Choosing the best boarding school in Ontario is about much more than dorms and tuition fees; it’s about finding a safe, structured environment where students can excel academically, grow independently, and build lifelong networks. From elite institutions with century-old traditions to modern campuses focused on global citizenship, Ontario offers some of Canada’s strongest boarding options for both domestic and international families.
Best boarding schools in ontario (Updated-List)
1. Branksome Hall
Branksome Hall, established in 1903, is a top-tier all-girls IB World School in Toronto, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Known for its feminist ethos and cutting-edge facilities, Branksome fosters leadership and innovation. The school’s 13-acre campus includes a rooftop learning terrace and a STEM wing with robotics labs.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: IB Diploma + Women in STEM Initiative
- Notable Facility: Innovation Hub with 3D printers and AI labs
- Alumni: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, tech entrepreneurs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1903 |
| Enrollment | ~900 students |
| Gender | All-girls |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | JK–12 |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
Did You Know?
Branksome’s student-run investment fund manages a $250,000 portfolio.
2. Columbia International College (CIC)
Columbia International College (CIC) in Hamilton, established in 1979, is a large co-ed independent boarding and day school for Grades 7–12. CIC is Canada’s largest boarding school, enrolling ~1,800 students from 70+ countries on one integrated campus. It offers the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and ESL support; academic success is notable. The school’s distinctive Total Care Education System provides holistic support (academic, social, emotional, physical) for each student.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Notable Facility: Integrated campus and Total Care Education System
- Alumni: Global scholars and entrepreneurs
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Enrollment | ~1,800 students |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Grades 7–12 |
| Location | Hamilton, Ontario |
Did You Know?
CIC’s motto is “To be the world’s most caring school,” and students come from 73+ countries.
3. Kingsway College
Kingsway College in Oshawa, founded in 1903, is a co-ed private Seventh-Day Adventist boarding and day high school for Grades 9–12. About 270 students attend this faith-based academy, with roughly half living in dorms. The school is known for academic excellence and a historic music program. Modern facilities include the A.E. King Fitness Complex and a renovated administration wing.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Christian Education with Advanced Curriculum
- Notable Facility: A.E. King Fitness Complex
- Alumni: Distinguished professionals and musicians
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1903 |
| Enrollment | ~270 students |
| Gender | Coeducational |
| Type | Private, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Grades 9–12 |
| Location | Oshawa, Ontario |
4. Appleby College
Appleby College, founded in 1911 in Oakville, is a premier co-educational independent day and boarding school offering Grades 7–12. Known for academic excellence, global education, and a strong arts program, Appleby integrates Advanced Placement (AP) courses with experiential learning. Its 60-acre lakefront campus features state-of-the-art athletic facilities, a design lab, and a renowned outdoor education centre at Temagami.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Global Leadership & AP Program
- Notable Facility: Design Technology Lab & Temagami Outdoor Campus
- Alumni: CEOs, political leaders, Olympic athletes
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1911 |
| Enrollment | ~750 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Grades 7–12 |
| Location | Oakville, Ontario |
Did You Know?
Appleby’s Temagami campus hosts wilderness expeditions that every student experiences.
5. Trinity College School (TCS)
Trinity College School, established in 1865, is one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious co-ed boarding and day schools, located in Port Hope. Offering Grades 5–12, the school focuses on academic rigor, character development, and arts excellence. The expansive 100-acre campus includes advanced science centres, a performing arts theatre, and elite-level sports facilities. TCS is known for its strong AP program and leadership initiatives.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Advanced Placement + Leadership Certificate
- Notable Facility: LeVan Hall Performing Arts Centre
- Alumni: Rhodes Scholars, business executives, public figures
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1865 |
| Enrollment | ~600 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Grades 5–12 |
| Location | Port Hope, Ontario |
Did You Know?
TCS maintains a beekeeping program that produces its own honey on campus.
