The Good School Book: A Guide to Private Education in Canada

Jane M. Wilson is a Toronto-based chartered financial analyst in the
investment business.

Beyond the telling title, the authors have set aside debate on the
relative merits of public and private schools and focused on mainstream
and preparatory private schools that are tailored to prospective
university students. The 65 selected are only a small fraction of all
independent schools across Canada. Each two- to three-page profile gives
basic information and a description of the campus, its locale,
facilities, prefect systems, and policies regarding sports, homework,
discipline, guidance, and tutoring. The information, current as of late
1992, includes average SAT scores for 22 schools, final marks of the
graduating class, and universities attended. The book also explains
provincial education systems and lists additional sources of
information. The authors provide guidance on what to look for, and offer
their own impressions gained from interviews and visits, but they do not
rate the schools. The animated but uncritical reports on their merits,
special features, and cultures are aimed at assisting in the selection
of the school most suitable for the individual student.

It is unclear whether the omission of particular features, such as
opportunities for gifted students, indicates their absence, and the
authors have taken a complaisant approach, noticeably in their general
comments. While this detracts somewhat from the book’s value, it will
ensure them continuing access to the schools for possible subsequent
editions.