Mississauga is home to a genuinely strong private school sector — more established than most parents from outside the GTA realise, with options ranging from small IB day schools to large co-educational institutions with boarding. For families in Mississauga, Oakville, and the western GTA considering private education, the choice doesn’t require going into Toronto. This guide covers what’s actually available in Mississauga, what it costs, how admissions work, and how to judge whether a specific school is the right academic match for your child.
What private schools in Mississauga cost
Tuition at Mississauga private schools varies significantly depending on the school’s size, reputation, and whether boarding is offered. Based on current data from school comparison sources:
- All private schools (elementary through secondary): approximately $4,600–$68,900 per year, with an average around $20,560
- Private high schools specifically: approximately $12,740–$83,010 per year, with an average around $25,642
- The most expensive option: Oakwood Academy, with tuition from $24,875 to $83,010 per year
These figures are for day school unless otherwise stated. Boarding options, where available, add significantly to the total cost.
Financial aid is available at many Mississauga private schools. Private school expos held in September and October each year are one of the most practical ways to compare schools and ask about financial assistance directly.
Notable private schools in Mississauga
TFS — Canada’s International School is the largest private school serving Mississauga families, with 1,500 students from Nursery/Toddler through Grade 12. TFS offers the full IB continuum — the only school in the area to do so from early years through the IB Diploma — and draws families from across the western GTA.
St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School is the oldest independent school in Mississauga, founded in 1891. An all-girls school from JK through Grade 12, it is one of the most established academic institutions in the region, known for strong university placement and a close-knit school culture.
Oakwood Academy offers one of the widest tuition ranges of any Mississauga school, reflecting a broad range of programmes including day and boarding options. It serves both local and international students.
Mentor College is a well-known Mississauga independent school serving JK through Grade 12, with a focus on academic preparation and university outcomes.
Sherwood Heights School and several other smaller independent schools serve the elementary and middle school years specifically, for families who want private education in the earlier grades before transitioning to a secondary school.
| School | Grades | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|
| TFS — Canada’s International School | Nursery–12 | Full IB continuum, largest in area |
| St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School | JK–12 | Oldest (est. 1891), all-girls |
| Oakwood Academy | Varies | Widest tuition range, boarding available |
| Mentor College | JK–12 | University preparation focus |
This list is not exhaustive — there are many smaller private schools in Mississauga across different programme types, including faith-based, Montessori, and gifted-focused options. OurKids.net is the most comprehensive directory for comparing the full range.
How admissions work
Mississauga private schools generally follow the same admissions cycle as other Ontario independent schools:
- September–October: Open houses, information sessions, school tours
- October–December: Applications open; most competitive schools close applications by December 1
- January–February: Entrance assessments, SSAT scores due, interviews
- February–April: Admissions decisions
- April–May: Enrolment confirmation
For September 2027 entry, the process begins in September 2026. Starting earlier is almost always better — the families who feel rushed typically began researching in January or February, which is already too late for the most competitive schools.
What admissions assessments look like
Many Mississauga private schools require a standardised entrance assessment, with the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) being the most widely used across Ontario independent schools. Some schools use the CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test) as an alternative or addition. The specific requirement varies by school — confirm directly with each school’s admissions office before beginning test preparation.
For schools that require the SSAT, the most common entry points are Grade 7 and Grade 9. The SSAT has three levels:
- Middle Level — for students currently in Grades 5–7
- Upper Level — for students currently in Grades 8–11
The SSAT math section is calculator-free and tests arithmetic reasoning and problem-solving in ways that differ from Ontario curriculum assessments — many students find it harder than expected even when they are performing well at school.
For a full breakdown of the SSAT, including what each section tests and how to prepare, see our SSAT guide for Canadian parents. For practice resources, see our SSAT practice test guide.
Mississauga private schools vs Toronto: what’s actually different
Many families in Mississauga default to researching Toronto private schools, assuming the options there are inherently better. The reality is more nuanced.
What Toronto has that Mississauga doesn’t: the most academically selective schools in Ontario — University of Toronto Schools, Upper Canada College, Branksome Hall, Bishop Strachan — are all in Toronto. If selective admissions and the most competitive academic environments are the priority, Toronto is where those schools are.
What Mississauga offers: comparable academic quality at most schools, significantly shorter commutes for western GTA families, often lower tuition than equivalent Toronto schools, and a less competitive admissions environment that can be more accessible for strong-but-not-exceptional students.
