Here’s OUR KIDS guide to boarding schools in Toronto. This includes boarding schools in downtown Toronto (such as the Annex and Bloor West), midtown (such as St. Clair West and Forest Hill), North York, Scarborough, Vaughan, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Markham, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, and Aurora.
Toronto hosts a selection of distinguished boarding schools nestled in both urban and neighbourhood settings. These institutions—ranging from historic girls’ academies to elite co-ed schools—offer an immersive educational experience backed by strong academics, vibrant student life, and diverse extracurricular opportunities.
Annual boarding fees in Toronto typically fall between CAD $15,000 and $85,000, depending on the school, grade level, and whether the option is available year‑round or part-time. For a complete guide to boarding in Canada, including information about admissions, please see our introductory guide to boarding schools.
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.
"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.
—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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"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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"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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"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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 Neuchâtel, Switzerland • Toronto, Ontario "Neuchâtel Junior College offers a transformative Grade 12 or gap year in Switzerland. Students study Canadian curriculum, immerse themselves in French Swiss culture, and gain independence and a global perspective." —From the school
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 North York, Ontario Leslie Street/401 "Enriched STEM, Arts, and AP learning environment with individualized programming, small classes, and personalized support built around each student’s strengths, university goals, and future success." —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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 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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 North York / Port Hope, Ontario York Mills Rd/Don Mills Rd "We inspire global learners through a rigorous IB & AP programs, nurturing curiosity, confidence, and character. In a small-class setting, each student receives individual attention to excel and lead globally." —From the school
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Our boarding school guide has advice specific to finding boarding schools in Canada. For insights that are more general (on how to evaluate school options) we recommend you review our hub on choosing a school. You can also read our guides to questions to ask private schools and questions students get asked at school interviews.
Private school expos are ideal launching pads for your school-finding journey. The Toronto private school expo allows you to speak with administrators from leading Toronto boarding schools. If you live in the west end of the GTA, we also host an expo for Halton-Peel, where schools from that region exhibit. Both expos are held in the fall.
Attending open houses is obviously a great way to learn more about a school and get a feel for the environment. For some advice on open house visits, go here. For questions to ask that are specific to boarding programs, refer to our main boarding school hub.
| School name | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
Neuchâtel Junior College | June 17, 2026 7:00 pm |
Tuition at Toronto boarding schools generally falls within the broader spectrum of private school tuition in Ontario, with additional costs to cover housing, meals, and residential services.
Many boarding schools in Toronto offer financial assistance, including needs-based bursaries and merit-based scholarships. These programs aim to attract a diverse group of students who will enrich the school community. Larger or more established institutions typically offer more substantial financial aid options.
For a detailed overview of funding opportunities, visit our dedicated guide on financial aid and scholarships.
Below is an overview of current tuition ranges at boarding schools in Toronto:
| Tuition (boarding school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Branksome Hall | 6% | 7 - 12 | $25,000 | |
Upper Canada College | $73,700 to $81,100 | 20% | 5 - 12 | $15,000 |
The Bishop Strachan School | $74,800 to $78,200 | 10% | 6 - 12 | $2,100 |
Havergal College | $83,485 to $87,485 | 10% | 7 - 12 | $16,000 |
Hawthorn School | 35% | JK - 12 | $8,000 | |
Neuchâtel Junior College | 15% | 12 | $10,000 | |
Merit College | 1% | 11 - 12 | $1,000 | |
Royal Crown School | 7 - 12 | |||
Globe Cambridge School | $47,300 | 20% | 1 - 12 | $8,000 |
| Founding date | Endowment | Admissions rate | Enrollment | Enrollment per grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Branksome Hall | 1903 | $0 | 30% | 915 | 61 |
Upper Canada College | 1829 | $150,000,000 | 1277 | 85 | |
The Bishop Strachan School | 1867 | $0 | 40% | 970 | 69 |
Bond Academy | 1978 | $0 | 100% | 262 | 19 |
Havergal College | 1894 | $2,637,233 | 30% | 1050 | 70 |
WillowWood School | 1980 | $0 | 100% | 320 | 27 |
Toronto STEM School | 2014 | $10,000 | 70% | 35 | 9 |
McDonald International Academy | 1994 | $0 | 100% | 230 | 58 |
Nile Academy | 2005 | $0 | 90% | 235 | 16 |
Hawthorn School | 1989 | $0 | 95% | 142 | 9 |
Westfield Secondary School | 2016 | $0 | 90% | 330 | 55 |
Neuchâtel Junior College | 1956 | $0 | 70 | 70 | |
Webtree Academy | 2016 | $0 | 90% | 100 | 25 |
Merit College | 2008 | $0 | 100% | 106 | 27 |
Royal Crown School | 2005 | $0 | 310 | 52 | |
Globe Cambridge School | 2018 | $0 | 25% | 50 | 4 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Branksome Hall | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 22 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Upper Canada College | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 20 to 25 | No support | Heavy integration | |
