Selecting a school in Canada may feel like one of the most stressful aspects of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal what everyday life is truly like, and each family’s priorities differ. This guide emphasizes practical considerations and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Toronto.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating schools, establish your non-negotiables. Most misjudgments happen when families compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: how much time you spend driving each day is more important than you might assume.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school’s structure, level of discipline, and communication style.
Selecting Schools Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Start by narrowing options based on location. In Toronto, commuting can turn a seemingly good school into a daily hassle.
- Verify availability and admissions timelines. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about actual classroom conditions. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support services. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule a single visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Value your own impressions over glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a concise, one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than broad “tell me about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students who join mid-year?
- In what ways do teachers update parents (weekly notes, apps, email)?
- What does a typical school day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you assist children who feel anxious or are adapting to a new country?
- What are the guidelines for language support (ESL) if required?
- How is heat managed and time allocated to indoor vs outdoor activities during hot months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost:
Common Pitfalls (and how to sidestep them)
- Selecting a school on reputation alone: the daily schedule matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Failing to ask about support: transitions are real for children.
- Delaying too long: admissions timelines can close sooner than you expect.
The Bottom Line
The ideal school tends to be the one that aligns with your family's actual schedule: its location, backing, and everyday ease for your child — not the school with the slickest advertising.
If you’d like help weighing priorities for Toronto (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +1 416-555-0123.