Public vs. Private Schools in Ontario: What Parents Need to Know
Compare public and private schools in Ontario — cost, curriculum, class sizes, performance data, and what matters most for your child's education.
Updated March 1, 2026
Overview of school types in Ontario
Ontario offers both publicly funded and private school options. The publicly funded system includes four boards: English Public, English Catholic, French Public, and French Catholic — all free, curriculum-aligned, and EQAO-assessed. Private schools are independently operated, charge tuition, and may follow alternative curricula. There are over 1,500 private schools registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education, ranging from small faith-based schools to large, internationally recognized institutions.
Cost comparison
Public schools in Ontario are free — funded entirely by provincial taxes. Private school tuition varies enormously: from under $10,000 per year for smaller schools to $30,000-$45,000 for day programs at top independent schools, and $50,000-$80,000+ for boarding schools. Some private schools offer scholarships and financial aid. When comparing costs, also consider transportation, uniforms, textbooks, and extracurricular fees, which may differ between public and private settings.
Curriculum and academic approach
All publicly funded Ontario schools follow the Ontario curriculum, which is standardized across the province. Private schools may follow the Ontario curriculum, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Advanced Placement (AP), Montessori, Waldorf, or their own proprietary curriculum. Some private schools offer a combination. The Ontario curriculum is well-regarded internationally and provides a clear, consistent framework that EQAO assessments measure against.
Class sizes and student-teacher ratios
Ontario public schools have regulated class sizes: a cap of 20 students in Grades 1-3 (with some flexibility) and averaging 24.5 in Grades 4-8. Secondary classes average 22 students. Many private schools advertise smaller class sizes as a key benefit, with some offering ratios as low as 8:1 or 12:1. Smaller classes can mean more individual attention, but research shows that the quality of teaching matters more than class size alone.
Performance data and accountability
One key advantage of the public system is transparency: all publicly funded schools participate in EQAO assessments, providing standardized, comparable performance data. This means parents can objectively compare schools using Right School. Private schools are not required to participate in EQAO, and many do not. This makes it harder to compare private school academic outcomes using the same metrics. Private schools may publish their own results, such as university acceptance rates or IB scores, but these are not standardized across schools.
Making the decision
The right choice depends on your family's priorities, budget, and your child's needs. Public schools offer strong academics (measurable through EQAO), no tuition cost, and a diverse student population. Private schools may offer specialized curricula, smaller classes, more extracurriculars, and a particular educational philosophy. Visit schools in both systems, talk to parents, and use tools like Right School to compare available data. The "best" school is the one that fits your child — regardless of whether it is public or private.
Frequently asked questions
Are private schools in Ontario better than public schools?
Not necessarily. Performance varies significantly within both systems. Many public schools outperform nearby private schools on standardized measures. Private schools may offer other advantages (smaller classes, specialized curricula) but "better" depends entirely on what matters most for your child.
How much does private school cost in Ontario?
Tuition ranges from under $10,000/year for smaller schools to $30,000-$45,000 for top day schools and $50,000-$80,000+ for boarding schools. Many schools offer financial aid and scholarships.
Do private schools have to follow the Ontario curriculum?
Private schools in Ontario must be registered with the Ministry of Education and must offer a program that meets Ministry requirements for credits toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. However, they may supplement with IB, AP, or alternative curricula.
Put this guide into action
Search and compare 4,800+ Ontario schools using the data and insights discussed in this guide.