Studying high school in Canada
Are you moving to Canada with your children or considering sending them to Canada for high school studies? Both offer the opportunity for your children to thrive in a safe and supportive environment while receiving a world-class education.
Secondary education lasts from grades 9 to 12 in most Canadian provinces and territories , except for Quebec, which starts in grade 7 and ends in grade 11. After completing secondary school at age 17 or 18, students can continue on to college or university.
High-quality education, high-achieving students.
Canada boasts some of the strongest academic achievements among students worldwide. That's why Canada is a fantastic choice for secondary education. In fact, sending your child to Canada for high school is one of the best ways to prepare them for university or college.
Canadian youth are among the children who receive the best education in the world. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) assesses and ranks education systems worldwide. In its most recent assessment, Canada ranked 6th in reading, 12th in mathematics, and 8th in science. Canada also has the second-highest high school completion rate globally.
In terms of educational excellence, Canada currently ranks 3rd among the 15 wealthiest countries in the world. The quality of its education system is recognized as one of Canada's greatest strengths [1] . Much of Canada's success is due to its exceptional teachers. Canadian teachers have a minimum of a bachelor's degree and one year of practical teacher training. Many go on to obtain master's degrees. Teachers are required to regularly upgrade their skills through continuing education and professional development.
Standards and quality assurance
Canada's 10 provinces and 3 territories oversee their education, and each education ministry recognizes the importance of maintaining high standards. Through the Council of Ministers of Education Canada, a national body, they make major policy decisions and design initiatives using provincial and territorial partners as a benchmark [2] . This ensures quality and consistency in the education system.
Studying high school in Canada
Each province and territory determines when the school year begins and ends, although it typically starts in September and ends in June. School hours are usually from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or later, Monday through Friday. Some students attend summer classes. This occurs when they need to complete a course they did not finish during the school year.
For students who are permanent residents or citizens of Canada, or the children of international students or workers in Canada, education is free for all students in the public school system. High school students must attend school until the age of 16 or 18, depending on the province or territory.
Public high school
Many Canadian public high schools now accept international students into their programs. Publicly funded schools are managed at the local level by elected school boards, which provide the standard curriculum or learning program. Almost all public schools have co-educational classes. They only offer daytime schooling programs.
In most parts of Canada, international students can choose to study in English, French, or both. Some provinces offer separate school systems that include religious classes. These are part of the public school system and are open to everyone.
Many parents send their children to Canada for a study abroad experience. You can do the same. Students live with Canadian families, learn about the culture, gain lifelong memories, and receive an excellent education.
Private high schools
Canada also has private high schools that charge tuition fees. Private schools must provide the same curriculum as public schools in the province or territory. This ensures that students complete the same coursework as they would in the public school system.
Class sizes in private schools are typically smaller than in public schools, where students may benefit from specialized programs. Some private schools will offer religious programs as well as standard school subjects. Occasionally, private schools are established exclusively for boys or exclusively for girls.
Private high schools include boarding schools (with accommodation), alternative schools, international baccalaureate programs, and specialized athletic programs or schools for students with disabilities.
High school tuition fees in Canada
Public high schools or secondary schools are free in Canada for residents of the country. Schools charge tuition fees for international students, which can range from approximately CAD 8,000 to CAD 14,000 per year. Please check with the school you wish your child to attend to confirm the costs for international students.
Sometimes, schools charge a small fee for your child to participate in additional activities, such as sports teams or school trips. In high school, many students bring their own lunches to school; however, some schools have cafeterias or hot lunch programs where your child can purchase food.
Educational requirements
To get into a high school in Canada, your child may need to demonstrate:
- Completed a certain number of points corresponding to the grade levels in Canada.
- English or French language skills
- Academic results or report cards from your home country
Use this national directory of (public and private) schools to identify a Canadian school and then determine the requirements your school looks for in international students.
How to register
Contact KeyApply by scheduling an online or in-person consultation to share your needs. KeyApply will handle school registration and apply for a study permit for your child.