Selecting a school in Canada can seem like the most nerve-wracking part of moving with kids. Online resources rarely describe daily life accurately, and every family has its own priorities. This guide centers 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, pin down your non-negotiables. Most decision mistakes come from families trying to compare everything at once without a clear set of priorities.
- Commute: the daily driving time matters more than you think.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local options.
- Language environment: what your child is exposed to throughout the day.
- Support: learning support, ESL support, pastoral care.
- Culture fit: structure, discipline, communication style.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families.
A straightforward process
- Narrow your shortlist by location first. In Toronto, traffic can turn a “good” school into a daily hassle.
- Verify openings and the admissions timeline. Waiting lists are common.
- Inquire about the in-class reality. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Inquire about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Schedule one visit (or virtual tour) for each finalist. Trust your observations more than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after a visit. It helps avoid the “everything feels the same” problem.
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/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 handle heat and indoor/outdoor time in warmer months?
Costs & Logistics (The Part Nobody Loves)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the total ongoing expense:
Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- Choosing by reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Ignoring commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same in every context: it doesn’t.
- Not inquiring about support: transitions can be challenging for children.
- Delaying too long: admissions timelines can be tighter than anticipated.
Key Takeaway
The right school is typically the one that matches your family’s actual routine: its location, the support it offers, and everyday ease for your child — not the school with the flashiest advertising.
If you’d like help sorting priorities for Toronto (commute, routines, questions to ask), reach out — or call +1 416 555 0123.