Top 10 Best High Schools in Toronto

Here is a list of high schools in Toronto. Find public, private, and Catholic secondary schools in Toronto, Canada.

Apart from being the most populous city in Canada, with over 6.1 million people, Toronto is also the provincial capital of Ontario. The Ontario province boasts of nearly 1,000 secondary/high schools. Of this figure, however, over 100 of these schools are situated in Toronto.

Despite that, the ordeal of having to find the best high schools in Toronto will never cease to reverberate in the minds of many parents.

And, despite housing some of the best secondary schools in the country, actually finding one could be a hell of a hassle. To say the least, it is not a walk in the park, and never will, anytime soon.

Education in Toronto is compulsory up to the age of 18 years, and students begin secondary school education from the age of 14 and graduate at the age of 18 years.

Generally, most high schools in Toronto, and Canada runs from Grade 9 to Grade 12. With that, students can proceed on to post-secondary education at either university or college, immediately after graduating from high school.

Canada is a country of immense opportunities, and so is Toronto, the most populous city in the country. Canada is constantly receiving more international arrivals over the past or so decades, and apparently, many more families are planning to migrate to North America.

So, whether you are a Canadian resident living in Canada, and are planning a possible move to the city of Toronto, or immigrant planning to relocate to the city along with your family; this article will help you choose the perfect school for your child.

Having said that, high schools in Toronto are known to maintain one of the world’s best academic standards.

Apart from growing students in a safe and supportive environment, Toronto high schools offer one of the best high school education.

Also, according to a recent assessment by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), an organization that looked into and ranks education systems worldwide.

Canada was ranked 2nd in reading, 10th in mathematics, and 7th in science. In addition, Canada has one of the world’s highest rates of high school completion.

High Schools in Toronto Ontario Canada, Toronto High School, Toronto High Schools, High School in Toronto, Public High Schools in Toronto, High Schools in Toronto Ontario, Toronto Secondary Schools, High Schools in Downtown Toronto,

List of Top 10 Best High Schools in Toronto, Canada

1. Earl Haig Secondary School (EHSS)

SCHOOL TYPEPublic School
GRADES9 – 12
ENROLMENTApprox. 2,048
GENDERCo-educational
TELEPHONE(416) 395-3210
EMAIL[email protected]
ADDRESS100 Princess Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M2N 3R7
WEBSITEearlhaig.ca

Earl Haig Secondary School, abbreviated as EHSS, and also known as Haig State, is a public school situated in Toronto. EHSS was founded in 1929 and currently has an enrolment of approximately 2,048 students.

In addition to providing quality education to over 2,048 students, Haig State is rated the largest secondary school in the Toronto District School Board and the oldest high school in the former City of North York.

As a high school, Eaig State caters to learners from Grade 9 to Grade 12, and it is administered by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). In 2016, EHSS recorded 95 percent of graduates continuing to Post-Secondary (university or college).

Earl Haig Secondary School is a high-achieving school and has made great strides in nurturing and developing future leaders in the past decades.

For more information concerning Earl Haig Secondary School, plus how to enter the school, feel free to reach out to the school authority via phone or email.

2. Upper Canada College (UCC)

SCHOOL TYPEIndependent School
GENDERBoys’ School
GRADESSK – 12
ENROLMENTApprox. 1,170
TUITION FEE$31,400 – $62,524 per annum
TELEPHONE416-488-1125
EMAIL[email protected]
ADDRESS200 Lonsdale Road Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M4V 1W6
WEBSITEucc.on.ca

Upper Canada College was founded in 1829 as an independent day and boarding school for boys. UCC, as it is commonly known, is situated in central Toronto and is operating under the umbrella of the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.

As a fully functional independent school, UCC has an enrolment of 1,200 learners in Senior Kindergarten (SK) through Year 12, including 88 boarders representing 26 countries.

UCC’s aim is to deliver transformational learning experiences that are supported by expert faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and wide-ranging co-curricular offerings.

100% of graduates receive Post-Secondary offers, and approximately 33% of graduates enter science programs immediately after graduation.

