Empowering Black Youth for Success in Ontario’s Top Private Schools
Supporting High-Performing Students to Reach Their Full Potential
We support you throughout the application process
ACCN’s Independent School Program identifies and supports high-achieving Black youth, helping them gain admission to some of the top private schools in Ontario. Our team work closely with students and their families to guide them through the application process and connect them with opportunities for financial aid, such as bursaries and scholarships.
Enhanced admission consideration
As part of our partnership with participating schools, students recommended by ACCN are given additional consideration during the admissions process.
Application fee assistance
Application fee waivers may be available at select partner schools for eligible ACCN-referred families, helping to reduce the cost of applying.
Prep for school workshops
We provide entrance exam preparation, interview coaching. one-on-one guidance and opportunities for successful ACCN-referred students to connect with each other.
Ongoing Advocacy
Once accepted to school, we provide continuous support and advocacy for your child throughout their time at the school.
Our Prestigious Partner Schools
ACCN is proud to collaborate with some of Ontario’s top private schools, all dedicated to providing outstanding educational opportunities for high performing Black youth. These schools offer a nurturing environment, academic excellence, and leadership opportunities.
Coed Schools
We are an independent, co-ed, boarding and day school for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our campus is located in Belleville, Ontario, in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region.
At Albert College, we believe in inspiring excellence in academics and beyond. Our students’ experience of the 5As – Academics, Arts, Athletics, Active Citizenship and
Adventure – is the foundation for their
development into well-rounded young scholars.
We provide a nurturing, close-knit, family environment that prepares global citizens for their future.
Website | www.albertcollege.ca
Founded in 1911 and located on a picturesque 60-acre campus in Oakville, Ontario, Appleby College is a university preparatory, coeducational day/boarding school for students in Grades 7–12. At Appleby, we believe every student deserves an opportunity to pursue an education that excites and challenges them. An education that offers them the chance to discover and embrace their passions both inside and outside of the classroom.
Website | www.appleby.on.ca
“Education with Balance” is more than just an idea. It’s the cornerstone of everything we do. Recognizing the uniqueness of every student — their distinct strengths, interests, and passions — we reject the “one size fits all” model of education. Instead, we invite students to pursue what excites them. Our diverse community offers a balance of learning, leading, creating and playing opportunities that equip students for life.
Website | www.cds.on.ca
De La Salle College School is a co-ed., Roman Catholic independent school from grades 5-12. A university preparatory school with a strong co-curricular programme, De La Salle (Del) is committed to developing the whole student, fostering independence, resilience and ensuring that students will grow and thrive in our challenging world. The faith aspect of the school encourages students to focus on values that will enable them to be good citizens, compassionate of the needs of others around them. Del students will live up to the school’s motto: “Enter to learn. Leave to serve.”.
Website | www.delasalle.ca
Greenwood helps students develop the knowledge, skills and character they need to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. Our high-challenge, high-support academic Greenwood program encourages growth for every student, and our welcoming, gender-inclusive community fosters open-mindedness and engagement. Outside of the classroom, a broad range of co- curriculars helps students to pursue their passions and try new things. Our Outdoor Education program encourages exploration and character growth. When they leave Greenwood, our alumni go on to explore what excites them, and to thrive in highly selective programs.
Website | www.greenwoodcollege.org
Hillfield Strathallan College (HSC) is one of the largest independent, co-educational day schools in Canada, located on the Niagara escarpment in Hamilton, Ontario.
Recognizing that all students learn differently, we make a concerted effort to cater to individual learning needs and styles.
We focus on project-based learning and our curriculum is tailored to each student’s age and stage to encourage independence, resilience, and active participation in both the
HSC community and the broader global community.
Website | www.hsc.on.ca
HTS is an inclusive learning network where learners are inspired to become their best self. By experiencing self-discovery and connection, learners can ignite, explore, and fulfill their curiosity because HTS knows that transforming lives transforms the world. Our campus is located in Richmond Hill and hosts 825 students from JK-12.
Website | www.hts.on.ca
As the virtual extension of Holy Trinity School, we deliver a high-calibre academic experience through our immersive virtual school platform—designed to foster real connection, collaboration, and engagement. Our program combines the rigour and support of a top independent school with the flexibility of online learning, allowing students to thrive no matter where they are in the world. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong focus on student well-being, the HTS Global Online Campus prepares learners not just for post-secondary—but for life.
