Should You Send Your Child to Private or Public School in Toronto?

As a parent, nearly every waking thought is dedicated to your child. Giving them a head start in life might very well be the main reason you decided to put down roots in Toronto in the first place.

In addition to outstanding resources like world-class libraries, educational museums and galleries (that are also fun), and outstanding recreational centres, Toronto is also known for its excellent schools. No matter what neighbourhood you are in, you are almost certainly in the catchment area of a top-quality school.

The question now is whether the public system is the best choice or if your child would benefit most from a private education. In this post, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of both.

Want to stay up to date with the latest in Toronto real estate? Get news about our latest listings and insights on the market by subscribing to our newsletter.

The Case for Private Schools in Toronto

It’s no secret that Toronto’s public education system is in a class of its own (pun intended). Many elementary and secondary schools throughout the city consistently achieve top scores from the Fraser Institute.

While these rankings aren’t everything, it is very telling that so many students earn high marks in math, reading, and writing. These fundamental skills can become the foundation of a very successful academic career.

If you happen to be in just the right neighbourhood where you have your choice of the best of the best, you may decide you can’t go wrong with a public school. There are no tuition fees to cover, you can rest assured of a proven curriculum, and the school is diligently overseen by the Toronto District School Board or the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

Thinking about a move to Toronto? The posts below might solidify your decision:

The Limits of Public Education

Catchment areas are one of the primary concerns for parents in the public education system. A school could be the perfect fit for your child, which is fantastic news – but only if you happen to be in the correct postal code. If not, your options may be more limited.

You could decide to sell your home and purchase a new one closer to your chosen school, and many homeowners do. You could also submit an “Out of Area Admissions” application. These special requests are available in January for the following September, but there is no guarantee of acceptance. If your child is accepted, it is also your responsibility to arrange for transportation to and from class.

Toronto is also home to four Secondary Schools without a Boundary, plus Northern Secondary School, which are not limited by your location. Typically, these institutions place a strong emphasis on technical and commercial programming.

Or in the case of Ursula Franklin Academy, you can potentially register your child no matter where you are in the city. Other schools without catchment areas include Claude Watson School for the Arts, Etobicoke School for the Arts, Karen Kain School for the Arts, and Rosedale Heights School for the Arts. With each of these, spaces are limited and acceptance is by application only.

Even if catchment areas aren’t a concern, growing class sizes may be. No matter how reputable a school is or how qualified the teachers are, it can be challenging for your child to receive the individual attention they require. Wealthy neighbourhoods often have better outcomes.

Are you ready to start your search for your new home in Toronto? The posts below can help:

Enter Toronto’s Outstanding Private Options

Choosing a private education eliminates many of the issues parents have with the public system. Catchment areas are no longer a factor; if a school is the right fit, there is no limitation due to location. Many of Toronto’s private schools also pride themselves on small class sizes and very low teacher-to-student ratios.

For children who need a little extra attention, smaller class sizes can help them thrive. Perhaps most importantly, private schools can give you an option that aligns with your values and your child’s unique gifts and learning style.

The Challenges of Private Education

Although not limited by postal code, acceptance into a private school is also not guaranteed. Many schools have strict guidelines based on previous transcripts and an in-depth interview process for both the parent and child.

Top private schools reportedly have an acceptance rate of approximately 20%, not to mention long waiting lists even if your child passes admittance requirements. High tuition costs are another barrier for many families, although scholarships may be a possibility. Lastly, it’s important to remember that private schools typically have their own curriculum, and it is up to the parents to do their due diligence before making a final decision.

Finding the best education for your child is a solemn task. Fortunately for Toronto parents, there is an abundance of superb options. If you want to know more about which neighbourhoods have access to what schools, a local Realtor® can help.

Is there a move coming up for your family? Our Toronto luxury real estate agents are here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to ana@asantos.ca or call us at 416.575.7317 to take the next steps.