For families whose child is academically strong but not necessarily at the level of the most selective Toronto schools, Mississauga private schools offer a genuinely high-quality alternative without the commute, cost premium, or application pressure.
For a broader view of private school options across Ontario including Toronto, see our private schools in Ontario guide. For a specific comparison of Toronto’s top schools, see our Toronto private schools guide.
Choosing the right Mississauga private school for your child
Academic programme type — IB suits students who thrive in an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based environment. AP suits students targeting specific subject-level university credit. OSSD is the standard Ontario diploma, appropriate for most students. TFS is the only Mississauga school offering the full IB continuum from early years through graduation; most others offer OSSD with AP options.
Single-gender vs co-educational — St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn is the only established all-girls school in Mississauga. Most other private schools in the area are co-educational.
Class size — smaller class sizes are a consistent feature of private schools compared to the public system. In Mississauga, average class sizes at private schools typically run under 20 students, with some smaller schools operating at 10:1 student-to-teacher ratios.
Fit over reputation — the right school is the one where your child’s current academic level, learning style, and interests match what the school actually does well. A school with a strong academic reputation is only the right choice if your child is ready for that school’s pace and environment.
How Think Academy Canada supports Mississauga families
Think Academy Canada works with motivated, high-performing students across Canada from Grade 1 through Grade 12, fully online. For Mississauga families preparing for private school applications, our focus is on the two things that determine how strong an application looks: understanding where a child’s academic skills currently sit, and building the mathematical fluency that SSAT preparation requires.
Our free diagnostic assessment gives you an independent picture of your child’s mathematical ability — separate from school grades, which can vary in rigour across different schools and classrooms. For families targeting SSAT-requiring Mississauga schools, this is the right starting point before formal preparation begins.
FAQ
What are the best private schools in Mississauga?
Commonly cited options include TFS — Canada’s International School (largest, full IB continuum), St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School (oldest, all-girls, JK–12), Oakwood Academy, and Mentor College. The right choice depends on your child’s academic level, learning style, and programme preferences.
How much does private school cost in Mississauga?
Tuition at Mississauga private schools ranges from approximately $4,600 to $83,010 per year. The average for all private schools is around $20,560; for private high schools specifically, the average is approximately $25,642. Many schools offer financial aid and bursaries.
Do private schools in Mississauga require the SSAT?
Many do, particularly for Grade 7 and Grade 9 entry. Some schools use the CAT4 as an alternative. Requirements vary by school — confirm directly with each school’s admissions office before beginning test preparation.
When should I apply to a private school in Mississauga?
Applications for September 2027 entry should begin in September or October 2026. Most schools close applications by December 1, with entrance assessments and interviews in January and February.
Is TFS in Mississauga or Toronto?
TFS — Canada’s International School has a Mississauga campus serving western GTA families, making it accessible without commuting into Toronto. It offers the full IB continuum from early years through Grade 12.
What is the oldest private school in Mississauga?
St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School, founded in 1891, is the oldest independent school in Mississauga. It is an all-girls school serving JK through Grade 12.
Are Mississauga private schools as good as Toronto private schools?
For most families, the academic quality at established Mississauga private schools is comparable to mid-range Toronto independent schools, with the added advantage of shorter commutes and often lower tuition. The most academically selective schools in Ontario are in Toronto, but for strong students who don’t need that level of selectivity, Mississauga offers genuine quality at better practical value.
What entrance test do Mississauga private schools use?
The SSAT is the most widely used standardised test at Ontario independent schools, including those in Mississauga. Some schools use the CAT4 instead or in addition. Check with each individual school for their specific requirement.
How can Think Academy Canada help with Mississauga private school preparation?
Think Academy Canada offers a free diagnostic assessment for students in Grades 1 to 12. The assessment identifies exactly where a student’s mathematical skills currently sit, giving families a clear, objective starting point before SSAT preparation begins. Free practice resources matched to the results are also provided.
About Think Academy Canada Think Academy Canada is a K-12 mathematics tutoring programme, part of TAL Education Group. We work with motivated, high-performing students across Canada from Grade 1 through Grade 12, with a focus on curriculum enrichment, SSAT preparation, and competition mathematics including CEMC and AMC. All lessons are delivered online. Follow us on Instagram at @thinkacademyca.
