Why Central Québec School Board?
Families who want their child to learn French in everyday life as well turn to Quebec. The board suits the bilingual goal of parents looking for small schools in historic Quebec City where each student is known.
- Two languages: an English-language education while living daily life in a French-speaking city.
- Small scale: an uncrowded program with about 40 international students.
- Interests: a high school program enriched by sports, arts or technology concentrations.
Reasons: what makes Central Québec stand out
The board's territory covers almost one third of the province. International students are hosted at schools in Quebec City and at one school in Saguenay. The program has been running since 2010.
- Long history: having served the English-speaking community since 1867, the board has an established educational tradition.
- Exam results: its small high schools are presented as having top-level success rates in the provincial ministry's common exams, and academic follow-up is strong.
- Language choice: students can study in English, in French or in a combination of the two; the student sets the language goal.
- Concentrations: options include soccer, hockey, basketball, Mandarin, robotics, CISCO IT Essentials, music, drama and media.
- Homestay: families chosen through the schools and the local community provide a private room and nutritious meals. A bilingual family option is also available.
- Placement: the homestay placement service is included in the fee, so there is no separate payment for this item.
- Duration options: full-year, five-month and four-month programs are available, so a family can begin with a short term.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 13,800 | $13,800 |
| Application fee | 400 | $400 (non-refundable) |
| Health insurance | 500 | $500 for the year ($50/month) |
| Homestay, full year | 16,250 | Homestay placement: Included; Full Year Homestay Fees: $16,250; Half Year Homestay Fees: $8,775; Annual Custodianship Fee: $500 non-refundable |
| Homestay placement fee | 0 / included | |
| Custodianship fee | 500 | |
| Estimated first-year total | 31,450 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,380 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 3,145 per month. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The tuition figure for the 2026–27 school year was confirmed on the district's own website on 11 October 2026.
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 13,800, this fee equals the median among 6 public school districts in Quebec.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
A strong option for students who also want to learn French and do not want to get lost in a large international group. Proximity to ski resorts makes the winter months worthwhile too. The nearest airport is Jean Lesage Airport in Quebec City. At the end of the year, recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority. For students under 17 travelling without a parent, guardianship is provided through the board.
- Bilingual gain: English develops at school, French in the city and at home.
- Close follow-up: the small school scale allows teachers to know each student well.
- Rich high school life: concentrations support the development of talents beyond the classroom.
- Clear budget: because the accommodation fee is stated per year, the total cost can be calculated in advance.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: full-year tuition is CAD 13,800 and homestay accommodation is CAD 16,250 per year. Added to this are a non-refundable CAD 400 application fee, CAD 500 health insurance and a CAD 500 guardianship fee. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Quebec-specific procedures: a CAQ is obtained before the Study Permit. The board has no application deadline but asks that time be allowed for CAQ and Study Permit processing. High school is completed in grade 11 (Secondary V).
- Climate and choice: Quebec City receives a lot of snow. The number of high schools accepting international students is limited, so school choice is narrow.
If you are considering a bilingual high school experience, book a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre, where we can plan Quebec's application steps together.