6. Ridley College
Ridley College, founded in 1889 in St. Catharines, is a co-ed independent boarding and day school offering the IB Programme and Ontario curriculum from JK–12. Known for academic strength and elite sports, Ridley provides modern STEM labs, a world-class athletic complex, and a historic campus rich in tradition. The school excels in rowing, hockey, and global experiential education.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: IB Diploma + High-Performance Athletics
- Notable Facility: Henley Rowing Centre & Tiger Arena
- Alumni: Olympians, diplomats, industry leaders
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1889 |
| Enrollment | ~700 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | JK–12 |
| Location | St. Catharines, Ontario |
Did You Know?
Ridley College’s rowing program trains on the world-famous Royal Canadian Henley Regatta course.
7. Lakefield College School (LCS)
Lakefield College School, founded in 1879, is a co-ed independent boarding and day school located on a stunning 315-acre lakeside campus near Peterborough. Offering Grades 9–12, LCS is known for its outdoors-based learning, strong academics, and leadership education. With small class sizes and a close-knit community, students benefit from experiential programs, arts studios, and competitive athletics.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Outdoor Education & Leadership
- Notable Facility: Waterfront Canoe/Kayak Centre
- Alumni: Royal family members, authors, global leaders
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1879 |
| Enrollment | ~365 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Grades 9–12 |
| Location | Lakefield, Ontario |
Did You Know?
LCS students take part in mandatory outdoor expeditions every year — even in winter.
8. St. Andrew’s College (SAC)
St. Andrew’s College, established in 1899 in Aurora, is Canada’s largest all-boys boarding and day school. Offering Grades 5–12, SAC is known for high academic standards, extensive AP programs, leadership training, and nationally ranked athletics. Its 126-acre campus features turf fields, a state-of-the-art arena, robotics labs, and a modern performing arts centre.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Advanced Placement + Leadership Program
- Notable Facility: Wirth Theatre & LaBrier Arena
- Alumni: Olympians, business leaders, public officials
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Enrollment | ~650 students |
| Gender | All-boys |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Grades 5–12 |
| Location | Aurora, Ontario |
Did You Know?
SAC teams have won more than 175 championship titles across multiple sports.
9. Havergal College
Havergal College, founded in 1894, is a leading all-girls independent school in Toronto offering JK–12 with boarding for Grades 9–12. Renowned for academic excellence, global citizenship, and STEM innovation, Havergal provides exceptional arts, athletics, and leadership programs. The 22-acre campus features cutting-edge science labs, arts studios, and athletic facilities.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Global Learning & STEM Enrichment
- Notable Facility: Art & Design Centre + STEM Innovation Spaces
- Alumni: Influential authors, scientists, entrepreneurs
| Category | Details |
| Founded | 1894 |
| Enrollment | ~1,000 students |
| Gender | All-girls |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | JK–12 |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
Did You Know?
Havergal operates one of Ontario’s largest all-girls robotics and engineering programs.
10. Ashbury College
Ashbury College, founded in 1891 in Ottawa, is a co-educational independent day and boarding school offering Grades 4–12 with IB and AP pathways. Known for academic excellence, bilingual learning, and strong global programs, Ashbury features advanced science labs, arts studios, and leadership institutes. Its campus supports competitive athletics including rowing, soccer, and basketball.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: IB Diploma + Bilingual Leadership
- Notable Facility: Innovation & Design Centre
- Alumni: Diplomats, judges, academics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1891 |
| Enrollment | ~750 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Grades 4–12 |
| Location | Ottawa, Ontario |
Did You Know?
Ashbury students complete over 40,000 volunteer hours annually.
11. Albert College
Albert College in Belleville, founded in 1857, is Canada’s oldest co-ed boarding and day school. Serving Pre-K to Grade 12, the school focuses on the “Five A’s”: Academics, Arts, Athletics, Active Citizenship, and Adventure. The campus includes modern classrooms, arts facilities, and extensive athletic grounds.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Global Leadership & Adventure
- Notable Facility: Modern Arts Wing
- Alumni: Noted authors, civic leaders
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1857 |
| Enrollment | ~300 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Pre-K–12 |
| Location | Belleville, Ontario |
Did You Know?
