Tools to Help You Make Your Choice
There is a school for every child: each school has its own character. You just need to find the one where your child can thrive.
There is a school for every child: each school has its own character. You just need to find the one where your child can fully thrive.
In 2026, the options offered by schools, whether private or public, are vast. The programs are too. It’s not always easy for a parent to guide their child through the wide range of offerings. Here are a few tips to help you along the way.
The conversation
The first step is always communication. Talk with your child to see how they envision starting secondary school. Here is an article that offers some topics to open the discussion.
Pre-selection ahead of open houses
Many schools offer one or two open house days, usually held in the fall. This is the perfect opportunity to discover and explore the schools that interest you. Here is an article to help you prepare your visits (with a handy list of questions to ask…).
The reflection
You are now at the reflection stage. How do you make your final choice?
Listening to your child
Your pre-teen has their own personality. Stay open and listen to their needs, interests, dreams, what motivates them, and what scares them. You can of course talk with them, but you can also pay close attention to their favourite games, books, movies, and shows… wonderful clues toward topics that might motivate them in secondary school. Do they avidly read the “Défense d’entrer” series? A school with a book or writing club could appeal to them. Do they love building obstacle courses in your backyard? An institution offering outdoor activities could be a great motivator.
Trust your instincts
You’ve shopped around, analyzed, compared. But your instinct remains a valuable ally for making the final decision. Your conversations with teachers and educators at the various schools you’ve visited, the feeling your child had during visits, the atmosphere conveyed by schools through their communications, the testimonials you’ve heard… all of this gives you clues for choosing your child’s school.
School rankings: the “best” school or the “best school for your child”?
It is tempting to make a decision based on numerical and definitive factors. The Fraser Institute’s annual ranking is widely publicized in the media every year. However, the authors are unanimous: “The choice of a school should not be based on a single source of information. [...] effective programs in academic and extracurricular areas not evaluated in the Report Card should complement a good academic program.” Word of mouth is a great way to hear testimonials about schools. What defines the “best” school is not based solely on a score, a reputation, or a single factor. The best school will be the one where your child can fully realize their potential and feel at home.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions
Need more details about a specific aspect of the school? The team of educators will be happy to answer (and yes, even in the summer, many schools have staff on site!). There are no bad questions! If you have specific concerns about your child, professionals can advise you and direct you to the appropriate services.
