Choosing the Best School in Ontario: A Practical Approach to Finding the Right Fit for Your Child

You’re standing at a crossroads, looking down multiple roads, each with its promise. One road looks smooth but your child needs a spark; another is adventurous but tough to navigate. Each path has something for your child’s education but the choices are overwhelming.

The stakes are too high to leave it to chance. That’s why we’re here to light up every step of the Ontario education system so you can find the right road and make an informed decision for your child’s future.

1. Overview of Ontario’s Education System

Ontario’s education system is a multifaceted entity that spans from elementary to post-secondary education, all overseen by the Ontario Ministry of Education. This system is designed to cater to a wide range of educational needs and aspirations, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

At the elementary level, children typically start their educational journey in kindergarten and continue through to grade 8, covering ages 5 to 14. This foundational stage is crucial for developing basic skills and fostering a love for learning.

Secondary education, or high school, encompasses grades 9 to 12, generally for students aged 14 to 18. This stage prepares students for their next steps, whether entering the workforce, attending college, or pursuing university studies.

Post-secondary education in Ontario includes a variety of institutions such as colleges, universities, and specialized schools offering diploma, degree, and certificate programs. Renowned institutions like McMaster University provide world-class education and research opportunities, contributing to the province’s reputation for academic excellence.

Ontario’s education system is known for its rigorous curriculum and high standards, which aim to prepare students for future success. Beyond academics, the system strongly emphasizes extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and visual arts programs. These activities are integral to fostering well-rounded, engaged students ready to contribute to their communities.

Ontario has the most diverse and dynamic education system in Canada with over 2 million students in public, Catholic, and French-language school boards. The structure is designed for equity and inclusivity, to provide accessible education for all students regardless of background. But the system faces big challenges: meeting the needs of students, addressing systemic inequities, and making sure every child has what they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Nokha Dakroub (@NokhaDakroub), an advocate and commentator on Ontario’s public education system, notes that poverty’s impact on student learning is still a big issue. Her conversation with Trustee McDonald (@TrusteeMcDonald) shows the work and advocacy happening in school boards to address this. It highlights the need for trustees, educators, and communities to work together to create a more equitable system for all students.

A few weeks ago I spoke with @TrusteeMcDonald about her experience being a Trustee in Ontario’s public education system. We talked about Kathy’s work and advocacy over the year and key issues including the impact of poverty on student learning.

Have a listen:… pic.twitter.com/OmgxBC1dJe

— Nokha Dakroub (@NokhaDakroub) October 15, 2024

2. Understanding Ontario’s Education System

Ontario has three main types of schools: public, private, and boarding schools. Each has its pros and cons and the right one depends on what works for your family and your priorities.

2.1. Public Schools

These are government-funded and free to all Ontario residents. They follow a standardized curriculum set by the Ministry of Education so all schools across the province are the same. Public schools are often tied to their local community so there’s a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

2.2. Private Schools

Private schools are not government-funded and usually charge tuition. Tuition can range from $5,000 to over $25,000 per year. The trade-off? Smaller class sizes, specialized curriculum, and more flexibility in teaching approaches. Private schools often offer niche programs—think Montessori, International Baccalaureate (IB), or arts-focused education—that cater to specific learning styles or interests.

2.3. Boarding Schools

Boarding schools combine academic instruction with residential living so it’s a holistic environment for personal and intellectual growth. Take Lakefield College School for example where students get rigorous academics, outdoor education, and a close-knit community that fosters independence and life skills. These schools are great for students who thrive in structured, immersive environments.

Attending a boarding school in Canada offers unique cultural and natural diversities, enhancing the overall educational experience.

The education system has been a hot topic in Ontario on how to prepare students for the changing world. As part of this Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford (@fordnation) is focusing on foundational skills and modernizing the curriculum to prepare students for the future.

His plan includes more math, financial literacy in the classroom, and students being ready for tomorrow’s workforce. It’s all about balancing the traditional academic priorities with the practical skills students need to succeed.

Ford’s focus on classroom management (removing cell phones in class) is part of a bigger effort to create a learning environment. By consulting with parents and addressing their concerns the province is trying to create an education system that is both responsive and functional. These changes are all about aligning education with real life and a disciplined learning environment.