Albert College’s motto “Ne ventis videar” means “Do not be seen by the winds,” symbolizing resilience.
12. St. Michael’s Choir School
Founded in 1937 in Toronto, St. Michael’s Choir School is an elite all-boys Catholic school offering Grades 3–12 with a boarding option for older students. Renowned for its world-class music education, high academic results, and choral tradition, the school integrates intensive musical training with the Ontario curriculum.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Elite Choral & Music Theory Program
- Notable Facility: Cathedral Performance Hall
- Alumni: Grammy-winning musicians, composers
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1937 |
| Enrollment | ~280 students |
| Gender | All-boys |
| Type | Catholic, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Grades 3–12 |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
Did You Know?
Students perform over 200 liturgical and concert events annually.
13. Pickering College
Pickering College, established in 1842 in Newmarket, is a co-ed independent boarding and day school offering JK–12. With a mission grounded in global citizenship and Quaker values, the school integrates leadership, experiential learning, broadcast media, and sustainability programs.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Global Leadership Diploma
- Notable Facility: CRTC-Licensed Student Radio Station
- Alumni: Philanthropists, educators, innovators
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1842 |
| Enrollment | ~430 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | JK–12 |
| Location | Newmarket, Ontario |
Did You Know?
Pickering College operates a full FM radio station run entirely by students.
14. Bishop’s College School (BCS)
Located in Lennoxville near the Ontario border, BCS (founded in 1836) is a co-ed boarding school offering Grades 7–12. Known for strong academics, bilingual programs, athletics, and outdoor education, BCS attracts students from over 40 countries.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Bilingual Academic Pathway
- Notable Facility: Multi-sport Athletic Centre
- Alumni: Business leaders, ambassadors
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1836 |
| Enrollment | ~280 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Boarding & Day |
| Year Range | Grades 7–12 |
| Location | Lennoxville (Near Ontario) |
Did You Know?
A student-run Winter Carnival tradition at BCS dates back over 100 years.
15. Rosseau Lake College
Rosseau Lake College, founded in 1967 in Muskoka, is a small co-ed boarding and day school specializing in experiential and outdoor education. Serving Grades 7–12, RLC integrates academics with wilderness skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Compass Experiential Learning
- Notable Facility: Lakefront Outdoor Centre
- Alumni: Entrepreneurs, educators
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1967 |
| Enrollment | ~120 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Grades 7–12 |
| Location | Rosseau, Ontario |
Did You Know?
Students complete weekly outdoor challenges — even in sub-zero temperatures.
16. Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC)
Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC), founded in 1901 in Hamilton, is a co-educational independent day (and limited boarding) school offering from toddler age through Grade 12. With over 1,200 students on a 50-acre campus, HSC focuses on personalized learning, strong academic outcomes (90%+ become Ontario Scholars), arts, athletics, and community service.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Personalized Learning + Advanced Placement
- Notable Facility: Virtue-Fitzgerald Centre for the Arts & DeGroote Triple Gymnasium
- Alumni: Actors, athletes, entrepreneurs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1901 |
| Enrollment | ~1,200 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Day (some Boarding) |
| Year Range | Toddler to Grade 12 |
| Location | Hamilton, Ontario |
Did You Know?
HSC’s motto is “Learn with joy. Live with purpose.” and over 150 Advanced Placement exams are written by students each year.
17. Lakefield College School (LCS)
Lakefield College School (LCS), founded in 1879 in Lakefield, is a co-ed independent boarding and day school (Grades 9–12) known for outstanding outdoor education, strong academics, and global leadership. Its 315-acre campus includes waterfront facilities, twelve boarding houses, and a strong round-square international network.
Key Highlights:
- Signature Program: Outdoor Education & IB/Leadership
- Notable Facility: Waterfront Boathouse & Twelve Boarding Houses
- Alumni: Royals, Olympians, global leaders
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1879 |
| Enrollment | ~430 students |
| Gender | Co-ed |
| Type | Independent, Day & Boarding |
| Year Range | Grades 9–12 |
| Location | Lakefield, Ontario |
Did You Know?
