Moonpreneur
Update: This article was last updated on 12 May 2025 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
In the past two decades, there has been an incredible boom in school attendance globally, particularly at the primary school level. The Brookings Institution reports that an incredible increase has risen from 2.3 million children to an incredible 700 million today, representing close to 90 percent of all school-going children in the world.
With its globally acknowledged educational prowess, Canada remains one of the advanced countries, viewed on a worldwide basis. Throughout the nation, the educational landscape is filled with outstanding schools that carefully nurture emerging minds, kindle the flame of imagination, and instill an unshakeable enthusiasm for the love of learning. The aspect that truly sets Canadian schools apart is their deep diversity. In addition, parents have the luxury of choosing from numerous alternatives, such as public and private institutions and independent and specialized institutes. In this article, we will explore Canada’s best primary schools, exposing the nuances of attaining educational brilliance while attempting to assist you in making a smart decision for your munchkins.
5 Top Primary Schools in Canada
Understanding the Canadian Primary Education System
Before exploring the top primary schools in Canada, it’s essential to understand the framework of the country’s education system. Canada is known for its high-quality education, and each province and territory is responsible for its own curriculum and school operations, which allows for tailored learning approaches.
📘 Starting Age & Grade Divisions
Canadian children usually start elementary (primary) school at the age of 5 or 6 and start with Kindergarten. The primary school typically lasts from Kindergarten to Grade 5 or Grade 6, depending on the province. Afterwards, students go to middle or junior high school.
🌐 Bilingual Education Options
Canada is a bilingual country officially, and most schools provide education in English, French, or both. French is the dominant language of instruction in provinces such as Quebec, while other provinces have French immersion programs where English students can learn both languages fluently.
🏫 Types of Schools
Parents in Canada have a number of options when deciding on a school for their kids:
- Public Schools: Government-funded and free to residents, these schools adhere to the provincial curriculum and are available to all students.
- Private Schools: Financed by tuition fees and sometimes with specialized programs or religious affiliations. These schools can provide alternative teaching methods and smaller class sizes.
- Independent Schools: The same as private schools but controlled by an independent board. They may or may not adhere to the provincial curriculum.
- Specialized Schools: These encompass Montessori, Waldorf, and IB (International Baccalaureate) schools that offer alternative teaching methods.
This wide range of education enables families to choose the best-fit environment according to their child’s requirements, learning pattern, and future goals.
Have a look!
5 Top Primary Schools in Canada
1. Hazel Wood Infant School
Hazel Wood Infant School adeptly blends academic excellence with a holistic approach, nurturing personal growth inside and outside the classroom. With a commitment to providing rich social and cultural experiences, global learning opportunities, and diverse artistic pursuits, the school stands out for its innovative spirit.
Website: http://www.hazelwood.co.uk/
Location: Hazel Farm Road, Totton, Southampton, SO40 8WU
Phone: 238-066-6767
Key Details:
| Total Students | 217 |
| Student-teacher ratio | 18:3 |
2. Canadian Elementary School
Canadian Elementary School prides itself on providing a nurturing educational environment that caters to the diverse needs of its students. With a keen focus on fostering foundational skills, the school skillfully integrates technology across all age groups, preparing students for the ever-evolving landscape of progress.
The institution places a heavy emphasis on immersive learning, creating numerous opportunities for students to explore and deepen their interests. Whether through hands-on projects, interactive lessons, or extracurricular activities, Canadian Elementary School aims to make learning a dynamic and engaging experience.
Key Details:
| Total Students | 286 |
| Student-teacher ratio | 13:1 |
3. Linden School
Founded in 1993 by Diane Goudie and Eleanor Moore, Linden School in Toronto is a unique educational institution in Canada. It is the only school in the country designed to incorporate cutting-edge study on girls’ academic needs from primary to secondary school.
Location: 18100 E Front St, Linden, CA 95236
Phone: 209-887-3600
Linden’s academic program is known for its rigor, challenging girls to reach their full potential. The school’s girl-centered philosophy is at the core of its mission, fostering empowerment and encouraging young women to explore their intellectual curiosity, embrace risks, and develop the confidence to express themselves.
With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and a supportive learning environment. Linden School goes beyond academics, fostering collaborative projects, mentorship programs, and a strong sense of community. By emphasizing resilience, compassion, and confidence, Linden School prepares its students to become empowered and compassionate individuals equipped to impact the world positively.
