39 best boarding schools in Toronto, Ontario 2024

Today, obtaining high quality education in Canada is a great opportunity for the international students. Toronto is one of the most prosperous and safest cities in Canada, in the annual ranking of The Economist magazine, Toronto ranks fourth in terms of overall quality of life. The main reasons for choosing studying in Canada are the modern approaches to education, high quality pre-university preparation. The schools in Toronto are included in various tops of the best educational institutions in the world, are not inferior in quality to American ones and will pleasantly please in terms of price.

The question arises: how to choose school in Toronto? Firstly, it is necessary to choose between state and private school. For the international students the tuition fee in the state schools in Toronto accounts on average 12,000 $CAD per year. However, the schools of such type do not offer accommodation and do not solve the question with migration service (according to Canadian law, children under the age of 18 are required to have a guardian). One of the main advantages of studying in the best boarding schools in Toronto is very high level of academic preparation – the graduates of private schools in Toronto successfully enrol in the ranking universities of the USA, England and Canada. Despite the high price of studying, among the foreign schoolchildren, closed boarding schools in Toronto are more in demand, which provide housing, food, and also permanent supervision is established here for the child.

As a rule, the international students live on the territory of the residences. The tuition fee in the private schools in Toronto accounts for 30,000-60,000 $CAD per year. Language of instruction and language courses with the study of English/French: in Canada there are not unified educational standards, each province is guided by its own needs and traditions. In the east and south-east of Canada, schools teach in French, and in the rest of the country — in English. As a rule, in the schools in Toronto linguistic courses are developed with the studying of English/French for the foreign students, and in a few months, these classes will allow you to achieve impressive progress.

Toronto's boarding institutions maintain specific language and academic standards for student admission:

• Language Proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL for English, DALF for French.

• Academic Assessments: Potential requirements include the SSAT or CAT, with possible essay writing or internal exams.

• Application Process: Involves submission of an application form (approximately $200 CAD fee), past report cards, and teacher recommendations.

• Residency and Guardianship: Students from outside Canada must have local accommodation and a guardian.

The process typically includes an interview with the admission team and a medical check-up.

Anna Parkhomenko

Ridley College Admission Manager

How much should parents budget for additional expenses each year, besides tuition and living fees?

Usually this is $ 2000-3000 CAD per year: textbooks, form, etc. + sports equipment, additional excursions and trips. Everything else is already included in the cost of the school course, but families are trying to provide children with an additional 2000-3000 $ CAD per year for pocket expenses, walks, shopping, ordering food and other pleasures. Although, of course, each family determines the last amount independently.

Fees range from $20,000 to $65,000 CAD annually, varying based on factors like location, accommodation quality, institution's status, and program types. Additional expenses may include registration fees and non-refundable deposits upon acceptance.

• St. Andrew's College: A boys-only institution focusing on comprehensive development. Offers middle and high school programs starting from $55,000 CAD.

• Columbia International College: Caters to ages 13-18, emphasizing university readiness. Average tuition is $44,454 CAD.

• Brookes Shawnigan Lake: Renowned for exceptional arts education, offering high school and IB programs. Fees start at $47,500 CAD.

• Trafalgar Castle School: Specializes in education for girls 10-18 years old, with a strong university prep focus. Tuition is about $59,515 CAD.

• Branksome Hall: An all-girls institution in central Toronto offering the International Baccalaureate, with semester fees beginning at $28,565 CAD.

• Accelerated Programs: Some institutions offer 3-semester programs for quicker completion.

• High School Emphasis: Despite accepting younger learners, high school programs are especially popular among overseas students.

• Credit System: A specific number of academic credits are required for diploma attainment.

• Program Diversity: Offerings include traditional secondary education, Advanced Placement, and the International Baccalaureate, facilitating global university access.

Applying to boarding schools in Toronto for foreign students involves several key steps. Here's a guide to help you through the process:

• Research and Select Schools. Start by researching boarding schools in Toronto to find those that best match your academic and personal interests. Consider factors like academic programs, extracurricular activities, school size, and location. Websites, forums, and school rankings can be helpful resources.

• Understand Admission Requirements. Each school has its own set of admission requirements. Common requirements include academic records, standardized test scores (like the SSAT), letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. Some schools might also require an interview, either in person or via video call.

• Prepare for Standardized Tests. If the school requires tests like the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test), make sure to prepare well in advance. There are many resources available online for test preparation.

• Gather Necessary Documentation. This includes academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (like TOEFL or IELTS scores if you're a non-native English speaker), passport copies, and financial documents. Ensure all documents are translated into English, if necessary.

• Apply for a Study Permit. As an international student, you will need a Canadian study permit. This requires acceptance from a school, proof of financial support, and a clean criminal record. The process can take several weeks or months, so it's best to apply as soon as you receive school acceptance.

• Submit Applications. Apply to the schools of your choice, adhering to their application deadlines. This often involves filling out an application form, writing a personal essay, and submitting your documents and test scores.

• Interviews and Interaction. Some schools might conduct interviews as part of the application process. Be prepared to discuss your academic interests, extracurricular activities, and reasons for wanting to attend the school.

• Wait for Acceptance Letters. After submitting your applications, there will be a waiting period before you receive responses from the schools. If accepted, you will typically receive instructions on the next steps, such as paying a deposit to confirm your place.

• Plan for Accommodation and Arrival. Once accepted, you’ll need to arrange for accommodation if it's not provided by the school. Also, plan your travel to Toronto, keeping in mind the start dates of the school term.

• Prepare for Life in Toronto. Familiarize yourself with Canadian culture, the local area of the school, and the weather in Toronto, especially if it's very different from your home country.

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