Cathy MerrittChoosing the right school for your child can be a challenge, especially since there are so many great options in the city.
If you’re searching for the best elementary school in Toronto, you probably want a school with good programs, useful resources, and a safe, welcoming community where children can learn and feel supported.
To help narrow down your options, I reviewed local schools recognized for strong learning and family support. Read on to explore the best options.
How much does an elementary school cost in Toronto?
Elementary education in Toronto is free for residents attending public schools, while private school tuition typically ranges from $15,000 to $35,000+ per year depending on the curriculum, facilities, and academic programs offered.
| School Type | Annual Cost Overview |
| Public Elementary Schools | Free for residents and permanent citizens |
| International Student Fees | $14,000 to $16,000 per year at public boards |
| Montessori / Reggio Private | $15,000 to $25,000 per year on average |
| Traditional Private Day Schools | $20,000 to $30,000 per year on average |
| Elite / International Baccalaureate | $35,000 to $45,000 per year on average |
How I Reviewed
1. Orde Street Public School
Website:https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/ordestreet
Address: 18 Orde St.
Contact: (416) 393-1900 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:25 AM–3:15 PM
When I looked into Orde Street Public School, the first thing that stood out was how diverse the student community is.
Kids from over 30 countries attend this school, so students learn with classmates from many cultures and backgrounds every day.
Being downtown is also a big plus. The school sits close to Chinatown and the hospital district, which can make commuting easier for parents who work in the city centre.
I also like that students can stay at this school from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8, so they don’t have to switch schools after a few years. Plus, there’s extra support from music, French, and ESL teachers.
The biggest drawback is the ongoing Program Area Review, which could lead to future changes to school boundaries or programs.
2. The Waterfront School
Website:https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/
Address: 635 Queens Quay W.
Contact: (416) 393-8500 | [email protected]
Hours: School Hours: 8:40 AM-3:15 PM
The Waterfront School impressed me because it places a strong emphasis on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for students.
In fact, their approach has been recognized by the Toronto Community Living Association. The school serves children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, which helps create consistency as kids grow.
Also, they offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including programs in coding and dance. These provide students with opportunities to learn and grow outside the classroom.
On top of that, the building uses an innovative lake-based energy system that helps it operate at high efficiency.
Students can even take part in community art projects with local artists, making it a great alternative to traditional art schools in Toronto for younger children.
One thing to consider is that the site shares facilities with an alternative high school serving students in Grades 9 through 12.
3. Jean Lumb Public School
Website:https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/jeanlumb/
Address: 20 Brunel Court
Contact: (416) 397-2410 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Jean Lumb Public School is part of the Canoe Landing Project, and I think that’s one of the things that makes this facility unique.
They share the campus with a Catholic elementary school, a community recreation centre, and an on-site child care centre. For busy families, having all of these services in one place can be very convenient.
Here, students can attend from kindergarten through Grade 8, providing them with a steady school community as they grow.
I was also impressed by the modern learning spaces, such as science labs, creative arts rooms, and other areas that help students explore new interests.
The building is also environmentally friendly, with a green roof, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting.
One downside is that the campus can feel crowded since so many services share the space, especially during pickup and drop-off times.
4. Kensington Community School
Website:https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/kensington/
Address: 401 College St.
Contact: (416) 393-1290 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Kensington Community School offers elementary education along with hands-on outdoor learning. The school has a secure rooftop activity area, a greenhouse, a pollinator garden, and a playground.
Also, outdoor learning spaces are thoughtfully incorporated into daily lessons, helping create a more engaging learning environment.
Another thing I liked was the fully air-conditioned building and open-concept pod classrooms that encourage teamwork and group learning.
A big plus here is that they support students with different learning needs and have four classrooms for autism support. There’s also an early learning centre for toddlers and a swimming pool that students use regularly.
The main downside is that there’s only Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 here. After that, students need to move to another school for higher grades.
5. Annette Street Junior and Senior Public School
Website:https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/annette/
Address: 265 Annette St.
Contact: (416) 393-9040 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:00 AM–5:00 PM
Annette Street Junior and Senior Public School has a long history in the community. For instance, their original building was constructed in 1886, while their newer wing was built in the 1960s.
Also, the school works closely with High Park Alternative School and Junction Daycare. Together, they form a neighbourhood hub where families can find several services in one place.
Another perk is that students can use shared resources, such as the library and gym, that connect directly to the Annette Community Center. It’s similar to how adults look for specialized programs, such as massage schools in Toronto, to find the right fit.
A plus for sustainability-focused families is the school’s Gold EcoSchool status. There’s also a garden club available.
On the downside, some parts of the heritage building may feel dated, and shared facilities can get crowded during busy times.
