Published: May 31, 2025 | Location: Barrie, Ontario
Introduction
Barrie, Ontario, offers a diverse array of educational institutions catering to students from kindergarten through grade 12. The city is served by multiple school boards, including the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB), Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB), and French-language boards such as Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. Additionally, Barrie hosts several private and independent schools, providing families with various educational options to suit their preferences and needs.
Public School Boards in Barrie
Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)
The SCDSB oversees numerous elementary and secondary schools in Barrie, offering programs in English and French Immersion. The board emphasizes student achievement, well-being, and community engagement. For a comprehensive list of schools under the SCDSB, visit their School Search tool.
Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB)
SMCDSB provides Catholic education from kindergarten to grade 12, integrating faith-based learning with academic excellence. The board offers French Immersion programs and focuses on nurturing the spiritual and intellectual growth of students. More information can be found on their official website.
French-language School Boards
Barrie is also served by two French-language school boards:
- Conseil scolaire Viamonde: Offers secular French-language education. Website: csviamonde.ca
- Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir: Provides Catholic French-language education. Website: cscmonavenir.ca
Elementary Schools in Barrie
Elementary schools in Barrie cater to students from kindergarten through grade 8. Below is a selection of elementary schools within the city:
- Algonquin Ridge Elementary School – 191 Golden Meadow Road
- Allandale Heights Public School – 124 Bayview Drive
- Andrew Hunter Elementary School – 50 Lampman Lane
- Ardagh Bluffs Public School – 159 Summerset Drive
- Assikinack Public School – 226 Little Avenue
- Emma King Elementary School – 83 Grove Street East
- Ferndale Woods Elementary School – 170 Ferndale Drive South
- Hewitt’s Creek Public School – 41 Madelaine Drive
- Mapleview Heights Elementary School – 180 Esther Drive
- Portage View Public School – 124 Letitia Street
For a complete list and details of elementary schools, refer to the SCDSB’s School Search tool.
Secondary Schools in Barrie
Barrie hosts several secondary schools serving students from grades 9 through 12. These schools offer a variety of programs, including French Immersion, Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM), and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Public Secondary Schools
- Barrie North Collegiate Institute – 110 Grove Street East
- Bear Creek Secondary School – 100 Red Oak Drive
- Eastview Secondary School – 421 Grove Street East
- Innisdale Secondary School – 95 Little Avenue
- Maple Ridge Secondary School – [Address not specified]
Catholic Secondary Schools
- St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School – 201 Ashford Drive
Private Secondary Schools
- Unity Christian High School – 25 Burton Avenue
Special Programs and Opportunities
Barrie’s schools offer various specialized programs to cater to diverse student interests and career pathways:
- French Immersion: Available in several elementary and secondary schools, enabling students to become proficient in both English and French.
- Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM): Programs allowing students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
- Advanced Placement (AP): Courses that offer university-level curricula and examinations to high school students.
- Cooperative Education: Provides students with real-world work experience related to their academic studies.
Private and Independent Schools
In addition to public schools, Barrie is home to several private and independent schools offering alternative curricula and specialized programs:
- Kempenfelt Bay School: Offers education from kindergarten through grade 8 with a focus on academic excellence and character development.
- Barrie Montessori & Private Elementary School: Provides Montessori-based education emphasizing individualized learning.
- Blyth Academy Barrie: Offers personalized education for grades 5 through 12, focusing on small class sizes and flexible scheduling.
- Thor College: [Details not specified]
- Seven Oaks Academy: [Details not specified]
Conclusion
Barrie, Ontario, offers a comprehensive and diverse educational landscape, accommodating various learning styles, languages, and religious affiliations. Whether families are seeking public, Catholic, French-language, or private education, Barrie’s array of schools provides ample opportunities for students to thrive academically and personally. For the most current information on school programs, enrollment, and zoning, it’s recommended to consult the respective school board websites or contact schools directly.