Choosing a school in Canada can feel like the most stressful part of moving with children. Websites rarely show what daily life is really like, and families’ priorities vary. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision process — especially for families planning a move to Toronto.
First: Decide What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, establish your non-negotiables. Most mistakes happen when families compare everything at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: Daily travel time matters more than you might expect.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local curricula.
- Language environment: the language your child is exposed to all day.
- Support: learning support, ESL assistance, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, and communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A simple process
- Shortlist by location first. In Toronto, traffic can turn a decent school into a daily ordeal.
- Confirm availability and admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Do one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” issue.
Important questions to ask schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you handle new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start and end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support kids who are anxious or adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs and Logistics (The Part People Often Dread)
Choosing a school isn't about tuition alone. Consider the complete ongoing costs of daily life:
Common Mistakes (And Ways to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it impacts sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same thing everywhere: it doesn't.
- Failing to ask about support: transitions are real for children.
- Waiting too long: admission timelines can be tighter than you expect.
Key Takeaway
The ideal school is typically the one that aligns with your family’s actual routine: its location, level of support, and everyday ease for your child—not the one with the flashiest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Toronto (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +1 416-555-0123.
I write about expatriate family life in Toronto, Canada, concentrating on practical routines that ease relocation.