International schools in Canada are independent or private schools that offer a curriculum based on international standards. These schools have a diverse student population of teachers and students from different countries and provide quality education.
The best international schools offer programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), the British Curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels), the American Curriculum, and the French Curriculum. They have high academic standards, smaller class sizes, and many extracurricular activities.
If you are looking for an international school in a specific city or program, this guide can help. Below, we provide a comprehensive look at the schools in Canada, including the costs, to help you find one.
International Schools in Canada – Key Takeaways
Which are affordable international schools in Canada?
Canada has international schools with affordable fees that provide quality education. These top universities are located all around the country, with courses available for different budgets. The table provides a list of the best international schools with cheaper fees.
| University | Average tuition fees for Canadian citizens | Average tuition fees for International students |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon University | $4,401 | $16,284 |
| University of Northern British Columbia | $5,989 | $26,753 |
| University of Saskatchewan | $7,549 | $36,535 |
| University of Guelph | $6,091 – $7,051 | $34,698 |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | $2,880 – $6,480 | $12,900 – $21,630 |
| University of Winnipeg | 4,490 – $5,150 | $16,692 – $20,081 |
| University of Alberta | $7,012 | $33,968 |
| University of Calgary | $7,100 | $28,460 |
Source: Universities Canada
Top International Schools in Canada
The best international schools are institutions known for their strong focus on academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and a diverse array of subjects. They offer quality education that develops leadership skills and supports the academic and personal development of students from around the world.
Canada ranks 4th among destinations for quality education. With diverse curricula and teaching methods, these schools are staffed by qualified teachers and have different admission standards. Here is a list of the best international schools to explore.
Lakefield College School
Lakefield, Ontario
- Tuition fees: $47,300 – $82,400
- Class sizes: 14 students
- From 13 to 18 years
Lakefield College School is a private school that provides a co-education program based on the Canadian curriculum. It is preparing students for higher education, with excellent admission rates. This private school offers sports at different levels, from beginner to highly competitive classes. It is one of the best schools with a hands-on approach and plenty of resources for day and boarding schools.
Branksome Hall
Toronto, Ontario
- Tuition fees: $40,940 – $50,440
- Class sizes: 18 students
- From 4 to 17 years
Branksome Hall is a private school for girls with day and boarding schools. This international school follows the International Baccalaureate, an important career-related program. This private school has a strong reputation for creating global and diverse communities, preparing students for higher education. It has unlimited resources, a calm teaching environment, and excellent student behavior. The institution provides an urban setting where students can excel in different subjects, especially in math and physics, and achieve great academic potential.
Bodwell High Private School
North Vancouver, British Columbia
- Tuition fees: $47,725
- Class sizes: 20 students
- From 13 to 18 years
Bodwell High School is a university-preparation, co-educational boarding school located in British Columbia. Students can pursue various advanced academic courses and interscholastic sports, which encourages students to meet like-minded individuals and make friends. This private school grants affordable tuition rates for international students and their parents. It is one of the best schools due to its rigorous International Baccalaureate program, large campus, and various extracurricular activities.
Southpointe Academy
Delta, British Columbia
- Tuition fees: $49,025
- Class sizes: 20 students
- From 5 to 18 years
Southpointe Academy is a private school based on the International Baccalaureate program. It is a co-education day school with summer program camps for arts, academics, sports, and outdoor education. Besides, education in Canada is ranked among the highest in the world, and with options such as Southpointe Academy, students get a top-tier education. Teachers have plenty of resources to captivate students and create a unique learning environment.
NOIC Academy
Toronto, Ontario
- Tuition fees: $21,000 – $50,000
- Class sizes: 5 to 15
- From 14 to 18 years
NOIC Academy is one of the high-end schools in Canada for international students. The program is based on the International Baccalaureate with a high university acceptance rate. Once enrolled, students gain access to a range of advanced placement courses. NOIC combines rigorous coursework with leadership training so students can obtain a globally recognized degree.
International schools located in Toronto provide many opportunities for Americans moving to Canada. The Toronto region offers excellent business development, job prospects, and a high quality of life for parents and children.
J. Addison School
Markham, Ontario
- Tuition fees: $18,000 – 46,500
- Class sizes: 10 to 20 students
- From 4 to 18 years
J. Addison School is one of the most well-known international schools in Canada. It is a day and boarding school with diversified programs. J. Addison School focuses on local and international students with families around the world. J. Addison School uses International Baccalaureate, Canadian Curriculum, Montessori, and other programs. Graduates get individualized attention from qualified teachers for every subject. Enrolled students at J. Addison School can explore scholarships, which make the schools in Canada for international students more accessible to low-income families.
How to Choose the Right International School in Canada
The international school you choose will depend on a couple of factors, such as your preferred curriculum (IB, American, or provincial), budget, location, and boarding options.
- Curriculum: Many international schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB), American, or advanced Canadian curricula. Choose the school that offers a curriculum that aligns with where you want to go to university (whether in Canada or the U.S.)
- Location: Do you want an international school in major cities like Toronto or Vancouver? Note that schooling in Québec requires French education for many foreign nationals.
- Accreditation: Ensure the school you choose is fully accredited by the appropriate provincial ministries of education, the Council of International Schools (CIS), and the Canadian Education Council (CEC).
- Tuition: Assess different schools and choose the one that aligns best with your budget. International schools in Canada cost anywhere from $18,000 CAD to over $82,000 CAD. Also, boarding options are usually more expensive.
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