The Bishop Strachan School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 22 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Bond Academy | Traditional | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 15 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration | |
Havergal College | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 22 | No support | Medium integration | ||
WillowWood School | Liberal Arts | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 10 to 16 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | ||
Toronto STEM School | Progressive | Student-paced | Supportive | 2 to 10 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Heavy integration | ||
McDonald International Academy | Traditional | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Nile Academy | Progressive | Montessori | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 16 | No support | Medium integration | |
Hawthorn School | Liberal Arts | Accelerated | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | Light integration | ||
Westfield Secondary School | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 25 | No support | Heavy integration | ||
Neuchâtel Junior College | Traditional | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 14 | No support | Medium integration | ||
Webtree Academy | Traditional | Accelerated | Rigorous | No support | Light integration | |||
Merit College | Progressive | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 5 to 15 | Special needs school | Medium integration | ||
Royal Crown School | Progressive | Reggio Emilia | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | |
Globe Cambridge School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 1 to 15 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Medium integration |
Legend:
Branksome Hall | ||||||||||||||||||||
Upper Canada College | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Bishop Strachan School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Havergal College | ||||||||||||||||||||
WillowWood School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto STEM School | ||||||||||||||||||||
McDonald International Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nile Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hawthorn School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westfield Secondary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Neuchâtel Junior College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Webtree Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Merit College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Crown School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Globe Cambridge School |
| Admission deadline | SSAT required | Interview required | Acceptance rate | Next open house | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Branksome Hall | Day: Dec 1, 2025 Boarding: rolling | 9 - 11 | JK - 12 | 30% | |
Upper Canada College | Day: Dec 1, 2025 Boarding: rolling | SK - 11 | |||
The Bishop Strachan School | Day: Dec 1, 2024 Boarding: rolling | JK - 11 | 40% | ||
Bond Academy | Day: rolling | Nursery/Toddler - 12 | 100% | ||
Havergal College | Day: Dec 2, 2026 Boarding: rolling | JK - 12 | 30% | ||
WillowWood School | Day: rolling | 1 - 12 | 100% | ||
Toronto STEM School | Day: rolling Homestay: rolling | 9 - 12 | 70% | ||
McDonald International Academy | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | 9 - 12 | 100% | ||
Nile Academy | Day: rolling Boarding: Jun 30, 2021 | 1 - 12 | 90% | ||
Hawthorn School | Day: rolling Homestay: rolling | 8 - 12 | 95% | ||
Westfield Secondary School | Boarding: rolling | 90% | |||
Neuchâtel Junior College | Homestay: rolling | 12 | Jun 17, 2026 | ||
Webtree Academy | Day: rolling Homestay: rolling | 9 - 12 | 90% | ||
Merit College | Day: rolling Homestay: rolling | 9 - 12 | 100% | ||
Royal Crown School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | 7 - 12 | |||
Globe Cambridge School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | 1 - 12 | 25% |
Nursery/Toddler | Preschool | JK | SK | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Branksome Hall | 0% | 0% | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | ||
Upper Canada College | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |||
The Bishop Strachan School | 65% | 50% | 0% | 50% | 40% | 0% | 45% | 0% | 50% | 40% | 0% | 40% | 0% | 50% | 0% | ||
Bond Academy | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | ||
Havergal College | 30% | 0% | 0% | 30% | 0% | 30% | 30% | 30% | 10% | 25% | 0% | 25% | 0% | 0% | 0% | ||
WillowWood School | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |||||
Toronto STEM School | 85% | 85% | 60% | 50% | |||||||||||||
McDonald International Academy | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | |||||||||||||
Nile Academy | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | ||
Hawthorn School | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Webtree Academy | 0% | 0% | 90% | 90% | 90% | 80% | |||||||||||
Merit College | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | |||||||||||||
Royal Crown School | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |||||||||||
Globe Cambridge School | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% |
Nursery/Toddler | Preschool | JK | SK | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Branksome Hall | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |||||||||||
Upper Canada College | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | ||||||||||||
The Bishop Strachan School | 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% | 0% | ||||||||||||
Havergal College | 25% | 25% | 25% | 0% | |||||||||||||
McDonald International Academy | 0% | 0% | 100% | 100% | |||||||||||||
Nile Academy | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | |||||||||||||
Royal Crown School | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | |||||||||||||
