Risky behaviour often arises from a teen girl's inability to adapt to new and risky environments. And no environment can entail more trouble for a teen girl than high school. Removing children from harmful environments is one of the premiere benefits seen in at-risk programs, in private schools, or in "teen boot camps." Read more
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.
"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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"Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best!
—From the school
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"Our Beyond the Books approach prioritizes academic success & personal growth, using success to nurture students' confidence & self-esteem to develop a willingness to take risks in the classroom & school activities.
—From the school
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"Armbrae offers a close-knit, inclusive community with balanced academics, strong arts and athletics, play-based early learning, and real-world enrichment from Preschool to Grade 12—supported by personalized guidance.
—From the school
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"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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 Oakville, Ontario QEW Highway/403 Highway "Walden International School is the only private school in Halton region that is authorized to deliver the IB PYP and MYP programmes. Walden is committed to Making Good People. And, from goodness arises greatness." —From the school
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 Victoria, British Columbia "We identify experiences that enhance learning, empowering individuals while fostering a community of collaborative contributors. This is achieved through interdisciplinary projects that are seamlessly integrated." —From the school
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 Oakville / Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Finch "Monarch Academy is a private school for children with autism, rooted in a culture of belonging. We offer a strength-based, individualized approach that supports each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth." —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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 North York, Ontario Avenue Road/Lawrence Avenue "Through our dynamic individual education plans, mentorship, and therapeutic counselling we ensure all students feel comfortable, respected and cared for, so they stay actively engaged in their educational journey." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Sheppard Avenue East/Highway 401 "Sunray Academy of Canada prepares learners with a personalized high school education (OSSD), empowering them to design their future, pursue global opportunities, and emerge as confident & internationally minded leaders." —From the school
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 Brampton, Ontario "OES offers fast, flexible, and fully online OSSD courses with 24/7 tutoring. Join a community where 80% of students achieve over 85%. Expertly supported, Ministry-accredited, and available year-round." —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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 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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 London, Ontario "Matthews Hall aims to inspire academic excellence and a lifetime of joyful learning in the students we serve. We offer a trusted and balanced journey of academic, character and leadership development to our students." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario "Aurora Alternative Micro School has created a curriculum that combines academic and creative experiences , engaging a child's head, heart and hands in an environment that is supportive, nurturing and rich in growth." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore road/Southdown road "Rooted in Christian values, Meadow Green Christian Academy combines academic rigor, personal attention, and a safe, nurturing environment to empower each student’s unique potential." —From the school
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 Surrey, British Columbia 64th Avenue/Fraser Highway "Crescent Heights Academy offers a rigorous academic curriculum that integrates arts, sciences, and athletics, preparing students for success in post-secondary education." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Danforth/Broadview "Passages is an alternative school that empowers young people to shape their education. Supported by adult mentors, learners follow their interests, contribute to a democratic community and feel engaged in learning again." —From the school
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 Markham / Unionville, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave "Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program caters to children from 1.5 to 5 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville." —From the school
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 Etobicoke, Ontario Bloor St West/Kipling Ave "Beamish Academy combines certified teachers with AI-supported learning through CENTURY Tech, helping students K-6 of all levels achieve mastery while building confidence, independence, and future-ready skills." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./Eglinton Ave. West "Alive Montessori is a warm, safe and loving community where caring teachers support each child through small class sizes and individualized programs. We nurture independence, confidence, curiosity and a love of learning." —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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 North York, Ontario Bathurst/Wilson "Magnificent Minds Inc. caters to students whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing personal best through a balanced approach to education." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "Hawthorn partners with parents to form well-rounded young women rooted in the Catholic faith. Through personalized attention, students excel in academics, leadership, and character, with exceptional university placement." —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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 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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 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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 Wilcox, Saskatchewan Railway Ave/Rouleau St "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." —From the school
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 Ottawa, Ontario Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave. "Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years." —From the school
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 Mississauga, Ontario "Shining Stars School believes by combining the most conducive, inclusive and safe learning environment and developmentally appropriate curricular supports, our students can succeed!" —From the school
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 Nepean, Ontario "R.I.S.E. Academy empowers youth with personalized, experiential learning rooted in equity and the UN SDGs.We focus on inquiry-based, culturally relevant education that fosters creativity, leadership, and community impact" —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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 North York / Pickering, Ontario Finch Ave. W./Bathurst St. "CAA has been serving the GTA for 70 years. Our students learn through a strong academic curriculum, community engagement and alumni mentorship – with a 98% acceptance rate to the University of their first choice." —From the school
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 Bayfield, Ontario "After 25+ years of teaching courses online, VHS is unrivaled in experience, credibility, and expertise. Our student-centred model provides a world-class educational experience for thousands of Ontario students each year." —From the school
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 Markham / 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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 Amaranth, Ontario "The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus." —From the school