At Upper Canada College, students are offered numerous opportunities to explore and develop the best version of themselves.

Boarding is offered to students beginning in Year 8 (age 13 minimum) and going to Year 12 (graduation).

3. Rosedale Heights School Of The Arts (RHSA)

SCHOOL TYPEPublic School
GRADES9 – 12
ENROLMENTApprox. 1,000
TELEPHONE(416) 393-1580
EMAIL[email protected]
ADDRESS711 Bloor Street East Toronto, ON. M4W 1J4
WEBSITErhsa.ca

Rosedale Heights School of the Arts (RHSA) provides a community where students can thrive in arts, sports, and academics.

As an arts secondary school, RHSA caters to learners from Grade 9 to Grade 12 and strives to cultivate a culture of cooperation and teamwork through the arts.

The school believes that arts are for all young people, boys and girls, and it is striving to enrich the academic lives of each child.

At Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, students are well prepared for post-secondary studies in the field of arts.

In addition to preparing students for the university, RHSA houses a large chunk of cutting-edge facilities, including computer and science laboratories, a modern resources center, a dance studio and swimming pool, video animation equipment, and a modern gymnasium.

4. Riverdale Collegiate Institute

SCHOOL TYPEPublic School
GRADES9 – 12
ENROLMENTApprox. 1,155
TELEPHONE(416) 393-9820
EMAIL[email protected]
ADDRESS1094 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 2A1
WEBSITEschoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/riverdale/

Riverdale Collegiate Institute, commonly known as Riverdale, is a Grade 9 to Grade 12 high school in Toronto. The school was established in 1907 and prides itself on strong students’ academic performance year on year.

As with most public secondary schools in Toronto, Riverdale is administered by the Toronto District School Board and is rated among the best high schools in Toronto. Riverdale has recorded a steady surge in student enrolment over the past few years.

And for that reason, special restrictions have been put in place to normalize the enrolment and to ensure that the school does not enroll more than what it can accommodate.

Riverdale Collegiate Institute only accepts students going from Grade 8 to Grade 9. In order to be eligible for admittance, an application must be received by the school by March 1 of their Grade 8 year.

5. Crestwood Preparatory College

SCHOOL TYPEIndependent School
GRADES7 – 12
ENROLMENTApprox. 510 students
TUITION FEE$29,500 per annum
TELEPHONE(416) 391-1441
ADDRESS217 Brookbanks Dr Toronto, ON Canada M3A 2T7
WEBSITEcrestwood.on.ca

Crestwood Preparatory College is a co-educational, independent high school in Toronto. Originally started as a Junior and Senior Kindergarten, it was, however, upgraded into a full-fledge College including both the Junior and Senior Kindergarten as well as High School.

In 2001, Crestwood Preparatory College began to offer Grade 7 to Grade 12 education at its Upper School campus.

With over 510 students, the school remains committed to academic excellence while nurturing and educating each child to achieve their full potential.

The resilience to be the best has earned the school a place in Toronto high school hierarchy. The College’s academic performance is second to none.

Secondary Schools in Toronto, Canada

6. William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute

SCHOOL TYPEHigh School
GRADES9 – 12
ENROLMENTApprox. 1,382
TELEPHONE416.395.3330
EMAIL[email protected]
ADDRESS20 Tillplain Road North York, Ontario M3H 5R2
WEBSITEwlmac.ca

William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute, also known as Makenzie, is a semester secondary school in Toronto catering to learners from Grade 9 to Grade 12.

It was founded in 1960, and operated under the Toronto District School Board. The school has a very large student body of approximately 1,385. In addition to its enormous enrolment, Makenzie is famous for the high standards of its students.

As of the time of writing this article, William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute is rated as one of the best high schools in Toronto by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). The school is unarguably at the forefront when it comes to academic excellence.

In order to enhance students’ performance, Makenzi offers a couple of Specialty programs including the MaCS Program, Gifted Program, FIT Program, and the Advanced Placement (AP) Program.

7. Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute

SCHOOL TYPEHigh School
GRADES9 – 12
ENROLMENTApprox. 1,196
TELEPHONE(416) 393-9500
EMAIL[email protected]
ADDRESS125 Chatsworth Dr Toronto, ON M4R 1S1
WEBSITEschoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/lawrenceparkci

Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute is a public secondary school in Toronto catering to approximately 1,196 learners from Grade 9 to Grade 12.

Founded in 1936, Lawrence Park, as it is known, is operated and administered by the Toronto District School Board.

The school remains passionate about providing a rich and stimulating program with many opportunities for students to become involved in academic and co-curricular activities that foster strong leadership skills.

Having said that, Lawrence Park Collegiate Institution has, for over the past few years, maintained its relevance in the North Toronto community. The school is currently one of the most sought-after high schools in Toronto.

8. North Toronto Collegiate Institute

SCHOOL TYPEHigh School
GRADES9 – 12
ENROLMENTApprox. 1,382 students
TELEPHONE416-393-9180
EMAIL[email protected]
ADDRESS17 Broadway Ave, Toronto ON, M4P 1T7
WEBSITEntci.on.ca

North Toronto Collegiate Institute is one of the most impressive co-educational, public secondary schools in Toronto to start with. As with many public schools in the city, North Toronto CI is governed and operated by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).

NTCI was founded in 1910 and currently has an enrolment of over 1,382 students from Grade 9 up to Grade 12.

North Toronto CI is very popular for its sports and music programs and has won several accolades over the past years, including the most recent High School Journalism Awards for excellence in student journalism.

At NTCI, students will have the opportunity to thrive in academics, leadership, athletic and co-curricular endeavors.

9. Humberside Collegiate Institute

SCHOOL TYPEPublic High School
GRADES9 – 12
ENROLMENTApprox. 1,256
TELEPHONE(416) 393-8122
EMAIL[email protected]
ADDRESS280 Quebec Ave Toronto, ON M6P 2V3
WEBSITEschoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/humbersideci

Humberside Collegiate Institute often referred to as Humberside CI, or simply Humberside, is a mixed-gender, non-semester public secondary school in Toronto, Ontario.

The majority of its students come from the Bloor West Village, Baby Point, High Park North, and Junction neighborhoods.

HCI was established in 1892, and it’s within the management of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).

As a high school, Humberside caters to the educational needs of pupils starting from Grade 9 to Grade 12. The school offers a regular TDSB curriculum. In addition to that, it also has solid sports and music culture.

At Humberside CI, the quality of education is second to none. The cooperative atmosphere makes it possible for students to become responsible and caring citizens with a desire for excellence.

10. Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute

SCHOOL TYPEPublic High School
GRADES9 – 12
ENROLMENTApprox. 1,500
TELEPHONE416-396-6820
ADDRESS145 Guildwood Parkway Scarborough, Ontario M1E 1P5
WEBSITEsirwilfridlaurierci.ca

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute, or simply Laurier, is a high school in Toronto catering to over 1,500 students from Grade 9 to Grade 12. Founded in 1965 its reputation has been progressing in the past few years.

In 2007, Laurier was certified as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Students from Grade 11 and 12 years are offered the IB Programme.

At Sir Wilfried Laurier Collegiate Institute, students are allowed to obtain an IB Diploma along with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

As with most public high schools in Toronto, Laurier is governed by the Toronto District School Board.

Final Thoughts

Secondary school education is compulsory in most parts of Canada including Toronto. However, before actually proceeding to choose a school for your child, it is important to figure out whether to enroll your child in a public or private school.

While public high schools in Toronto are largely free for Canadian residents, the same can not be said about private schools which usually charge fees for attendance.

In Toronto, students can choose to attend the English Public, English Catholic, French Public, or French Catholic high schools.

In order to enter a high school in Toronto, your child may need to show: Proficient language skills in French or English; School results from your home country, etc.

For more information in regards to the schools’ enrolment processes, we advise you to visit the school website.

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