Ridley College was founded in 1889 and became co-educational in 1973
Largest boarding programme in Ontario, Canada Canada's first co-educational IB continuum boarding and day school
Distinguished university placement 14 different athletic teams, and over 75 clubs and activites
Over 100 different high school courses 24-hour security on campus
Get an inside look at classrooms, the dining hall, common rooms in the houses, and so much more with our virtual campus tour! Or soar above our campus with our bird's eye view video!.
Quick Facts (2026)
Top Rankings
Ridley College ranks among the top 10 schools with > 400 students (out of 102 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
Definition of Terms | 2025 School Data
Ridley College
School Focus
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
6-12, PG
Grades Offered (Day)
PK-12, PG
School Type
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Religious Affiliation
Year Founded
1889
Campus Size
90 acres
School Calendar
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 14, 2026
School Motto
Terar Dum Prosim
Student Body
Enrollment
870 students
% International Students
40%
% Students Boarding
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
Academic Profile
Saturday Classes
Yes
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Weekly
Classroom Dress Code
Average Class Size
18 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
Number of IB Courses Offered
25
ESL Courses Offered
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
35%
Summer Program Offered
Summer Program Details
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
n/a
Courses
Tuition & Financial Aid
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$69,950
(*Domestic Upper School Tuition 2023)
(*Domestic Upper School Tuition 2023)
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$39,500
(*Upper School Tuition 2023)
(*Upper School Tuition 2023)
Tuition international students
$79,250
% Students on Financial Aid
30%
Merit Scholarships Offered
Admissions
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
15
Colors
Black, Orange
School Mascot
Tigers
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
19
Extracurriculars
Admissions AssistantsAmnesty International Club
Art in Public SpacesAthletic Therapy Assistants
Cadet BandCappies
Duke of Edinburgh AwardEntrepreneurial Club
Gender EquityGolf team
Intramural teamsPlay Production
School ReachString Ensemble
Tiger Tribune NewspaperVEX Robotics
College Matriculation
College Acceptance Rate
98%
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
- Ridley College is a co-educational boarding and day school located on a beautiful 90-acre campus in St. Catharines, Ontario. Students in JK through Grade 12 are engaged in an energetic, challenging, and forward-thinking academic programme, as well as a diverse extracurricular programme in the arts, athletics, leadership, and community service.
- Ridley is one of only three IB continuum boarding schools in North America and also offers the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
- With over 375 boarders from 55+ countries, Ridley has the largest boarding programme in Ontario and boasts a traditional house system, integrating both boarding and day students into ten houses on campus. In this way, Ridley provides all students with a perfect balance of global cultures and a uniquely Canadian experience.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- David Dodge - Former Governor of the Bank of Canada
- Colm Feore - Actor
- Sam McGlone - Canadian Triathlete
- Raine Maida - Musician
- Peter Gzowski - Journalist
- Michael Sabia - Former CEO and President of Bell Canada (BCE)
- John Crossingham - Musician
- Sophie & Katherine Kallinis - Owners and reality TV stars of DC Cupcakes
- Bruce Croxon - 'Dragon' on CBC's Dragons' Den - Co-founder of Lavalife
- Nicholas Paine - Co-founder of Lavalife
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ridley College cost?
Ridley College's tuition is approximately $69,950 for boarding students and $39,500 for day students.
Who are famous alumni from Ridley College?
Ridley College famous alumni include: David Dodge, Colm Feore, Sam McGlone, Raine Maida, Peter Gzowski, Michael Sabia, John Crossingham, Sophie & Katherine Kallinis, Bruce Croxon and Nicholas Paine.
What sports does Ridley College offer?
Ridley College offers 15 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Rugby, Soccer, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
Does Ridley College offer a summer program?
Yes, Ridley College offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Ridley College's ranking?
Ridley College ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of international students.
When is the application deadline for Ridley College?
The application deadline for Ridley College is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
It had a great sense of community on my first day I felt right at home. Everyone was really welcoming the teachers set out to make sure that we were all well included. The dorms. . .
For me, it was a great experience as a result of a combination of good teachers,mentors and athletics. I graduated 50 years ago and return at least every five years for a class reunion. there. . .
Ridley College is unquestionably Canada's finest boarding/day school. Founded in the 1880s, it has produced generations of leaders in all walks of life. Its motto, "Terar dum Prosim" (loosely - "wear oneself out. . .
Show more reviews (2 reviews)
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