Selecting a school in Canada can seem like the most anxious aspect of moving with kids. Online resources rarely convey what daily life is really like, and every family’s priorities are different. This guide concentrates on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — particularly for families considering a move to Toronto.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before comparing schools, define your non-negotiables. Most decision mistakes happen when families assess too much at once without a clear priority list.
- Commute: daily travel time matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL help, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and style of communication.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Toronto, traffic can transform a “good” school into a daily grind.
- Verify availability and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about the classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition assistance for new students.
- Conduct one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Trust your own 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.
Questions Worth Asking Schools
These questions tend to uncover more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the usual class size for this age?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers update 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 feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy on language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
School decisions are never just tuition. Factor in the full routine cost:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the daily routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn’t.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for kids.
- Waiting too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than expected.
Bottom Line
The ideal school typically is the one that aligns with your family’s actual schedule: its location, the level of support, and everyday comfort for your child — not the one with the most showy promotion.
If you want help weighing priorities for Toronto (commute, routines, what to ask), get in touch — or call +1 416 555 0123.