Canada’s private boarding schools are a unique combination of tradition and a progressive approach to education. Education in Canadian schools opens the door for graduates to the world’s leading universities. At the same time the cost of education here is much lower than in the USA or Europe. And these school also provide a Montessori cultural curriculum to toddlers.
Living conditions at boarding schools for international students in Canada meet the most demanding requirements: the campuses are much better equipped than American or British schools. Children live in spacious, well equipped 1-2 person rooms. There are always supervisors in the dormitories, so students are looked after 24 hours a day. And when you consider that Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world, it is obvious that there is no reason to worry about your child. The meals are full boarding.
Advantages of attending an international boarding schools in Canada
The best private boarding schools in Canada offer a number of advantages for foreign children, so many foreign parents choose Canada as the main place to educate their children. Learning Benefits:
Learning English as a global means of communication
Students can learn English as their primary language or as a second language among native speakers. There are many English language learning options available in each country, but the fully immersive environment, constant communication and instruction in English allows for confidence and fluency very quickly.
Round-the-clock care, dormitory supervision, extracurricular activities
When deciding to educate their child abroad, parents face a number of questions: how to ensure safety, supervision, help and care, comfortable living and eating conditions. Canadian international private schools have earned a reputation for high levels of safety and supervision. Schools are staffed by professionals educated in a healthy and holistic approach to child and adolescent development. Private schools offer a variety of recreational activities, including sports, arts and crafts, and social projects.
Experienced Counselors
For international students it is a great advantage to have access to experienced teachers 24 hours a day to solve everyday problems with their studies and life abroad.
Convenient Residential Programs
The best private schools in Canada offer day study or boarding school life. Different types of boarding allow students to choose a convenient format: school days, weekends, and vacations.
Extended Academic Periods: year-round enrollment and accelerated graduation
Some international private schools allow students to take full advantage of year-round enrollment and the trimester system. This option allows new students to start the school year during any semester, or for those who are determined to accelerate their time abroad. Such a system allows students to return home sooner if they so choose, or to be able to enroll early in university. For example, Bodwell’s systematic approach allows effective completion of a three-year degree in two years, ensuring academic progress and satisfactory grades.
Preparing for Admission to Foreign Universities
Graduates of elite private schools have access to exceptional universities in North America, Europe. Canada and the United States boast some of the best universities in the world, and students from abroad can also prepare for Canadian university entrance here. Successful completion of the Canadian school allows foreign applicants to apply to a number of universities in Canada without passing the TOEFL and IELTS language tests. Many private international schools hold university fairs, employ highly skilled career guidance counsellors, and choose the institution for further education.
Optimal ratio of students and teachers
However, one of the main advantages of private education is the limited class size, teachers use an individual approach to communicate with students, and have additional resources to support students. The average class size in a private educational institution is 15-20 students.
Life in the community.
A key advantage of choosing a private boarding school in Canada is living with your peers, developing communication skills, establishing an extensive network of acquaintances, and building a sense of belonging and pride. Living in a residence develops the ability to respect the rules of the community, respect others’ boundaries and build their own, and take care of material possessions. Independent living abroad helps students quickly acquire valuable life skills that are useful for those who plan to continue their studies in a foreign country: taking care of the cleanliness of the room, maintaining their closet, and eating.
Admission to Canadian boarding schools and tuition costs
Canadian boarding school tuition prices are pleasantly different from similar programs in the U.S. or Europe. The average cost is about 50,000 Canadian dollars per year. The amount usually includes all costs associated with education and accommodation.
Many private schools accept new students not only in September but also in the middle of the year. To enroll in a Canadian school you need to:
- Decide on a school.
- Complete the application form and pay the application fee (about $200).
- Take the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) or CAT (Canadian Achievement Tests). Some schools may also ask you to write essays or take an internal exam.
- Take the ELTS or TOEFL language proficiency test. If the student will be studying in French, DALF.
- Grades for the past 2 years.
- Complete an interview with the school representative (usually via Skype).
- Pass a medical examination.
Applications are usually accepted throughout the year. But it is better to check the conditions at a particular school. And do not forget to take into account the time for obtaining a visa – late to the beginning of classes at the school is highly discouraged.
