Ontario is renowned globally for its exceptional boarding schools, which offer students an unparalleled educational experience. These schools are known for their academically rigorous and challenging programs, which prepare students for success in college and beyond.
Why Choose to Study at a Boarding School in Ontario?
Choosing to send a child to a boarding school in Ontario comes with a myriad of benefits that go beyond the traditional educational model. Ontario is renowned not only for its diverse and inclusive culture but also for housing some of the top-ranked boarding schools that offer exceptional academic programs and a nurturing environment conducive to personal and intellectual growth.
Academic Excellence and Innovative Programs
Boarding schools in Ontario are celebrated for their rigorous academic standards and a broad curriculum that is designed to cater to a wide array of interests and abilities. These institutions often feature advanced placement courses, international baccalaureate programs, and specialized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) offerings. This robust educational foundation enables students to excel in their studies, preparing them for prestigious universities and future careers. Furthermore, the small class sizes typical of boarding schools ensure personalized attention from educators, fostering a learning environment that is both intensive and supportive.
Development of Life Skills
Living away from home at a boarding school teaches students invaluable life skills. Responsibility, independence, and time management are naturally cultivated in this setting. Students learn to balance their academic commitments with extracurricular activities, which is a critical skill in higher education and beyond. Additionally, the residential life at these schools encourages students to develop interpersonal skills by living in a community of peers, learning to navigate and resolve conflicts, and build lasting friendships.
Rich Extracurricular Activities and Sports
Ontario boarding schools are not only about academics; they also offer a wealth of opportunities for students to explore and develop other interests. These schools provide a plethora of activities ranging from arts to athletics, music, and various clubs. Such activities are pivotal for holistic development, allowing students to discover new passions and talents, which can be essential for personal growth and happiness.
A Global Community
Another significant advantage of Ontario’s boarding schools is their culturally diverse student body. This diversity introduces students to a variety of cultural perspectives, fostering global awareness and sensitivity. Interacting with peers from different backgrounds also prepares students for the globalized world, making them more adaptable and culturally competent.
In conclusion, choosing a boarding school in Ontario offers more than just a stellar education. It provides a unique blend of academic rigor, life skill development, extracurricular engagement, and cultural diversity, all of which are integral to shaping well-rounded and successful individuals. This immersive educational experience not only prepares students for academic success but also equips them with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in all aspects of life.
How much does it cost to attend Boarding Schools in Ontario?
The yearly tuition fees for Boarding Schools in Ontario generally range from $35,000 to $60,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $70,000 annually.
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $35,000 | $60,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $2,920 | $5,000 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $500 | $1,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $300 | $500 |
Extras & Trips | $1,000 | $2,000 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $37,800 | $64,500 |
Top Boarding Schools Ontario 2026
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J. Addison School
Markham, Toronto •Co-Education •- from 4
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: Canadian CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 18,000 to 46,500 CAD
Foundation: 2002Nationalities: 30 different nationalitiesNr of students: 30 studentsAt J. Addison School, we are a K-12 day/boarding school based in Markham, Ontario, Canada that strives to provide an inclusive environment to foster cooperative learning, creativity, and innovation.At J. Addison, we follow the Canadian curriculum, specifically the Ontario curriculum. We embrace the Ontario curriculum because Ontario provides one of the best educational systems and curriculum in the world. According to international measures and independent expert assessments, Ontario is recognized as and is proven to be the best school system in the English-speaking world — and right up at the top with Finland, Singapore and South Korea. Our Ontario Certified Teachers work with Ontario Ministry Curriculum Guidelines as the foundation to providing lessons that will prepare our students for any paths they choose to pursue in post-secondary.Annual tuition fees at J. Addison School range from CAD 18,000 to CAD 46,500, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Lakefield College School
Lakefield, Ontario •Co-Education •- from 13
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: Canadian CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 40,500 to 82,400 CAD
Foundation: 1879Nationalities: 43 different nationalitiesNr of students: 43 studentsExaminations: APEstablished in northeastern Ontario in 1879, Lakefield College School provides a world-renowned co-educational day and boarding school experience for Grades 9 through 12.Canadian Curriculum, Advanced PlacementAnnual tuition fees at Lakefield College School range from CAD 40,500 to CAD 82,400, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Tuition includes: Academic program, meals, use of facilities, compulsory field trips, outdoor education training, library services, basic healthcare, basic infirmary supplies, travel and admission to ...Boarding tuition: Tuition includes: Academic program, meals, accommodation, use of facilities, laundry, compulsory field trips, outdoor education training, library services, basic healthcare, basic infirmary supplies, ... -
Trinity College School
Toronto, Ontario •Co-Education •- from 9
- to 19 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - Canadian CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 31,000 to 83,000 CAD
Foundation: 1865Nationalities: 25 different nationalitiesNr of students: 25 studentsExaminations: APAt TCS, individuality matters. Our students are surrounded by people who only want the best for them. We support them to find their personal path so that they’re ready to realize their potential.Trinity College School offers a broad and rigorous curriculum with the ability to concentrate studies in areas of personal interest. At TCS, education is collaborative, rich in discussion, and writing-intensive. We believe that learning is an active process that fosters habits of the heart and mind while challenging all students to communicate effectively and to think both critically and creatively.Annual tuition fees at Trinity College School range from CAD 31,000 to CAD 83,000, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Grades 5-8: $31,000 Grades 9-12: $41,500Boarding tuition: International Boarding Grades 9-12: $83,000 Canadian Families Boarding Incentive Program: $57,000 Canadian Boarding Grades 9-12: $71,500 -
