Simcoe County Schools

When a family is looking to buy a home it isn’t just about the house. It’s about finding the right place for your children to grow and develop a social network that they can thrive in. Simcoe County is a wonderful place to raise a family, as it continues to build infrastructure and establish itself as one of the liveliest areas in the province. In Barrie, you and your family will live close to beautiful Lake Simcoe, an expansive waterfront ideal for keeping energetic children and teenagers active during all seasons.

As you searching for your home, it’s important to also have an analysis of the schools and school districts you’re considering. Here are some things you can do to help you choose an excellent school district wisely. 

The schools in Simcoe County provide plenty of great options, ranging from public schools to private schools, French language learning to religious teaching. The two main School Boards that service Barrie and the surrounding area are the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB). Both boards provide instruction in English and French. Special programs include French immersion, adult education, ESL/FSL (English or French as a Second Language), children with special needs and alternative schools for students who benefit from a non-traditional approach. Including, two French School Boards that service this area, the Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud and the Conseil scolaire Viamonde.

Simcoe County offers some great public schools, but for those looking for something with specialized programming, there is a wide array of private and religion-based schools in Barrie and the surrounding areas, offering pre-school, elementary and high school programs.

The advantages of private school include excellent facilities (i.e. information technology, gymnasiums, libraries, student lounges, audio, or video equipment). And of course, any discussion about private schools ought to include small class sizes. Limits on class sizes ensure that your child receives sufficient attention from his or her instructors and that he or she is also able to participate in the classroom. (Parents interested in Montessori should note that Montessori schools do not all profess small class sizes as an important factor).

When you are choosing a private school in Barrie, you must be careful. Simply put, ensure that it has accreditation and respect from the Ontario Ministry of Education. Indeed, only schools that the Ministry has inspected can grant your child credits that will count towards his or her Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). However, the Ministry does not inspect private elementary schools unless it receives a formal complaint. As such, if your child attends private school, your research should be thorough.

Private Schools in Barrie & Surrounding Area

Kempenfelt Bay School

Barrie Montessori & Private Elementary School

Blyth Academy Barrie

Thor College

Seven Oaks Academy

Religion-based Schools

Arise Christian Academy

Heritage Christian Academy

Timothy Christian School

Unity Christian High School

Victory Christian Academy

Alliston Community Christian School

Quick Notes on Affordability

There are ways (aside from low tuitions) to afford private school. Here are a few tips:

• Scholarships and bursaries

• Grants from organizations outside of the school: Children's First, one of myriad fantastic organizations that will help you pay for private school

• Tax Breaks: In Ontario, sending your child to a faith-based school (for example) may count as a charitable donation for which you will receive a tax credit.

• Be sure to click on the profiles on this page or search for Ontario Private Schools to find out more about all of the amazing options that you have. Good luck!

Check out the Fraser Institute Ranking for schools in Barrie and the surrounding areas: www.compareschoolrankings.org