Ridley College is focused on educating the whole child and provides students with tools that will help them lead flourishing lives. Our coeducational boarding programme was established in 1889, making Ridley one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious schools.
- Located on a beautiful 90-acre campus in St. Catharines, Ontario
- Canada’s leader in positive education
- Easily accessible from Toronto Pearson and Buffalo Niagara International Airport
- Largest CAIS boarding programme in Ontario with 375+ boarding students from 60+ countries
- Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12
At Ridley, you will discover “World Prep”, a rigorous and forward-looking programme that prepares students for postsecondary studies and a promising future. Ridley offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum which consists of the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme.
In addition to the IB Programme, Ridley offers the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a variety of summer programmes, including an EAL credit course. Together with its exceptional academics, students experience a diverse co-curricular programme comprised of arts, athletics, leadership development and community service. Ridley graduates matriculate to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, including:
- Berklee College of Music
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- Princeton University
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- University of British Columbia
- University of Hong Kong
- University of Madrid
- University of Oxford
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
- Yale University
Guided by its motto for over 135 years, Terar Dum Prosim, which translates to “May I be consumed in service”, Ridleians have year-round opportunities to give back to their communities. Through engagement in service, students can cultivate their passions, explore new interests and reach their potential in a supportive yet challenging environment.
Ridley’s traditional House system is one of the school’s defining features. Both boarding and local day students are integrated into ten distinct boarding Houses on campus,each with its own sense of community and unique identity. By incorporating local day students into the boarding programme, every Ridleian can learn more about global cultures while enjoying a uniquely Canadian experience.
The Ideals in our school
At Ridley College, the Round Square IDEALS — Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service — are seamlessly aligned with our vision and approach to education. Our vision to “prepare meaningful and flourishing lives” is reflected in diverse programmes that promote global citizenship and personal growth. As a boarding school with students from over 60 countries, Ridley fosters global competency — embracing cultural diversity and developing skills to navigate complexity. This vibrant international community enriches learning and prepares students for a connected world. Students participate in initiatives like Cadets, Duke of Edinburgh, Model UN and Moral Courage, which nurture leadership, responsibility and a changemaker mindset. Emphasizing physical activity and service, we encourage students to embrace challenges and contribute positively to society. Through these experiences, Ridley students gain the values and skills to lead with confidence and compassion in an interconnected world.
What being a Round Square school means to us
Being a Round Square school means Ridley College is part of a global network dedicated to holistic education and personal growth. Our membership enriches our curriculum by fostering international understanding, democratic principles, environmental stewardship, adventure, leadership and service, which is aligned with our vision to inspire flourishing lives to transform our globe. Through Round Square, our students participate in transformative experiences like conferences and exchanges, enhancing their global competencies and commitment to social responsibility. This affiliation aligns perfectly with the experience we offer our students, to attend school “with the world,” sharing life-shaping experiences and preparing for leadership and impact.