Website | htsonlinecampus.ca
Through our commitment to character development and values-driven education, we nurture students to grow with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility, preparing them to become successful global citizens. Our elementary program complements the Ontario curriculum with elements of Montessori and Pre-IB. Our Secondary Program prepares students for higher education and future challenges. All levels include our “Focus For Success™” adaptive program, where students learn and explore new ideas driven by interests and potential.
Website | www.jaddisonschool.com
MacLachlan College is a world-class private school offering the benefits of small class sizes, with highly dedicated and engaged teachers and an internationally recognized curriculum.
Our exceptional Lower School (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6) and Upper School (Grade 7 to 12) co-educational learning environments are centered on academic excellence and an ongoing commitment to the latest innovations in education.
Website | www.maclachlan.ca
TFS – Canada’s International School is the only full-continuum International Baccalaureate world school for French and English in Canada.
Co-educational, bilingual and internationally minded since 1962, TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework established by the IB programs, leading to the French National Brevet diploma, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the Advanced Bilingual IB Diploma. As such, it offers an experience that is rich in challenge, diversity and opportunity to students whose families come from 40+ different countries.
Website | www.tfs.ca
Trinity College School (TCS) is a leading boarding and day school for approximately 600 young people from Grades 5-12. The School is situated on a beautiful 100-acre campus in the town of Port Hope, Ontario, one hour’s drive east of Toronto. Founded in 1865, the School places a balanced emphasis on academics, service learning, athletics and the arts – as both a long-held TCS tradition and a rethought, reinvigorated approach to 21st century education.
Website | www.tcs.on.ca
Ever since we first opened our doors in 1965, The York School has been a place where learning extends beyond the classroom walls into our city, our country and our world. A place where students have all the tools and opportunities that technology and our two state-of-the-art, purposefully-designed, urban campuses located in the heart of Toronto’s dynamic city centre can provide at their fingertips. A place challenging enough for our students to realize their fullest potential and supportive enough for them to discover who they want to be.
Website | www.yorkschool.com
UTS is an independent school for grade 7 to 12 students, proudly affiliated with the University of Toronto in an iconic new home on the University campus. Students arrive as engaged young people with big ideas. They graduate from UTS as empowered leaders and champions of change with the drive to have an impact on our world. The UTS admissions process is based on academic merit and potential. UTS students thrive in our culture of anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.
Website | www.utschools.ca
All Girl Schools
The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day and boarding school for girls. Through our challenging inquiry-based program, students learn core academic skills and learn to lead. Our 7.5-acre campus includes STEAM-focused learning spaces, arts, design and athletics facilities, including a turf field. As an inclusive girls’ school, we foster a sense of belonging by affirming our diverse community. For more than 150 years, BSS has inspired students to be fearless and educated them to be leaders.
Website | www.bss.on.ca
As Toronto’s only independent school for girls offering the IB curriculum from JK to Grade 12, including more than 50 Boarding students from around the world, Branksome Hall values multiple perspectives, welcoming students from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds. Our diversity strengthens us as a community and aligns with the IB global learning curriculum. We are committed to international-mindedness, fostering an innovation mindset and putting collaborative learning into action. At Branksome Hall, girls are taught the skills they need to thrive in our complex and changing world.
Website | www.branksome.on.ca
Havergal’s mission is to prepare young women to thrive as leaders in a rapidly-changing world. Our students are empowered to become architects of their education in collaboration with strong mentors, supportive teachers, and an inspiring peer community. Our stimulating environment helps them develop the future-ready skills they need to lead with purpose as globally-minded individuals, no matter what tomorrow brings.
Website | www.havergal.on.ca
St. Anne’s is a place of learning where girls are encouraged to find their centre, develop their voice, and explore and integrate beyond traditional norms.
As York Region’s only school for girls, we offer young women the same unparalleled educational experience as their male counterparts in single-gender schools. However, we offer a unique twist – the benefit of a shared partnership with St. Andrew’s College, an all-boys day and boarding school only a kilometre away. This is the best of both worlds.
Website | www.stannes.ca
Our approach to learning sets us apart, featuring innovative programming and a more intentional approach to teaching, sets us apart. We are evolving and redefining what it means to really learn and thrive in a world where the only certainty is change. We don’t just want our students to thrive, we want them prepared to be bold – to see disruption as opportunity and possibility, to seize change with agility and imagination, to tackle the complex world of tomorrow with confidence and character.