Ontario is consulting with parents to create an education system that works: going back to basics to improve math scores, removing cellphones from the classroom, teaching financial literacy, and preparing kids for the jobs of tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/kjoGkl0p4I

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) August 22, 2018

3. Who’s in Charge? Governance in Ontario Schools

Ontario’s education system is a collaborative structure between the Ministry of Education and local school boards. The Ministry sets the overall policies, develops the curriculum, and distributes funding so there’s consistency and quality across the province.

Local school boards manage the day-to-day operations, handle staffing, facilities, and program delivery, and adapt to the unique needs of their community. They also offer specialized programs like Catholic and French language education so families have more choices. Together these two entities make sure Ontario’s education system is both cohesive and responsive to students across the province.

3.1. Ministry of Education

The Ministry develops a curriculum, sets policies, and allocates funding. It’s responsible for the overall quality and consistency of education across the province.

3.2. School Boards

School boards manage the day-to-day operations of public schools. They handle staffing, facilities, and program delivery to ensure schools meet provincial standards. Catholic and French language school boards offer more options for families who want faith-based or bilingual education.

4. Researching Schools

4.1. Online Research

In today’s digital age, online research is an invaluable tool for parents and students looking to find the right school in Ontario. The Ontario Ministry of Education’s website is a great starting point, offering comprehensive information on schools, including their locations, programs, and performance data. This resource can help you get a broad understanding of what different schools have to offer.

Another essential resource is the Fraser Institute’s website, which provides detailed rankings and reports on Ontario’s secondary schools. These rankings are based on various criteria such as academic performance, graduation rates, and student engagement, offering valuable insights into how schools compare.

Additionally, online directories and review websites can be incredibly useful. These platforms often feature reviews and ratings from current and former students, giving you a firsthand look at the school’s environment, programs, and extracurricular activities. By leveraging these online resources, you can gather a wealth of information to help you make an informed decision.

4.2. Ontario School Rankings

When it comes to choosing a school, Ontario school rankings can serve as a helpful guide. These rankings, such as those provided by the Fraser Institute, evaluate schools based on a range of criteria including academic performance, graduation rates, and student engagement.

The Fraser Institute’s Report Card on Ontario’s Secondary Schools is one of the most widely recognized ranking systems, offering a detailed analysis of how schools perform in various areas.

Another useful tool is the Ontario Ministry of Education’s School Information Finder. This resource provides performance data on schools, including graduation rates, literacy and numeracy test results, and student engagement metrics. These rankings and data points can give you a snapshot of a school’s academic environment and overall performance.

However, it’s important to remember that rankings are just one piece of the puzzle. While they provide valuable insights, they should not be the sole factor in your decision-making process. Consider other aspects such as the school’s programs, facilities, extracurricular activities, and overall fit for your child’s needs and interests

By taking a holistic approach, you can ensure that you choose a school that offers a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

5. Do Ontario School Rankings Matter?

When researching Ontario’s secondary schools, you’ve probably come across the Fraser Institute rankings which rate schools based on standardized test scores and other performance metrics. While these rankings can be a good starting point, remember their limitations.

They focus mainly on academic performance and ignore other important factors like extracurricular activities, school culture, and teacher engagement which all contribute to a child’s overall experience. Rankings should be seen as just one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture when evaluating a school’s quality and fit for a child’s needs.

5.1. Limitations of Rankings

Rankings focus on academic performance which is only one part of a well-rounded education. They don’t account for factors like extracurricular activities, school culture, or teacher engagement—all of which can impact a child’s experience. Use rankings as one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture.

6. Public, Private or Boarding? Choosing the Right Fit

Choosing the right school involves weighing the pros and cons of public, private, boarding, and high schools. Public schools offer free education and are in every community so students from all walks of life can learn together. They offer specialized programs like French immersion, gifted programs, and AP courses.

Private schools offer customized education with smaller class sizes so more individualized attention, specialized curriculum like IB or Montessori, and extensive extracurriculars in arts, sports, and leadership. Boarding schools focus on holistic development offering an immersive experience that combines academics, life skills, and community living and fosters discipline and independence.

They also create a global community attracting students from around the world and enriching the learning environment with diverse perspectives.

