Schools in Canada for Students
In Canada, education starts at the age of 4 and includes 12 years of schooling from elementary to high school diploma. This education system is known as K-12. In the province of Quebec, high school lasts for 11 years, followed by a two-year pre-university program.
Schools in Canada operate five days a week, and the academic year runs from late August to early June. Given the country’s bilingual nature, education is offered in both English and French across Canada.
Two of the Best School Boards in Ontario
Some Schools in YRDBS
- Alexander Mackenzie High School
Location: Richmond Hill, Ontario
- Huron Heights Secondary School
Location: Newmarket, Ontario
Click here to see the full list of YRDBS schools
Some Schools in TDSB
- Bloor Collegiate Institute
Location: Toronto, Ontario
- Georges Vanier Secondary School
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Website
Click here to see the full list of TDSB schools
Here are some of the best schools in Canada:
- Upper Canada College
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Known for: Comprehensive education, international programs, and leadership training
- Brentwood College School
Location: Mill Bay, British Columbia
Known for: Focus on sports, fine arts, and academics
- Appleby College
Location: Oakville, Ontario
Known for: Comprehensive education, innovation, and leadership programs
- St. George’s School
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Known for: Strong academic programs and emphasis on personal development
- Collège Stanislas
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Known for: High-level education in French and diverse cultural programs
- Lord Byng Secondary School
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Known for: Fine arts, music, and drama programs
- Ottawa-Carleton District School Board
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Known for: Bilingual programs and cultural activities
- St. Michael’s Secondary School
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Known for: International programs, modern languages, and sports activities
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Elementary and High School Education in Canada
In Canada, elementary school begins with either kindergarten (preschool) or Grade 1, typically between the ages of 4 to 7, and continues until Grade 8, covering students between 13 to 14 years old. The school year usually starts in September and ends in June of the following year. Most elementary schools in Canada are coeducational, meaning that boys and girls study together in the same classroom. They remain in these schools until they transition to high school.
The curriculum in elementary schools is comprehensive, covering fundamental subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics, along with history, geography, technology, music, science, arts, and physical education. In some regions, French and other foreign languages, which were previously introduced only at the high school level, are now being taught in the later years of elementary school.
When students complete Grade 8, they move on to high school, which starts from Grade 9 (ages 14 to 15) and continues until Grade 12 (ages 17 to 18). High schools in Canada typically offer two educational pathways: an advanced track, which prepares students for university, and a general track, which prepares students for local colleges or technical schools.
Requirements for Studying in Canadian Schools
International students who wish to study in Canada must meet certain admission requirements. One of the key conditions is having good academic records from the past two years. Schools require students to submit report cards that demonstrate their performance over the last two academic years.
Another important factor is financial ability. Most schools require students to pay tuition fees in advance, often for at least one academic year. Without this payment, the school does not issue the final acceptance letter, which is necessary for the student visa application. Additionally, demonstrating strong financial proof can increase the chances of obtaining a visa.
Although providing a language proficiency test score such as IELTS or TOEFL is not mandatory, students must have sufficient English or French language skills to succeed in school. This ensures that they can understand lessons and communicate effectively with teachers and classmates.
Cost of Studying in Canadian Schools
Tuition fees for public and private schools in Canada vary depending on several factors. Public schools are free for Canadian citizens, but international students must pay tuition, which is generally lower than private schools. On the other hand, private schools charge different tuition fees based on whether a student is a domestic or international applicant. The cost of tuition depends on factors such as school location, facilities, academic reputation, and achievements.
Admission of international students at the elementary level is uncommon, but high school and pre-university applications are more frequently accepted. Tuition fees for high schools range from $8,000 to $40,000 CAD per year, depending on whether the school is public or private and its specific conditions.
Another factor influencing tuition fees is whether a school is boarding or day school. Boarding schools, which provide 24-hour supervision and additional educational programs, tend to have higher tuition fees. Day school students, on the other hand, need to consider additional living expenses, which typically range between $800 and $1,500 CAD per month, depending on the city, lifestyle, and personal expenses.
Accommodation and Living Conditions in Canada
Many Canadian schools provide accommodation options for students. These include dormitories, residence halls, townhouses, and apartments, located either on-campus or nearby.
Dormitories are large buildings that accommodate multiple students. Townhouses are independent residences where three to six students live together. The size and quality of dormitory rooms vary, and these accommodations typically include shared kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities, which are managed by the school.
Many dormitories also feature dining halls, where students can purchase meal plans. Dormitories are often segregated by gender, and students may share a room with one or two roommates. Schools charge separate accommodation fees, which typically range from $3,000 to $7,500 CAD per year.
An alternative to school dormitories is the Homestay program, in which international students live with a Canadian family that has been pre-approved. These families provide students with a private room and three daily meals. This program is particularly beneficial for improving language skills, as students are fully immersed in an English- or French-speaking environment and experience Canadian culture firsthand.
Academic Calendar in Canadian Schools
The school year in Canada begins on September 1st, and international students must ensure they obtain their visa and arrive in Canada before this date. Schools may have different academic calendars, particularly private schools, which have more flexibility in setting their schedules. The academic year ends in June.
During the school year, students have holidays for the New Year and spring break, which often align with the end of one semester and the beginning of another. If an international student cannot arrive by September 1st, they must coordinate with the school to make alternative arrangements.
Iranian Schools in Canada
For families who want their children to learn Persian while studying in Canada, several Iranian schools are available in different cities. Some of these schools include:
- Alborz International School
- Toronto Persian School
- Iranian School of Canada
- Dehkhoda Persian School
These schools offer Persian language courses alongside the standard school curriculum, with Persian-speaking teachers to help students maintain their connection to their native language and culture.
Visa Requirements for Accompanying Parents
For international students under the age of 12, a parent or guardian must accompany them to Canada. In such cases, the parent is granted a five-year visitor visa to stay with the child.
For students aged 12 to 18, having an accompanying guardian is not mandatory, but parents can apply for a visitor visa if they wish to accompany their child. If approved, they receive a five-year visitor visa.
Custodian Requirements for Minors in Canada
If an international student is under 18 years old and traveling to Canada without their parents, they must have a custodian (guardian). This custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The parents in the home country and the custodian in Canada must sign an official document to confirm the legal guardianship arrangement. In most cases, if a child is under 10 years old, one of the biological parents must accompany them to Canada.
This requirement ensures the safety and well-being of young students and provides them with a secure and supportive environment for their education.
How to Get Started?
If you are interested in studying at a Canadian high school, i2Canada represents many public and private schools and is ready to assist you with the application process.
To begin, it is recommended that you review the necessary requirements and documents to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. For more information, you can contact our office in Toronto via WhatsApp or Telegram. Our team provides a free initial assessment to help guide you through the process.