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Alternative high schools

Find a list of the top alternative high schools in Canada

Considering alternative high schools in Canada? You’re seeking a school where your teenager can explore new learning approaches, develop passions, and feel supported as they prepare for the future. At OUR KIDS, we help families find private alternative schools that break from convention.

Alternative secondary schools in Canada include private schools with philosophies such as Montessori, Waldorf, inquiry-based, project-oriented, or specially adapted teaching styles. These schools often provide flexible pacing, smaller class sizes, and curricula that foster critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth.

For nearly 30 years, the OUR KIDS team has visited campuses, spoken with educators, and listened to families to understand what makes each school unique. Find insights and tools to help you make a confident choice that fits your child’s strengths and your family’s values. Read more


List of alternative high schools

Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.

1. Schools with in-depth reports

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.

Upper Canada College

IN-DEPTH REPORT

Toronto, Ontario
St Clair Ave W/Avenue Rd
 
IN-DEPTH REPORT
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Upper Canada College, Toronto, Ontario

"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.

  1. High-achieving, all-round students
  2. Challenging but rewarding IB Programme
  3. First rate academics, athletics and arts
  4. 19 different sports and 80+ clubs

—From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Boys)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $42,800 to $85,300
 
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Upper Canada College 42800 Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Boarding Boys

The York School

IN-DEPTH REPORT

Toronto, Ontario
Yonge St./St. Clair Ave.
 
IN-DEPTH REPORT
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The York School, Toronto, Ontario

"The York School is a co-ed JK-Grade 12 IB World School in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to nurture curious learners to become globally minded leaders with integrity and purpose.

  1. International Baccalaureate World School (JK - Grade 12)
  2. 100% university placement rate
  3. Co-ed learning environment
  4. Focus on social-emotional and experiential learning

—From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $45,065
 
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The York School 45065 Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Coed

Branksome Hall

IN-DEPTH REPORT

Toronto, Ontario
Bloor Street East/Mount Pleasant Road
 
IN-DEPTH REPORT
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Branksome Hall, Toronto, Ontario

"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.

  1. 13-acre downtown campus
  2. Athletics and Wellness Centre
  3. IB programs: JK to Grade 12
  4. Leadership opportunities

—From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Girls)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $45,140 to $90,710
 
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Branksome Hall 45140 Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Boarding Girls

2. Schools with standard reports

St. John's-Kilmarnock School, Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario
St. John's-Kilmarnock School, Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario

Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario
 
FEATURED REPORT
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"SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration in a caring and inclusive community. Through its IB curriculum and rich co-curricular programming, SJK guides students to discover their unique talents and passions." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $26,925 to $86,700
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St. John's-Kilmarnock School 26925 Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Boarding Coed
Elmwood School, Ottawa, Ontario
Elmwood School, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario
Buena Vista Road/Springfield Road
 
FEATURED REPORT
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"Elmwood School is Ottawa’s leading school for girls from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. With high academic standards, small classes, and a supportive environment, each girl is known, challenged, and empowered to reach her" —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Girls)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $18,800 to $37,650
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Elmwood School 18800 Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Girls
Lynn-Rose School, Mississauga, Ontario
Lynn-Rose School, Mississauga, Ontario

Mississauga, Ontario
Derry/Millcreek
 
FEATURED REPORT
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"Lynn-Rose School is a premier private school for grades PK-12 that prepares students to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners. We foster global citizenship, preparing students to excel in a rapidly evolving world" —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $18,738 to $23,406
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Lynn-Rose School 18738 Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Coed
St. Jude's Academy, Mississauga, Ontario
St. Jude's Academy, Mississauga, Ontario

Mississauga, Ontario
Erin Mills Parkway/Argentia Rd
 
FEATURED REPORT
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"There’s a different energy at SJA. As a leading IB World School and university preparatory school, SJA creates an atmosphere of acceptance that allows us to challenge students to take ownership of their own success." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $14,055 to $19,655
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St. Jude's Academy 14055 Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E Day Coed
Académie de la Capitale, Ottawa, Ontario
Académie de la Capitale, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario
Richmond Rd./John Sutherland Dr.
 
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"We drive learners of all ages to ask questions, think critically, solve complex problems collaboratively, and act. Academic success is achieved via dynamic learning, differentiated teaching and meaningful assessments." —From the school

  • Gr. JK to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $21,879 to $27,458
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Académie de la Capitale 21879 Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Coed
Century Private School, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Century Private School, Richmond Hill, Ontario

Richmond Hill, Ontario
Yonge Street/Silverwood Ave.
 