6.1. Public Schools: Reliable and Inclusive

• Cost: Free.
• Accessibility: In every community.
• Diversity: Students from all walks of life, broad social learning.
• Specialized Programs: Many public schools offer French immersion, gifted programs, and AP courses.

6.2. Private Schools: Customized Education

• Smaller Class Sizes: More individualized attention for students.
• Specialized Curriculum: The IB or Montessori curriculum focuses on specific learning philosophies.
• Extracurriculars: Often have extensive programs in arts, sports, and leadership.
• Networking: Connections made here can benefit students in higher education and careers.

6.3. Boarding Schools: Immersive Growth

• Holistic Development: Academics, life skills, and community living.
• Focused Environment: Students often develop discipline and independence.
• Global Community: Many boarding schools attract students from around the world and diverse environments.

In the public vs private schooling debate, Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) highlights an interesting statistic about the cost of education in Ontario. According to his numbers, the province spends over $14,000 per student in public schools.

That’s more than many private schools charge. So what does that mean for the efficiency of public education funding and are families better off or getting what they need in private or alternative schools?

For parents choosing between public, private, or boarding schools this adds another layer of consideration. Public schools are accessible and have a standard curriculum, private schools have specialized programs, smaller class sizes, and a different educational environment—sometimes for the same cost.

Understanding these financials can help families weigh the pros and cons of each option to make the best decision for their child’s needs and future.

I was searching for something else regarding Ontario's education system and came across this from the Financial Accountability Office.
We spend more than $14,000 per student in public schools.
That is more than many private schools charge. pic.twitter.com/rMw9RQZqGh

— Brian Lilley (@brianlilley) January 16, 2025

7. What to Look For

Choosing the right school is more than just academics—it’s about finding a place that nurtures a child’s intellectual, emotional, and social development. A diverse student body enriches the educational experience by bringing together students from various ethnic, cultural, and international backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and a broader perspective.

Look for schools with experienced and passionate teachers who are committed to student success, high teacher retention is a sign of a supportive school culture. Smaller class sizes mean more individualized attention so teachers can address individual needs.

Extracurriculars like sports, music, and clubs are important for leadership and creativity, and support services like special education programs and counseling for students with diverse needs so every child can thrive.

7.1. Teacher Quality

A great teacher makes a huge difference. Look for schools with experienced and passionate teachers who are committed to student success. High teacher retention is a good sign of a positive school culture.

7.2. Class Sizes

Smaller class sizes mean more individualized attention so teachers can address individual needs. This can make a big difference, especially for younger children or those who need extra support.

7.3. Extracurriculars

Activities outside the classroom—sports teams, music programs, debate clubs—help develop leadership, teamwork, and creative skills. They also give students a chance to discover and nurture their interests.

7.4. Support Services

What resources does the school offer for students with diverse needs? Special education programs, counseling services, tutoring? Strong support systems so every child can thrive.

When looking at schools in Ontario you have to consider not only the school itself but the system it’s in. Professor Carol Campbell (@CarolCampbell4), a leading education expert, says Ontario’s publicly funded education system is one of the best in the world according to the OECD’s PISA. That’s not by chance—it’s because of investment in schools, staff, and resources that keeps education quality and accessibility for all students.

As you research for your child remember strong public education is based on equity, inclusivity, and continuous support for educators and students. Choosing a school that embodies these values will give your child a full education while contributing to the overall success of Ontario’s education system. By choosing schools that match these strengths your child will get a system that’s designed for excellence and opportunity for all.

Hi Brian, Are you aware that ed systems based on vouchers & privatization perform much worse than Ontario’s publicly funded edu system & that Ontario is one of highest performing edu systems in world according to @OECDEduSkills PISA but that requires investment in #OntEd & staff https://t.co/Y0uxvt08YG

— Professor Carol Campbell (@CarolCampbell4) November 4, 2022

8. Does Location Matter? Yes.

A school’s location affects your child’s daily life and educational experience. Urban areas have many options and extracurriculars but may have longer commutes and larger class sizes. Suburban schools like Richmond Hill offer a balance of accessibility, safety, and community while rural schools in Port Hope offer a close-knit family environment.

