Private school spotlight: the Christian school
Education at any school should be a partnership between the family and the school, and the same holds true at a Christian school, whether it's fully private or alternative in nature.
Education at any school should be a partnership between the family and the school, and the same holds true at a Christian school, whether it's fully private or alternative in nature.
It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child. Let our experts and school insiders guide you through your best options, red flags to watch out for, and tips to a successful application.
Private School Expo - Fall 2024 Yes, I want to attend
A Christian school's purpose is to include spiritual training aligned with teaching children the academic curriculum. A Christian education shows students how they are complete as a person—spiritually, mentally and physically. For many Christian schools, the goal is to help students understand who Jesus is, why and how they can have a relationship with Him and how as future leaders, their passion for Jesus Christ can impact the world around them.
The main difference between Christian schools and regular public schools is the teaching approach. While the academic standards are the same, the values for the Christian school are determined by Biblical truths. As well, the staff typically subscribe to the same beliefs and values, basing their classroom teachings on that faith system. Prayer is encouraged, as are Bible readings, devotionals, chapels and other opportunities to help students understand how the Christian faith fits in with bigger picture ideas and society's view on many subjects.
Many parents often wonder how Catholic and Christian schools are different. Christian and Catholic schools are similar in that they both teach children values and morals central to the core of their faith. Christian schools vary as they would with any faith-focused school.
Each school's approach to teaching depends on their faith values, purpose and mission. For some schools, the faith teaching is more outwardly evident. Parents should understand the school's vision and values and ensure they line up with their own personal values. This way, they can support the school as the core of their faith component is included in their child's education. To read about the differences between Christian and Catholic schools, check out our guide.
Before choosing the Christian school, parents should ensure they have arranged a tour, talked with the principal, interviewed families who attend the school and looked over the faith statement, purpose and values. Some Christian schools require that the students and their families are practicing Christians, while others do not. Just as parents would consider the academic standards of a school, in the case of Christian schools (or any faith-based schools), the spiritual teachings should also be in line with their overall educational vision for their children.
Aligning the spiritual and academic components of the Christian school brings great value when building an educational community and encouraging the growth and development of each child.
When it comes to finding the right school for your child, the school visit is critical. Watch our video for tips on arranging a school tour or visit.
"We strive to take the best aspects of Catholic teaching & interpret it in a modern context for the confident young woman of today. They are imbued with a strong work ethic, sense of purpose & a desire to change the world
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"No other high school in the world has developed more Elite, Junior, Collegiate, USPORT, NCAA, National, Olympic or Pro athletes with over 215 in the NHL alone. ND graduates attend the top ranked universities worldwide.
—From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Spadina/St Clair Ave W "The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day & boarding school for girls. Students build academic skills to thrive at university and beyond. Over $2 million available in financial assistance." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario York Mills Road/Don Mills Road "We value partnership with parents, creating a genuinely warm and friendly community. We raise the academic bar on academic excellence, and expectations of character, helping the boys become the best that they can be." —From the school
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King City, Ontario Keele St./King Rd. "Villanova College is York Region's only independent Catholic school offering Grades 4 to 12 in King City, Ontario. Average class size is 18 students. Specialty programs include STEM, AP and Domestic ESL." —From the school
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Fort Erie, Ontario Townline Rd./Niagara Parkway "Niagara Christian Collegiate offers both middle school and secondary school programs from Grades 6-12. Graduating students achieve top university placements around the world. We accept both day and boarding students." —From the school
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Breslau, Ontario "Woodland combines academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement. With a Christ-centered education, diverse curriculum, dedicated faculty, and supportive culture, it's an ideal choice for families." —From the school
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North York, Ontario Finch Ave. W./Bathurst St. "CAA has been serving the GTA for 70 years. Our students learn through a strong academic curriculum, community engagement and alumni mentorship – with a 98% acceptance rate to the University of their first choice." —From the school
