If you are looking for a boarding school in Canada with an excellent academic program and a strong focus on character and development, there is a long list of options. Canada is globally recognized as a surefire destination for boarding education in 2023 – from boarding high schools to elementary schools for both Canadian and international students, serving more than 10,000 students. That being said, it can be an overwhelming search to find the best boarding school for your child in Canada. But we have helped you narrow down your options to 10 of the best institutions. These boarding schools boast a diverse student population, offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama, and most importantly, reasonable tuition fee.
Contents hide
1 What is the best boarding school in Canada?
1.1 The Bishop Strachan School
1.2 St. George’s School
1.3 Brentwood College School
1.4 Shawnigan Lake School
1.5 Rothesay Netherwood School
1.6 Queen Margaret’s School
1.7 College Bourget
1.8 Bronte College of Canada
1.9 Princeton Academy of Canada
1.10 Albert College
2 In a nutshell
2.1 Related posts:
What is the best boarding school in Canada?
The Bishop Strachan School in Toronto is one of the oldest and most reputable boarding schools in Canada. It offers a challenging and rigorous academic program with a strong focus on developing leadership skills. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service. However, the tuition fee is on the high side at around CAD 69,300 per year. While Bishop Strachan School comes up as our top recommendation for you, it may not meet some of your specific preferences (read: location, affordability, and student culture.) With that in mind, here’s a list of the best 10 boarding schools in Canada for 2023:
- The Bishop Strachan School
- St. George’s School
- Brentwood College School
- Shawnigan Lake School
- Rothesay Netherwood School
- Queen Margaret’s School
- College Bourget
- Bronte College of Canada Admission Enquiry Page
- Princeton Academy of Canada
- Albert College
The Bishop Strachan School
| Tuition | Between $34,760 and $65,850 |
| Average Class Size | 18 to 20 students |
| Grades | K–12 |
| Address | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Boarding type | All Girls |
| Affiliation | Anglican |
BSS is an exceptional all-girls boarding school that prides itself on its 150-year history of empowering young women to become leaders. Unlike coeducational schools, BSS has a deep understanding of how girls learn and believes in breaking barriers to help them achieve their full potential. The school offers day and boarding options for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, providing a nurturing environment for learning and personal growth. BSS is renowned for its commitment to excellence in academics, arts, and athletics, offering students state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional faculty to support their growth and development. The school provides a wide range of opportunities for students to learn, find their voice, and become leaders in their own right. For young women seeking a transformative high school experience, BSS is undoubtedly one of the premier schools in North America.
St. George’s School
| Tuition | $66,950 |
| Average Class Size | 10 students |
| Grades | 9–12. |
| Address | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Boarding type | All Boys |
| Affiliation | No Religious Affiliation |
| Accreditation | CAIS/CA, NWAIS |
St. George’s School is an elite boys’ boarding school and university preparatory high school, renowned for its commitment to building fine young men. With a total enrollment of 1150, including 110 boarders from over 20 countries worldwide, St. George’s is a world-class institution that has earned national and international recognition in academics, athletics, and the arts. The school offers a day program for students in Grades 1 to 12, as well as boarding options for students in Grades 8 to 12. St. George’s School is committed to providing its students with an exceptional education, personalized to meet their individual needs and interests. The school has an outstanding faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with the tools they need to succeed. At St. George’s School, students have the opportunity to excel in a variety of areas, from academics to athletics and the arts. The school has a proud tradition of success in national and international competitions, demonstrating its commitment to excellence. As a parent, if you’re seeking a top-tier boarding school for your son, St. George’s School is an excellent choice.
Brentwood College School
| Tuition | $59,000 |
| Average Class Size | 16 Students |
| Grades | 9-12, PG |
| Address | 2735 Mt Baker Rd, Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P1, Canada |
| Boarding type | Coed |
| Affiliation | None |
If you’re looking for a top-tier boarding school in Canada that offers a modern West Coast learning experience, Brentwood School may be the perfect choice for your child. This progressive coeducational school is located on a beautiful oceanfront campus on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, and provides an exceptional learning environment for students in Grades 9 to 12. At Brentwood School, students have the opportunity to embrace the values of grit and joy, which are at the heart of the school’s culture. The school values individual choice and encourages students to explore their interests and passions. With a focus on personalized learning, Brentwood School provides each student with the support they need to achieve their full potential. One drawback of Brentwood School is that it may not be the best fit for students who thrive in a more structured environment. However, for students who are self-motivated and driven to succeed, Brentwood School offers an exceptional educational experience that can prepare them for success in college and beyond.
Shawnigan Lake School
| Tuition | $50,500 |
| Average Class Size | 16 students |
| Grade | 8-12 |
| Address | Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, Canada |
| Boarding type | Co-Ed |
| Affiliation | Non-Denominational |
If you’re seeking a top-notch boarding high school for your child, Shawnigan Lake School is a great choice. This world-class, coeducational school is the largest boarding school in western North America for high school students. Located in a warm region on the west coast of British Columbia in Canada, the school’s stunning 380-acre campus offers a tranquil and safe environment with gorgeous gardens and top-notch facilities. At Shawnigan Lake School, students have access to everything they need to pursue excellence.The school’s exceptional faculty and state-of-the-art facilities ensure that students receive a first-class education. However, one potential drawback of Shawnigan Lake School is that its remote location may be a challenge for some families. Still, for students who thrive in a peaceful and supportive environment, Shawnigan Lake School provides an ideal setting to grow academically, athletically, and personally.
