Ridley College
St. Catharines, Canada
About Ridley College
Ridley College is an independent school serving students from junior kindergarten through Grade 12 in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1889, it emphasizes intellectual, physical and moral development, inquiry-based learning, wellbeing and community. Its offerings include boarding education, summer day camps, sports camps, summer boarding and a Summer Academy open to current Ridley students and students from other schools.
Teaching style
Ridley combines inquiry-based learning, physical education and community experiences with an emphasis on developing the whole child. Its Summer Academy advertises low student-to-instructor ratios and groups of no more than 15 students, while its leadership offering uses hands-on learning inside and outside the classroom.
Reputation & Succeed take
Ridley has operated since 1889 and documents participation in the CAIS peer review process. The school reports that 93% of its 2026 graduates received an offer from one of their top three university choices. These are provider-reported institutional claims.
Our take
Ridley is worth considering for families seeking an established independent school that combines academics, physical development, wellbeing and community. Its summer offerings also provide a way for students from other schools to access academic learning on campus.
Ridley's distinguishing features include education from junior kindergarten through Grade 12, boarding, a whole-child educational philosophy and a range of summer academic and camp offerings. The supplied evidence does not support rankings or direct comparisons with other providers.
Who this provider suits
Who should choose them
Families seeking JK–Grade 12 independent education with an emphasis on inquiry, physical education, wellbeing and community should consider Ridley. Students interested in boarding or campus-based summer academic learning can also explore its offerings.
Who it may not suit
Students seeking education beyond Grade 12 should look for a provider serving that educational level.
Accreditations & Recognition
International Baccalaureate
The Canadian Accredited Independent Schools
Contact
Frequently asked questions
Programs by Ridley College
Advanced Functions, Grade 12, University Prep (MHF4U) Course
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
28 Jul – 22 Aug 2025
Duration
4 weeks
Advanced Performance Competitive Hockey: Select to AAA
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
10 Aug – 14 Aug 2026
Duration
1 week
Advanced Visual Arts and Ceramics Camp
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
July to August 2026, 3 sessions
Duration
1 week
Bio Bob: Genomes and Environments
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
July 2026, 2 sessions
Duration
1 week
Camp Ridley: Day Camp Boarding
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
June to August 2026, 6 sessions
Duration
2 or 4 weeks
Chemistry in Action
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
June to August 2026, 2 sessions
Duration
4 days
Coding Camp
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
20 Jul – 24 Jul 2026
Duration
1 week
Courts (Basketball, Volleyball, Dodgeball)
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
June to August 2026, 3 sessions
Duration
1 week
Explosions Camp
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
July to August 2026, 4 sessions
Duration
1 week
Fields (Flag Football, Soccer, Field Hockey, Rugby)
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
June to August 2026, 7 sessions
Duration
1 week; 4 or 5 camp days
Functions, Grade 11, University Prep (MCR3U) Course
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
28 Jul – 22 Aug 2025
Duration
4 weeks
Future Doctors
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
July to August 2026, 3 sessions
Duration
1 week
Future Engineers
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
July 2026, 2 sessions
Duration
1 week
Future Leaders
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
July to August 2026, 2 sessions
Duration
1 week
Leadership Program
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
June to August 2026, 2 sessions
Duration
4 weeks
Leading your Peers
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
June to August 2026, 2 sessions
Duration
1 week
Niagara River Lions x Camp Ridley
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
July 2026, 3 sessions
Duration
1 week
Principles of Mathematics, Grade 10, Academic (MPM2D) Course
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
28 Jul – 22 Aug 2025
Duration
4 weeks
Principles of Mathematics, Grade 9, Academic (MTH1W) Course
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
28 Jul – 22 Aug 2025
Duration
4 weeks
Rowing: Experience Junior Rowing Development
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
June to July 2026, 2 sessions
Duration
2 weeks
Rowing: Learn to Row
Organised by Ridley College
Dates
June to July 2026, 2 sessions
Duration
2 weeks