Top Oakville Private Schools: Why Oakville is One of the Best School Districts in Canada for Quality Education

Oakville, Ontario, is not only celebrated for its luxury real estate and scenic waterfront lifestyle, but also for its outstanding education system. The town is home to some of Canada’s top private schools, attracting families who prioritize academic excellence, small class sizes, and specialized learning environments.

In this article, we’ll explore the top private schools in Oakville and discuss why Oakville is recognized as one of Canada’s best school districts for high-quality education.

Top Private Schools in Oakville

Appleby College

📍 Grades: 7-12 | Co-Ed | Boarding & Day School
Appleby College is one of Canada’s most prestigious private schools, offering a liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on global learning and leadership development. Situated on a 60-acre lakefront campus, Appleby provides boarding and day programs, an Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, and a diverse range of extracurricular activities. The school is known for its strong university placement rates and a commitment to academic and personal excellence.

King’s Christian Collegiate

📍 Grades: 9-12 | Co-Ed | Christian-Based Education
King’s Christian Collegiate offers a rigorous academic program grounded in Christian values. The school focuses on academic excellence, arts, athletics, and leadership, creating a well-rounded environment for students. Its modern campus and state-of-the-art facilities make it a sought-after choice for high school students in Oakville.

MacLachlan College

📍 Grades: JK-12 | Co-Ed | IB World School
MacLachlan College is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering a challenging and globally recognized curriculum. The school is located in a historic Oakville mansion, blending traditional charm with cutting-edge educational methods. Small class sizes, a focus on critical thinking, and a personalized approach make MacLachlan a standout choice.

St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School (SMLS)

📍 Grades: JK-12 | All-Girls | Leadership-Focused
St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School is Oakville’s premier all-girls private school, emphasizing leadership, STEM education, and innovation. The school offers an individualized learning approach, helping students build confidence, resilience, and academic excellence.

Linbrook School

📍 Grades: JK-8 | All-Boys | Small Class Sizes
Linbrook School is Oakville’s only all-boys private elementary school, designed to cater to the unique learning styles of boys. With small class sizes, a tailored curriculum, and a focus on academic and character development, Linbrook provides an engaging and dynamic learning environment.

Wildwood Academy

📍 Grades: 2-8 | Specialized Learning Support
Wildwood Academy is a specialized private school designed for students with learning differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorders. The school provides individualized instruction, small class sizes, and research-based teaching methods to help students thrive academically and socially.

Dearcroft Montessori School

📍 Ages: 18 months - Grade 8 | Authentic Montessori Education
Dearcroft Montessori is Oakville’s original Montessori school, offering a fully accredited, child-centered education. The school provides a hands-on, inquiry-based approach, helping children develop independence, confidence, and a lifelong love for learning.

Clanmore Montessori School

📍 Ages: Toddler - Grade 8 | Authentic Montessori Approach
Clanmore Montessori provides an enriched Montessori curriculum within a nurturing, multi-age classroom setting. With a focus on self-directed learning, this school offers an environment where students can develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and social responsibility.

Why Oakville is One of Canada’s Best School Districts

1. Academic Excellence & High Rankings

Oakville consistently ranks as one of Ontario’s top-performing school districts, both in private and public education. Many Oakville schools achieve high scores on standardized tests and boast strong university acceptance rates.

2. A Wide Range of Private School Options

Unlike many other cities, Oakville offers a diverse selection of private schools, including:
✔️ IB (International Baccalaureate) schools (MacLachlan College)
✔️ STEM and Leadership-focused schools (SMLS, Appleby)
✔️ Montessori education (Dearcroft, Clanmore)
✔️ Faith-based education (King’s Christian Collegiate)
✔️ Schools specializing in learning differences (Wildwood Academy)

This variety ensures that families can find the perfect fit for their child’s learning needs.

3. Highly Educated & Family-Oriented Community

Oakville is known for its highly educated residents, with over 81% of the population holding a post-secondary degree. The community values education, academic excellence, and enrichment programs, creating an environment where students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

4. Safe & Upscale Neighborhoods

Ranked as one of Canada’s safest towns, Oakville offers an ideal environment for families. Many of its luxury neighborhoods—such as Morrison, Southeast Oakville, and Joshua Creek—are home to families who prioritize top-tier education for their children.

5. Close Proximity to Toronto & Top Universities

Oakville’s strategic location offers easy access to Toronto’s top post-secondary institutions, including:
🏫 University of Toronto
🏫 McMaster University
🏫 Western University (via direct transit routes)

Many private schools in Oakville have strong university placement programs, helping students gain admission to top Canadian, U.S., and international universities.

Conclusion: The Best Place for Private Education in Canada

With its top-tier private schools, strong academic performance, and high standard of living, Oakville stands out as one of Canada’s premier destinations for quality education. Whether you're looking for a Montessori school, an all-boys or all-girls academy, or a specialized learning institution, Oakville offers diverse and exceptional options.

For families investing in luxury real estate, having access to some of Canada’s best private schools makes Oakville an even more desirable place to call home.

📌 For more information about each school, including admissions and tuition details, visit their official websites (linked above).