At St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, the single-gender model works because girls develop confidence in themselves before proving it in co-ed contexts, and the school’s success belies the myth that an all-girls education insulates girls from “the real world.”ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL IMAGE
Selecting a private school in a city such as Toronto is an exciting and often overwhelming step. With so many options available across the city, each offering different programs, learning approaches and experiences, families can find it challenging to know which environment will best suit their young learner.
Toronto’s private schools offer a range of approaches. From co-educational and single-gender to day and boarding, each school has its own culture, programs and opportunities. Thinking about these differences can help parents focus on the type of environment where their child will thrive academically, socially and personally.
Co-educational schools: Learning together
Co-educational (co-ed) schools bring boys and girls together in classrooms and for (most) extracurricular activities. Many parents value co-ed schools because they reflect the real world, helping students develop social skills and collaborate across genders.
By the time our students leave, they’re academically and personally prepared for university and for life.
— Sarah Bruce, managing director of operations, Neuchâtel Junior College
Greenwood College School, an independent co-ed middle school and high school in midtown Toronto, emphasizes working with diverse peers and finding common ground as key to building confidence, independence and self-advocacy. Co-ed classrooms also encourage students to approach problems from multiple perspectives, learn from differing experiences and develop leadership skills in environments that mirror the diversity and collaboration of the wider world.
Potential Benefits:
- Social development: Daily interaction with both genders fosters communication, empathy and teamwork.
- Diverse perspectives: Group projects and discussions benefit from a mix of viewpoints.
- Variety in activities: Sports, arts and clubs often appeal to a wide range of interests across genders.
The York School, a gender-inclusive junior kindergarten to Grade 12 independent International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Toronto, lives by the values of curiosity, community and challenge. By welcoming all students, the school creates a supportive environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to explore, engage and grow to their full potential, regardless of gender.
Considerations:
In co-ed environments, social dynamics can be more pronounced at certain ages, making it important for families to consider how a school supports focus, inclusion and student well-being.
Single-gender schools: Focused environments
Single-gender schools provide education exclusivity for boys or girls, aiming to reduce social pressures and stereotypes. Advocates for single-gender education suggest this allows students to focus on learning and personal growth.
Personalized learning, ... central to Greenwood’s approach, plays a more significant role in student development than single-gender education.
— Heather Thomas, principal, head of school, Greenwood College School
At St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, an independent all-girls school in Oakville, about 30 kilometres west of Toronto, the single-gender model works because girls develop confidence in themselves before proving it in co-ed contexts, and the school’s success belies the myth that an all-girls education insulates girls from “the real world.” Research confirms girls in single-gender environments participate more in STEM and take more leadership roles. A deeper benefit is that girls can stop calculating how they come across and start focusing on what they think.
Potential Benefits:
- Tailored teaching approaches: Educators can use teaching methods designed for gender-specific learning styles.
- Confidence building: Students may feel more comfortable participating and taking risks academically or in extracurricular activities.
- Leadership opportunities: Students often have wider access to leadership roles without gender-based competition.
Havergal College, a day and boarding school for girls from junior kindergarten to Grade 12 in north Toronto, believes the all-girls environment is a launchpad rather than a limitation. By removing gendered expectations, students can step into leadership roles across all areas of school life (academics, arts, STEM, athletics), building a strong sense of voice, agency and confidence that prepares them well for co-educational universities and professional spaces.
[At SMLS], girls aren’t sheltered from challenges. They’re prepared for them.
— Catherine Hant, head of school, St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School
Considerations:
Single-gender schools may require additional opportunities for social interaction with the opposite gender outside school to prepare students for co-ed environments later in life.
Day Schools: Learning close to home
Day schools offer a structured academic environment while allowing students to return home each day. This set-up balances rigorous learning with family involvement and stability.
At St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, the day school experience blends academic challenge with the consistency of home life. Students are fully engaged in academics, arts, athletics and leadership, while returning home each afternoon, allowing girls to stay connected to their families and communities.
Potential Benefits:
- Strong connection: Daily contact with parents supports emotional well-being and parental engagement.
- Community engagement: Students maintain strong ties with local friends, sports teams and extracurricular activities.
- Flexibility: Extracurricular participation is easier to co-ordinate outside of school hours.
At Greenwood College School, the day school model is built around personalized learning and strong student-teacher relationships. Students benefit from a focused academic environment while remaining closely connected to home and to life in the city, allowing learning to extend beyond the classroom and into the broader community.
Considerations:
Day schools may not offer the immersive social and residential experience found in boarding schools, which can influence independence and self-reliance.
Boarding Schools: A home away from home
Boarding schools are increasingly appealing to families seeking a fully immersive educational experience. Beyond academics, boarding provides students with independence, community and holistic growth.
At The Bishop Strachan School (BSS), an Anglican day and boarding school for girls in the Forest Hill neighbourhood of Toronto, the boarding experience complements academics, fostering independence, life skills and leadership. Students live in a supportive residential community, manage daily responsibilities, and participate in wellness, enrichment and experiential learning. Evening study sessions and peer mentoring provide additional academic and leadership opportunities.
Boarding at BSS is about more than academics; it’s about creating a close-knit community where students learn life skills, build confidence and develop leadership.
— Suzanne Ranson, director of enrolment, The Bishop Strachan School
Potential Benefits:
- Immersive learning: Students have extended access to teachers, tutors and resources.
- Independence and responsibility: Living away from home nurtures self-reliance and resilience.
- Strong community: Boarding fosters close friendships and a supportive peer network.
- Holistic development: Students participate fully in sports, arts and extracurricular programs.
At Neuchâtel Junior College (NJC), students undertake a one-year, pre-university program combining the Ontario Grade 12 curriculum with experiential learning in Switzerland. Living in a homestay with local families, students gain independence, apply learning in real-world contexts, and develop language skills, cultural fluency and adaptability. They emerge with a global perspective, confidence and maturity, well-prepared for university and for life in an increasingly interconnected world.
Considerations:
Boarding requires adjustment, especially for younger students, so families need to maintain regular communication and support.
Making the right choice for your child
There is no single “best” school. And there is a lot to consider so parents need to do some research and ask themselves questions that will help define their goals.
- Learning style: Does your child thrive in structured, immersive environments or benefit from daily family interactions?
- Social needs: Would your child flourish in a co-ed or single-gender environment?
- Family priorities: How important are proximity, involvement and lifestyle considerations?
- Academic and extracurricular goals: What type of curriculum, programs and opportunities will best support your child’s growth?
Visiting campuses, speaking with educators and involving your child provides valuable insight. The right school is one where your child feels supported, challenged and inspired to reach their potential.
The York School advises parents to approach school selection with an open mind, recognizing that what works for one child may not work for another. Taking the time to visit schools helps families focus on fit and make confident decisions.
By thoughtfully considering co-ed, single-gender, day and boarding options, and incorporating perspectives from individual schools, families can make informed decisions that support both the academic and personal development for their child.
As Toronto’s first independent, gender-inclusive, English-language school to offer the IB program from JK to Grade 12, The York School offers a unique educational experience.
— Kathryn Barnes, Middle and Senior School principal, The York School
Havergal College encourages families to remember that choosing a school is about more than programs or rankings. It’s about finding a place where your child is known, supported and inspired to grow.
Look for a school that challenges students, nurtures curiosity and resilience, celebrates effort and fosters a strong community, laying the foundation for young people to thrive academically, socially and personally.
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.