Why Ontario Private Schools Stand Out
Ontario is home to some of Canada’s most respected private schools, offering rigorous academics, character education, and global learning opportunities. Whether your child is entering primary or high school, applying early and understanding each school’s unique process can make all the difference.
This guide from Think Academy Canada brings together verified 2026 admission information from seven top Ontario private schools — including entry timelines, interviews, math readiness expectations, and scholarship options.
Understanding Ontario’s education framework can also help families prepare for private school entrance assessments. The Ontario math curriculum builds essential numeracy and reasoning skills that form the foundation of most entrance tests. For parents seeking to connect classroom learning with advanced problem-solving, our article From Curriculum to Contest: How Ontario Math Prepares Students for Gauss, AMC, and Beyond explains how conceptual thinking developed in Ontario schools translates into success in national and international math competitions.
How the Admission Process Works in Ontario
Applications for most private schools open in September 2025, with deadlines between November and December. Interviews and entrance assessments usually take place from January to February 2026, and final decisions are released around February or March.
A typical application includes:
- An online form and application fee
- Academic transcripts (2 years)
- A teacher reference or confidential school report
- Math and literacy assessments
- Student and parent interviews
Upper Canada College (UCC)
Type: Boys | Grades SK–12 | Day & Boarding
Location: 200 Lonsdale Road Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4V 1W6
Key Entry Years: Grades 1, 2, 4, 10, 11
Application Ratio: ~4:1
Official Website：https://www.ucc.on.ca/
Inqury Form: https://www.ucc.on.ca/admission/explore-ucc
Contact Information: admission@ucc.on.ca
Admission Process
Applications open in September and close mid-November. After submitting report cards and the Confidential School Report, selected candidates are invited for an assessment covering math, reading comprehension, and writing.
Student and family interviews follow, focusing on motivation, community fit, and curiosity.
What UCC Looks For
UCC assesses three pillars of development: academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional growth. Strong English and numeracy foundations are important, but UCC also values resilience, teamwork, and initiative.
Math Focus & Academic Expectations
Math testing emphasizes logical reasoning, multi-step problem solving, and conceptual understanding — skills rooted in the Ontario Curriculum and aligned with early contest math readiness.
Financial Aid
UCC offers one of Canada’s most generous programs, distributing over $5 million annually in need-based aid through Apple Financial Services.
Parent Tips
- Highlight your child’s unique interests (arts, athletics, leadership).
- Encourage storytelling during interviews — UCC values reflection over perfection.
- Apply early for better interview slot options.
Havergal College
Type: Girls | Grades JK–12 | Day & Boarding (9–11)
Location: 1451 Avenue Rd Toronto, ON M5N 2H9
Major Entry Years: JK, 1, 5, 7, 9
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Official Website：https://www.havergal.on.ca/
Contact Information: admissions@havergal.on.ca
Admission Process
Applicants submit academic records and a Confidential School Report. Interviews are age-specific:
- JK–Grade 1: joint parent–child interview
- Grades 2–6: parent joins mid-way
- Middle & Senior: student interview + family Q&A
Assessments focus on English, math, and reasoning to evaluate school readiness.
What Havergal Looks For
Havergal values integrity, curiosity, compassion, and courage. They seek students who are motivated by inquiry and eager to contribute to a collaborative community.
Math Focus & Academic Learning
Havergal’s Liberal Arts foundation emphasizes understanding over memorization. Math assessments gauge conceptual understanding, not speed, aligning closely with the provincial curriculum and inquiry-based learning.
Financial Aid
- Needs-based bursaries up to 95% of tuition (via Apple Financial Services).
- Merit scholarships are also available, often linked to academic excellence and leadership.
Parent Tips
- Focus on genuine self-expression; avoid over-rehearsed answers.
- Attend an open house — Havergal values family engagement.
- Highlight your child’s curiosity and kindness in the parent statement.
Branksome Hall
Type: Girls | Grades JK–12 | Day & Boarding
Location: Branksome Hall, 10 Elm Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4W 1N4
Major Entry Years: JK, SK, Grade 1, Grade 7, Grade 9
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025 (Day); Boarding applications rolling
Official Website：https://branksome.on.ca/
Contact Information: admissions@branksome.on.ca
Admission Process
Applications open in early September. Families complete the online form and upload required documents, including birth certificate/passport and recent report cards.
Early childhood applicants (JK–Grade 3) participate in Playdate Assessments — short, interactive sessions designed to observe social readiness, curiosity, and emerging academic skills. Older applicants complete a short math and literacy assessment, followed by an interview with the Admissions Team.
All day student applications are due by December 1, 2025, and decisions are released in February 2026. Boarding applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but early submission is encouraged due to limited space.
What Branksome Hall Looks For
As a leading IB World School (PYP, MYP, and DP), Branksome Hall seeks globally minded students who show curiosity, compassion, and the courage to take intellectual risks. Admissions focus on the whole child — academic ability, personal initiative, and the potential to thrive in a collaborative community.
Math Focus & Academic Preparation
Entrance assessments emphasize problem-solving and reasoning, not rote memorization. The IB curriculum encourages inquiry and reflection, so students who demonstrate curiosity and logical thinking — even in simple math scenarios — tend to stand out.
Financial Aid
Branksome Hall offers a limited number of merit-based entrance scholarships and need-based financial assistance. Financial support decisions are made through Apple Financial Services. Families are encouraged to apply concurrently with admission.
Parent Tips
- Encourage open conversation about your child’s interests and learning style — Branksome values genuine engagement.
- If applying for early years, focus on social-emotional readiness rather than academic drills.
- For middle and senior applicants, highlight independent projects or global interests aligned with the IB learner profile.
