Why Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board?
Families who want Toronto's opportunities without sending their child to the city centre often consider this board. It runs 150 schools on the Lake Ontario shore at Toronto's western edge, including 26 high schools. It also has 123 elementary schools and currently hosts about 100 international students.
- Proximity to a major city: Students can study within 30 minutes of Toronto. Niagara Falls is about 90 minutes away by car.
- Academic programs: Suited to students preparing for university through IB or Advanced Placement.
- Easy travel: Suited to families seeking a region that can be reached from abroad on a direct or single-connection flight.
Reasons: large scale, strong academic programs and easy travel
- Scale: With over 85,000 students and 26 high schools, students have a wide range of school and course options. As Ontario's second-largest publicly funded Catholic system, it also offers stable resources.
- IB and AP: Advanced courses in these programs can strengthen a university application.
- ESL and newcomer support: English support and integration services help intermediate-level students move gradually into academic classes.
- French Immersion: Students can develop a second language alongside English.
- Airport: Toronto Pearson International Airport, the nearest to the region, offers non-stop flights to 180 destinations, making travel and family visits easier.
- Three entry periods: Students can start in September, February or July, when a summer ESL program runs. The board also offers full-year and single-term enrolment, plus short programs and a summer camp.
- Sports and fine arts: Programs in these areas let students pursue interests outside the classroom.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 14,800 | $14,800; Elementary School (Kindergarten – Grade 8) Full Year: $13,800 |
| Application fee | 500 | $500 (Application/Administration Fee) |
| Health insurance | 500 | Student Medical Insurance Fees Full Year: $500; 1 Semester: $300 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider, please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 15,800 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,480 per school month over a 10-month year. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
The same tuition figure is published on the district's own website, read on 11 October 2026. That page does not state which school year it applies to.
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 14,800, this fee is CAD 700 below the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: a university-oriented high school path near Toronto
- Strong application profile: IB or AP courses show a student's academic level clearly to universities.
- City experience: Proximity to Toronto and to Niagara Falls, about an hour and a half away, gives students a rich social environment.
- Clear cost: Annual high school tuition is CAD 14,800, or CAD 7,400 per term. Elementary and middle school tuition is CAD 13,800 per year.
- Smooth transition: ESL support and the summer program ease students' adjustment in the first months. The international group of about 100 gives students room to connect with local peers.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost of living: The Toronto area is one of Canada's more expensive regions, and accommodation costs vary by provider. There is also a CAD 500 application/administration fee and a CAD 500 annual health insurance fee. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying. Term-based health insurance costs CAD 300.
- Timeline: Applications close on June 15 and October 15, so students should allow time for visa processing. Studies longer than six months require a Study Permit, which IRCC decides on. High school students are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Students under 17 travelling without a parent are assigned a legal guardian in Canada.
- School character: The board is a Catholic school system. Large, crowded schools may not suit every student.
Let us identify together which Dufferin-Peel school suits your child. Request a free preliminary consultation from Canadian Edu Centre.