The ultimate guide to Canada’s best high schools by province and territory in 2025

Choosing the right high school is one of the biggest decisions in shaping your teen’s future. The choice should be guided by their interests, academic strengths, and what they feel passionate about. Canada is home to some of the most respected schools in the world, giving you a wide range of excellent options.

Beyond academics, the best high schools offer strong sports, arts, and leadership programs that help students build a well-rounded education and prepare for real-life opportunities. Many of Canada’s top schools also provide advanced courses, specialized programs, and thorough university preparation.

This guide brings together Canada’s top high schools by province and territory in 2025, so you can compare options and see what makes them stand out.

• Why Canada’s best high schools stand out
• Top 10 Canadian high schools
• Notable high schools for accessibility and outreach
• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• Atlantic Provinces
• Northern Territories
• Public vs private schools
• Things to keep in mind if you’re moving for school
• Make a wise move for the right school

Why Canada’s best high schools stand out

Canada’s best high schools are known for their strong academics, excellent teachers, and programs that extend beyond the classroom. Many offer Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, along with specialized programs in science, technology, arts, or athletics. 

They often have high university acceptance rates, strong extracurricular activities, and supportive learning environments that help students build confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong connections.

A great school will also have strong social services, making sure that accessible education and proper support for all types of learners are top priorities. 

Top 10 Canadian high schools ranked for academics and reputation

Notable Canadian high schools leading the way for accessibility, outreach and social support

Louise Arbour Secondary School

Brampton, ON (Public)

Renowned for its "social justice focus" integrated into all aspects of its curriculum. 

Craig Kielburger Secondary School

Milton, ON (Public)

Features barrier-free accessibility, inclusive facilities, and an IB Diploma program. 

Perspectives II High School

Montreal, QC (Public outreach school)

Offers a nurturing, non-intimidating learning environment aimed at students who find regular schools challenging.

Lester B. Pearson High School

Calgary, AB (Public)

Programs include “ACCESS” (attitude, community, competence, etc.), Adapted Learning, ELL (English Language Learner), and more to support diverse learners. 

Inglenook Community High School

Toronto, ON (Public outreach school)

Small enrollment with creative outreach/Inreach programming. Students can also enjoy opportunities for community volunteering linked with their coursework.

The best high schools in British Columbia (BC)

British Columbia’s top secondary schools are known for strong academics, diverse extracurricular programs, and innovative learning opportunities. 

Both public and private schools in the province often rank highly for university preparation, leadership development, and student support. Many also offer specialized options like advanced placement, arts academies, and sports programs, providing students with opportunities for a balanced, well-rounded high school education. 

Top school in BC: York House School

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York House School often makes it to the top of the list because of its renowned academic programs and exceptional student support. Students from York House perform notably well on provincial exams, and the school offers Advanced Placement courses. 

Smaller class sizes mean that students receive more personalized education, and the choices for extracurricular activities are varied. Combined with a focus on leadership, mental health, and community involvement, plus access to abundant resources, York House stands out among BC’s high schools.

The best high schools in Alberta

Alberta’s best secondary schools are known for their high academic performance. Many achieve top scores in independent rankings that measure diploma exam results, graduation rates, and student progression.

The province’s top private schools often offer enriched programs and smaller class sizes, while leading public institutions excel in delivering consistent academic success across diverse student groups. 

Top school in Alberta: Calgary French & International School (CFIS)

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CFIS often ranks at the very top because of its combination of strong academic results, bilingual education, and international programs. It offers both French immersion and the International Baccalaureate (IB), giving students a globally recognized and rigorous curriculum.

Families are drawn to CFIS not just for high exam scores, but also for its emphasis on cultural fluency, leadership skills, and preparing graduates to succeed at top universities worldwide. The combination of academic excellence, global outlook, and enriched extracurriculars makes CFIS stand out as Alberta’s number one.

The best high schools in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s high-performing secondary schools are often smaller and rural. These schools are praised for their strong student outcomes, engagement, and academic achievement despite limited resources. 

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Interestingly, many larger urban schools in Regina and Saskatoon don’t rank as high, partly due to the complexity of serving more diverse student populations. This pattern demonstrates how tight-knit school communities in smaller towns produce strong educational performance, possibly due to greater teacher engagement and closer student-teacher-family relationships.

