Why Conseil des écoles publiques de l’est de l’ontario?
Families who want a French-language public school without a religious identity often research this board. It runs 44 schools and serves about 18,000 students in Ottawa, a city where both official languages are spoken. Its international student program started in 2013.
- Dual-language diploma: Students who want to document their bilingualism alongside their high school diploma.
- Sports and arts: Students who want to combine an academic program with intensive sports or arts training.
- Short trial: A three-month program for families who want to test the French-language environment first.
Reasons: a bilingualism certificate and specialized programs
- Bilingualism certificate: Students earn it together with the OSSD, so they can show French and English proficiency with an official document.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Students with high academic goals can follow an international curriculum taught in French.
- Sports-Studies: Covers football, basketball, volleyball, ice hockey, skiing, tennis and swimming. Student-athletes train alongside their regular classes. Golf, skating and dance are also included.
- Fine arts: Covers visual and media arts, dance, music, theatre, and film and television. Students with artistic talent can start building a portfolio in high school.
- Specialist High Skills Major: Offers specialization in arts and culture, transportation, business, health and the environment, so students can explore a career field early.
- Accommodation: Families placed through Canada Homestay Network and Canadian Accommodation Services provide a private room and three meals a day, so the daily routine is set from the start. Students can also use the shared areas of the home.
- Seven high schools: International students are accepted at seven schools, so placement can match their interests.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 17,000 | $17,200 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 |
| Health insurance | 500 | $500 |
| Homestay, 10 months at CAD 1,600 | 16,000 | Placement: $500 (refundable deposit); Homestay Monthly Fee: $1,600 (Homestay fees must be paid directly to Canada Homestay Network / Canadian Accommodation Services); Custodianship: included as is airport pick up and drop off |
| Custodianship fee | 0 / included | |
| Estimated first-year total | 33,800 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,700 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 3,380 per month. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The district's own website lists CAD 17,000 for the 2026–27 school year, while its CAPS-I page shows CAD 17,200. This page uses the figure from the district's website.
The district has also published CAD 17,200 for the 2027–28 school year.
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 17,000, this fee is CAD 1,500 above the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: a strong French speaker with documented bilingualism
- Language advantage: Students study in French in a bilingual city, so they use both languages in daily life.
- Focused high school years: High school can be tied to a specific goal through sports, arts, health or environment programs. Preparatory and health programs are also options. Students can attend for a full year, one semester or three months.
- Predictable budget: Annual tuition is CAD 15,000, and one semester costs CAD 7,500, so families can plan costs in advance. Guardianship and airport pick-up and drop-off services are reported to be included.
- Small international group: About 40 international students attend, so students spend more time with local peers. The nearest airport is Ottawa International Airport.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Language level: Classes are taught in French. A student without a solid French foundation may take a long time to adjust. The student's French level should be assessed realistically before applying, starting with the three-month program if needed.
- Extra costs and deadlines: There is a CAD 300 application fee and a CAD 550 annual health insurance fee. Accommodation costs vary by provider. Applications close on May 31 and November 30. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Climate: Winters in Ottawa are long and cold, so students should come prepared. Programs longer than six months require a Study Permit. Only IRCC decides visa applications. Intakes are at the end of August and the end of January.
Let us identify together which CEPEO program suits your child. Plan your free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre now.