Unlocking Hidden Potential

Unlocking Hidden Potential

Ridley College is Canada’s leading independent day and boarding school for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

At Ridley College, we do things differently. Learning doesn’t end when the bell rings; students complete physical activity before class, and teachers do more than instruct students, they champion for them.

This is only a small part of what it looks like to study in a positive education and Visible Wellbeing™ school, where students harness the science of wellbeing and learning to unlock their hidden potential every day.

From Kindergarten to Grade 12, we provide a world-class, student-centred approach to learning that’s focused on wellbeing. Under the tenets of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, students learn through a challenging and supportive educational philosophy that promotes curiosity, leadership, service to others, global responsibility, and inquiry-based learning.

World-class education with wellbeing at heart – that is the Ridley difference.

Flourishing starts here.

Take Your First Step to Ridley

Enrolling your child in an independent school is a significant decision for you and your family – and it’s an incredible investment. Let us help you feel confident in your research.

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We believe the primary aim of education is to cultivate a flourishing life – in mind, spirit, and body.

Virtual Campus Tours

We know that travelling to our campus isn't possible for some of our prospective families. That's why we offer different ways for you to tour our campus, no matter where you call home.

Step into our latest virtual tour, where 360-degree panoramas bring our spaces to life. Dive into detailed descriptions of each space's purpose, helping you imagine your family seamlessly integrated into our vibrant community.

Start Exploring

Ridley at a Glance

Founded in 1889
Located in St. Catharines, Ontario, part of the stunning Niagara Region
Enrollment: 797 students from 59 countries
Small class sizes with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio
First Visible Wellbeing™ School in North America
Day school (Kindergarten to Grade 12) and boarding school available (Grades 6 to 12)
Choose from the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or complete both.

Ridley by the Numbers

150 academic course offerings
90+ acres of state-of-the-art facilities
53% of faculty members have advanced degrees
$3 million in financial assistance and scholarships
75+ co-curricular clubs and activities

Advice for Future Students

A World-Class Wellbeing Education

Ridley College is unlike any other educational institution in Canada because of our unwavering commitment to wellbeing and positive education. Since 2012, we have integrated the PERMA-V human development theory by Dr. Martin Seligman as a framework for cultivating a flourishing life. We’re also North America’s first Visible Wellbeing™ school, an education model created by renowned psychologist and author, Professor Lea Waters.

What does it mean to flourish?

Flourishing is the state of being we inhabit when we invest in each aspect of the PERMA-V model – and it’s the foundation of everything we do at Ridley. We made it our mission to create opportunities for students to increase positive emotions, build deep relationships, find purpose, and achieve their goals by cultivating their strengths and talents.

Flourish Inside and Outside the Classroom

Co-curricular participation is an integral and exciting part of life at Ridley. Our students balance their academic life with some of the 75 co-curricular activities offered here, including clubs and activities, arts, and student leadership.

We also have one of the leading athletic development programs in North America, helping student athletes pursue their passion for sport. Unlike traditional sports academies, we approach athletics holistically, balancing a winning combination of learning, training, competing, and flourishing.

Campus with a Future

Ridley is always innovating to equip our students to lead flourishing lives – this includes our physical spaces for studying, connection, and relaxation.

In winter 2022, we broke ground on our Iggulden Building and Athletic Complex renovations, officially commencing The Campaign for Ridley – the largest and most ambitious construction project yet in our 134-year history.

The renovation will include a new Learning Commons, Creative Commons, music conservatory, and a renovated and expanded Athletic Centre.