The education system of Canada is highly regarded and valued globally. Local children and expats can attend any public school free of charge and get an exceptional standard of education. This reason leaves us with an important question: why do people look for international schools in Toronto?
The difference in schools of Toronto when it comes to the public, private and international is the option of boarding. Students can make the most of school life in private and international schools in Toronto because they offer accommodation.
When students choose the boarding feature, they can avail exceptional sports facilities and be part of extra-curricular clubs. These facilities offer a great experience and help build an international personality. Students who graduate from international schools in Toronto make it to top universities across the world.
Why Choose an International Schoool?
The curriculum is quite similar when it comes to education. However, international schools emphasize creating ‘global citizens who are at par to meet the international standards. Take the student body, for example; it consists of students from all nationalities rather than a majority of Canadians.
International schools follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is accepted globally. The IB diploma is a set standard of all international schools, and the same goes for Toronto. Some schools also offer the American High School diploma, and many parents choose that option.
Nevertheless, the Canadian curriculum is equally popular and accepted worldwide. Therefore, parents and students should not be concerned with the country’s education system. Another attraction towards international schools in Toronto is the country’s bilingualism.
Bilingual Education System
Canada’s two official languages are English and French, where both have equal power and standing in law and government. However, English is the preferred language in Toronto, and it is widely spoken in the city. Most international schools in Toronto teach the curriculum in English.
Several schools offer the choice to students to study in French if you prefer. On the other hand, it is provided as a second language in all schools. Many other languages are also offered to students who wish to learn additional languages. Toronto’s cultural diversity is one-of-a-kind, and whatever culture or language you want to expose your child to, you can find it in this city.
Location of International Schools in Toronto
The international schools in Toronto can be found across the urban and suburban areas built on beautiful locations. Starting from the northern suburbs all the way to the downtown area. Most of these international schools are located in Thornhill, North York and Avenue Road, Yonge Street. You will also find great options towards the bottom of the city on Mount Pleasant Road.
If you spread across downtown Toronto to the east and west side, many great options for international schools are available in both directions. Hamilton, Burlington and Whitby have some great options that can take your child away from the bustle and traffic of downtown Toronto.
The following ten international schools in Toronto are great options for your consideration. These international schools in Toronto offer extra curricula to meet the needs of international students. Students who graduate from these schools are placed in top universities across the world. The individuals are trained to become more competitive while staying humble at the same time.
Many schools offer boarding, which is a great option if you wish your children to avoid long commutes from school to home. International schools are great compared to public schools since they do not follow a standardized curriculum of Ontario. Although, as mentioned before, the Ontario curriculum is highly regarded internationally. Even then, students of international schools have better opportunities in the corporate and business world.
We at Moovaz have helped hundreds of families to move and settle down in Toronto. We offer moving services visa options, help with looking for a job and even find the right schools for your children. Get in touch today for more information.
Here are the top 10 international schools in Toronto:
German International School Toronto
The German International School is a private school that offers both German and Canadian curricula. The combination of both curriculums results in a unique yet highly demanding set of diplomas. The students are bilingual and can participate in German, English and French language competitions. Students start their studies in this school from the age of 4 and graduate at the age of 14.
The annual tuition fee is $9605 and the total for the first year, which includes admission and registration fees is $12,255.
Address: 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9A 1G9, Canada
Email: gistonline.ca
Phone: +1 416-922-6413
The Giles School
This school follows an international curriculum with instructions given in English and French. It was founded by Harry Giles in 1989 and continues to offer high-quality global education to all its students. Students come from as far as Port Credit Ontario and surrounding areas of Ajax, Markham and Richmond Hill.
The annual fee of The Giles School starts at $20,700 for Pre-Kindergarten, Junior to Grade 3 is $24,180 and from Grade 4 to 8 is $24,650.
Address: 0 Scarsdale Rd, Toronto, ON M3B 2R7, Canada
Phone: +1 416-446-0825
Branksome Hall
Branksome Hall follows the IB curriculum, which is accepted internationally. However, this is an all-girls school that starts at kindergarten and ends in grade 12. Being an authorized IB World School, Branksome Hall is offers boarding from grade 7 to grade 12.
The annual fee for Branksome Hall is $37,130. However, in the first year of enrolment, the school will charge $45, 6530 which includes one-time admission and registration fees.
Address: 10 Elm Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 1N4, Canada
Email: admissions@branksome.on.ca
Phone: +1 416-920-9741
Walden International School
Following the IB curriculum, Walden International offers global education along with service learning and wellness. Starting at Primary Years Program (PYP), it continues to middle school years. The best thing about this international school is that everything is nature-centric, whereby students focus on innovation and the environment. The planet-focused education is a great way to build respect for the natural world.