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Whitchurch-stouffville, Ontario Ninth Line/Main Street "Toronto French Montessori offers French and English programs from pre-school to grade 8 in North York, and Toddler programs in Stouffville. Its average class size is 15 students." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario "We welcome children from all families, Christians, or non-Christians. We tailor make k-12 curriculum to fit each kid’s unique characteristics. our teachers are professional with truthful love & highly responsible." —From the school
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Gretna, Manitoba "Faith is at the center of all we do at MCI- from the court, to the stage, to the classroom. We work to provide a safe space for students to ask questions, dig deeper, grow into who God is calling them to be." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Burnhamthorpe Rd. W/Neyagawa Blvd. "King’s Christian Collegiate is an independent Christian high school providing superb instruction in a safe, stimulating academic environment. Caring staff set the tone for a positive, up-beat culture." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./St. Clair West "Canada’s only independent, Catholic school for boys in Grades 7-12, taught in the Basilian tradition of forming the mind, body, and soul. Since 1852, we have educated students in goodness, discipline, and knowledge." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta 162 Ave SW/24 St SW "Glenmore Christian Academy (GCA) is a private school in Calgary with specialist educators in academics, arts, and athletics. Our mission is to Teach Truth, Inspire Excellence, Experience Christ and Serve through Love." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Donald St/Frances St "Promote academic excellence that stimulates the acquisition of language skills, the development of scientific and artistic competencies as well as the formation of a critical mind, in a multicultural environment." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "Hawthorn is the only independent, Catholic-inspired, all girls school in Toronto that provides character education, personal mentorship, and a classical liberal arts education that is university preparatory." —From the school
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Hamilton, Ontario Rymal Road West/Glancaster Road "HDCH, founded in 1956, is imaginative, innovative learning environment. Our programs are designed to challenge a wide range of learners. We welcome local and international students into our Christ-Centred community!" —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario 404/DVP/Sheppard Avenue "North Toronto Christian School offers a full day, co-educational program from junior kindergarten to grade 12." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Queensway "Shepherd Montessori Private Catholic School in Mississauga offers Casa Montessori programs for children a ged 2.5 to 6. Before- and after-school care and summer camps also available." —From the school
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Montreal, Quebec The Boulevard/Côte-des-Neiges Road "The Priory School specializes in early childhood education, a place where childhood is cherished, and where meaningful learning takes place in an enriched and nurturing learning environment." —From the school
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Rosthern, Saskatchewan "RJC is a Grades 10-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs." —From the school
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Caledon, Ontario "Brampton Christian School in Caledon, Ontario, offers an academic-based, JK to Grade 12 program, with average class sizes from 18 to 24 students and a one-student tuition cost of $12, 650." —From the school
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Sudbury, Ontario Attlee Street/Dublin Street "Total student growth -- academically, athletically, spiritually, and with a heart for community." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario King Road/North Service Road "BCA provides a transformative JK-8 education, blending Christian faith, values, and academic excellence. Our nurturing environment, diverse programs, and dedicated faculty inspire each student’s passion and potential." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario McCowan Road/Highway 7 "Wesley Christian Academy offers programs from Toddler to Grade 8 in Markham. As we are a Christian school, we share our beliefs with all our students but we warmly welcome families from ALL faiths and backgrounds!" —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave. "Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful learning." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario "Guiding Light Academy is a Catholic private elementary school in Streetsville, Mississauga. We offer an enriched curriculum for JK, SK and Grades 1 to 8. We are located just minutes away from the Streetsville Go Station." —From the school
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Orleans, Ontario "Ottawa Victory Christian Academy becomes an extension of your family. Staff and teachers know each child and work with students and their family to achieve success academically, socially, physically, and spiritually." —From the school
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Kitchener, Ontario "Incorporating academic excellence, service and peace-making, Rockway is a diverse learning community of students in Grades 7 to 12 including a dynamic international student exchange program." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Bayview Avenue/Weldrick Road "Christ is the center of Richmond Hill Christian Academy. To know Him and to make Him known is our mission while at the same time, preparing the next generation for academic excellence in His service is our goal!" —From the school
