On this page, we list the best private schools in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. While we don't provide private school rankings, we provide in-depth reports of each Saskatoon school. We profile their academics, curriculum, teaching, tuition, community, culture, and much more. Find a school in Saskatoon for your child.
Types of Saskatoon private schools
There is a wide range of different types of private schools in Saskatoon. This includes preschools, and elementary, middle, and high schools. Below, we describe some of the main types of Saskatoon private schools.
- Alternative: Alternative schools differ from traditional schools in their approach. For example, many offer student-centred, experiential, and inquiry-based learning. Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia schools are examples of alternative schools you’ll find in Saskatoon.
- Special needs: These Saskatoon private schools support a wide range of special needs. This includes learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and non-verbal learning disorders. It also includes ADHD, intellectual disabilities, troubled teen behaviour, and oppositional defiance disorder (ODD).
- Faith-based: Several independent Saskatoon schools are faith-based in that they have a significant focus on religious studies. This includes Christian, Catholic, Jewish, and Islamic schools.
Benefits of Saskatoon private schools
Saskatchewan private and independent schools provide a world-class education. All of these schools meet provincial curricular guidelines, and most surpass them. Many also offer acceleration and enrichment opportunities.
Some private schools in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan offer challenging, world-recognized academic programs and courses. For instance, many offer the International Baccalaureate, AP courses, or a gifted program. These kinds of programs can be ideal for high-ability and academically-focused students.
Here are some other benefits of private schools in Saskatchewan:
• They tend to be academically rigorous.
• They often encourage kids to take on challenges, and sometimes fail, in a safe and supportive environment.
• They promote academic, social, and emotional growth.
• Many focus on character development.
• Many have a wide range of extracurriculars.
• Most have small classes and low student-to-teachers ratios.
• Most have tight-knit communities.
Choosing the right Saskatoon private school for your child
To find the best-fit school for your child, you’ll need to do lots of research. Eventually, you’ll want to create a shortlist of schools that meet your needs. Research these schools intensively on OurKids.net, and make sure you visit them in person.
Make sure you speak with school officials to get a sense of whether the school is the right fit for your child. Ask them plenty of questions to gauge whether a school is likely to be a good fit for your child. Here are some critical questions (that go beyond the basics like location and cost) which you can print out to bring with you on your visit:
- Curriculum: What curriculum do you use? Is it mainstream or alternative? What subjects do you teach and how do you teach them? Do you offer independent and collaborative learning?
- Academic standards: What are your academic standards and expectations? How do they compare with your province’s curricular standards? How do they compare with those of IB, AP, and other highly academic schools?
- Class sizes: What are your class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios?
- Teaching approach: What is your teaching philosophy? How do you engage your students? How do you try to motivate and challenge them?
- In-class adaptations: Do you offer custom in-class adaptations, and if so, which ones? For instance, do you offer differentiated instruction, subject-specific acceleration and enrichment, independent studies, subject streaming, cyberlearning, or career exploration?
- Academic focus: Do you have a particular academic focus, such as science, STEM, or the arts?
- Extracurriculars: Do you have after-school classes, programs, or academic clubs? If so, which ones?
- Out-of-class resources: Do you have academic counselling, learning resource, psychology, or health and wellness centres or departments?
- Out-of-class staff: Do you have academic advisors, guidance counsellors, social workers, or psychologists? How about tutors or subject-specific support staff (like reading or math specialists)?
- Special education: Do you have full- or part-time dedicated special education classes?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Saskatoon private schools?
Yes. You can meet with private schools and education experts at the Our Kids Private School Expos held every year in September and October. These events are designed for both parents and students. Find event details and ticket info here.