Rothesay Netherwood School
| Tuition | $41,880 |
| Average Class Size | 14 to 16 Students |
| Grades | 6-12 |
| Address | Rothesay, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Boarding type | Co-Ed |
| Affiliation | No Religious Affiliation |
If you’re looking for a top-quality coeducational boarding school in Canada that prepares high school students for success in university, Rothesay Netherwood School is a great pick. Established in 1877, the school is an International Baccalaureate World School for Grades 6 through 12, and its graduates are highly sought after by the world’s top-ranked universities. While Rothesay Netherwood School may not be the most affordable boarding school, its tuition fees are fair considering the outstanding value it provides.
Queen Margaret’s School
| Tuition | $10,000 – $36,000 |
| Average Class Size | 10 students |
| Grades | 6 to 12 |
| Address | Duncan, British Columbia, Canada |
| Boarding type | Co-Ed |
| Affiliation | No Religious Affiliation |
Queen Margaret’s School is a coeducational boarding school in Canada that has been providing outstanding education to students since 1921. With a focus on inspiring and empowering high school students, this school delivers an innovative and sophisticated curriculum that includes athletics, equestrian, academics, and service, including the fine arts. While Queen Margaret’s School offers a welcoming and nurturing residence environment for students in Grades 6 to 12 who wish to live on campus, one potential drawback is that most dormitory rooms are shared by two to three students. However, Grade 12 students are placed in individual rooms, and each hallway of rooms has a unique name and an overseeing House Parent. The main point is that Queen Margaret’s School is a great option for students who want to become accomplished lifelong learners and contribute positively to the world.
College Bourget
| Tuition | $22,818.00 |
| Average Class Size | 17 students |
| Grades | 10-12 |
| Address | 65 Rue Saint-Pierre, Rigaud, QC J0P 1P0, Canada |
| Boarding type | Coeducational |
| Affiliation | None |
Collège Bourget is a coeducational boarding school located between Montreal and Ottawa. Established in 1850, it is one of the most affordable boarding schools in Canada. The school provides a safe environment that encourages an active lifestyle for both male and female high school students. At Collège Bourget, your child is allowed to grow through different spheres such as arts, community service, science, and sports. However, the school may not offer as many advanced courses as some of the other top boarding schools in Canada. Despite this, the school provides an exceptional learning experience for those who are looking for an affordable boarding school option.
Bronte College of Canada
| Tuition: | Between $18,000.00 and $21,600 |
| Average Class Size | 18 students |
| Grades | 9 to 12 |
| Address | 88 Bronte College Court Mississauga, Ontario, Canada |
| Boarding type | Coeducational |
| Affiliation |
Bronte College of Canada offers a well-rounded education that focuses on college preparation for high school students. The affordable boarding school is located in suburban Mississauga, making it a convenient environment for those who need to travel to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. The school maintains a formal atmosphere with a uniform code, similar to most Canadian private schools. Bronte College also collaborates with the University of Guelph to offer college-level courses to some high school students, providing them with an early introduction to college-level academics. However, Bronte College’s emphasis on college prep comes at the expense of extracurricular activities. While the school offers a variety of sports programs, including soccer, volleyball, and basketball, there are limited options for those interested in the arts or community service. Additionally, the school’s academic rigor may not be suitable for all high school students, as it can be challenging for those who are not as academically inclined. Bronte College of Canada remains a great option for high school students seeking an affordable boarding school in Canada with a strong focus on college preparation.
Princeton Academy of Canada
- Princeton Academy of Canada Admission Enquiry Page
- Princeton Academy of Canada Fees Details page
| Tuition | $32,400 |
| Average Class Size | 13 students |
| Grades: | Kindergarten-8 |
| Address | 2800 John St., Markham, ON L3R 0E2, Canada |
| Boarding type | Coeducational |
| Affiliation |
Pacific Academy (PAC) is a renowned coeducational boarding school in Canada with a team of experienced and certified Ontario teachers. It offers a positive, safe, and supportive environment for high school students to learn, lead, and achieve academic success. PAC is also among the affordable boarding schools in Canada, providing quality education at an affordable cost. The school has a good relationship with top universities in Canada and the USA, which is an advantage for students seeking higher education. However, PAC has limited sports facilities, which may not cater to the needs of students who have a keen interest in sports. But then, the priority leans more on academics as far as this review goes.
Albert College
| Tuition: | Between $17,800 and 22,000/year |
| Average Class Size | 15 students |
| Grades | 7-12 |
| Address | Belleville, Ontario, Canada |
| Boarding type | Co-Ed |
| Affiliation | No Religious Affiliation |
The word “inspire” is key to Albert College’s approach. While a school cannot install or teach self-confidence, it can create an environment that fosters and encourages its development. As one of the top boarding schools in Canada, Albert College excels at this. Parents from around the world have been amazed by the transformations they have seen in their high school children after attending school. However, one drawback is that the school’s tuition fees are quite high, making it inaccessible to some families. Nevertheless, the benefits of attending College are vast. In addition to its focus on character development and leadership skills, Albert College also provides rigorous academics and numerous extracurricular activities. Students can participate in sports, music, drama, community service, and more. The school’s beautiful location on the shores of Lake Ontario adds to the overall experience.
In a nutshell
If you are looking for an outstanding boarding school in Canada to enroll your child or apply to, the options are numerous. To filter out the best options for you, you’ll need to give a hard look at the school’s location, size, academic program, extracurricular activities, and tuition fees. In the above article, we have reviewed some of the best highly rated boarding schools operating in Canada, along with respective information on the aforementioned factors. However, keep in mind that the school’s reputation, its success rate in college admissions, and its support for international students will play a part in your final decision. But one thing is sure if you go with any of the above-listed schools: Your child stands a chance to enjoy many benefits, including higher academic achievement, better college admission rates, and increased personal growth and development. The crucial thing is that you choose a school that fits your child’s needs, interests, and personality.