Website | www.scs.on.ca
Anchored in a nurturing community of exceptionally committed educators and supportive peers, SMLS is where girls go to create the best version of themselves. This is the place where the new, the unfamiliar, even the seemingly impossible, becomes I got this.
Through unique Signature Programming, dedicated expertise in both girls’ education and a personalized approach to education, SMLS students benefit from an enhanced academic program, leadership development, and practical, real-world education.
Website | smls.on.ca
Trafalgar Castle School is an independent day and boarding school for girls in grades 4 through 12, located in Whitby, Ontario. For 150 years, Trafalgar has been unlocking opportunities for students to forge their own paths, explore their unique passions, and design their futures. Small by design, we are known for our exceptional academics, strong learning supports and for ensuring that now, and in the future, there is nothing a Trafalgar girl can’t handle.
Website | www.trafalgarcastle.ca
All Boys Schools
Crescent School is a day school for boys grade 3 -12. A leader in boys’ education, Crescent is committed to its mission: Men of Character from Boys of Promise and is unabashedly, unapologetically, unrestrainedly a school designed to bring the best out in young men. The teachers are chosen for their deep understanding and appreciation of boys. Crescent’s diverse curricular and co-curricular programs are intentionally designed to have a boy-centric focus and are delivered with that emphasis.
Website | www.crescentschool.org
Northmount School for Boys prides itself in offering each student who aspires to be a man of character the opportunity to do so. With the teachings of the Catholic Church as its foundation, Northmount provides a unique education which is focused on character development. Furthermore, as a “family school” and working hand-in-hand with parents, our committed faculty and staff help bring to fruition the potential of each young man.
Website | www.northmount.com
Royal St. George’s College (RSGC) is a boys day school (Grades 3 to 12) in the heart of Toronto’s downtown Annex neighborhood. Our Mission is to challenge and inspire each boy to become the best version of himself – academically, athletically, artistically, socially
and emotionally.
RSGC combines an outstanding academic education with a wonderfully stimulating and supportive environment. We believe that each boy should be known and loved and that learning takes place within strong and healthy relationships. We encourage our students to bring all of themselves to school, and we have an environment in which that is possible. We believe each student’s unique character should be seen and honoured.
We believe joy and laughter belong here.
Website | www.rsgc.on.ca
We specialize in educating boys from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, with a focused and innovative program that prepares them academically, socially, and emotionally for the next step. For boys entering in Grade 7, Sterling Hall offers unmatched preparation for high school—with two years of risk-taking opportunities, leadership, and growth that they won’t find anywhere else.
Our boy-focused curriculum challenges and engages, while our caring faculty build strong relationships that inspire confidence and curiosity that lead to excellence. Through our Leadership Program, every boy develops real-world skills in communication, public speaking, and teamwork—giving them a distinct advantage as they move on.
Website | www.sterlinghall.com
St. Andrew’s College: a place where imagination knows no limits and creativity flourishes; a place where happiness, excitement, and awe are mixed with pride, hope, and enthusiasm; a place where “more” is just one more step forward.
The ABCs of St. Andrew’s – academics, arts, athletics, boys, brotherhood, boarding, and character – come together to make your son’s educational journey a transformative one where anything and everything is possible. Our unique learning and living environments are designed to capture the attention, nurture the strengths, and understand the challenges of each student.
Whether your son is a day student or a boarder, he will forge strong friendships with students from all over the world, relationships that will endure for decades beyond graduation. During his time at St. Andrew’s, he will be immersed in a vibrant community that thrives on activity, support, and leadership. He will become an integral part of something truly extraordinary.
Website | www.sac.on.ca/
Upper Canada College is an all-boys school located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Founded in 1829, the College enrolls 1,200 students from SK to Year 12 and teaches the International Baccalaureate program as an IB Continuum World School. The 35 acre main campus consists of two school buildings, dormitories and sport and playing facilities, while the College’s outdoor school, Norval, is an hour away and sits along the Humber river.
Website | www.ucc.on.ca
How to Apply
Taking the first step toward an exceptional educational opportunity is simple. Follow the three steps below to complete your Independent Schools Program | ISP application.
Gather Your Documents
Before starting your application, please collect:
Complete the Application
Submit your application through the ACCN Independent Schools Program
Teacher Evaluations
As part of the application process, we require evaluations from two teachers of your choice who know your child well.
The Process
What Happens Next?
Once all required documents and teacher evaluations have been received, ACCN will review your application and determine whether your child will be recommended for placement at one or more of our partner schools.
