Choosing one of the best sports schools in Ontario, Canada can be a complex process, as there are many factors to consider. Before we get into the list of top 10 later in this blog post, first check out some tips to help you make an informed decision:
How to Choose One of the Best Sports Schools?
- Consider your athletic goals: Think about your short and long-term objectives and aspirations. Are you looking for best sports schools in order to play at the high school, college, or professional level? Are you interested in a specific sport or multiple sports? Knowing what you want to achieve will help you narrow down your options.
- Research the school’s athletic programs: Look into the athletic programs offered by the school and see if they align with your interests and goals. Check out the school’s website, social media accounts, and athletic department to learn more about their coaches, teams, and facilities.
- Evaluate the school’s academic reputation: While sports are important, it’s also essential to consider the school’s academic reputation. Look into the potentially best sports schools’ academic programs, faculty, and student outcomes to see if it’s a good fit for your educational goals.
- Consider the location: Think about the location of the school and how it will impact your daily life. Consider factors such as transportation, housing, and community resources.
- Talk to current and former students: Reach out to current and former students to get their perspective on the school. Ask about their experiences with the athletic programs, coaches, and facilities, as well as the school’s academic environment.
- Attend a campus visit or event: If possible, attend a campus visit or athletic event to get a firsthand look at the best sports schools facilities and culture. This will also give you the opportunity to meet with coaches and athletes and ask questions.
Remember, choosing the right sports school is a personal decision that should be based on your unique goals and needs. By doing your research and considering all of the factors, you can find a school that will help you achieve your athletic and academic goals.
And now let’s review the list of the 10 best sports schools in Ontario, Canada, including their locations, athletic specializations, co-ed status, links to their official websites, and notable celebrity athletes who attended them, to help you make the right decision for your life path.
10 Best Sports Schools in Ontario, Canada
- 1. Hillfield Strathallan College – Hamilton
- Specializations: Hockey, Rugby, Basketball
- Co-ed: Yes, it is a co-ed day and boarding school
- Notable alumni: Steven Stamkos, NHL player
- Website: https://www.hsc.on.ca/
- 2. Crescent School – Toronto
- Specializations: Hockey, Rowing, Football
- Co-ed: No, it is an all-boys day school
- Notable alumni: Paul Coffey, NHL Hall of Famer; Michael Ignatieff, former Canadian politician and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada
- Website: https://www.crescentschool.org/
- 3. Trinity College School – Port Hope
- Specializations: Rowing, Hockey, Soccer
- Co-ed: Yes, it is a co-ed day and boarding school
- Notable alumni: Steve Yzerman, former NHL player and current general manager of the Detroit Red Wings
- Website: https://www.tcs.on.ca/
- 4. Upper Canada College – Toronto
- Specializations: Hockey, Rugby, Football
- Co-ed: No (boys only)
- Notable alumni: Adam van Koeverden, Olympic kayaker; J.P. Arencibia, former MLB player
- Website: https://www.ucc.on.ca/
- 5. St. Andrew’s College – Aurora
- Specializations: Hockey, Lacrosse, Football
- Co-ed: No (boys only)
- Notable alumni: Mike Cammalleri, former NHL player; Michael Burgess, Broadway and Canadian theatre performer
- Website: https://www.sac.on.ca/
- 6. Appleby College – Oakville
- Specializations: Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer
- Co-ed: Yes
- Notable alumni: Adam Foote, former NHL player; Michael Budman, co-founder of Roots Canada
- Website: https://www.appleby.on.ca/
- 7. Ridley College – St. Catharines
- Specializations: Rowing, Hockey, Basketball
- Co-ed: Yes
- Notable alumni: Jay Triano, former NBA player and head coach of the Canadian men’s national basketball team; Adam Kreek, Olympic rower and motivational speaker
- Website: https://www.ridleycollege.com/
- 8. Ashbury College – Ottawa
- Specializations: Rugby, Soccer, Basketball
- Co-ed: Yes
- Notable alumni: Simon Whitfield, Olympic triathlete; Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England
- Website: https://www.ashbury.ca/
- 9. The Bishop Strachan School – Toronto
- Specializations: Rowing, Field Hockey, Basketball
- Co-ed: No (girls only)
- Notable alumni: Heather Moyse, Olympic bobsledder and rugby player; Kathleen Robertson, actress and writer
- Website: https://www.bss.on.ca/
- 10. Havergal College – Toronto
- Specializations: Swimming, Basketball, Volleyball
- Co-ed: No (girls only)
- Notable alumni: Elizabeth Manley, Olympic figure skater; Erin McLeod, Olympic soccer player
- Website: https://www.havergal.on.ca/
The best sports schools listed above are all high schools, which typically cater to students between the ages of 14-18 in grades 9-12. These schools offer various academic programs along with sports programs and facilities to help students pursue their athletic interests while also receiving a high-quality education. Some of these schools may also offer post-secondary programs, but their primary focus is on providing a high school education with a strong emphasis on sports. Please note that while some of these schools are single-sex, they may have affiliations or partnerships with other schools or organizations that provide co-ed athletic opportunities.