The 2026 NextSchool Private School Tuition Report finds the average Canadian private school tuition is $23,602 CAD, with a median of $19,800 CAD. Tuition ranges from as low as $1 CAD to a record-high $183,000 CAD per year. Ontario schools dominate the landscape but Alberta offers the most affordable options among major provinces. Notably, 42% of schools offer financial aid, but access and amounts vary widely.
Key findings include:
The Canadian private school sector remains diverse, with 432 schools analyzed in this year’s report. Tuition continues to climb, driven by increased demand, rising operational costs, and an expanding array of specialized programs. The national average tuition is $23,602 CAD, but tuition can be found at both extremes—from $1 CAD at select religious schools to $183,000 CAD at elite international boarding institutions.
| Province | Schools | Avg Tuition (CAD) | Tuition Range (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 228 | $19,789 | $300–$49,000 |
| Unknown | 69 | $26,546 | $745–$64,718 |
| Alberta | 34 | $9,481 | $240–$25,800 |
| British Columbia | 33 | $20,327 | $1–$43,810 |
| Quebec | 12 | $22,191 | $5,330–$33,900 |
| Nova Scotia | 4 | $24,963 | $23,190–$26,700 |
| NY | 6 | $61,348 | $35,520–$68,480 |
| England | 5 | $50,044 | $40,660–$63,840 |
| Scotland | 4 | $62,402 | $20,406–$183,000 |
| Massachusetts | 4 | $59,337 | $42,200–$65,599 |
| California | 3 | $60,793 | $55,300–$67,290 |
Ontario remains the largest private school market, with 228 schools and an average tuition of $19,789 CAD. Alberta stands out for affordability, averaging $9,481 CAD across 34 schools. British Columbia and Quebec cluster near the national average, while Nova Scotia's small sample of schools are slightly above average.
International data (NY, England, Scotland, Massachusetts, California) are included for context and reflect significantly higher average tuitions, often for boarding or specialty schools serving international students.
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| City | Schools | Avg Tuition (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto, ON | 80 | $23,331 |
| Calgary, AB | 22 | $9,578 |
| Ottawa, ON | 16 | $18,899 |
| Mississauga, ON | 16 | $17,612 |
| Vancouver, BC | 11 | $19,852 |
| Richmond Hill, ON | 10 | $20,747 |
| North York, ON | 8 | $17,255 |
| Oakville, ON | 8 | $19,464 |
| Edmonton, AB | 6 | $7,233 |
| Montreal, QC | 6 | $19,844 |
Toronto leads in both the number of private schools (80) and average tuition ($23,331 CAD), reflecting its status as Canada’s largest city and a hub for premium educational offerings. Calgary and Edmonton provide the most affordable urban options, with average tuitions of $9,578 and $7,233 CAD, respectively. Vancouver and Montreal are close to the national average, while suburban cities like Richmond Hill and Oakville are slightly above.
| School Type | Schools | Avg Tuition (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| IB Schools | 83 | $28,508 |
| AP Schools | 90 | $38,045 |
| Montessori | 46 | $14,289 |
| Boarding | 31 | $22,222 |
| Day Schools | 401 | $23,708 |
This report is based on a comprehensive review of 432 private schools operating in Canada, using publicly available tuition data from school websites, government registries, and verified third-party education directories. Data was collected between September 2025 and March 2026. Tuition figures reflect the most recent annual rates for domestic students, excluding optional fees or international surcharges unless otherwise specified. Provincial and city averages are calculated using all available schools in each region. School type categories (IB, AP, Montessori, Boarding, Day) are determined by primary program offering or school self-identification.
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