Globe Cambridge School | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% |
| Math | Science | Literature | Humanities Social Sciences | Foreign Languages | Fine Arts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Branksome Hall | Traditional Math | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Communicative | Equal Balance | |
Upper Canada College | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
The Bishop Strachan School | Traditional Math | Inquiry | Traditional | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Bond Academy | Traditional Math | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Havergal College | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
WillowWood School | Traditional Math | Equal Balance | Traditional | Equal Balance | Communicative | Equal Balance |
Toronto STEM School | Traditional Math | Equal Balance | Traditional | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Creative |
McDonald International Academy | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Nile Academy | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Hawthorn School | Traditional Math | Inquiry | Traditional | Perennialism | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Westfield Secondary School | Traditional Math | Equal Balance | Traditional | Pragmatism | Communicative | Creative |
Neuchâtel Junior College | Traditional Math | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Creative |
Webtree Academy | Traditional Math | Expository | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Merit College | Traditional Math | Expository | Social Justice | Pragmatism | Communicative | Creative |
Royal Crown School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Globe Cambridge School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Student council | School newspaper | Yearbook | Radio club | Photograph club | Art club |
Choir | Band | Dance club | Yoga club | Drama club | Debate club |
Chess club | Math club | Science club | Robotics club | Computer club | Environmental club | Outdoor club | Community service |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Branksome Hall | ||||||||||||||||||||
Upper Canada College | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Bishop Strachan School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Havergal College | ||||||||||||||||||||
WillowWood School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto STEM School | ||||||||||||||||||||
McDonald International Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nile Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hawthorn School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westfield Secondary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Neuchâtel Junior College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Webtree Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Merit College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Crown School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Globe Cambridge School |
Badminton | Baseball | Basketball | Cricket | Equestrian | Football | Golf | Gymnastics | Ice Hockey | Lacrosse | Rowing | Rugby | Soccer | Softball | Squash | Swimming | Tennis | Track and Field | Volleyball | Wrestling |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Branksome Hall | ||||||||||||||||||||
Upper Canada College | ||||||||||||||||||||
The Bishop Strachan School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bond Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Havergal College | ||||||||||||||||||||
WillowWood School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Toronto STEM School | ||||||||||||||||||||
McDonald International Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nile Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Hawthorn School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Westfield Secondary School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Neuchâtel Junior College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Webtree Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Merit College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Royal Crown School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Globe Cambridge School |
Toronto is home to some of Canada’s most established and prestigious educational institutions, alongside newer, highly innovative schools. While Upper Canada College stands as Ontario’s oldest independent school, Columbia International College—just outside Toronto—is North America’s largest boarding school.
Both day students and those attending Toronto boarding schools benefit from access to world-class universities, colleges, museums, galleries, and financial and cultural institutions. It’s Canada’s financial and cultural hub, hosting the Toronto Stock Exchange, CBC, National Ballet, the Royal Ontario Museum, and major international events like TIFF.
The Ontario Ministry of Education mandates that all private secondary schools register annually and are subject to inspection before being allowed to issue credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
To earn the OSSD, students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in grades 9–12—18 mandatory courses, including English, math, science, history, geography, arts, health and physical education, French, career studies, and civics. The remaining 12 credits are electives, allowing students to pursue diverse interests like technology, arts, languages, and cooperative education. In addition, all students must complete 40 hours of community service throughout high school.
Many boarding schools in Toronto add their own graduation requirements beyond the provincial ones. For example, Columbia International College requires 36 credits to graduate, while at Appleby College, students must study an additional international language beyond English and French. Some schools also require extra volunteer hours or community service projects.
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