Education and Schools in Toronto

The school system in Toronto offers an excellent quality of education, and it can also accommodate children who don’t speak English or French. Toronto’s diverse education options make it easy to find the right fit for your family, whether you’re settling in temporarily or for the long haul.

Toronto has an extensive network of public schools alongside an equally varied assortment of private and international schools. Each option offers different strengths, so you can tailor your choice to suit your family’s needs and priorities.

If you are a permanent resident or have a work permit, you can enrol your children in public schools free of charge. If you don’t fall into these categories, you can still send your children to public school but must obtain a study permit and pay school fees, sometimes comparable to cheaper private schools.

Public schools in Toronto

Public schools in Toronto take their curricular mandate from the Ontario Ministry of Education. Generally, the standard of education is high, and public schools here have a lot to offer. Like anywhere in the world, though, certain schools tend to perform better than others, and it’s worth doing some research to find the right fit for your child.

You can research schools’ academic and general performance by consulting the publicly available Fraser Institute rankings. These rankings are updated annually, based largely on standardised test scores and other performance metrics. Bear in mind that while rankings are useful, they don’t paint the full picture – a visit to the school, talking to other parents, and assessing the extracurriculars can help you get a better sense of the school environment.

Many parents choose to first pinpoint the desired school for their child and then coordinate their house hunt around this. Although your children can register at schools both within and outside your neighbourhood, preference is usually given to those in the associated geographic catchment areas. Popular catchment zones can significantly influence real estate choices and property values.

Neighbourhoods in Toronto 
House Hunting in Toronto

Useful links

• Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
• Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB)
• Ontario Ministry of Education

Private and international schools in Toronto

Private schools in Toronto are known for their specialised curricula and exclusive facilities. While there are scholarships for gifted students, private schools are expensive, with prominent international schools and boarding schools levying substantial fees. That said, these schools often boast excellent infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities, and a wider selection of extracurricular activities compared to public schools.

Some private schools in Toronto are faith-based and integrate religious values into the curriculum. These tend to be more affordable than other private schools, although they may have specific admission requirements, such as active participation in religious activities or letters from religious leaders.

There are also specialised private schools that follow an international curriculum, such as that of the US, the UK, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Many international schools also teach in languages other than English, making them a perfect choice if your children need to stay connected to their home country’s curriculum or language. If you plan to stay in Toronto temporarily, this may be a particularly beneficial option for your family.

Best International Schools in Toronto

Useful links

• Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS)

Special-needs education in Toronto

The state of Ontario is committed to inclusion and equality for children with behavioural, communication, intellectual, or physical needs that the standard education system can’t meet. Such students are identified officially as ‘exceptional’ via assessments completed by the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee.

School boards are responsible for drawing up and reviewing an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) for each exceptional student, which details interventions like specialised teaching methods and tailored learning resources to support them. These plans are reviewed regularly to ensure they adapt to a child’s evolving needs and provide the most appropriate support possible.

IEPs in Toronto are flexible and tailored, designed to meet your child’s unique needs – whether those are academic, social, or behavioural. They involve a collaborative process between teachers, parents, and support staff to ensure that goals are well-targeted and progress is monitored effectively. Adjustments are made over time based on your child’s development and changing needs, helping to ensure that support is effective and appropriate.

Some common interventions might include modifications in teaching methods, specialised learning resources, or even allotting extra time for tests and tasks. Depending on your child’s requirements, the IEP can include a variety of support measures, all aimed at providing an environment where they can thrive and achieve their potential.

Useful links

• TDSB Special Education
• TCDSB Special Services
• Ontario Ministry of Education Special Education

Tutors in Toronto

Tutors are popular in Toronto and are often hired leading up to major exams. They are also very helpful for children who struggle with a particular subject, such as maths or science. If your family has recently moved to Canada, tutors can be instrumental in bridging the gap between your child’s previous curriculum and the Ontario syllabus. There are also tutors specialising in language who can help your children develop their English skills or maintain fluency in their native language.

Some reputable tutoring companies in Toronto include Tutor Bright and Teacher On Call. These companies typically provide flexible options, including online sessions, making it easier to fit tutoring into your busy family schedule.

Specialised tutors may also be available for international curricula, such as the IB or British A-Levels.

Useful links

• TutorBright
• Teacher On Call
• Kumon Canada