For families researching the best boarding schools in Canada or top private schools in Oakville, Canada, Appleby College is a name that consistently appears at the top of the list. Founded in 1911, this prestigious independent day and boarding school is a leading choice for its rigorous academics and global outlook. Its stunning 60-acre campus on the shores of Lake Ontario in Oakville, Ontario, Canada provides a resource-rich environment that rivals many small colleges.
Did You Know??
Appleby College is the first Canadian school to have a mandatory Global Leadership Program for all Grade 12 students, which includes an extensive field experience either internationally or within Canada’s far north, focusing on sustainability and cultural understanding.
General Information
Category
Details
Type
Private, independent, co-educational day & boarding school
Motto
“Hinc Orior Iratus Prospicio” (From Here I Begin to Look Forward with Courage)
Established
1911
Grades
7–12 (Grade 12 boarding only)
Gender
Co-educational
Enrolment (2024)
~800 students
Boarding Students
~150 (from over 40 countries)
Campus Size
60 acres
Campus Type
Lakeside (Lake Ontario)
School Colors
Blue and White
Affiliation
CAIS, Round Square
Acceptance Rate
Approximately 20-30%. The Appleby College acceptance rate reflects its highly selective nature, with a competitive process involving academic reviews, entrance tests, and interviews.
Academics and Faculty
Category
Details
Saturday Classes
No
Classroom Dress Code
Formal (Full School Uniform)
Average Class Size
12-16 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
Over 20 AP courses
ESL Courses Offered
No (Proficiency in English is required for admission)
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
70%+
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
The Appleby College summer camp, known as the Summer Academy, offers over 50 programs for domestic and international students in academics, arts, sports, and technology.
Diploma Offered
Appleby College Diploma & Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Facilities
Facility Type
Details
Academic Buildings
Multiple, including the Willis Building and the Science & Technology Centre
Science Labs
10 state-of-the-art laboratories
Technology
Campus-wide 1:1 laptop program; digital media labs; fabrication lab (Fab Lab)
Athletic Facilities
4 gymnasiums, squash courts, fitness centre, 4 athletic fields, rowing centre, 8 tennis courts, and an arena
Arts Facilities
Professional 400-seat theatre, black box drama studio, music rehearsal halls, art galleries
Library
The Jack I. Barclay Library – a comprehensive learning commons