Top school in Saskatchewan: Englefeld School

Englefeld is ranked number one because of its consistently strong academic results, especially on provincial exams and graduation rates. Despite being a small rural school in a modest-income community, it matches or outperforms larger urban schools. Its success comes from small class sizes, strong community support, and high student engagement, showing the benefits of learning in a close-knit environment.

The best high schools in Manitoba

Manitoba’s strongest high schools stand out due to having a variety of course options. This includes advanced university-credit programs and dual-credit opportunities that allow students to earn both high school and post-secondary credits simultaneously. 

Many of the top schools also offer innovation through inclusive, technology-rich learning environments and a high level of elective and extracurricular participation. Support systems include resources for English language learners, mental health, and diverse learner needs. 

Vocational schools stand out for providing practical apprenticeship paths and technical training in fields like trades, culinary arts, and manufacturing, in addition to academic diplomas. 

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Top school in Manitoba: Steinbach Regional Secondary School

Steinbach is considered one of the best in Manitoba because of its diversity of programs and strong reputation for student success. It’s the largest high school in the province, and it offers academic courses, arts programs, vocational training, and extracurricular activities. The school is also known for supporting a large and diverse student body, with programs that meet the needs of learners pursuing university, trades, or direct entry into the workforce. 

The best high schools in Ontario

Ontario’s top secondary schools are recognized for their well-rounded educational approach and strong pathways to post-secondary success. Many offer dual credit programs that let students earn high school and college or apprenticeship credits at the same time. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) itself is widely respected and recognized for its rigour and global relevance.

Elite schools typically have access to specialized academic streams, such as International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP). This helps to challenge students and supports university preparation. They also benefit from resourced learning environments, including modern facilities, enriched courses, and strong student support systems.

Top school in Ontario: York Mills Collegiate Institute

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York Mills is considered one of Ontario’s top high schools because of its outstanding academic results and supportive learning environment. Students consistently excel in standardized tests like EQAO math and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. York Mills also offers Advanced Placement courses, strong arts and athletics programs, and a wide range of electives. Refreshingly, the school is also known for its inclusive and diverse community. 

The best high schools in Quebec

Quebec’s top secondary schools stand out for their strong performance on provincial assessments, particularly in French, English, science, and mathematics. In addition to academic strength, outstanding schools often offer specialized programming such as International Baccalaureate (IB), arts, sports studies, or international education tracks.

Private (independent) schools in Quebec deliver personalized support, high graduation rates, and a variety of extracurricular opportunities from sports to robotics, and everything in between.

Quebec’s secondary curriculum is known for its depth and rigour, especially in core subjects like mathematics. Concepts are taught more thoroughly at each grade level, with older students benefiting from instruction by subject specialists. This is one reason Quebec students often perform well in math compared to other provinces.

Top school in Quebec: École d’éducation internationale

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École d’éducation internationale is ranked as one of Quebec’s top high schools because of its strong focus on academic excellence and global learning. The school follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, where students rise to the challenge of advanced coursework in languages, sciences, and the humanities. Students consistently achieve high results on provincial exams. The school’s bilingual environment also helps prepare them for both local and international opportunities.

The best high schools in Canada’s Atlantic Provinces

In Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador stands out with the highest share of schools earning above-average grades, and many of its schools continue to improve year after year.

New Brunswick’s Francophone schools are also recognized for strong performance, with over half earning above-average marks and many maintaining consistent results. 

Across all four provinces, most students attend public schools, with very few private or alternative options available. While Atlantic Canada schools sometimes score below the national average, many are moving in the right direction, with smaller communities in particular showing how close connections between students, teachers, and families contribute to success.

Top school in Canada’s Atlantic Provinces: Dr. J. H. Gillis Regional High School

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Dr. J. H. Gillis is recognized as one of Nova Scotia’s top high schools because of its strong academic performance and varied opportunities for students. The school offers both English and French immersion programs. It’s known for its inclusive environment, supporting students with diverse needs through specialized services and resources. Dr. J. H. Gillis also offers incredible arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs.

