Expat Education Guide: Schools in Toronto

Education Overview

Toronto scores 5.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 15 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 27 education-related costs.

Toronto boasts one of Canada's premier education systems, consistently ranking among the top globally in PISA scores. The city offers exceptional educational diversity with four distinct publicly funded school board options, robust private alternatives, and specialized international programs. A standout feature is Toronto's multicultural approach to education, with schools designed to accommodate its diverse population through ESL programs and cultural inclusivity initiatives.

Quick Stats

Education Score

5.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$6,895

Monthly Costs

$5,580/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $50

Private School Application Fee $250

International School Application Fee $500

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,500/mo

Tuition Fees International $2,300/mo

Transportation Monthly $120/mo

Showing 6 of 27 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 15 →

The Annex

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, and university-affiliated schools

Notable: University of Toronto Schools, Royal St. George's College, Huron Street Public S...

Roncesvalles

Density 4/6

Types: Public, Catholic, alternative, Montessori options

Notable: Howard Park PS, St. Vincent de Paul, Garden Avenue PS

Forest Hill

Density 4/6

Types: Private, public, and religious institutions

Notable: Upper Canada College, Bishop Strachan School, Forest Hill Collegiate

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Practical Tips

Apply for TDSB schools in November/December rather than waiting until spring enrollment

early applicants often get priority placement, particularly for popular schools like Northlea or Whitney

Use a designated organization like WES or ICAS for foreign education credential assessment in Canada.

These official services are required for many immigration streams and professional licenses.

they offer free English conversation circles and newcomer support with shorter wait times than downtown branches

Apply for specialized programs like French Immersion at schools in North York or Etobicoke

these areas often have shorter waitlists than downtown schools, despite offering equally strong programs

Useful Links

Toronto District School Board

Official public school board website with enrollment procedures, school locator tools, and programs for Toronto's largest education district.

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Toronto Catholic District School Board

Catholic school board serving Toronto with registration information, school locations, and faith-based education programs.

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Ontario Ministry of Education

Provincial government education authority providing curriculum information, education policies, and student assessment details.

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University of Toronto

Toronto's largest university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs with specific resources for international students.

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Toronto Public Library

Extensive library system offering free educational resources, language learning programs, and community services throughout Toronto.

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Education Guides in Canada

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Frequently Asked Questions

Toronto has 15 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Toronto varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 27 education-related costs to consider when moving to Toronto, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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