Guides for Expat Families: A Practical Handbook for Toronto
Selecting a school in Canada can feel like one of the most daunting aspects of moving with children. Online resources rarely reveal the day-to-day realities, and families vary in what matters most. This guide focuses on practical questions and a straightforward decision framework — especially for families planning a move to Toronto.
First: Define What “Good” Means for Your Family
Before evaluating options, set your non-negotiables. Many choices go wrong when families try to weigh everything at once without a clear order of priorities.
- Commute: how long you spend driving each day matters more than you might realize.
- Curriculum: British / American / IB / local offerings.
- Language environment: the language exposure your child experiences throughout the day.
- Support: learning assistance, ESL support, and pastoral care.
- Culture fit: the school's structure, discipline, and ways of communicating.
How to Decide Without Feeling Overwhelmed
A practical method that suits expat families well:
A straightforward process
- Shortlist by location first. In Toronto, traffic can transform a “good” school into a daily challenge.
- Check availability and admissions timelines. Waiting lists are common.
- Ask about classroom realities. Class sizes, teacher turnover, communication style.
- Ask about support. ESL / learning support / transition support for new students.
- Conduct one visit (or virtual tour) per finalist. Rely on your observations rather than glossy brochures.
Pro tip: Create a one-page checklist and rate each school after visiting. It prevents the “everything feels the same” problem.
Questions to Ask Schools
These questions tend to reveal more than generic “tell us about your program” discussions:
- What is the typical class size for this age group?
- How do you accommodate new students mid-year?
- How do teachers communicate with parents (weekly updates, apps, email)?
- What does a typical day look like (start/end times, breaks, homework expectations)?
- How do you support children who feel anxious or are adjusting to a new country?
- What is the policy for language support (ESL) if needed?
- How do you manage heat and indoor/outdoor time during hotter months?
Costs and Logistics (The Unloved Part)
Choosing a school isn't only about tuition. Consider the complete daily cost of the routine:
Common Pitfalls (And How to Steer Clear of Them)
- Picking schools based on reputation alone: the day-to-day routine matters more.
- Overlooking commute time: it affects sleep, mood, and family life.
- Assuming “international” means the same everywhere: it doesn't.
- Not asking about support: transitions are real for children.
- Delaying too long: admissions timelines may be tighter than expected.
Bottom Line
The ideal school tends to be the one that aligns with your family’s actual daily life: where it is, the backing you receive, and everyday comfort for your child—not the one that boasts the loudest advertising.
If you’d like assistance sorting priorities for Toronto (commute, routines, questions to pose), get in touch — or dial +1 416 555 0123.