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 Cambridge, Ontario Franklin Blvd/Myers Road "Oak Bridge Academy helps students with ASD thrive. By blending education with expert ABA/ACT therapy, we empower children to overcome bullying, build lasting friendships, and rediscover a love of learning." —From the school
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 Burlington, Ontario Appleby/Britannia "Evergreen Academy redefines education through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and small classes where children are truly known, challenged, and inspired to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally." —From the school
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 Milton, Ontario "At Oxford Learning Academy, our teachers will use the proven scientific approach of Cognitive Development to teach our students new ways of thinking and understanding what they are learning and how they are learning." —From the school
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 Halifax, Nova Scotia Russell St/Gottingen St "We weave together arts, academics, and mindfulness to unlock each student's full potential. Guided by our Five-Pillar philosophy, young minds don't just learn - they discover their power to shape a better tomorrow." —From the school
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 North Vancouver, British Columbia Wellington Dr/Fromme Rd "Cousteau School offers a bilingual French-English education with a dual curriculum: the French Ministry of Education program and the BC curriculum, fostering academic excellence and global citizenship." —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/Sheppard Ave "Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Ministry-inspected credit-granting institution offering Grades 6-12 courses in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access." —From the school
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 Merrickville, Ontario "Our small class sizes, dynamic club programs, and house-based community activities ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging at Fulford Academy. Whether they are boarding or day students, all individuals know" —From the school
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 Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "CMPS is a faith-based, academically rigorous community blending Montessori and traditional methods to inspire a love of learning, strong character, and confident leadership from Preschool to Grade 12." —From the school
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 Calgary, Alberta "Renfrew is a specialized school for children with disabilities, where education and therapy are integrated to create personalized, inclusive programs that support each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth." —From the school
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 Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "Aurora Montessori delivers an enriched Montessori program that builds strong academic foundations, critical thinking, and independence, while developing adaptive, future-ready skills in a supportive community." —From the school
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Not every public school is the same, but they are very often the source of a teen girl's first exposure to harmful influences, such as drugs, alcohol, smoking, violence, promiscuity, and gossip. It's easy to feel lost among so many other students, and teachers and administrators are often so overwhelmed by large class sizes, lack of funding, and other managerial problems that there is little time to devote to students they feel are at risk, if they notice any developing problems at all.
That's how a local businessman from Stratford, Ontario felt when his daughter and her friends returned home from their public school and complained of such problems. He started the Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute with an emphasis on leadership and world learning, and all of his daughter’s concerns about risky influences disappeared.
Private schools commonly offer close student-teacher relationships, tight-knit communities, and top-notch academic programs to ensure that a teen girl receives the guidance, comfort, and structure essential for a successful education. But sometimes problems are so overwhelming at home that a brand new community is what’s needed for a teen girl at risk. Private boarding schools like Pinehurst School in St. Catharines, Ontario, or programs such as Venture Academy in Red Deer, Alberta, are designed specifically for troubled teens (see our guide to boarding schools for troubled teens). They specialize in rehabilitating teens at risk through their home environment, staffed by professional therapists, counsellors, medical doctors, and tutors to provide the best support and care for troubled teens possible.
It may be difficult to decide to send a teen girl away to a boarding school for at-risk teens, but it may be well worth it in the end. The vast majority of Venture Academy graduates can turn their risky behaviour around upon their return home. Venture Academy is not the only boarding school for teen girls at risk that has seen some substantial improvements in its students.
Take Becky for example. Upon entry into public school, she quickly became defiant of her parents and their rules—she skipped school, drank late into the night, and fought with her mother regularly. One day Becky saw the destructive path she was heading down and realized she needed a change.
"I was afraid I was going to end up a nobody and that was my worst fear—to be a failure," Becky said.
She and her mother decided on Rocklyn Academy in Meaford, Ontario. At the risk of failing her courses at her previous school, Becky quickly rose to the ranks of “head girl” and will be pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian at the University Of Guelph, complete with a scholarship. Cassie, another teen girl at risk, also found the support she needed to turn her life around at Rocklyn. Her local school was a destructive community for her, where she fell into the wrong crowd, stopped going to class, and even developed a drug addiction. At Rocklyn Academy, they nurtured her love for science and medicine and gave her the confidence to pursue this field in university.
"They said to me, ‘You’re smart, you’re amazing, you can really do this,’” she said. “I was finally ready to accept help and it was here for me."
Canada has many effective boarding schools for teen girls at risk, ensuring there is a practical solution for any family dealing with a troubled teen girl. For a complete listing of such schools, click here. There are also private schools with adult skills programs.
Many families worry about the costs that come from private or boarding schools. However, in today’s society, boarding schools for teen girls at risk have realized that families who cannot afford high tuition rates are sometimes the families that need the most help. Therefore, they’ve made changes to become much more reasonable options for families across all economic backgrounds. Under Paying Private School Tuition we offer useful tips on how to finance a private school education for troubled teens.
What does “individualized education” actually look like?
Building a strategic academic pathway from the early years
At Hudson College, learning to write is a developmental journey that shapes how students think, communicate, understand, and interact with the world around them.
A program designed for young boys
How Mindful Career helps students build a roadmap for the future
Small class sizes, inquiry-driven learning, and a focus on well-being have created an environment that nurtures confident and curious learners
Turnaround in a new environment
Lives change inside private schools (June 25, 2019)
At-risk teen girls
Private school can be a great option for at-risk teen girls (May 2, 2019)
Troubled teen girls
Private schools can be a great option for troubled teen girls (May 1, 2019)
At-risk students
Private schools can be a great option for at-risk students (May 1, 2019)
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