Get Started Today
We are currently accepting applications for the September 2027 semester.
Take the first step toward securing a spot at one of Ontario’s top private schools for your child.
Coed Schools
Ace Acumen Heights is a progressive private secondary school located in Brampton, Ontario. We are committed to providing a personalized educational experience that empowers students to excel academically, socially, and personally. Our innovative curriculum blends traditional academic excellence with gender-based learning strategies, ensuring that both male and female students can thrive in an environment tailored to their unique learning needs.
Our gender-specific learning approaches support both boys and girls by recognizing their distinct learning styles and providing targeted strategies that help them succeed.
Website | www.aahs.ca
Founded in 1911 and located on a picturesque 60-acre campus in Oakville, Ontario, Appleby College is a university preparatory, coeducational day/boarding school for students in Grades 7–12. At Appleby, we believe every student deserves an opportunity to pursue an education that excites and challenges them. An education that offers them the chance to discover and embrace their passions both inside and outside of the classroom.
Website | www.appleby.on.ca
“Education with Balance” is more than just an idea. It’s the cornerstone of everything we do. Recognizing the uniqueness of every student — their distinct strengths, interests, and passions — we reject the “one size fits all” model of education. Instead, we invite students to pursue what excites them. Our diverse community offers a balance of learning, leading, creating and playing opportunities that equip students for life.
Website | www.cds.on.ca
Greenwood helps students develop the knowledge, skills and character they need to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. Our high-challenge, high-support academic Greenwood program encourages growth for every student, and our welcoming, gender-inclusive community fosters open-mindedness and engagement. Outside of the classroom, a broad range of co- curriculars helps students to pursue their passions and try new things. Our Outdoor Education program encourages exploration and character growth. When they leave Greenwood, our alumni go on to explore what excites them, and to thrive in highly selective programs.
Website | www.greenwoodcollege.org
HTS is an inclusive learning network where learners are inspired to become their best self. By experiencing self-discovery and connection, learners can ignite, explore, and fulfill their curiosity because HTS knows that transforming lives transforms the world. Our campus is located in Richmond Hill and hosts 825 students from JK-12.
Website | www.hts.on.ca
Through our commitment to character development and values-driven education, we nurture students to grow with confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility, preparing them to become successful global citizens. Our elementary program complements the Ontario curriculum with elements of Montessori and Pre-IB. Our Secondary Program prepares students for higher education and future challenges. All levels include our “Focus For Success™” adaptive program, where students learn and explore new ideas driven by interests and potential.
Website | www.jaddisonschool.com
TFS – Canada’s International School is the only full-continuum International Baccalaureate world school for French and English in Canada.
Co-educational, bilingual and internationally minded since 1962, TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework established by the IB programs, leading to the French National Brevet diploma, the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the Advanced Bilingual IB Diploma. As such, it offers an experience that is rich in challenge, diversity and opportunity to students whose families come from 40+ different countries.
Website | www.tfs.ca
Ever since we first opened our doors in 1965, The York School has been a place where learning extends beyond the classroom walls into our city, our country and our world. A place where students have all the tools and opportunities that technology and our two state-of-the-art, purposefully-designed, urban campuses located in the heart of Toronto’s dynamic city centre can provide at their fingertips. A place challenging enough for our students to realize their fullest potential and supportive enough for them to discover who they want to be.
Website | www.yorkschool.com
UTS is an independent school for grade 7 to 12 students, proudly affiliated with the University of Toronto in an iconic new home on the University campus. Students arrive as engaged young people with big ideas. They graduate from UTS as empowered leaders and champions of change with the drive to have an impact on our world. The UTS admissions process is based on academic merit and potential. UTS students thrive in our culture of anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.
Website | www.utschools.ca
All Girl Schools
The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day and boarding school for girls. Through our challenging inquiry-based program, students learn core academic skills and learn to lead. Our 7.5-acre campus includes STEAM-focused learning spaces, arts, design and athletics facilities, including a turf field. As an inclusive girls’ school, we foster a sense of belonging by affirming our diverse community. For more than 150 years, BSS has inspired students to be fearless and educated them to be leaders.
Website | www.bss.on.ca
As Toronto’s only independent school for girls offering the IB curriculum from JK to Grade 12, including more than 50 Boarding students from around the world, Branksome Hall values multiple perspectives, welcoming students from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds. Our diversity strengthens us as a community and aligns with the IB global learning curriculum. We are committed to international-mindedness, fostering an innovation mindset and putting collaborative learning into action. At Branksome Hall, girls are taught the skills they need to thrive in our complex and changing world.