The best high schools in Canada’s Northern Territories

The territories’ strongest secondary schools are defined by cultural integration, extended learning opportunities, and gradual improvements in completion rates. At the same time, they face ongoing barriers, such as limited resources, staffing shortages, and the challenges of serving widely dispersed communities across the North.

Yukon’s education system is strengthened by its inclusion of First Nations–led schools, which incorporate Indigenous worldviews and cultural teachings into the standard curriculum. This approach helps create learning environments that are both academically focused and culturally grounded.

In the Northwest Territories, schools benefit from the longest instructional hours in Canada at the upper secondary level. This extra classroom time supports stronger learning and preparation for graduation. Efforts to expand Indigenous language instruction and early learning programs are also helping to make education more relevant and accessible.

Teacher shortages in Nunavut remain a major challenge, especially in remote areas, where many positions remain unfilled. Despite these hurdles, Nunavut is making strides by embedding Inuit language, heritage, and cultural perspectives into its curriculum. This creates a system that acknowledges local realities while encouraging students to stay engaged and pursue graduation.

Top school in Canada’s Northern Territories: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School

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St. Francis of Assisi (renamed from Vanier in 2022) is considered one of the top schools in Yukon. Its students perform strongly in academics and place a huge importance on community support. The school offers a well-rounded education that combines core subjects with faith-based learning, while also providing advanced courses and extracurricular activities in the arts, sports, and leadership.

Its smaller size allows for more personalized attention, balancing academic and personal success. Vanier is also recognized for encouraging values of respect, service, and community involvement, which contribute to a positive school culture. 

Public vs private high schools in Canada

Public schools

• Government-funded: no tuition fee for Canadian residents. 
• Accessibility: more diversity and less elitism. 
• Provincial curriculum: offers a wide selection of academic and extracurricular programs.
• Open to all students living in the school’s catchment area. 
• Provide extra services such as special education, ESL courses, and French immersion.

Private schools

• Charge tuition: Cost ranges from a few thousand dollars to over $30,000 per year.
• Smaller class sizes and more specialized programs
• Additional resources like advanced placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or enriched arts and athletics.
• Admission can be more selective, and can be either secular or faith-based. 

Get the full breakdown in our guide to Public vs. Private Schools in Canada

Things to keep in mind if you’re moving for school

There are some important considerations to keep in mind if you are planning a move based on the best educational options for your teens. 

Catchment areas

Public schools usually assign students based on home address. Make sure your new home is within the boundaries of the school you are interested in. 

When high school starts

High school doesn’t begin at the same grade level everywhere. In some provinces, it starts in Grade 8, in others, Grade 9 or 10. That means the length of high school can range from three to five years, depending on where you’re living. You’ll need to take this into account if you’re moving to an area where the length of high school differs from your child’s previous school.

Transportation

Ask yourself how you want your teen to commute to school. Would you rather they get exercise by walking or cycling, to balance out all of the deskwork? Or are you ok with driving them every day? How is public transport in your city or town?

Programs and activities

Your teen’s interests and passions are important and play a big part in shaping their future. Make sure that your chosen school offers opportunities that align with your teen’s hopes and dreams. 

Language of instruction

Depending on the province, schools may offer English, French, or bilingual programs. This can affect placement and course availability.

Support services

Your teen may need resources like tutoring, counselling, special education, or newcomer support. Look into whether your chosen school offers these options. 

Community fit

Culture shapes a person, and a school’s culture and diversity will have a huge effect on how your teen will navigate the world. This is perhaps the most important consideration when choosing a school, as an individual’s outlook and core behaviours will ultimately affect everyone around them.

If you’re new to Canada or just want a quick rundown on how the education system works from kindergarten through university, check out our 2025 Guide to Canada's Education System: Navigating Schools and Universities

Make a wise move for the right school

Choosing the right high school is about more than academics. It’s about helping teens grow socially and personally. For families, it's important to find the right fit. A school should always be a place where students can thrive in their uniqueness, feel supported, and be inspired to reach their full potential.

If you’re planning a move to give your teen the best educational opportunities, make the process smoother with Wise Move. Compare trusted movers across Canada and find and book the best moving company in your area to help your family settle into this next chapter with confidence.