Considering Private Schools in Toronto? Here’s What You Need to Know.

As parents ourselves, we totally get it—choosing the right school for your kids is a huge decision! While the GTA is loaded with amazing public schools, sometimes private school just makes sense for your family. Maybe it’s smaller class sizes, a more tailored curriculum, or even spiritual guidance that’s caught your eye. Whatever the reason, if you’re starting to consider Toronto’s private schools, you’re definitely not alone.

The good news? There are tons of options out there! From hidden gems tucked away on quiet side streets to sprawling campuses with all the bells and whistles, Toronto’s private schools offer something for everyone. But how do you find *the* one? Not just the top-ranked private school, but the one that’s the perfect fit for your child?

Let’s break it down.

Know Your Kid—Their Strengths and Personality

First things first: start with your child’s strengths, interests, and personality. These are key in figuring out the type of learning environment where they’ll thrive. A few questions to think about:

- Is your child a creative soul who’s all about the arts—music, drama, painting?

- Do they geek out over science, tech, and math?

- Are they an all-star athlete?

- Do they work better with some independence or need a structured environment?

- Would they feel more comfortable in a co-ed setting, or does a gender-specific school make more sense?

- Do they need extra support, or maybe they’re ahead of the curve and need more of a challenge?

- Is religious or spiritual guidance something important to your family?

Taking the time to consider these factors will help you narrow down the schools where your child can truly shine.

Curriculum Focus: What Does Your Child Want to Achieve?

Now that you’ve got a sense of what environment might work best, it’s time to dive into the academic side of things. Private schools have a bit more freedom when it comes to curriculum, which means they can focus on specific areas of interest or strength in ways public schools might not.

Here’s a quick look at some focus areas:

The Arts  

If your kid’s all about creativity—think visual arts, music, drama, or dance—there are private schools that can take their talents to the next level. Some of these schools even host community art events or performances, so you can get a sneak peek at what your little artist might experience day-to-day.

Athletics

Sports might not always get the attention they deserve in more academic-focused environments, but there are private schools where athletics are just as important as academics. Schools that are part of the *Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario Athletic Association* (say that five times fast!) often have incredible sports programs that balance top-tier education with serious athletic training.

STEM/STEAM  

Yes, every school teaches STEM, but some private schools really amp it up with hands-on projects and extracurricular activities designed to foster your child’s inner engineer or scientist. Think robotics clubs, coding boot camps, and more.

Montessori  

If you’re all about child-led learning, Montessori schools might be the way to go. These schools encourage independence and hands-on learning, with curriculums tailored to each student’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. The catch? Most Montessori schools only go up to Grade 6, so you’ll need a plan for middle and high school.

Take a Tour

Don’t just take a school’s word for it—check it out yourself! Most private schools offer tours, and you can really get a feel for the vibe by visiting during events like open houses, school plays, sports matches, or art shows.

The Admission Process: Buckle Up!

Private schools in Toronto are competitive, so if you’ve got your heart set on one, get the ball rolling early. Applications usually happen between February and March for the next school year, and each school’s process is a little different. Don’t miss those deadlines!

Most private schools will also require an assessment test, interviews with your child, and *yes*—parent interviews too! They want to make sure both the students and parents are a good fit for the school’s culture and goals.

And Now for the Fun Part—Cost

Private school tuition in Toronto can range anywhere from $7,500 to $22,000 for day students, and it can hit $50,000+ for boarding schools. But here’s the good news: there are often scholarships and financial aid options available, so it’s worth asking the admissions team about what’s possible for your family.

Location, Location, Location

When it comes to location, there are really two strategies:

1. Choose your dream home first and then find a private school nearby, or

2. Find the perfect school first and buy a home that makes the school run easy.

Both approaches have their pros and cons, but we’re big fans of finding the home that works for your lifestyle first and then picking the school. That way, you get the best of both worlds—a home that fits your needs and a school that suits your child. Plus, we’re here to help you with both.