Location also affects transportation, urban areas have public transit, and rural areas have school buses so commute time is a factor to consider. Additionally, high ratings for public safety contribute to the overall appeal and quality of life in the region, making it an attractive choice for both residents and international students.

8.1. Urban

Cities like Toronto have many options, from specialized public schools to prestigious private schools. They’re also hubs for cultural, artistic, and extracurriculars. However urban schools may have larger class sizes or longer commutes.

8.2. Suburban

Places like Richmond Hill offer a balance of accessibility and a slower pace of life. Suburban schools have strong community ties and are known for being safe and supportive.

8.3. Rural

Smaller towns like Port Hope have community schools. If a close family environment is what you’re looking for then rural schools might be the way to go.

8.4. Transportation and Commutes

Public Transit: Available in urban areas but less so in rural areas.

School Buses: Many schools offer bus services so less logistical headaches.

Commute Time: Consider how long a commute will affect your child’s energy and enthusiasm for school.

9. Programs and Curriculum: What’s on Offer?

Ontario schools have various academic streams to meet different needs: Academic programs prepare students for university, Applied programs focus on practical skills for college or the workforce, and Locally Developed programs provide extra support in core subjects. Many schools also have specialized programs in STEM, arts, and special education so students can dive deeper into their interests.

Healthcare programs are also integral, offering courses in nursing and healthcare management that are crucial for student’s career success in the healthcare sector. Besides academics, extracurriculars like sports, theater, and clubs add to the school experience, teaching important skills like teamwork, resilience, and time management.

9.1. Academic Streams

• Academic: University prep.
• Applied: Practical skills for college or the workforce.
• Locally Developed: Extra support in core subjects.

9.2. Specialized Programs

Many schools are strong in areas like STEM, arts, or special education. These programs allow students to go deeper into subjects they love, setting them up for success.

9.3. Extracurriculars

From sports teams to theater productions to environmental clubs, extracurriculars add to the school experience. Not just for fun, they teach resilience, teamwork, and time management.

10. Budgeting for Education

Education is a big investment and understanding the costs is important. Public schools are free but may have extra costs for field trips, supplies, or extracurriculars. Private and boarding schools have varying tuition fees and extra costs for uniforms, textbooks, and special programs. Many of these schools offer scholarships or financial aid so be sure to look into those.

Additionally, there are programs and initiatives tailored for female students, such as specialized apprenticeships like the general carpenter pre-apprenticeship for women. Ultimately investing in a good education will pay off in the long run, with better opportunities, stronger networks, and a well-rounded skill set for your child.

10.1. Public

Free education but may have extra costs for field trips, supplies, or extracurriculars.

10.2. Private and Boarding

Tuition fees vary. On top of tuition, consider uniforms, textbooks, and special programs. Many schools offer scholarships or financial aid so be sure to look into those.

10.3. Long-Term Value

A good education will pay off in the long run, with better opportunities, stronger networks, and a well-rounded skill set for your child.

11. Decision Time

After all your research it’s time to decide. Start by making a shortlist of schools based on location, programs, and affordability, and get input from parent groups or online forums. Visiting schools in person is a must; take note of the facilities, observe classes, and ask about the school’s approach and philosophy.

Finally, involve your child in the decision, it’s their future after all. Discuss their thoughts after the visits and consider their input when making the final decision.

11.1. Create a Shortlist

Narrow down your options based on location, programs, and financial feasibility. Parent groups and online forums can be helpful.

11.2. Visit Schools

There’s no substitute for a personal experience. Take note of the facilities, observe classes, and ask about the school’s philosophy and approach.

11.3. Involve Your Child

This decision affects them the most so their input matters. Discuss their thoughts after school visits and consider their preferences.

Finding the Perfect School for Your Child

Choosing the right school for your child is a personal and big decision. It goes beyond academics; it’s finding a place where they’ll feel supported, inspired, and encouraged to grow. Take your time to weigh your options, visit schools, and assess the environment, curriculum, and extracurriculars that align with your child’s interests and goals.

Consider their emotional, social, and developmental needs – these are just as important as their academic potential. By involving your child in the process and trusting your instincts you’ll find a school where they can succeed and truly thrive, set them up for a bright and happy future. The perfect school is out there – you just need to find it.

Last Updated on January 27, 2025 by Saket Kumar