The annual fee of Walden International School is $16,690. Moreover, the registration fee is $2,500, which has to be paid just once.
Address: 2035 Upper Middle Rd E, Oakville, ON L6H 4L3, Canada
Email: info@waldenschools.com
Phone: +1 905-338-6236
Keystone International School
Established in 2012, the Keystone International School offers the Canadian curriculum taught through projects and an experiential learning approach. At this school, both local and international students can study starting at grade 7 all the way to grade 12. It is located at the heart of Toronto, which is a prime location for expat families. The elective of each student is a choice they make based on their career choices with the guidance of their counsellor and teachers.
The annual fee for Keystone International School is $16,200.
Address: 23 Toronto St, Toronto, ON M5C 2R1, Canada
Email: info@keystoneschools.ca
Phone: +1 416-422-4123
Bronte College
Bronte College offers Canadian, IB and Advanced Placement (AP) diplomas from grade 9 until grade 12. It was founded in 1991 and is located in Mississauga. Over these 30 years, Bronte College has offered excellent education and comfortable accommodation. The 400 students in the college come from 20 different countries, which makes studying in Bronte a unique and international learning experience.
The tuition fee for Bronte College is $21,000. The one-time registration fee is $2,500.
Address: 88 Bronte College Ct, Mississauga, ON L5B 1M9, Canada
Email: info@brontecollege.ca
Phone: +1 905-270-7788
J. Addison School
J. Addison School offers the Canadian and Montessori curriculum and is a well-reputed premier school in Toronto. The best thing about this school is that it provides an inclusive environment that fosters creativity, intelligence, and innovation. This all-inclusive environment is great for teamwork and cooperative learning.
The annual tuition fee for J. Addison School is $15,000.
Address: 55 Scarsdale Rd, North York, ON M3B 2R3, Canada.
Email: info@jaddison.com
Phone: +1 416-444-7644
WillowWood School
Established in 1980, WillowWood School focuses on dignity and other values that help build a remarkable human being. Through emotional intelligence and the right of learning valuable lessons, this international school speaks volumes about how to live life in difficult times. This is something very unique, and many expat parents prefer the teachings of WillowWood School over others.
The annual tuition fee for grade 1 students starts at $19,150 and goes as high as $24,600 for grade 12 students.
Address: 2 Valleywood Dr, Markham, ON L3R 8H3, Canada
Email: info@willowwood.com
Phone: +1 905-477-4999
Century Private School
Offering IB and Montessori curricula, Century Private School is built on character development, leadership and community service. Located in the western part of Toronto, this is another top choice for expat parents who wish to ensure that their children are well equipped for dealing with international challenges.
The annual tuition fee for each individual student is $22,800.
Address: 11181 Yonge St, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1L2, Canada
Email: info@centurypscanada.com
Phone: +1 905-737-1160
McDonald International Academy
Following the Canadian curriculum, McDonald International Academy was established in 1994. It is fully registered under the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training and is being credited by the same body. Following the high standards of North America, this academy is a vibrant hub of like-minded students and teachers who come from different backgrounds from the world.
The total annual fee for the first year adds up to $22,700.
Address: 920 Yonge St 2nd fl, Toronto, ON M4W 3C7, Canada
Email: info@mcdonaldinternationalacademy.com
Phone: +1 416-322-1502
Why are International Schools Great in Toronto?
Canada is the hub of international students and employees alike. Since the government offers countless opportunities to students who are studying in Canada, that being said, it is not news that students in Canada enjoy huge benefits when studying in public schools.
However, when it comes to international schools in Toronto, it provides students with an opportunity to stay focused on their field of study. Since international schools are the top choice for families that frequently travel and change places, an international curriculum keeps them grounded.
Students who are always moving from one country to another do not lose their focus on their studies and do not miss out on the curriculum. Being an international city with a high population of multicultural and bilingual individuals, Toronto makes an international school even more diverse. This may be the reason why these schools are so much in-demand in Toronto.
Finding the right school in Toronto for your children is a challenge many find overwhelming to surpass. However, at Moovaz, you can find help in finding the right fit for your child and lifestyle. Since all international schools follow either the Canadian curriculum, the IB curriculum or both, it gets easier to pick one.
Nevertheless, the children’s choice matters when they are at an age where they can make a decision. International schools in Toronto offer more than just an international curriculum; they also offer character building and self-esteem programs that make an individual competitive and smart for the life ahead.
Feeling ready to make the big move?
Head over here to begin your journey
Or start ticking off your relocation checklist here
