Primary, secondary education in Toronto, Ontario 2024

Canada has long been on the list of the most popular countries for foreign students along with America, Britain and Switzerland, and secondary education in Toronto is no exception. Toronto is one of the most comfortable cities in Canada. Toronto is home to Young Street, the longest street in the world, a huge number of museums, and hosts many music festivals and cultural events. Also there are hundreds of educational institutions located here, thanks to which Toronto can be confidently called a city of youth — Toronto secondary schools will always be comfortable, efficient, in demand and prestigious.

Toronto is universally recognized as the most prosperous and safe Canadian city, this information is confirmed by the annual rating prepared by The Economist magazine. Toronto ranks fourth in the ranking in relation to the aggregated indicator of quality of life. The following are the two main reasons for choosing elite schools in Toronto to receive a high-quality secondary education:

• Application of modern teaching methods

• Effective pre-university preparation.

In addition, advanced secondary schools in Toronto are included in the list of the top best schools in the world, not inferior to the ranking educational institutions of the United States and offering lower tuition.

In Toronto, primary education spans grades 1 to 8, starting around ages 6-7 and concluding at 13-14 years. The system includes Junior Kindergarten for 4-5 year olds and Kindergarten for 5-6 year olds. International students under 18 must have a guardian in Canada. A key benefit of studying in Toronto’s top-ranked schools is the high-quality academic education, preparing graduates for prestigious universities in Canada, the USA, and the UK.

Anna Parkhomenko

Ridley College Admission Manager

When should you start the Canadian school application process? What should applicants prepare for?

Typically, Canadian boarding schools accept applications all year round - as long as there are places. However, I advise you to start the process in February-March - this way you will have enough time to prepare (including for visa issues), and you are more likely to find a free place on the desired course.

Admission requirements may vary as schools set them independently. However, among the universal requirements, one can note the report cards, recommendations, certificates of the level of the English language. Some schools continue to use entrance tests, but in recent years, most have switched to interviews: this provides a more holistic, personalized approach.

• Language of Instruction: English or French, with no uniform education standards across Canada, allowing provinces to tailor programs to their needs.

• Language Support: Effective English or French courses for foreign students, significantly improving language skills within months.

• Semester System: Many top schools in Toronto offer 3-semester programs, enabling faster completion of studies.

• Credit System: Students earn academic credits towards graduation.

• Education Programs: Options include the classic secondary education program, Advanced Placement with specialized subjects, and the International Baccalaureate, granting global university access without entrance exams.

• St. Andrew’s College: A boys-only school focusing on holistic development, offering middle and senior programs for overseas students. Fees start from CAD 55,000.

• Columbia International College: Caters to ages 13-18, providing preparatory programs for university entrance exams. Known for its supportive environment.

• Brookes Shawnigan Lake: Offers high school and International Baccalaureate programs, with a strong focus on the arts. Fees begin at CAD 47,500.

• Trafalgar Castle School: An all-girls school excelling in pre-university preparation, with a high university acceptance rate. Tuition averages around CAD 59,515.

• Branksome Hall: An all-girls institution in central Toronto, offering the International Baccalaureate. Semester fees are approximately CAD 28,565.

• Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or DALF for French-taught programs).

• Academic assessments (SAT or equivalent tests).

• Application package including form, fees, recent report cards, and teacher recommendations.

• Guardianship for minors.

• Personal interview and medical clearance.

Tuition fees for overseas students range from CAD 20,000 to 65,000 per year, influenced by the school’s location, prestige, and offered programs. This often includes accommodation, with additional fees for registration and non-refundable deposits.