Why Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board?
Families who want an Ontario diploma but are wary of Toronto's costs and crowds often look to the province's mid-sized cities. The board offers the OSSD pathway in three lakeside cities, with a very low share of international students. It has 41 schools, five of which are high schools that accept international students. The program is open to students aged 14 to 19.
- OSSD seekers: Students who want to graduate with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
- Few international peers: Students who want to study mainly alongside Canadian classmates.
- Faith-based education: Families who prefer a Catholic school culture.
Reasons: what makes the board fit this need
- OSSD pathway: The program leads to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, which is university-preparatory and widely recognized.
- Low international share: There are 47 international students among 12,800 students, under 3%, so English is used throughout the day.
- Three city options: Trenton (population 43,000), Belleville (51,000) and Kingston (140,000).
- IB and French Immersion: Both are offered, giving academically ambitious students another route.
- Widespread ESL: English as a Second Language support is available across the schools, not just at one.
- Homestay: Accommodation includes a private room, three meals a day and transport to most appointments.
- Five high schools: Of the 41 schools, five high schools accept international students, so there are suitable options.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 13,750 | $13,750 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 |
| Health insurance | 550 | $550 or $300 (5 months or less) |
| Homestay, 10 months at CAD 970 | 9,700 | Annual Homestay Placement Fee: $500 one time; Annual Custodianship Fee: $400; Homestay Monthly Fee: $970 |
| Homestay placement fee | 500 | |
| Custodianship fee | 400 | |
| Estimated first-year total | 25,200 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,375 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 2,520 per month. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The tuition figure comes from the district's CAPS-I page. We could not confirm it, or the school year it applies to, on the district's own website on 11 October 2026; we request the current fee schedule for you before you apply.
The other items are taken from the district's CAPS-I member page, read on 11 October 2026. Items shown as "see text" could not be read as a single amount and are left out of the total.
How this fee compares
At CAD 13,750, this fee is CAD 1,750 below the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
- Recognized diploma: The OSSD can be used for university applications in Canada and abroad. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
- Fast language development: With few international students, the student speaks English constantly, and most classmates and teammates are Canadian.
- Calm lakeside life: Mid-sized cities are more manageable than a metropolis. Kingston suits families who want a bigger city, while Trenton and Belleville suit those who want a smaller scale.
- Flexible duration: Options include a full year, a single semester and four-month terms, which let families try the program out. A single semester costs CAD 7,000. Health insurance for up to five months costs CAD 300.
Who it suits and what to consider
- School identity: The board offers a Catholic educational environment, so families should ask about school culture before applying. The choice of city, the student's interests and any interest in IB should be settled with the board.
- Additional costs: These include a CAD 300 application fee, a CAD 500 placement fee, a CAD 400 annual guardianship fee, CAD 550 for health insurance and CAD 550 to 650 for airport transfers. Guardianship is mandatory for students under 17 who arrive without a parent, so it should be budgeted from the start.
- Transport and fees: The nearest airports are Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Kingston. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying. A Study Permit is required for study longer than six months and is decided by IRCC. Preparation for the September 1 and February 1 intakes should begin months ahead.
Would you prefer to earn an Ontario diploma in a calmer city? Book a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre and we will compare Trenton, Belleville and Kingston together.