Upper Canada College (UCC), established in 1829, is Canada’s premier all-boys independent school, offering SK–12 education on a 35-acre Toronto campus. Renowned for its dual IB/AP curriculum, UCC combines academic rigor with unparalleled facilities including a planetarium, professional theater, and the 500-acre Norval Outdoor School.
With an 8:1 student-teacher ratio, the school emphasizes leadership through programs like aerospace engineering and entrepreneurship. UCC boasts a 100% university acceptance rate, with graduates attending Harvard, Stanford, and top Canadian institutions. The boarding program (Grades 8–12) fosters global citizenship among students from 30+ countries. Tuition ranges from $42,900 (day) to $73,900 (boarding), with significant financial aid available.
Notable alumni include two Canadian prime ministers and Olympic athletes. UCC maintains traditions like Foundation Day while offering 100+ clubs and championship sports teams. Accredited by CAIS and consistently ranked #1 among Canadian boys’ schools, UCC prioritizes inclusivity with ESL support and accessibility features. The competitive admissions process (20% acceptance rate) requires SSAT exams and interviews. Contact admissions for November/January deadlines.
Basic Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | Upper Canada College |
| Year Founded | 1829 |
| School Type | Private, Independent |
| Gender | All-boys |
| Grade Levels Offered | SK–12 (Day), 8–12 (Boarding) |
| Enrollment | ~1,200 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | 8:1 |
Unique Information About the School
- Canada’s oldest independent school, founded by Sir John Colborne
- 35-acre urban campus with heritage buildings and modern facilities
- Offers both IB and AP curricula
- Home to the world’s largest high school outdoor education program (Norval Outdoor School)
- 100% university acceptance rate with graduates attending Ivy League and top global universities
Facilities
- Academic Facilities: 10 science labs, 3 libraries, film editing suites
- Arts Facilities: Professional theater, recording studio, darkroom
- Sports Facilities: Hockey arena, 6 tennis courts, 25m swimming pool
- Boarding Facilities: 4 residences with housemaster supervision
- Special Facilities: Planetarium, robotics lab, Norval Outdoor School (500 acres)
Programs & Curriculum
- Curriculum Type: IB Diploma, AP courses, OSSD
- Languages: English (French, Spanish, Mandarin offered)
- Specialty Programs: Aerospace engineering, entrepreneurship, leadership
- University Pathways: 25% to U.S. universities (Harvard, Stanford), 60% to Canadian top-tier
- Extracurriculars: 100+ clubs including stock market team, championship debating
Student Support & Wellbeing
- Counseling: 8 full-time counselors, university placement specialists
- Learning Support: Dedicated learning strategists, peer tutoring
- Wellness: Mindfulness programs, nutritionist-designed meals
- Safety: 24/7 security, digital wellness monitoring
Admissions & Tuition
- Process: SSAT exam, interviews, school reports (acceptance rate: ~20%)
- Deadlines: November 30 (boarding), January 15 (day)
- Tuition: $42,900 (day), $73,900 (boarding)
- Financial Aid: $2.5M+ in bursaries annually
Community & Alumni
- Notable Alumni: 2 Canadian PMs (John Turner, Lester Pearson), 10 Olympians
- Parent Involvement: Annual giving campaign, parent ambassador program
- Traditions: Foundation Day, Terry Fox Run, Norval expeditions
Recognition & Compliance
- Accreditations: CAIS, IB World School
- Rankings: #1 boys’ school in Canada (Fraser Institute)
Accessibility & Inclusion
- ESL support with TOEFL prep
- Wheelchair-accessible campus
- Multifaith chaplaincy program