2 best boarding schools in Toronto, Ontario 2025 - 3 yo

Toronto's boarding institutions maintain specific language and academic standards for student admission:

• Language Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL for English, DALF for French.
• Academic Assessments: Potential requirements include the SSAT or CAT, with possible essay writing or internal exams.
• Application Process: Involves submission of an application form (approximately $200 CAD fee), past report cards, and teacher recommendations.
• Residency and Guardianship: Students from outside Canada must have local accommodation and a guardian.

The process typically includes an interview with the admission team and a medical check-up.

Anna Parkhomenko

Ridley College Admission Manager

How much should parents budget for additional expenses each year, besides tuition and living fees?

Usually this is $ 2000-3000 CAD per year: textbooks, form, etc. + sports equipment, additional excursions and trips. Everything else is already included in the cost of the school course, but families are trying to provide children with an additional 2000-3000 $ CAD per year for pocket expenses, walks, shopping, ordering food and other pleasures. Although, of course, each family determines the last amount independently.

Fees range from 20,000 to 65,000 CAD annually, varying based on factors like location, accommodation quality, institution's status, and program types. Additional expenses may include registration fees and non-refundable deposits upon acceptance.

• St. Andrew's College: A boys-only institution focusing on comprehensive development. Offers middle and high school programs starting from 55,000 CAD.
• Columbia International College: Caters to ages 13-18, emphasizing university readiness. Average tuition is 44,454 CAD.
• Brookes Shawnigan Lake: Renowned for exceptional arts education, offering high school and IB programs. Fees start at 47,500 CAD.
• Trafalgar Castle School: Specializes in education for girls 10-18 years old, with a strong university prep focus. Tuition is about 59,515 CAD.
• Branksome Hall: An all-girls institution in central Toronto offering the International Baccalaureate, with semester fees beginning at 28,565 CAD.

• Accelerated Programs: Some institutions offer 3-semester programs for quicker completion.
• High School Emphasis: Despite accepting younger learners, high school programs are especially popular among overseas students.
• Credit System: A specific number of academic credits are required for diploma attainment.
• Program Diversity: Offerings include traditional secondary education, Advanced Placement, and the International Baccalaureate, facilitating global university access.

Applying to boarding schools in Toronto for international students involves several important steps. Here's an overview to guide you through the procedure:

• Research and Choose Schools. Begin by investigating boarding schools in Toronto that align with your academic and personal preferences. Take into account factors such as educational programs, extracurricular activities, school size, and geographic location. Online resources, forums, and school rankings can offer valuable insights.
• Each institution has its specific admission guidelines. Typical requirements usually consist of academic records, standardized test results (like the SSAT), letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some schools may also ask for an interview, either in-person or via video call.
• Prepare for Standardized Tests. If the school mandates tests such as the SSAT, ensure you start your preparation well in advance. There are many resources available online for test preparation.
• Collect Required Documents. This should include academic transcripts, evidence of English language proficiency (like TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native speakers), copies of your passport, and financial documentation. Ensure that all documents are translated into English, if needed.
• Apply for a Study Permit. As a foreign student, you will need a Canadian study permit, which requires acceptance from an institution, proof of financial support, and a clean criminal record. The application process may take weeks or months, so it’s advisable to apply promptly upon receiving school acceptance.
• Submit Applications. Apply to the schools of your choice, adhering to their application deadlines. This often involves filling out an application form, writing a personal essay, and submitting your documents and test scores.
• Prepare for Interviews. Some schools may require interviews as part of their application process. Be ready to discuss your academic goals, extracurricular interests, and motivations for attending the school.
• Wait for Acceptance Letters. After submitting your applications, you will enter a waiting phase before receiving responses. If you’re accepted, expect guidance on subsequent steps, such as confirming your place through a deposit.
• Arrange Accommodation and Arrival. Upon acceptance, you’ll need to secure housing if the school does not provide it. Also, organize your travel to Toronto, keeping the school term start dates in consideration.
• Prepare for Life in Toronto. Familiarize yourself with Canadian culture, the local area of the school, and the weather in Toronto, especially if it's very different from your home country.

Studying at boarding schools in Toronto provides students with many benefits:

Language Learning

Toronto boarding schools offer a curriculum in English or French (bilingual options are available). Students are immersed in a language environment, interact with teachers and peers in the language of instruction, and quickly improve their language skills.

24/7 Supervision

Pupils live on the boarding school grounds and are always supervised by experienced teachers and support staff. This creates a safe and comfortable environment for learning and development.

Variety of programs

Diverse programs of study, including both curricular and extracurricular activities, allow pupils to develop not only academically but also in other areas: sports, arts and social life.

International environment

Private boarding schools in Toronto accept students from all over the world. It creates an international environment and allows students to experience different cultures and traditions. This broadens the mind and helps develop intercultural competence, which will be very useful in future careers and life in general.

Flexible Learning approach

Boarding schools in Toronto offer a flexible approach to learning, allowing students to choose the programs and subjects that best suit their interests and needs. This is especially helpful for students who want to focus on certain areas of study or have special learning needs.

University preparation

There are programs that prepare students for universities in Canada and other countries. They include exam preparation, academic skills development and advice on choosing a college or university.