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"Century Private School is located in Richmond Hill, and our campus occupies 12 acres of land. Our programs runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum; Montessori
  • $18,500 to $28,500
  • Day school
  • 250 students
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Century Private School 18500 Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E Day Coed
The Element High School, Ottawa, Ontario
The Element High School, Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario
Bank Street/Marché Way
 
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"Our programs find the interaction of youth’s developmental characteristics, the Ontario curriculum, and the requirements of the adult world to create the focussed engagement that naturally leads to personal excellence." —From the school

  • Gr. 7 to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; Montessori
  • $22,450 to $22,470
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The Element High School 22450 Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Coed
Trillium School, Markham, Ontario
Trillium School, Markham, Ontario

Markham, Ontario
14th Ave/Kennedy
 
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"Trillium School is a private school that offers programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Markham with Montessori-based kindergarten." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Traditional curriculum; Montessori
  • $11,500 to $17,500
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Trillium School 11500 Grade1E Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Day Boarding Coed
Halton Waldorf School, Burlington, Ontario
Halton Waldorf School, Burlington, Ontario

Burlington, Ontario
Appleby Line/Upper Middle Road
 
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"Discover Halton Waldorf School—where confidence, independence, and curiosity thrive. Nestled on five lush forested acres, our unique campus has nurtured young minds through Waldorf education since 1984." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Waldorf curriculum
  • $19,950
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Halton Waldorf School 19950 Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Coed
KMSchool, Brampton, Ontario
KMSchool, Brampton, Ontario

Brampton, Ontario
 
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"KMSchool offers accredited Montessori education from 18 months to Grade 12, blending academic excellence with ethnic language, culture, and faith to nurture well-rounded, curious, and culturally grounded students." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum
  • $17,050 to $18,700
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KMSchool 17050 Grade1E Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Coed
Lauremont School, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Lauremont School, Richmond Hill, Ontario

Richmond Hill, Ontario
Bayview/Hwy 407
 
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"Lauremont School is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation for life." —From the school

  • Gr. PS to 12 (Coed)
  • Montessori curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $21,690 to $38,255
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Lauremont School 21690 Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Coed
Rothesay Netherwood School, Rothesay, New Brunswick
Rothesay Netherwood School, Rothesay, New Brunswick

Rothesay, New Brunswick
Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd
 
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"Our unique, daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support." —From the school

  • Gr. 6 to 12 (Coed)
  • Liberal Arts curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $29,100 to $90,030
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Rothesay Netherwood School 29100 Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Boarding Coed
Toronto Waldorf School, Thornhill, Ontario
Toronto Waldorf School, Thornhill, Ontario

Thornhill, Ontario
Bathurst St/Rutherford Rd
 
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"Toronto Waldorf School offers a curriculum that integrates academics, arts and movement while addressing the intellectual, physical, emotional and social aspects of child development from preschool to gr. 12." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Waldorf curriculum
  • $5,742 to $25,450
  • Day school
  • 360 students
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Toronto Waldorf School 5742 Grade1E Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Coed
Tall Pines School, Brampton, Ontario
Tall Pines School, Brampton, Ontario

Brampton, Ontario
Torbram/Clark
 
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"Tall Pines School is focused on post education success. As an IB World School, we go beyond academics to nurture character development while developing critical thinkers today that thrive in the uncertainty of tomorrow." —From the school

  • Gr. NS to 12 (Coed)
  • Progressive curriculum; International Baccalaureate
  • $16,700
  • Day school
  • 380 students
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Tall Pines School 16700 Grade1E Grade2E Grade3E Grade4E Grade5E Grade6E Grade7E Grade8E Grade9E Grade10E Grade11E Grade12E Grade13E Grade14E Grade15E Grade16E Grade17E FinancialAid Day Coed
What are the types of alternative high schools in Canada?

Alternative secondary schools in Canada include alternative high schools with educational philosophies such as Montessori, Waldorf, inquiry-based learning, project-oriented approaches, or specially adapted teaching styles. These private schools in Canada offer flexible pacing, small class sizes, and personalized curricula. At their core, alternative schools prioritize progressive, individualized education that diverges from mainstream methods.

What are the benefits of private alternative schools?

Private alternative schools provide environments that encourage self-discovery, independence, and confidence. Students benefit from hands-on learning, collaboration, and small classes. Schools such as micro-schools and forest schools support students who may not thrive in traditional classrooms while preparing them for higher education and life beyond school.

How do I choose a private alternative high school?

When choosing among private schools in Canada, consider your child’s learning style, social needs, and long-term goals. Some schools emphasize arts or sciences, outdoor learning, or faith-based values. Many alternative high schools help students who have fallen behind academically, offering small class sizes and extra support.

How much does private alternative school cost?

The cost of attending private schools in Canada, including alternative high schools, varies widely. Schools with specialized programs may be more costly, though many offer scholarships, bursaries, or flexible payment plans. Families often find that the individualized attention and innovative teaching justify the investment.

Child-specific advice on school choice
For personalized guidance, read our child-traits guide, which explores factors such as mental focus, academic strengths, social tendencies, activity level, and interests like arts or STEM. Consider giftedness, special needs, or learning disabilities as well.

To customize over 350 school profiles based on your child’s traits, create a child profile through your user account.

Series: Alternative Schools

Sub-types

Articles

  • Inside an alternative school
  • Alternative private schools
  • Learning how to think, not what to think: alternative schools
  • Alternative schools are mission-oriented

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