How to Choose the Right School for Your Child in Ontario
A practical guide for Ontario parents on choosing between public, Catholic, and French-language schools. Learn what factors matter most and how to evaluate school performance.
Updated March 1, 2026
Why choosing the right school matters
Choosing a school is one of the most consequential decisions a parent makes. The school your child attends shapes their academic foundation, social development, and daily life for years. In Ontario, families have more options than many realize — four publicly funded school systems, plus private and independent alternatives. Understanding these options and knowing what to look for can turn a stressful process into a confident, informed decision.
Understanding Ontario's school systems
Ontario has four publicly funded school systems: English Public, English Catholic, French Public (conseil scolaire public), and French Catholic (conseil scolaire catholique). All four follow the Ontario curriculum and are funded by provincial taxes. The key differences lie in religious instruction (Catholic schools include it), language of instruction (French boards teach primarily in French), and admissions policies. Catholic schools may require a baptismal certificate, while French-language schools are open to families with Section 23 rights under the Canadian Charter. Every publicly funded school participates in EQAO assessments, giving parents a consistent benchmark for academic performance.
What to look for in a school
Academic performance is important, but it is not the only factor. Consider these when evaluating a school: EQAO scores in reading, writing, and mathematics — these show how well students are meeting the provincial standard. Performance trends over three years — a school that is improving may be a better choice than one with high scores that are declining. The school's grade range and level — elementary, middle, or secondary. Location and commute — a shorter commute means more time for family, homework, and activities. Special programs — gifted programs, French immersion, special education services, and extracurriculars. School culture and community — visit the school, attend an open house, and talk to other parents. Class size and student-to-teacher ratios, where available.
How to use EQAO data effectively
EQAO results are published as the percentage of students meeting the provincial standard in each subject at each assessed grade level (Grades 3, 6, 9, and Grade 10 OSSLT). A score of 75% or higher is generally considered strong — it means three out of four students are meeting expectations. However, no single data point tells the full story. Look at trends: a school scoring 65% but improving by 5% per year may serve your child better than a school at 80% that is declining. Also consider the context — schools serving higher proportions of ESL students or students from low-income households may show different patterns. Right School simplifies this by converting EQAO data into a single score out of 10 and showing trends in plain language.
Steps to finding your best-fit school
Start by entering your postal code on Right School to see all schools within 25 km. Review the scores and summaries for each school. Shortlist 3 to 5 schools that look promising. Visit each school's profile page for detailed insights, subject breakdowns, and fit indicators. Use the comparison tool to see your top choices side by side. Attend open houses or contact the school directly. Talk to parents whose children attend the school. Make your decision based on the combination of data, personal impressions, and your child's specific needs.
Public vs. private schools
Ontario's publicly funded schools are free and follow the provincial curriculum with standardized assessment through EQAO. Private schools charge tuition (ranging from under $10,000 to over $40,000 per year) and may offer different curricula (IB, Montessori, Waldorf, etc.), smaller class sizes, and specialized programs. Private schools are not required to participate in EQAO assessments, which means there is less standardized data available for comparison. For families considering private school, look at the school's curriculum accreditation, university placement rates, class sizes, and whether the school's educational philosophy aligns with your values.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best school in Ontario?
There is no single "best" school — the best school for your child depends on their needs, your location, and your family's priorities. Right School helps you compare schools based on EQAO performance data so you can find the best fit for your specific situation.
How do I find schools near my home in Ontario?
Enter your postal code on Right School's search page to find all schools within 25 km. You can filter by school board, type (public, Catholic, French), and minimum rating.
Are Catholic schools better than public schools in Ontario?
Performance varies school by school, not by system. Some Catholic schools outperform nearby public schools and vice versa. Both systems follow the same Ontario curriculum and participate in EQAO assessments. Use Right School to compare specific schools in your area.
Put this guide into action
Search and compare 4,800+ Ontario schools using the data and insights discussed in this guide.