Studying at boarding schools in Toronto provides students with unique opportunities to develop not only academic skills, but also social, cultural and international competencies. This is especially valuable for students who want to receive a quality education and prepare for a successful career in a global world.

• Private boarding schools in Toronto stand out as distinct educational establishments that provide students with the chance to learn in a nurturing environment while residing on campus with their classmates. This setup ensures that international students experience complete immersion in the language, which significantly enhances their proficiency. Such an environment allows students to rapidly enhance their language skills and consistently engage in practical usage.
• Toronto's boarding schools ensure round-the-clock supervision, creating a secure and conducive atmosphere for growth and learning. Students are mentored by seasoned educators and staff members who are readily available to address any inquiries, fostering trustworthy connections between students and teachers as well as strengthening friendships among peers.
• A key benefit of boarding schools in Toronto is the diverse range of academic programs available, including A-Level, Advanced Placement, IB, Foundation, and High School Diploma options. Beyond academics, students have access to numerous extracurricular activities—sports, arts, music, and dance—fostering well-rounded development.
• Boarding schools in Toronto provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in a global environment. Students from diverse backgrounds gather in these institutions, fostering an atmosphere that promotes cultural exchange and understanding. This exposure helps learners broaden their perspectives and enhance their skills in intercultural communication.
• Additionally, private boarding schools in Toronto offer tailored services such as one-on-one tutoring and personal training sessions based on individual needs.
• What sets these boarding schools apart is their appreciation for cultural and national diversity, along with their focus on nurturing both personal growth and social competencies among students.
• The institutions feature a wide range of activities and events designed to cultivate children's intellectual, creative, and physical talents, thereby expanding their horizons further.
• However, tuition fees at private boarding schools in Toronto tend to be higher than that of public schools. Despite this, numerous parents opt for private education due to its personalized approach, superior living conditions, flexible curriculum choices, and various additional services available.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a global educational initiative aimed at equipping children in Toronto and worldwide with the essential knowledge and abilities to thrive in an interconnected society. The IB emphasizes fostering personal growth in students, setting the stage for advanced education, career opportunities, and active participation in their communities.

What sets the IB program apart are its distinctive features. It encompasses a broad spectrum of subjects such as languages, sciences, social studies, mathematics, and art, among others. Rather than confining itself to individual subjects, the IB adopts a comprehensive educational philosophy; students engage in an integrative learning process that enables them to recognize the interrelations among different disciplines and develop solutions to complex problems.

In Toronto's boarding schools, the IB program includes an extensive curriculum. It offers six scientific fields, blending academic subjects with those meant to enhance personal and social skills:

• Languages. Kids study not only their native language, but also one or more foreign languages.
• Social Sciences. Various aspects of social sciences are studied: history, economics, geography, sociology, etc.
• Natural Sciences: This encompasses fundamental sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Mathematics.
• Art: Students explore multiple artistic disciplines like music, theater, and visual arts.
• Supplemental Programs: These emphasize social and personal development, covering knowledge theory, creative thinking, learning technologies, and cultural diversity.

Foundation

The Foundation program available at boarding schools in Toronto is a robust educational initiative aimed at equipping students for university studies in Canada and beyond. This program caters to those who lack sufficient credit hours or have not completed the equivalent of 12 years of secondary education required for university entry.

Typically lasting between 8 to 12 months, the program covers essential subjects necessary for university admission, including mathematics, English, science, and social studies. Additionally, students have the opportunity to explore extra subjects that align with their individual interests and career aspirations.

A significant aspect of the Foundation program is its emphasis on cultivating skills vital for university success. The courses are structured to enhance leadership, communication, and analytical thinking abilities, fostering greater confidence and success in students’ academic and professional pursuits. Intensive English training and language development are also key focuses of the Foundation program.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement (AP) is a curriculum established by the College Board in the United States for high school students. It enables students to earn college credits and/or attain advanced standing during their final year at university. The program encompasses over 30 subjects, including mathematics, science, foreign languages, social studies, arts, and music.

Students enrolled in the AP program are required to take standardized tests at the end of the academic year for each selected subject, with scores ranging from 1 to 5, where 5 signifies the highest level of mastery. These results inform universities about the subjects students have studied and their corresponding proficiency levels.

Successfully passing AP exams contributes additional points to university admissions, and the courses are structured to promote in-depth knowledge and the development of critical thinking and analytical skills.

Extracurricular activities

Students are always involved in creative activities. There are many extracurricular activities in boarding houses, every student can find something to his/her liking: chess clubs, gymnastics, student council, martial arts, public speaking and other interesting activities. In addition, boarding houses organize excursions and other educational activities for kids to learn more about culture and broaden their horizons.

Toronto boarding houses may organize social events such as parties, concerts, dances, cultural events and other types of entertainment. These events provide an opportunity for boarding house residents to socialize with other people and enjoy themselves.

Canadian boarding schools are well equipped to accommodate and educate children. Children are accommodated in spacious, well-lit rooms for 1-4 students. The accommodation is supervised 24 hours a day by school staff and children are always under adult supervision: a team of teachers and other school staff are on hand to provide counseling and psychological support to children who may be having difficulty adjusting to a new country.

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