Why Durham Catholic District School Board?
Families who want to live near Toronto but prefer a smaller, close-knit school community often choose the Durham region. The board suits parents who want a disciplined, values-based environment combined with language support.
- Proximity: According to the board's own description, downtown Toronto is a 30-minute drive away.
- Community: The board emphasizes a shared sense of belonging among family, school and the church community.
- Support: Students who are still developing their English have several support channels.
Reasons: what makes Durham Catholic stand out
The board has about 130 international students across its 46 schools. That number is small enough for each student to be known. Each form of support addresses a specific need of newly arrived students.
- Catholic tradition: The board upholds principles of excellence and equity, so order and mutual respect are central to school life.
- ESL teachers: English as a Second Language teachers work in the schools, so students can close language gaps while attending regular classes.
- Exam preparation: IELTS and TOEFL preparation courses are offered, so students can prepare for university language requirements within the school.
- Integration support: A Newcomer Orientation Week, in-school integration advisors and after-school study sessions help the first months go more smoothly.
- Advanced Placement: AP courses let academically strong students experience university-level content.
- Accommodation: Homestay placements are arranged through Muskoka Language International (MLI). Families are screened, and students usually live in a home near the school.
- Program variety: Options include full-year, single-semester, short-term, summer and winter camp programs, so families can choose the duration that fits their plans.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 16,200 | Secondary (Grades 9-12): $16,200.00 CDN – Two Semesters of Secondary School (maximum of 8 credits); Elementary (Grades K-8): $15,200.00 CDN – Full year of Elementary School (10 months); Adult Continuing Education: $1,800.00 CDN/Course; Summer School Credit Course: $1,625.00 CDN/Course |
| Application fee | 250 | $250 (non-refundable) registration fee for all new international students; $100 (non-refundable) for existing students renewing a visa |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider, please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 16,450 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,620 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 16,200, this fee is CAD 700 above the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
These offerings make the biggest difference for students with intermediate English who are going abroad for the first time. Students also get to know everyday Canadian life in a region with four distinct seasons. For families, the result is a gradual, supported transition.
- Quick adjustment: Layered language and integration support helps students keep up with grade-level classes sooner.
- Academic preparation: AP courses and language-exam preparation happen under one roof, which simplifies the path to university.
- Safe daily life: A host family near the school reduces parents' concerns about transportation.
- City access: Proximity to Toronto Pearson International Airport makes travel easier.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: The two-semester high school fee is CAD 16,200, and a single semester is CAD 8,100. The new-student registration fee is CAD 250. Homestay costs are set separately. Families should confirm current fees with the school before applying.
- Application timeline: The deadline for a September start is April 30, and for a February start it is November 30. The Study Permit process should be added to this timeline.
- School identity: As a Catholic board, the schools may include religion classes and faith-based activities. Families should consider this in advance.
Is Durham Catholic the right environment for your child? In a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre, we will review language level, budget and application dates together.