Schools in Toronto for Expats — Public, Private & IB Options

Most newcomer families in Toronto enrol their children in the publicly funded system, which is free for residents and generally well regarded. Private and international-curriculum schools exist for families who want IB, British or other tracks, but they are a smaller part of the market than in Dubai or Singapore. This guide walks through how the public boards work, where private and IB schools fit, and what to plan before you arrive.

How the Toronto school system works

Public education in Ontario is delivered through school boards. In Toronto the main two are the Toronto District School Board (TDSB, secular) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). There are also French-language public boards (Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir). Public schooling is free for residents, including most work-permit and study-permit holders, but rules for short-term visitors vary — confirm with the relevant board.

Children are typically assigned to the public school in their home catchment. That makes home address a major school-choice decision in Toronto, and many families pick a neighbourhood at least partly based on the catchment school's profile. Out-of-catchment placements are possible in some boards but never guaranteed.

Public, private and international options

TDSB and TCDSB public schools — free for residents, deliver the Ontario curriculum and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
French-language public boards — for families with French-language eligibility under Ontario's framework.
Private day schools — wide range, from small faith-based schools to large established prep schools; tuition varies considerably.
IB World Schools — a number of Toronto-area schools offer the IB Diploma Programme, sometimes alongside the OSSD.
Specialised programmes — some public schools run arts, gifted, French Immersion or sports-focused programmes with separate application processes.

Tuition, fees and total cost

Public schooling is free for residents, though families still budget for school supplies, technology, lunches, field trips and after-school activities. International students attending public schools as visitors typically pay an international tuition fee per year — confirm current rates with the relevant board.

Private school tuition in the Toronto area generally falls in a broad band from roughly CAD 20,000 to CAD 45,000+ per year, with the most established prep schools sitting at the higher end. Most schools also charge registration fees, capital fees and uniform/technology costs. Always confirm the full annual cost in writing with each admissions office.

Admissions, timing and what to plan

For public schools, contact the relevant board's welcome centre as soon as you have a Toronto address — TDSB, TCDSB and the French boards each run newcomer reception services. You will typically need proof of address, immigration documents and prior school records (translated where needed).

Private and IB schools usually run formal admissions cycles starting in autumn for the following September, with assessments, interviews and in some cases entrance tests. Popular schools maintain waitlists. If you are arriving mid-year, ask each school directly about availability — some will accept rolling enrolment, others will not.

How to plan school enrolment alongside the move

For Toronto, the practical sequence below works well: most international families underestimate how early school admissions need to start. Sought-after curricula and year groups can be full 6–12 months ahead, and assessment slots may require the child to be physically present. Aligning your visa timeline, housing search and school applications is the single biggest planning lever for families.

Start admissions outreach 6–12 months before your target start date.
Confirm catchment rules — some schools admit by neighbourhood, others by waitlist.
Budget for one-time fees: registration, capital levy, deposit, uniform and transport.

Planning a family move to Toronto?

Get help mapping public-school catchments to neighbourhoods, and lining up private-school applications with your move date.

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Frequently asked questions

Is public school in Toronto really free for newcomers?

For permanent residents, citizens and most work-permit holders, yes — public schooling through TDSB, TCDSB and the French boards is tuition-free. Some categories of visitors and short-term permit holders pay an international fee. Confirm your specific situation with the board's welcome centre.

How does the catchment system work?

Public schools are assigned based on your home address. Two homes a few streets apart can be in different catchments. Check catchment maps before signing a lease if a specific school matters to you.

Are there British or American curriculum schools in Toronto?

There are a small number of international-curriculum private schools, but the dominant tracks in Toronto are the Ontario diploma (OSSD) and the IB Diploma Programme. Universities worldwide widely recognise both.

When should we apply for private schools?

Most established Toronto private schools run admissions in autumn for the following September. Popular year groups (Junior Kindergarten, Grade 7, Grade 9) can fill quickly and may have waitlists. Apply as early as you reasonably can.

Do public schools support new English learners?

Yes. Toronto boards have well-developed English as a Second Language (ESL) and language support programmes. Newcomer reception centres assess each child's level and place them with appropriate support.

Can my child enrol mid-school-year?

Public schools generally accept enrolments throughout the year for residents. Private and IB schools vary — some admit on a rolling basis, others only in September. Always ask each school directly.

Related guides

School curricula, admissions windows, fee bands and waiting-list dynamics change every year. Confirm current openings, fees and entry requirements directly with each school's admissions office before relying on any planning details.