Which type of education should you pick?

Canada doesn’t have a homogenous private-school system—there are a bunch of different types of independent schools, all with different approaches to education. Here are the most common throughout the country for you to consider.

Co-ed schools

Co-educational, or co-ed, schools are made up of boys and girls who attend classes together. Some believe that going to school together promotes cooperation in girls and boys.

Single-gender schools

In these schools, the student body is made up of either boys or girls. Some say boys and girls experience less peer pressure when separated, focus more on learning and operate differently in school without the distraction of the opposite sex. Single-gender schools may help break down gender roles and stereotypes, leading to more girls taking math and science courses, for example.

Religious schools

Canada has many schools based on the major world religions. Depending on where you live, you might have local schools available for these faiths: Bahá’í, Christian (specific denominations or non- denominational), Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Sikh. Faith-based schools offer religious instruction, as well as government-mandated full academic curricula. The faith’s general worldview is reflected in teaching and is part of the life of the school. Parents should learn about a school to ensure that, while it gives students a deeper knowledge of their faith, it also promotes respect for other faiths and worldviews, which, of course, is important for interacting in Canada’s diverse society.

University preparatory

Dubbed “prep school,” the focus here is on preparing students for university and helping them get into the programs of their choice. Academic studies are super intense, but rest assured there are strong academic supports in place. Some courses offered later in high school are considered university-level and can be applied as university credits. Some schools offer international curricula, such as International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, Cambridge and Round Square. These schools tend to have very high rates of university acceptance. Costs such as tuition are significant, but facilities, resources and co-curricular activities are typically outstanding.

Montessori

Montessori favours a student-centred, individualized approach to education. The method is named after Dr. Maria Montessori, who founded it in the early 1900s and is based on her observations of young children around the world. Montessori education became more popular in North America in the 1960s. Classes include kids of various ages; students learn at their own pace and teachers introduce new lessons when students are ready.