Branksome Hall
Toronto, Ontario •Girls Only •- from 4
- to 17 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 38,990 to 42,490 CAD
Foundation: 1903Nationalities: N/ANr of students: N/AExaminations: IB DiplomaBranksome Hall is a school where remarkable things happen every day! We welcome you to learn about our community, our programs, our facilities and the many opportunities that inspire our students.Every student at Branksome Hall, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, benefits from the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning complemented by critical, creative and collaborative thinking. The IB curriculum also provides for regular assessments and feedback against standardized criteria, and has been shown to improve students’ performance while providing unmatched preparation for university studies.IB Program students study English, Mathematics, Sciences, Technology, Physical Education, the Arts (Drama, Music, Visual Art), humanities and a foreign language every year. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, our students learn from an early age how to be thoughtful learners who seek knowledge, think critically, and communicate their idea and opin...Annual tuition fees at Branksome Hall range from CAD 38,990 to CAD 42,490, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: $38,990 for students Kindergarten to Grade 10; $42,490 for students in Grade 11 and 12; $9,500 Initial Registration Fee (or $6,500 if a sibling is already enrolled)Boarding tuition: $36,700 CAD boarding fee (in addition to student fee) -
Bronte College
Mississauga, Ontario •Co-Education •- from 14
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: American Curriculum - Canadian Curriculum - IB CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 19,200 to 23,500 CAD
Foundation: 1991Nationalities: 30 different nationalitiesNr of students: 30 studentsExaminations: AP - IB DiplomaEstablished in 1991, Bronte College is a private IB World School offering Grades 9 to 12 for day and boarding students.Ontario Secondary School Curriculum, International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP)Annual tuition fees at Bronte College range from CAD 19,200 to CAD 23,500, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: -
Niagara Christian Collegiate
Toronto, Fort Erie •Co-Education •- from 11
- to 19 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: Canadian CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 13,315 to 59,395 CAD
Foundation: 1932Nationalities: 12 different nationalitiesNr of students: 12 studentsExaminations: IELTSNiagara Christian Collegiate (NCC) is an independent, non-denominational Christian school located on the beautiful Niagara River near Niagara Falls, Canada. Educating with excellence since 1932.At NCC, our classroom environment is designed to teach students the critical skills they need for success. We believe that the better prepared our students are for the real world, the higher levels of success they will achieve. We combine cutting-edge technology with tried and true teaching methods to help our students be as prepared as possible for life in the 21st century. NCC students are surrounded by gifted and enthusiastic teachers who integrate knowledge, values and faith into course content.NCC students graduate with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and leave our campus ready to make a difference in the world. Offering Middle School (6-8) and Secondary School (9-12) programs.Annual tuition fees at Niagara Christian Collegiate range from CAD 13,315 to CAD 59,395, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition: Local discounts may applyBoarding tuition: Includes tuition, boarding, meals, health insurance, and administration fees -
Merrick Preparatory School
Merrickville, Ontario •Co-Education •- from 13
- to 19 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: Canadian CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 16,450 to 58,200 CAD
Foundation: 2012Nationalities: 40 different nationalitiesNr of students: 40 studentsMerrick Prep is a small day & boarding school in Merrickville, just outside of Ottawa. Students join us from around the world & thrive in our small community graduating 100% to universities worldwide.Merrick Preparatory School (MPS) is a day and boarding school located in the village of Merrickville, Ontario on the shores of the historic Rideau Waterway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just 45 minutes from Ottawa, the nation’s capital, Merrickville has been twice voted the prettiest town in Canada and MPS has access to all the nation’s capital resources for our students. Our village offers a quiet safe place for students to remain focused on their academics where many of the villagers know our students by name. With an average class size of ten students and a maximum capacity of 60 boarding students, 20 local day students and 30 live-online synchronous learners, our students receive individualized attention and support from highly trained, certified and dedicated teachers in nurturing fa...Annual tuition fees at Merrick Preparatory School range from CAD 16,450 to CAD 58,200, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition: Our fees for the school year 2023-2024 (fees are in Canadian Dollars) are the following: Grade 9, grade 10 and ESL Foundation Program: School year (September to June): CAD $56,200 (about US$ 41,300)... -
Pickering College
Toronto, Ontario •Co-Education •- from 4
- to 18 years old
School type: Boarding School - International School - Private SchoolCurriculum: Canadian CurriculumLanguage of instruction: EnglishYearly fee: from 26,535 to 68,580 CAD
Foundation: 1842Nationalities: 29 different nationalitiesNr of students: 29 studentsFounded in 1842, Pickering College is an independent boarding (Grades 7 to 12) and day (Kindergarten to Grade 12) school for boy and girls in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, just 40 minutes north of Toronto.Canadian CurriculumAnnual tuition fees at Pickering College range from CAD 26,535 to CAD 68,580, depending on the student’s grade level and program.
Day school tuition:Boarding tuition:
Popular Boarding Schools Destinations in Ontario
Summary
Boarding schools in Ontario provide a well-rounded education characterized by academic excellence, life skill development, and a rich variety of extracurricular activities. These institutions offer a nurturing environment that fosters personal growth, independence, and global cultural awareness, preparing students for successful futures both academically and personally.