Cathy MerrittFinding the right educational environment for your kids can feel completely overwhelming. We know you want a place that challenges them academically while supporting their unique personalities and personal growth.
So to help make your decision a whole lot easier, we’ve spent time looking into the top options to narrow down the absolute best private school in Toronto.
This list highlights excellent institutions that go above and beyond standard education. Let’s look at what makes each of these schools stand out for local families.
How much does private school cost in Toronto?
Private school tuition in Toronto typically ranges from $15,000 to $46,000 per year for day students, while boarding schools can cost between $75,000 and $86,000 annually, depending on grade level and the type of school.
| School Level | Average Annual Cost |
| Early Years Kindergarten | $18,000 – $35,000 |
| Elementary & Middle School | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| High School Day Students | $30,000 – $46,000+ |
| Boarding Schools | $75,000 – $86,000+ |
How We Reviewed
1. Alive Montessori and Private School
Website: https://aliveprivateschool.ca/
Address: 2 Wembley Rd
Contact: +1 289 894 7323 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 pm – 6:00 pm
If you’re looking for an early learning environment that doesn’t feel strict or one-size-fits-all, Alive Montessori is a great pick.
Class sizes are kept super small, with only fifteen kids in Lower Elementary, which helps teachers really focus on each student’s strengths and growth.
Younger kids also get access to the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program, making early education way more affordable than most preschools.
On top of that, the school includes awesome extras like French, music, and drama in the regular tuition.
The only downside is that the school day ends at 4:00 p.m., so families who need extended care will have to pay extra.
English growth through caring support
My son is currently attending Grade 4 at Alive Montessori. Coming from Mexico, learning English was one of my worries, but after a few months in, my son is fluent and is able to read and write in English with ease. We are extremely impressed with the teachers’ individual approach and how much they truly care about the students. You can see that the children are happy and learn in a fun hands-on way. Piano classes and robotics are a fun plus and my son is very happy.
- Yadira Rios | Google Review
A happy second home for learning
Alive Montessori has become our second home. We love it and we highly recommend it to anyone. Our daughter finished grade one there, went to the summer camp, and she cannot wait to go to grade two. She is so happy to be at this school and this is priceless. I love the community feeling, the high quality standards of education, and the dedication that is put in everything.
- Alina-Marina Ciuclan | Google Review
2. De La Salle College “Oaklands”
Website: https://www.delasalle.ca/
Address: 131 Farnham Ave.
Contact: +1 416-969-8771 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 am – 5 pm
De La Salle College “Oaklands” is part of a huge global Lasallian network, connecting your child with schools in over eighty countries.
Seniors can join Advanced Placement (AP) classes to earn university credits early, while junior high students benefit from small classes and lots of personal attention.
When we chatted with a family who goes here, they couldn’t stop talking about their amazing twelve-acre campus, which has excellent athletic facilities and a cool innovation centre.
Just keep in mind that they don’t offer kindergarten or early primary classes. This means you can only enroll starting in Grade 5.
Still, if you’re looking for strong college prep and a school with a rich tradition, this place stands out.
Strong academics and character building
A spectacular property right off avenue road just south of st Clair. There is a rink and turf field below. The school runs from grade 5-12 with both boys and girls. It’s a private school where uniforms are worn. It is known for it’s outstanding academic record and strong character building. It is a Catholic school as well. It is a great place for young boys and girls to grow as people and go off to university well-prepared.
- Austin M | Google Review
Prepared for post-secondary success
One of the best decisions we made as parents was sending our 3 daughters to De La Salle. Students are exceptionally prepared for post secondary education, surrounded by like minded friends and teachers who are vested in their personal growth and happiness. If you are looking for a school that will foster growth on an intellectual and emotional level and encourage life long friendships, Del is the school for you!
- Daniela Detommaso | Google Review
3. Kingsway College School
Website: https://www.kcs.on.ca/
Address: 4600 Dundas St., West, Etobicoke (Junior School); 2183 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke (Senior School)
Contact: 416-234-5073 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Kingsway College School’s flexible curriculum layers enrichment, acceleration, and small-group instruction right on top of the standard Ontario framework.
They team up with local GTA organizations so students can get out into the community and try real-world learning experiences.
One standout feature is the student-run café for Grade 10s, where teens actually get to manage the business and learn real-world skills.
The senior campus also has some amazing amenities, like a prototyping lab with 3D printers and a rooftop terrace.
The only thing to keep in mind is that junior and senior campuses are completely separate in Etobicoke, so morning drop-offs can get tricky if you have kids in different age groups.
Teachers who truly know each child
We had high expectations when we enrolled our kids at KCS several years ago now. And as parents who attended the public school system, we had our reservations about sending our kids to “private school”. Every year when we take stock of this decision and what it has meant to the development of our kids and family, it is clear that is has been a simply great choice. The staff and teachers are exceptional at knowing each child and bring a truly caring way to the culture of the school, while expecting the best from each student.
- Brad McCamus | Google Review
A special place for whole-child learning
From the minute you walk through the front doors at KCS for the very first time, you know you’re in a special place. My wife and I are extremely grateful that our son (and soon our daughter) are receiving an education, on several levels, that’s truly second-to-none.
- Michael Chernyak | Google Review
4. The Laurel School
Website: https://www.laurelschool.ca/
Address: 44 Upjohn Road, North York
Contact: 416-510-2500 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 8 am –5:30 pm
The Laurel School’s academic approach is built around the first seven years of a child’s life. This makes sure your kids get the most out of these years for brain development and social-emotional skills.
They’re also strong on character building and leadership, weaving those lessons right into the daily routine.
Plus, with small class sizes, teachers can really personalize the learning pace for every student.
When we toured the campus, we were impressed by their advanced air-cleaning tech that keeps classrooms disinfected and free from germs all day.
However, the school goes up to Grade 6 only, so kids will need to move to a new school for upper elementary and high school.
Welcoming and joyful school environment
My daughter started at The Laurel School in the Fall of 2024. We’ve had such an amazing experience from the minute we enrolled and are looking forward to our son joining The Laurel family. Our daughter loves going to school, everyone is so welcoming and personable. The staff are amazing and they have created an environment full of learning, fun and excitement.
- Shazia Pervez | Google Review
Safe, supportive, and family-like care
We had a great experience at Laurel! I had peace of mind that the kids were safe with everyone there and that they were having a fun day. The educators are incredible, especially Miss Alyssa, Evelyn, Shima, Richelle, Mitchie, Allison, Zoe and Tanisha. Miss Nikki, Miss Alex, and Miss kindos always made us feel like family and that the kids were taken care of and well supported. Thank you to everyone there and we will miss you!
- Jennifer Kennedy | Google Review
5. Prestige School Toronto
Website: https://www.prestigeprivateschool.ca/
Address: 21 Eddfield Ave.
Contact: 416-250-0648 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 am – 6 pm
Prestige School Toronto really helps working parents by providing free before- and after-school care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., making your daily routine way easier.
On the academic side, they start advanced science and language classes early, with French lessons in preschool and separate physics, chemistry, and biology by Grade 4.
This focus pays off since their graduates have a perfect record of getting into post-secondary schools.
Classes are small, capped at eighteen students, so teachers can give each kid enough attention.
If your child ever feels overwhelmed by the fast-paced math program, you might want to consider using local math tutors to stay on top of things.
Just know that you’ll also need to budget for the extra cost of buying the mandatory school uniforms.
