Both lead to the same provincial diploma; the main differences are who runs the school, how students are admitted, where they live, and what the family pays.
- Governance: Public schools are operated by publicly funded school districts or boards and follow the provincial curriculum. Private schools are independent organizations that operate under provincial rules and set their own programs and fees.
- Admission: Public districts usually place students using school reports and their own assessments. Private schools are often more selective and may ask for an entrance test and an interview.
- Accommodation: Public school students normally live with a host family (homestay) or with a parent. Many private schools offer on-campus boarding as well as day places.
- Cost: Published full-year public district tuition ranges from CAD 9,500 to CAD 18,500. Private tuition alone is about CAD 18,400 to 45,200, and about CAD 34,450 to 88,100 with boarding (Canada High Schools school database, October 2026).
- Same diploma: A student who meets the provincial graduation requirements earns the same provincial diploma in either type of school.
Please note: Fees change every year; confirm the current figure with the district or school before you apply.
Official sources: CMEC: Education in Canada, An Overview · CAIS Boarding Schools: How to apply
Would you like these answers applied to your child's situation?
An advisor reviews your child's grade, goals and budget and replies within 1 to 2 business days. The first consultation is free.
More questions on this topic
- How does the Canadian high school system work?
- How many years is high school in Canada, and which grades does it cover?
- Is a Canadian high school diploma such as the OSSD or the Dogwood Diploma recognized internationally?
- When does the school year run in Canada, and how are semesters organized?
- When should students apply for September or February entry?
- Do Canadian high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs?
- Is English the only language of instruction in Canada, or can students study in French?
- Are French immersion programs open to international students?
- Are there differences between the education systems of Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec and the other provinces?