Website | www.branksome.on.ca
Havergal’s mission is to prepare young women to thrive as leaders in a rapidly-changing world. Our students are empowered to become architects of their education in collaboration with strong mentors, supportive teachers, and an inspiring peer community. Our stimulating environment helps them develop the future-ready skills they need to lead with purpose as globally-minded individuals, no matter what tomorrow brings.
Website | www.havergal.on.ca
A unique tapestry of academic excellence, focused on 21st Century competencies, combined with athletics, arts, outdoor education, co-curricular activities and leadership experiences, provides countless engaging opportunities for girls to be inspired and leverage their voices. It is a school distinguished by excellence that invigorates the student experience and celebrates the uniqueness of every girl in a culture of academic achievement that builds self confidence and empowers girls to become influential leaders of change.
Website | holynameofmarycollegeschool.com
Our approach to learning sets us apart, featuring innovative programming and a more intentional approach to teaching, sets us apart. We are evolving and redefining what it means to really learn and thrive in a world where the only certainty is change. We don’t just want our students to thrive, we want them prepared to be bold – to see disruption as opportunity and possibility, to seize change with agility and imagination, to tackle the complex world of tomorrow with confidence and character.
Website | www.scs.on.ca
Anchored in a nurturing community of exceptionally committed educators and supportive peers, SMLS is where girls go to create the best version of themselves. This is the place where the new, the unfamiliar, even the seemingly impossible, becomes I got this.
Through unique Signature Programming, dedicated expertise in both girls’ education and a personalized approach to education, SMLS students benefit from an enhanced academic program, leadership development, and practical, real-world education.
Website | smls.on.ca
We support a student-driven culture where we aim to include a diversity of voices and perspectives, and where we value students for who they truly are. We work within an anti-oppression framework by approaching the curriculum from multiple perspectives; our academic inquiry includes equity and social justice issues from feminist and anti-racist viewpoints. We also seek to embed student interest into the curriculum and prepare graduates for a wide array of post-secondary careers in STEM, the Arts, and ethical business leadership.
Website | www.lindenschool.ca
Trafalgar Castle School is an independent day and boarding school for girls in grades 4 through 12, located in Whitby, Ontario. For 150 years, Trafalgar has been unlocking opportunities for students to forge their own paths, explore their unique passions, and design their futures. Small by design, we are known for our exceptional academics, strong learning supports and for ensuring that now, and in the future, there is nothing a Trafalgar girl can’t handle.
Website | www.trafalgarcastle.ca
As the virtual extension of Holy Trinity School, we deliver a high-calibre academic experience through our immersive virtual school platform—designed to foster real connection, collaboration, and engagement. Our program combines the rigour and support of a top independent school with the flexibility of online learning, allowing students to thrive no matter where they are in the world. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong focus on student well-being, the HTS Global Online Campus prepares learners not just for post-secondary—but for life.
Website | htsonlinecampus.ca
All Boys Schools
Crescent School is a day school for boys grade 3 -12. A leader in boys’ education, Crescent is committed to its mission: Men of Character from Boys of Promise and is unabashedly, unapologetically, unrestrainedly a school designed to bring the best out in young men. The teachers are chosen for their deep understanding and appreciation of boys. Crescent’s diverse curricular and co-curricular programs are intentionally designed to have a boy-centric focus and are delivered with that emphasis.
Website | www.crescentschool.org
We specialize in educating boys from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, with a focused and innovative program that prepares them academically, socially, and emotionally for the next step. For boys entering in Grade 7, Sterling Hall offers unmatched preparation for high school—with two years of risk-taking opportunities, leadership, and growth that they won’t find anywhere else.
Our boy-focused curriculum challenges and engages, while our caring faculty build strong relationships that inspire confidence and curiosity that lead to excellence. Through our Leadership Program, every boy develops real-world skills in communication, public speaking, and teamwork—giving them a distinct advantage as they move on.
Website | www.sterlinghall.com
Upper Canada College is an all-boys school located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Founded in 1829, the College enrolls 1,200 students from SK to Year 12 and teaches the International Baccalaureate program as an IB Continuum World School. The 35 acre main campus consists of two school buildings, dormitories and sport and playing facilities, while the College’s outdoor school, Norval, is an hour away and sits along the Humber river.
Website | www.ucc.on.ca