One alumnus is Prince Andrew (UK) who attended LCS for a term.
18. Royal Crown School
Royal Crown School (North York, Toronto) is a co-ed independent boarding/day school for Grades 7–12. It enrolls ~310 students, including international boarders (students from 20+ countries). Royal Crown combines with elite athletics – notably a Nike-sponsored basketball program that sends graduates to NCAA schools and the NBA Campus facilities include a swimming pool and modern cafeteria. The student body is diverse and globally minded.
Key Highlights:
- Elite Basketball: Nike-sponsored basketball academy; graduates have received NCAA and NBA
- International Community: Students from 20+ countries; boarding houses for overseas
- Outcomes: 100% of graduates go on to university (post-secondary placement)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | (not cited) |
| Enrollment | ~310 studentsexperienceboarding.ca |
| Gender | Coeducationalexperienceboarding.ca |
| Type | Independent, Boarding & Day |
| Year Range | Grades 7–12experienceboarding.ca |
| Location | Toronto (Scarborough)experienceboarding.ca |
Did You Know?
Royal Crown’s campus includes a full-size gym and an onsite dormitory. Its basketball program is nationally recognized – RCS played in the Ontario hoops league and has multiple alumni in pro basketball
FAQs About Boarding Schools in Ontario
1. What is the average cost of boarding school in Ontario?
Boarding schools in Ontario generally cost CAD $40,000–$80,000 per year, depending on grade level, facilities, and boarding type (weekly or full-time).
2. Are boarding schools in Ontario good for international students?
Yes. Ontario boarding schools are highly popular among international students and offer:
- ESL (English as a Second Language) programs
- International guidance counsellors
- University placement support
- Culturally diverse communities
3. Do boarding schools in Ontario offer scholarships or financial aid?
Most established schools offer merit-based scholarships, needs-based bursaries, and specialized awards for excellence in:
- Academics
- Arts
- Athletics
- Leadership
4. What curriculum do Ontario boarding schools follow?
Most schools follow the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Many also offer:
- IB (International Baccalaureate)
- AP (Advanced Placement)
- STEM/STEAM-focused academies
- Specialized arts or athletics pathways
5. Are boarding schools safe in Ontario?
Yes. Schools maintain very high safety standards, including:
- 24/7 supervised residences
- Trained dorm staff (house parents)
- Secure campuses with controlled access
- Mental-health and wellness teams
6. What age can students start boarding in Ontario?
Typical boarding entry is Grades 7–9.
Some schools offer junior boarding for students as young as Grade 5 or 6, with enhanced supervision.
7. How strong is university preparation at Ontario boarding schools?
Exceptional. Schools provide:
- Dedicated university counselling departments
- SAT/ACT prep
- AP/IB courses
- High global university acceptance rates (US, UK, Canada, Europe)
8. Are extracurriculars mandatory?
Most schools require students to join at least one co-curricular activity per term, such as:
- Sports
- Arts
- Debate
- Robotics
- Outdoor education
9. Can students return home on weekends?
It varies:
- Full boarding schools keep students on campus weekends with activities.
- Weekly boarding allows students to go home Friday and return Sunday.
- Some schools offer flex boarding based on family needs.
10. What are the main benefits of attending a boarding school in Ontario?
Key advantages include:
- High academic standards
- Small classes and personalized learning
- Leadership & character development
- Independence and responsibility
- Access to elite sports, arts, and STEM facilities
- Strong global exposure
Conclusion
Choosing one of the best boarding schools in Ontario can be a life-changing decision for students seeking academic excellence, personal growth, and a supportive residential environment. Ontario’s top schools stand out for their world-class facilities, diverse programs, and strong university placement records, making them ideal for both local and international learners. Whether your priority is advanced academics, arts, athletics, or a balanced all-round education, Ontario’s boarding schools provide a safe, structured, and inspiring setting where students can thrive. With the right research and fit, families can confidently select a school that nurtures success, independence, and lifelong skills.