Why CECCE – Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est?
Families who want their child to learn French seriously but prefer to study in Ontario rather than Quebec look at this board. It has about 31,000 students, and most of its schools are in Ottawa. It also has schools in Kingston, Brockville and Pembroke.
- Bilingual goal: Students who want to keep up their English while studying in French.
- Life in the capital: The Ottawa region has a population of over one million. The nearest airport is Ottawa International Airport.
- French-school background: Students coming from a French-medium school in their home country who want to advance their French.
Reasons: French-language education, a capital-city location and a wide school network
- French as the language of instruction: Classes are taught in French, and English is compulsory. The student develops both official languages at the same time.
- Wide school network: There are 46 elementary schools and 14 high schools. About 5,000 staff serve the students.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): This internationally recognized program offers an academically ambitious path.
- Focus programs: Programs are available in sports, fine arts, business and management, health and the environment.
- Flexible duration: Full-year, single-semester, short-program and summer-camp options are available, so a family can start with a short experience. There is also a virtual learning academy, with an annual fee of CAD 10,000.
- Homestay: Host families are selected through the partner organization Canada Homestay Network.
- Continuous enrolment: Applications are accepted throughout the year, so the preparation timeline is flexible.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 15,500 | $15,500 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 |
| Health insurance | 850 | $850 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider (CHN), please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 16,650 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,550 per school month over a 10-month year. 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 15,500, this fee equals the median among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: a bilingual high school experience in the capital
- Language gain: The student uses French as the everyday school language and keeps up English through classes and city life.
- Academic options: With IB and the focus programs, a plan can be built around the student's university goal. International students are accepted at 14 high schools.
- Clear budget: The annual fee is CAD 15,500, and the single-semester fee is CAD 7,750.
- City amenities: Ottawa is Canada's fourth-largest urban area. There are about 87 international students, so the student spends most of the time with local peers.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Language level: A student without at least beginner-level French may struggle in class. The level should be assessed honestly from the start.
- Additional costs: There is a CAD 300 application fee and annual health insurance of CAD 850. Insurance for one semester is CAD 425. The accommodation cost is obtained from the provider. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Climate and values: Winters in Ottawa are cold. The schools have a Catholic identity, which the family should consider in advance. A Study Permit is required for study longer than six months, and IRCC makes the decision. A student under 17 who arrives without a parent must have a guardian appointed in Canada. The intake periods are late August and January or February.
Let us assess together whether French-language education is the right path for your child. You can book a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.