The quest for the ideal city or town isn’t always an easy one. If you’re like most people, you have a vision of buying a home in a welcoming community, lots of fun things to do, safe neighbourhoods, and an engaging atmosphere where kids can explore and learn on their terms. Speaking of learning, schools are at or near the top of the list for nearly every family.
For those who value access to education above all else, Kingston is the winning option. From preschool to post-grad, you can really set your child (or yourself) up for a lifetime of achievement. In this post, we’ll provide an overview of Kingston’s outstanding education system.
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A Foundation From an Early Age
In Kingston, you’ll find a wide range of pedagogical philosophies at the preschool level. Each is carefully designed to give your little one an unshakeable foundation for lifetime achievement.
- These styles include Montessori options, where children benefit from highly structured classes and a focus on independence and curious thinking.
- Families who love the great outdoors may prefer a Forest approach, where children explore their world as it is, with no walls and wonder-filled days surrounded by nature.
- Alternatively, there is the Waldorf approach, where youngsters enhance their imagination and artistry in a warm environment that feels like home.
A quality education is important, but there’s much more to Kingston than academics! Learn more about the lifestyle Kingston offers in the posts below:
Elementary and Secondary Achievements
When living in a perfectly-mid-sized city like Kingston, you always have options. The public education system is represented by four separate school boards:
Limestone District School Board (LDSB)
The largest school board in the region covers Kingston as well as surrounding areas like Greater Napanee, Gananoque, Frontenac, Stone Mills, and Addington Highlands. It oversees more than 50 schools, many of which obtain exemplary results according to the Fraser Institute and the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
Access to specific public schools depends primarily on your catchment area. Winston Churchill Public School, Henderson Public School, and Rideau Public School are a few examples that consistently earn high accolades from parents and students in Kingston.
Planning to sell your home and move on to a new chapter? The posts below can help you get results:
Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic (ALCDSB)
Our Catholic school board serves Kingston, Belleville, and the surrounding areas. Many schools under its umbrella have earned a reputation for outperforming provincial averages in reading and writing. In Kingston, examples like Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Martha Catholic School come immediately to mind.
The board oversees 38 schools and approximately 12,000 students from Kindergarten through to Grade 12. Though there is a strong focus on religion, the overall curriculum is the same as the secular board.
Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO)
Ontario’s French Public school board has a strong presence in Kingston thanks to École élémentaire publique Madeleine-de-Roybon. This highly regarded school serves students from JK to Grade 6, and it is also recognized by UNESCO.
It is also an International Baccalaureate (IB), which means it has an educational framework that is recognized across the globe. The focus goes far beyond just memorizing facts for a test and then promptly forgetting them. Instead, IB is determined to teach students how to learn, not just what to learn, and most importantly, how to think critically.
Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE)
This French Catholic school board has hubs in Ottawa, Kingston, Brockville, and Pembroke. With both École élémentaire catholique Monseigneur-Rémi-Gaulin and École secondaire catholique Marie-Rivier operating in Kingston, local students can benefit from a high-quality Catholic education in the French language throughout their elementary and secondary years.
Private Schools in Kingston, Ontario
Public elementary and high schools in Kingston are of excellent quality, but parents are never limited in their options. For those who prefer private alternatives, Kingston offers a healthy selection, including:
- Leahurst College: This university preparatory school in downtown Kingston is known for its exacting academic standards. An outstanding track record makes it ideal for the high achiever seeking university acceptance or scholarships.
- Quintilian School: Individualized programming is geared to students who learn a little differently. Some attendees need extra attention due to issues like anxiety disorders or ADHD, but all are welcomed, encouraged, and challenged according to their needs and gifts. Thanks to exceptionally small class sizes and extra support, Quintilian creates an environment where children can grow and thrive.
- Lakeshore School: A challenging academic program allows students to realize their full potential in a learning style that best suits their needs. Inspired by the motto, “Dare to be wise,” the focus is on “how to learn” with the intention of fostering creativity and independence.
- King’s Town School: Small class sizes and an advanced Montessori program serve children from Preschool to Grade 8. A challenging and inspiring academic curriculum uses music, arts, drama, and creative problem-solving techniques to help students excel in all aspects of life.
Does all this talk about Kingston have you ready to relocate? Learn more about buying a home here in the posts below:
- Buying Your First Home? Kingston Is Calling!
- The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
- Buying a Home: Separating Myths from Facts
Post-Secondary and Beyond
Kingston is almost synonymous with Queen’s University, one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious post-secondary institutions. Graduates include highly trained professionals in engineering, business, medicine, and law.
This competitive and highly ranked university is just one option for the ambitious resident who wants to take their career and education to new levels.
The Royal Military College of Canada provides members of the Canadian Armed Forces with undergraduate training in social sciences, humanities, science, and engineering. Graduates become respected national leaders in defence and security. Research facilities include a nuclear reactor, wind tunnels, an anechoic chamber, an observatory, an ammunition lab, and more.
The city is also home to St. Lawrence College, with applied training in more than 100 programs, including skilled trades, nursing, business, and computing. A state-of-the-art paramedic simulation centre and a large innovation hub make this one of Ontario’s most sought-after colleges.
The availability of schools at all levels for all ages makes Kingston a popular choice for anyone considering a relocation. You really couldn’t ask for a better place to live where you can put down roots for the long term!
Are you gearing up to buy or sell a house? Our Kingston real estate agents are happy to help and guide you through each step. Reach out to us at caldwellco@royallepage.ca or call 613.449.6588 today.
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