Key Details:
| Total Students | 380 |
| Student-teacher ratio | 20:1 |
4. The York School
The York School began as a preschool in 1965 and has grown into a prestigious academic powerhouse in Toronto, Ontario. This institution has expanded into a vibrant hub thanks to an unwavering commitment to gender equality and a cutting-edge, forward-thinking approach. Its cosmopolitan community flourishes, fueled by a globally seasoned faculty who imparts quality education.
Website: https://www.yorkschool.com/
Location: 1639 Yonge Street Toronto, Ontario M4T 2W6
Phone: 416-926-1325
The York School skillfully prepares students for the whirlwind of progress by embracing the seamless integration of technology across all age groups. Its heavy focus on immersive learning creates numerous opportunities for students to dig deeper into their interests.
Furthermore, this institution takes pride in its incredible 100% university placement rate, a testament to its constant dedication to academic excellence. The York School shines as an icon of educational creativity and achievement.
Key Details:
| Total Students | 600 |
| Student-teacher ratio | 18:1 |
5. Mulgrave School
Established in 1993, Mulgrave School, a co-ed institution in West Vancouver, British Columbia, has emerged as a premier educational institution with an enrollment of over 900 students from preschool to grade 12. Nestled within a sprawling 150,000 sq. ft. building, the school boasts remarkable facilities and operates as an esteemed IB World School.
Website: https://www.mulgrave.com/
Location: 2330 Cypress Bowl Ln, West Vancouver, BC V7S 3H9, Canada
Phone: 604-922-3223
Mulgrave’s commitment to academic excellence seamlessly integrates with a holistic education approach that fosters personal growth inside and outside the classroom. The school goes above and beyond to provide students with rich social and cultural opportunities, including global experiential learning, community service projects, and a diverse range of artistic pursuits.
Key Details:
| Total Students | 1030 |
| Student-teacher ratio | 7:1 |
How to Select a Suitable Primary School
For parents, getting started on the right school can be a journey of discovery that starts with comprehending what primary school is and how it lays the building blocks for a child’s educational, social, and emotional growth. Selecting the proper environment is key, as this phase introduces kids to formal study habits and establishes a pattern for lifelong learning.
When deciding what is primary school and what it should provide, the following are some of the main considerations to inform your choice:
✔️ 1. Teaching Philosophy and Curriculum
Find out if the school has a traditional, progressive, Montessori, IB, or other curriculum. Knowing what is primary school in terms of various teaching philosophies enables you to match your child’s learning style with the school philosophy.
✔️ 2. Class Size and Student-Teacher Ratio
Smaller class sizes tend to make it easier for teachers to give more individual attention, which is crucial in the early years. Understanding what primary school was supposed to do — foster curiosity, confidence, and basic skills — can assist you in assessing how significant teacher interaction is.
✔️ 3. Academic and Extracurricular Balance
A well-rounded education includes not just academics but also music, sports, arts, and coding or STEM activities. What is primary school if not a place to explore, discover, and grow in multiple dimensions?
✔️ 4. Location and Commute
Proximity to your home can affect your child’s daily routine and your own convenience. While a far-off prestigious school may seem appealing, always weigh the benefits of time, energy, and consistency.
✔️ 5. Values and Culture
Research the school’s core values, diversity, and community engagement. The culture must align with your family’s values and embrace your child’s uniqueness.
✔️ 6. Parent Involvement and Communication
An excellent primary school encourages parent involvement and has open lines of communication. Knowing what primary school is in regards to school-home collaboration is critical to your child’s growth.
✔️ 7. Facilities and Safety
Look for up-to-date classrooms, playgrounds, libraries, technology labs, and security features. A secure, motivating setting fosters active learning and overall health.
In short, understanding what primary school is and what it should provide — a caring, stimulating, and vibrant learning experience — will assist you in choosing a school that provides not only academic achievement, but also personal development and happiness for your child.
Moonpreneur
Wrapping Up!
While such schools are recognized as being outstanding, there are many other outstanding primary schools throughout Canada that will more suit your child’s specific needs. You will need to research thoroughly and see schools before finding the most appropriate school for your child’s education goals and values. Picking a quality top primary school provides your child with the finest beginning on his/her educational journey, setting them up for long-term success.
Moonpreneur is committed to revolutionizing conventional education and future-proofing the next generation with end-to-end learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is creating tomorrow’s workforce by educating students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, empowering entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