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Regina, Saskatchewan "Luther College prepares students to be compassionate, creative, and critical thinkers who go on to create a more grace-filled, just, and joyful world. Luther College is the only IB World School in southern Saskatchewan." —From the school
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Etobicoke, Ontario Burnhamthorpe Road/Kipling Avenue "We have a Christian-based perspective that builds the whole child. We teach them how to ask questions about the world around them while encouraging interest in bettering themselves and their community." —From the school
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Montreal, Quebec Atwater/Docteur-Penfield "Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all-girls English Catholic high school, has been preparing girls to change the world. We offer grades 7 to 12, day school and boarding." —From the school
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Kitchener, Ontario "Carmel New Church School provides a loving, peaceful place with indoor and outdoor classrooms where students are taught to become productive and caring people, both in this life and the next." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario "HTS offers a remarkable opportunity for students from JK-12 to shape their own experience through our comprehensive academic and co-curricular programming, led by our incredible faculty and staff." —From the school
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Etobicoke, Ontario "Quo Vadis, through a Polish-English bilingual program, aims to assist in the formation of well-rounded, responsible individuals, promotes academic excellence and encourages self-esteem within a Catholic environment." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Avenue Road/St. Clair Ave. "De La Salle College is a Catholic, co-educational, university preparatory school in Toronto from Grade 5 to 12, with an average class size of 20 students and tuition at $17,550 - $18,500." —From the school
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Halifax, Nova Scotia "With a global network of schools around the world, a rich and proud history, and a strong and unique set of core values, Sacred Heart offers not just an education but an experience that is unparalleled in Nova Scotia." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia Quadra Street/Burdett Avenue "Our students learn in a progressive, authentic, inspiring, welcoming, nurturing and in a safe, child-centred environment. Our small size, with one class for each grade, gives a sense of being part of a close-knit family." —From the school
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Brantford, Ontario Colborne/Clarence "At Haven, we equip our students with critical thinking skills, a global perspective, and a respect for core values of honesty, loyalty, perseverance, and compassion." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario "Willowbrook Heights, is a unique learning environment where faith, intellect, and character intertwine. We empower your teen to become an independent thinker, capable of navigating a complex world with confidence." —From the school
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Caledon, Ontario "JJCS' globally-promoted curriculum is designed to help students perform and accelerate at their level and pace. Students are not held back nor passed through the school system beyond their skill level." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Woodbine Ave/Hooper Rd "Early Learning Centre to Grade 12. Discipline. Character. Respect. Complete your child's academic and spiritual foundation. Discover why PCA students excel!" —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Lakeshore/Third Line "Oakville Christian School is committed to instilling confidence in young lives during their formative years, and cultivating in its students solid Christian character traits and values." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Crowchild Trail/Flanders Ave. SW "Clear Water Academy is the only private Catholic school in Alberta. We offer a rigorous academic program from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12 for students of all faiths. 100% of our students pursue post-secondary education." —From the school
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Woodbridge, Ontario Kipling/Highway 7 "Each student is unique. Why be just a number when you can be valued for who you are? We enfold, engage and empower every student in a safe, friendly, and supportive learning community. You belong here!" —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario "Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment. Strong academics combined with sports, enriched music, visual arts, and dramatic arts programs provide a well-rounded experience" —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Dundas St. W/Erin Mills Pkwy "We will do whatever it takes to ensure every student has success. With our flexible support and guidance, our students overcome their challenges. They develop the confidence to make mistakes – and learn from them." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Dufferin St/Lawrence Ave W "LDVA provides foundational education and challenges students to develop to their full potential. Officially recognized by the Italian Government, our unique curriculum incorporates Italian language and culture." —From the school
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All-boys Catholic schools
Find a list of the top all-boys private Catholic schools in Canada. (August 14, 2019)
Christian schools for boys only
Find a list of the top all-boys Christian schools in Canada. (August 14, 2019)
Christian high schools
Find a list of the top private Christian high schools in Canada (June 26, 2019)
Christian elementary schools
Find a list of the top Christian elementary schools in Canada (June 26, 2019)