Appleby College
Type: Co-ed | Grades 7–12 | Day & Boarding
Location: 540 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, Ontario L6K 3P1
Deadlines: December 1, 2025
Official Website：https://www.appleby.on.ca/
Contact Information: admissions@appleby.on.ca
Admission Process
The process begins with an online form and supporting documents (report cards, ID, confidential report). After submission, each student receives a Kira Talent online interview invitation — a video platform where they answer short prompts about interests and motivation.
Selected students then attend a personal interview, in person or via Zoom.
What Appleby Looks For
Appleby prioritizes global perspective, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. They seek students ready for both academic challenge and leadership opportunities.
Math & English Readiness
Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo results. Math assessments emphasize reasoning and application rather than formula recall — an approach aligned with Appleby’s inquiry-driven classrooms.
Financial Aid
- Sir Edmund Walker Scholarship: $20,000/year for up to 5 students.
- Financial Assistance: Need-based, processed via Apple Financial Services (4–6 weeks).
Parent Tips
- Help your child practice natural speaking for the Kira interview.
- Boarding applicants should apply by mid-January to ensure space.
- Encourage examples of teamwork or leadership when answering prompts.
Lakefield College School (LCS)
Type: Co-ed | Grades 9–12 | Day & Boarding
Location: 4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0
Deadline: November 14, 2025 (Day) · Rolling (Boarding)
Official Website：https://www.lcs.on.ca/
Inquiry Form: https://lcs.myschoolapp.com/page/admission/inquiry-form?siteId=730&ssl=1
Contact Information: admissions@lcs.on.ca
Admission Process
Applications include report cards (2 years), a teacher reference, parent statement, and VIA Character Strengths survey. Non-native English speakers also submit a Duolingo English Test.
Selected applicants attend a 45-minute interview exploring strengths, character, and fit.
What LCS Looks For
LCS emphasizes personal growth, curiosity, and community-mindedness. The school environment fosters independence and resilience — “mind, body, and spirit.”
Math Focus
Assessments center on reasoning and communication, aligning with Ontario’s “understanding before accuracy” philosophy.
Financial Aid
- About 1 in 3 students receive assistance.
- Awards range from $4,000–$15,000/year, totaling nearly $2 million annually.
- Additional “Entrance Awards of Distinction” recognize outstanding applicants.
Parent Tips
- Review LCS’s “Insider’s Guide to Tuition Assistance.”
- Encourage your child to reflect on personal growth stories — interviews value self-awareness.
- Apply early for boarding; availability is limited.
Trinity College School (TCS)
Type: Co-ed | Grades 5–12 | Day & Boarding
Location: 55 Deblaquire St N, Port Hope, ON L1A 4K7, Canada
Application: Rolling (apply early)
Official Website：https://www.tcs.on.ca/
Inquiry Form: https://www.tcs.on.ca/admissions/online-inquiry-form
Contact Information: admissions@tcs.on.ca
Admission Process
Applicants submit academic transcripts and complete an interview (in person or online). Some may take a math or literacy assessment. Campus visits are encouraged before applying.
What TCS Looks For
Rooted in the motto “Blessed are the pure in heart,” TCS looks for sincerity, initiative, and engagement. The school emphasizes curiosity, empathy, and service to others.
Math & Learning Approach
TCS integrates math into cross-disciplinary projects, focusing on logic, reasoning, and applied problem-solving. Assessments prioritize conceptual understanding over rote procedures.
Financial Aid
- Need-based financial assistance and entrance awards available.
- Criteria include academic merit, leadership, and community service.
Parent Tips
- Authenticity matters — reflect real experiences.
- Encourage open discussion about teamwork and challenges.
- Visit campus if possible; “fit” is a major consideration.
Crescent School
Type: Boys | Grades 1–12 | Day
Location: 2365 Bayview Ave. Toronto, ON M2L 1A2
Entry Years: 1, 2, 3, 7, 9
Deadline: December 1, 2025
Official Website：https://www.crescentschool.org/
Contact Information: 416.449.2556
Admission Process
Applicants submit report cards, teacher references, and ID. The process varies by grade:
- Grades 1–2: “Crescent Close-Up” visit + parent–child interview.
- Grades 3–5: “Experience Crescent Day” on campus.
- Grades 7 & 9: In-person math & literacy assessment (multiple choice + short answer, no prep).
What Crescent Looks For
Crescent values curiosity, compassion, courage, and collaboration — developing “Men of Character.”
Math & Academic Readiness
Entrance testing evaluates logical thinking and comprehension, not advanced content. The math section assesses problem-solving and number reasoning, aligned with Ontario’s numeracy standards.
Financial Aid
- Available for Grades 5–12 (need-based).
- Contact the Admissions Office for details.
Parent Tips
- Emphasize teamwork and persistence when preparing your child.
- Crescent does not offer ESL programs — English fluency required.
- The school values families who support active, balanced lifestyles.
Final Thoughts About Ontario Private Schools 2026 Admission
Ontario’s top private schools share a common philosophy: they look for curiosity, character, and community spirit — not just high marks. Families who prepare early by understanding each school’s expectations and encouraging reflective learning give their children a meaningful head start.
Learn More About Ontario Private Schools
For more information on how private schools in Ontario structure their admission process — including entry timelines, interview styles, and academic expectations — visit Think Academy Canada’s Private School page. It’s a helpful starting point for families exploring their options and preparing for upcoming 2026 applications.
Next Step for Parents:
Understanding each school’s admission expectations is the first step — helping your child build strong academic and math foundations is the next.
Think Academy Canada offers a Free Academic Evaluation to assess your child’s readiness for private school entrance exams and the Ontario math curriculum.
