. Boarding schools are good places to fail and succeed—which makes them great places to learn. It’s a controlled freedom.
Kids don’t just get into college: they arrive prepared to succeed, with the ability to manage their own lives. They become strong individuals capable of leadership and have self-initiative. The current state of our culture has made it difficult for parents to cultivate those traits and private school is an outlet for these important qualities to be nurtured.
Students don’t just have to manage their own affairs, they learn how to live and deal with other people. They are challenged to develop their interpersonal skills because there is no hiding at boarding school.
A child who is dropped off in the morning and picked up at three o’clock by Mom isn’t challenged to develop the same peer skills as a kid who lives with other students 24 hours a day on campus. Boarding school is a transformative experience in learning to communicate with others, something a lot of people don’t get until college, if at all.
"You probably won't have 70 sisters at any point during your lifetime, but at boarding you do."
–Jessica, Appleby College
In a 2011 survey, by The Association of Boarding Schools, found 31% of boarding school students surveyed said the thing they loved most about boarding school was the community atmosphere created within the school dynamic.
Academics are important, but when students get together after they’ve graduated and moved on to university and then successful careers, it's not the great history class they remember, but their time in the wilderness, the dorm life, or other memborable moments. It's a bond that binds men and boys, women and girls, of different ages and cultures.
Former NBA MVP and all-star Steve Nash says boarding school allows students "to learn lessons of other cultures and travels. For us to be exposed to that diversity gave us a need to kind of go out there and have a thirst for the world."
So why wait for all the adventure of dorm life in university when you can experience it in high school?
Boarding school offer other pros, such as the opportunity for students to foster intense connections with their teachers, in part due to smaller, more intimate class sizes.
The outlook of teachers at boarding schools regarding their position isn't that of a job, but more of a vocation, where they become an important role model in each of their students' lives. Teachers work with students, share meals and often live on campus, making it a difficult environment to duplicate anywhere else.
The late Ted Rogers credited his early days at Upper Canada College, a boarding school in Toronto, Ontario, as critical to his development of interests in both electronics and business. He used that beginning to build the Rogers empire that is now one of the largest communications companies in the world.
Ben Gulak credits boarding school with a supporting environment; he says his boarding school teachers fully supported him in the endeavors and projects he wanted to take on. Gulak set a record for the highest seed funding ever handed out on the CBC show Dragon's Den and his invention, the Uno, was called "Invention of the Year" by Popular Science magazine in 2008.
While the educational experience at the boarding school is important to personal and educational growth and development, it's also a precursor to life after school. Research has shown that boarding school students feel more prepared for college and university than their peers, and are more likely to earn more advanced degrees like a Master's or PhD, and advance to more prominent roles in their careers and communities.
The move to post-secondary education can be a difficult transition for many. Being away from the support system of family and long-time friends and the challenges of becoming acquainted with a new place and style of learning can bear a heavy burden.
However, the burden for students graduating from private schools, while still apparent, is seemingly far less cumbersome than it is for public school graduates. University preparation prior to first year has proven to be beneficial for students, something most private schools in Canada do to prepare students for the next step in their lives.
The Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) began a National Tracking Project in 2006 to track private school student success in university. While the average private school grade entering university was 86.8 percent, the average first-year university grade was 83.2 percent. According to the tracking project, private school students far above the grade drop average and are in better position to succeed at the university level.
For some, the grade dip may be inevitable. However, through social and academic preparation private schools are doing more now than ever to ensure student success at the post-secondary level. The best boarding schools have a unique environment that prepares students for whatever larger world they are entering, be that academic, entrepreneurial, socially active, or anything in between.
Check out one of the boarding schools listed on this page to learn more about why boarding school has its advantages.
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.
"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.
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"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.
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"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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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"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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"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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"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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"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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"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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Day schools vs. boarding schools
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(June 25, 2019)
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International boarding school checklist (May 23, 2019)
Coed boarding schools
Find the top private coed boarding schools (May 15, 2019)
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