Discover the top 10 independent preparatory day and boarding schools in the Greater Toronto Area, featuring Upper Canada College and Bishop Strachan School.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Schools in Toronto (2026-2027)
| Rank |
School Name |
Curriculum |
Annual Fee Range |
Rating |
| #1 |
Upper Canada College (UCC)
Deer Park / Forest Hill |
International Baccalaureate (IB PYP, MYP, DP) |
CAD $40,000 - $72,000/yr (Day/Boarding) |
★ 4.9 |
| #2 |
The Bishop Strachan School (BSS)
Forest Hill |
Ontario OSSD & Advanced Placement (AP) |
CAD $39,000 - $71,000/yr |
★ 4.9 |
| #3 |
University of Toronto Schools (UTS)
Downtown Toronto (U of T Campus) |
Specialized Academic Prep / AP |
CAD $33,000/yr |
★ 4.9 |
Detailed Profiles of Top 10 Schools in Toronto
Curriculum:International Baccalaureate (IB PYP, MYP, DP)
Type:Independent Day & Boarding School for Boys (SK - Grade 12)
Annual Fees:CAD $40,000 - $72,000/yr (Day/Boarding)
Established:1829
Established in 1829, UCC is one of North America's foremost all-boys schools, offering the full continuum of IB programmes across a magnificent 35-acre central Toronto campus.
Key Highlights & Facilities:
✓ Double-pad Arena (NHL-sized Ice Rink)✓ Olympic Bubble Running Track✓ 35-acre Campus✓ Robotics Design Lab✓ Boarding Residences
Curriculum:Ontario OSSD & Advanced Placement (AP)
Type:Independent Day & Boarding School for Girls (JK - Grade 12)
Annual Fees:CAD $39,000 - $71,000/yr
Established:1867
Canada's oldest independent day and boarding school for girls, renowned for empowering young women through intensive STEAM education, leadership, and athletic excellence.
Key Highlights & Facilities:
✓ Transformation Centre✓ Robotics Laboratories✓ Turf Playing Fields✓ Historic Chapel✓ Swimming Pool✓ Boarding Wing
Curriculum:Specialized Academic Prep / AP
Type:University-Affiliated Co-ed Day School (Grades 7-12)
Annual Fees:CAD $33,000/yr
Established:1910
Affiliated with the University of Toronto, UTS is one of the most academically selective secondary schools in North America, with two Nobel laureates among its alumni.
Key Highlights & Facilities:
✓ Direct University Library & Lab Access✓ Historic Fleck Atrium✓ Black Box Theatre✓ Science Discovery Wing
Parent's Guide: How to Choose the Best School in Toronto
Selecting the right school involves evaluating multiple dimensions:
- Curriculum Alignment: Choose between British (IGCSE/A-Levels), International Baccalaureate (IB), CBSE, American AP, or National curricula depending on your child's higher education goals.
- Fee Structure & Additional Costs: Review transport, uniform, lab, and extra-curricular activity costs in addition to base tuition fees.
- Teacher-to-Student Ratio: Leading institutions maintain an average ratio of 1:10 to 1:14 to guarantee personal mentorship.
- Campus Facilities & Sports: Modern STEM laboratories, Olympic-sized swimming pools, performing arts auditoriums, and robotics labs offer well-rounded child development.
- Inspection & Accreditation: Always verify regulatory inspection ratings and external accreditations before finalizing enrollment.
