What makes a school the best fit
- Academic program: IB, AP or the provincial diploma, and the support available
- University results and the quality of university counselling
- Pastoral care: house parents, homestay coordinators, 24/7 support
- Class size and English support for new students
- Location, climate and the size of the international community
- Total cost compared with your budget
Well-known CAIS boarding schools
Many families start with the accredited independent boarding schools that have hosted international students for generations. These are some of the CAIS schools in our guide that offer boarding.
| School | City | School type | Annual fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albert College | Belleville, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 94,000 |
| Appleby College | Oakville, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 96,010 |
| Ashbury College | Ottawa, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 87,660 |
| Balmoral Hall School | Winnipeg, Manitoba | CAIS school | CAD 75,200 |
| Bishop's College School | Sherbrooke, Quebec | CAIS school | CAD 89,900 |
| Branksome Hall | Toronto, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 90,710 |
| Brentwood College School | Mill Bay, British Columbia | CAIS school | CAD 105,000 |
| Havergal College | Toronto, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 87,485 |
| King's-Edgehill School | Windsor, Nova Scotia | CAIS school | CAD 79,950 |
| Lakefield College School | Lakefield, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 90,800 |
| Pickering College | Newmarket, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 89,400 |
| Queen Margaret's School | Duncan, British Columbia | CAIS school | CAD 85,480 |
| Ridley College | St. Catharines, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 92,500 |
| Rosseau Lake College | Rosseau, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 83,000 |
| Rothesay Netherwood School | Rothesay, New Brunswick | CAIS school | CAD 89,000 |
| Shawnigan Lake School | Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia | CAIS school | CAD 104,640 |
| St. Andrew's College | Aurora, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 88,660 |
| St. George's School | Vancouver, British Columbia | CAIS school | CAD 105,200 |
| St. Michaels University School | Victoria, British Columbia | CAIS school | CAD 101,290 |
| Stanstead College | Stanstead, Quebec | CAIS school | CAD 90,000 |
| The Bishop Strachan School | Toronto, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 86,000 |
| Trafalgar Castle School | Whitby, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 86,500 |
| Trinity College School | Port Hope, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 94,500 |
| Upper Canada College | Toronto, Ontario | CAIS school | CAD 87,580 |
| Bodwell High School | North Vancouver, British Columbia | Private school | CAD 59,500 |
| Bronte College | Mississauga, Ontario | Private school | CAD 51,200 |
| Brookes Westshore | Colwood (Victoria area, Vancouver Island), British Columbia | Private school | CAD 66,365 |
| Columbia International College | Hamilton, Ontario | Private school | CAD 53,500 |
| Great Lakes College of Toronto | Toronto, Ontario | Private school | CAD 39,800 |
| J. Addison School | Markham, Ontario | Private school | CAD 48,000 |
| London International Academy | London, Ontario | Private school | CAD 51,000 |
| Luther College High School | Regina, Saskatchewan | Private school | CAD 60,210 |
| Nancy Campbell Academy | Stratford, Ontario | Private school | CAD 38,775 |
| Niagara Christian Collegiate | Fort Erie, Ontario | Private school | CAD 56,495 |
| St. Margaret's School | Victoria, British Columbia | Private school | CAD 88,059 |
| William Academy | Cobourg, Ontario | Private school | CAD 45,800 |
Fees are the published annual fees for international students for 2026–27 where available (boarding schools include room and board). Always confirm with the school.
Schools with IB and AP programs
In our guide, 59 schools and districts offer the International Baccalaureate and 80 offer Advanced Placement courses — both highly valued by universities worldwide.
| Programs | Schools listed |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 59 |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | 80 |
| French Immersion | 59 |
| Sports academies | 61 |
| ESL / English support | 34 |
| Homestay arranged by the school | 124 |
Do not overlook public school districts
Several public school districts are among the most sought-after destinations for international students because of their strong academic results, IB programs and excellent homestay networks — at a fraction of private school fees. For many students, the best school is a well-run public school in a welcoming community.
Not sure which Canadian high school fits your child?
We help international families compare schools, fees, boarding and homestay options, and handle the study permit process.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best high schools in Canada for international students?
Families often consider CAIS-accredited boarding schools such as Upper Canada College, Appleby College, St. Andrew's College, Shawnigan Lake School or Brentwood College School, as well as top public school districts with IB programs. The best choice depends on your child's goals, English level and budget.
Are Canadian public schools good?
Yes. Canada's public education systems consistently perform well in international comparisons such as OECD PISA, and many public districts offer IB, AP and specialised academies.
How do I choose between schools?
Start with goals (university plans, language, sport or arts), then budget and location. An advisor can shortlist schools that fit and check availability for your intake.