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Private School Basics

Is private schooling right for your family?

Should you send your kids to private school? And how does the private system work in Canada and the provinces?

This guide covers the basics: the debate between private and public schools, the purported benefits of private education—and the common criticisms—and what it’s like inside a private school community as a student, parent, and alumni.


Comparing the Canadian, American, and British school systems


Here, we compare the education systems of Canada, the US, and the UK—including how grades, exams, and pathways to university differ. We’ll also look at equivalents like GCSEs, O‑Levels, and how all this plays out in Canada's system.In Canada, education is federally guided but provincially managed. Eac... [Read More]


Must Read: Private schools vs. public schools


Explore the differences between private and public schools with OUR KIDS—Canada’s go-to resource for education insights. Canada’s unified education system includes both publicly funded schools and nearly 2,000 private or independent institutions, serving over 350,000 students nationwide. Public schoo... [Read More]


Must Read: Benefits of private schools


To prepare children for a dynamic world, many parents are choosing private school education. With options spanning boarding schools, alternative schools, and preschools, chances are you’ll find a model suited to your child. Below are some of the key advantages of private schools, and benefits of private schools,... [Read More]


Criticisms of private education


Myth or fact? Private schools are insular places only for the privileged. If that were true, US president Barack Obama, his sisterMaya Soetoro-Ng, and other notable alumni who won may not have had the opportunity to get a solid private school education. With help from education experts and industry leaders, we debunk t... [Read More]


Private vs. independent schools: what's the difference?


Though often used interchangeably, independent schools and private schools are two distinct alternatives to public education. Both serve families seeking a different approach to learning—whether through smaller class sizes, enriched academics, or unique philosophies—but they differ in structure and funding.... [Read More]


The Canadian education system


If you are searching an education in Canada and you want the very best for your child, you've come to the right place. Our Kids offers comprehensive listings of private schools from across Canada. Sending a child to get an education in Canada is often similarly priced for many private or boarding schools as it is f... [Read More]


Accreditation of private schools in Canada


Exploring accredited private schools in Canada?You’re likely looking for more than just strong academics—you want a school where your child can thrive, be challenged, and feel a sense of belonging. At OUR KIDS, we help families explore Canadian private schools that meet rigorous accreditation standards. Ac... [Read More]


Canadian education: grade levels


The education system in Canada is an interesting one. And it continues to evolve. Below, we outline the different grade levels and years of compulsory education in Canada. We also compare the Canadian grade level system to that of five other countries — Poland, the United States, Britain, France, and Germany.... [Read More]


The changing face of private education


Education in public schools remains the dominant form of education in Canada, though given the findings of a recent study, that's changing. “The data indicates," writes Deani van Pelt, "parents are increasingly looking to independent schools for more choice in how their children are educated.”... [Read More]


Canadian provincial grade levels


The education system in Canada is an interesting one. And it continues to evolve.

Below, we look at two main features of this system. First, we describe the main levels of education in Canada. We then compare the grade structure of all provinces and territories, showing how Canadian provincial grades vary across the cou... [Read More]


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From OUR KIDS, Canada’s Guide to Private Schools,
Camps & Kids' Programs.