Private School Information
Choosing a Private School
When you explore a private school, be sure that it has a good reputation. Here are some methods that could help you with this pursuit:
- Find out if it is accredited by the Canadian Association of Independent Schools and/or other respected accrediting bodies.
- Consult the Fraser Institute's annual rankings and ratings of schools. While theses evaluations are far from exhaustive and don't account for your child's individual needs, they are a great way to ensure that a given school has a strong reputation.
- Is it recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Education? If you are looking for a private high school, you must identify whether it has the proper Ministry recognition allowing it to give out high school diploma-eligible credits.
You can find out a lot more about private schools from London to Kitchener who exhibit at the Toronto Private School Expo or the Oakville Private School Expo
Living in the Waterloo Region
The region of Waterloo offers many of the amenities of a big city, while still keeping some of its small town atmosphere. More importantly, Waterloo is known for its technology companies, as many top corporations are based in this region (i.e. Google, Microsoft, and others). Several private schools have sprung up in the Waterloo region in the last several years to better serve the area's burgeoning economy. The region has experienced exponential growth, thanks to its facilitation of growth in the technology sector as well as its continued commitment to the several universities in the area.
Paying for Private School
Here are some helpful tips for making private school as affordable as it could possibly be:
- Look for any freebees. Find out whether a school that you are applying to has scholarships or bursaries available. Research appropriate charitable organizations. Many of them offer financial aid for families in need or scholarships for gifted students. In Ontario, you will find plenty of essay writing competitions through which your child can earn some extra money to put toward his or her education.
- Explore provincial tax breaks. If you send your child to a religious institution or to a private school for students with special needs, you may be eligible for tax credits or deductions for charitable donations.
- Check out Our Kids' 18 tips for paying for private school for additional information. If you have more than one child, many private schools offer sibling discounts.
Contact the schools listed on this page to learn about their facilities and acceptance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Southwestern Ontario private schools are there?
There are 11 Southwestern Ontario private schools that are Our Kids trusted members.
How much is tuition at Southwestern Ontario private schools?
Tuition fees for Southwestern Ontario private schools range from $8,500 to $75,840 per year with an average tuition of $23,026 per year.
What’s the largest school?
Of the Southwestern Ontario private schools, the largest is St. John's-Kilmarnock School with 520 students in Grades JK to 12.
Are Southwestern Ontario private schools good?
We interviewed both parents and students. You can read reviews about Southwestern Ontario private schools on this page.
Is there a private school expo where I can meet with Southwestern Ontario 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.