Find the Right K–12 School for Your Family

Independent Schools: Inspiring Futures

The journey to success starts early on. Critical capabilities need careful nurturing. These include intellectual curiosity, unlocking individual passions and talents, and the encouragement of independent, critical thinking.

Determining the right fit for your child

With such breadth and depth of choice, you can choose a school whose philosophy, values and approach to teaching is best for your child, setting them up for a lifetime of success and well-being.

CIS Ontario member schools vary in the following ways:

  • academic offerings (Montessori, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, OSSD)
  • size (one building/large campus)
  • programming (electives/day/boarding)
  • geographic surroundings (rural/urban)
  • grade-level offered (elementary/university prep)
  • gender division (co-ed/single-sex)

CIS Ontario member schools exhibit the following desirable qualities families seek:

  • strong, academic programming set in progressive learning models
  • dedicated teachers
  • vigorous and safe student environment
  • controlled class sizes
  • individualized attention
  • respect for the values of trust, honesty, and integrity
  • well-rounded programs
  • excellent preparation for higher education

What’s the “right” school for your family?

What offerings are a must-have?

  • Families consider location, size, pupil/teacher ratio, academic rigour and religious affiliation, family legacy at the school, single-sex or co-ed, to name just a few.
  • We invite you to start researching and filtering schools with our search tool.

Begin your search

  • After your online research, develop a short list and contact the admissions department for more information.
  • If you are looking at local day schools be sure to attend an open house, an invaluable, informal glimpse of the school’s environment.

Application process

  • You need to apply in the fall of the year prior to desired entry to the school.
  • Be sure to ask the admissions office about deadlines for applications. Most require a completed application form, a fee, prior academic records and references. Some require an entrance test.
  • Many schools will require an interview, preferably on campus.

Financial assistance

  • Many schools have established scholarship, bursary, and/or loan programs. Be sure to earmark time for the detailed information these applications will require you to collect.

Key Difference

What is the key difference between private and independent schools in Ontario?

In Ontario, the terms "private school" and "independent school" are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle distinction:

  • Private Schools: This is the broad legal term used by the Ontario Ministry of Education to describe all non-publicly funded schools. These schools operate outside of the public school system and charge tuition.
     

  • Independent Schools: A subset of private schools that are self-governed and not-for-profit. Independent schools typically have their own boards of directors, missions, and values, and are often members of associations such as CIS Ontario (Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario). They prioritize educational excellence, community values, and a strong commitment to student development.

In short, all independent schools are private, but not all private schools are independent. 

Independent schools distinguish themselves through governance, purpose, and often a more rigorous standard of education and accountability.

The CIS Ontario Advantage

CIS Ontario member schools benefit from the following:

  • high-quality inter-school student experiences, including music, drama, visual arts and dance festivals, plus membership in our Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario Athletic Association (CISAA)
  • targeted and innovative professional development for teachers
  • strong professional networks for school leaders and administrators
  • collaborative resource-sharing
  • a strong voice for Ontario independent education