Can anyone please talk about high schools (private) in Toronto? My child loves academic challenge and rigor. I would prefer a school that focuses on the all round development of a child and has an inclusive approach.
Thanks in advance.
I’d start with the schools that are accredited by CAIS. You can find them here: https://www.cais.ca/families/schools
This article has a short blurb about what I would consider the top 5 privates in Toronto. Note that they’re all single sex schools. https://sothebysrealty.ca/insightblog/2018/03/06/top-private-schools-in-toronto-by-neighbourhood/
Thanks! Quite informative.
Could you please provide some insights into the validity/authenticity of the reviews available on these links:
https://www.ourkids.net/private-school-reviews/upper-canada-college-toronto/123
UCC: The school profile is extremely impressive. But, I have been reading the threads where some have been apprehensive about the snobby, spoilt kids. Is there any truth to it? I do understand that there will be a fraction of students in private schools who fit that description but I wonder to what extent? Any information on the colleges the students attend after school?
Any thoughts on St.Andrews College or the Trinity College School?
I am looking for either a coed or boys school.
Thanks again
One more question:
It is likely that we move to Toronto in March/April this year. Do the private schools admit students during the school year?
In this case, what are my options?
Any good, safe public schools in the area known for academic rigor?
Public schools in the more well to do areas will also tend to have the best schools, just as in the US. Canadian schools typically will be more rigorous than your average US school, in my experience. Do you know where you plan to live(approximately) in Toronto? North, East, West, or downtown?
Oh, and St.Andrews is quite a bit north from the city. UCC being snobbish? Well, it is one of the best and oldest private schools in Canada. With that comes a certain amount of attitude.
I see an article about teachers working to rule
"Public high school teachers have been working to rule in addition to their rotating strikes to protest stalled contract talks.
Teachers are fighting the government’s plans to increase class sizes, require students to take online courses to graduate from high school, and to limit public sector wage increases to one per cent under a new law.
The province initially said average high school classes would increase to 28 students from 22 and four online courses would be required. It has since reduced those targets to class sizes of 25 and two online courses."
UCC has its IB results and colleges here https://ucc.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/1142/download/download_2931533.pdf
Under University Counselling downloads.
Where we live is totally dependent on the school. Office would be downtown - open to commuting if necessary.
Hippobirdy:
Thanks for the information on UCC. The more I learn about the school, the more appealing it is 
Many wonderful choices in Toronto, enjoy!
If my child ends up moving during the school year, would the private schools consider the application at all? They seem to have a calendar for admissions and I seem to have missed the deadlines:( Any suggestions for such situations.
If not full, some private schools welcome late transfers. You may need to speak with the principal or be ready with a Canadian character reference if the move is for work. Or provide a request from your current school principal or guidance counselor describing your kid’s good points and fit for the new school.
It won’t be easy if it is possible. This article discusses mid year change.
https://www.ourkids.net/mid-year-entry-schools.php
I would be surprised if you missed the deadlines for 20-21. UCC’s deadline is in April. They don’t accept students mid-year. UCC is very selective. They accept about 33% of applicants.
Frasier rankings of public high schools in Toronto: http://ontario.compareschoolrankings.org/secondary/SchoolsByRankLocationName.aspx
Bouders:
Unfortunately yes 
The UCC website clearly states that they are no longer accepting applications September 2020. Crescent says they are now accepting only late applications.
It feels like almost the same schedule as in the US. Most competitive private schools have an application deadline of December for the following school year.
I have read on this forum that the Frazer ratings are not that accurate. Is that true? Also the issue with public schools in Toronto is that only some schools are designated as locations that can accept international students - that too only in the regular course track. That is seriously disappointing.
Thanks Hippobirdy for the encouragement and positive vibe 
I needed that!
Anyone has any inputs on The Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E ?
If your child enters as a permanent resident, they don’t have that international restriction with the TDSB.
P.A.C.E. is in Richmond Hill which is not in Toronto, although it is adjacent. That can be a very long commute.
December was the deadline for day student applications at UCC. Boarding students have until April.
Crescent School is accepting late applications.
Other private schools in the same geographic area as UCC that accept boys: De La Salle College, York school, St. Michael’s College. I have heard good things about De La Salle College. All of them are still accepting applications.
@bouders: I ruled out P.A.C.E after reading some horrible reviews about their high school online.
Would you like to share your insights on Crescent in terms of academics, students, staff and the general environment as well as University placements?
@besttobe Crescent has an excellent reputation, right up there with UCC. Here’s their university placement https://www.crescentschool.org/why-crescent/our-graduates/where-our-graduates-go
There are several excellent neighborhoods which are very close to Crescent - Lawrence Park, Leaside, Don Mills, York Mills.