Why Eastern Townships School Board?
Families looking for a calm, safe environment close to nature usually turn to smaller communities. This region is a good option for parents who want to combine English-language schooling with the daily life of a French-speaking area.
- Nature: life in the foothills of the Appalachians, around lakes such as Memphrémagog and Massawippi.
- Bilingualism: an English-language school with, if desired, a French-speaking host family.
- Budget: a region where tuition and accommodation fees are relatively affordable.
Reasons: what makes Eastern Townships stand out
The board operates 26 schools in southeastern Quebec, between the St. Lawrence plain and the United States border. The region's main cities are Sherbrooke, Granby and Magog. The international student program has been running since 2009.
- Family selection: because the board selects host families itself, it oversees the quality of accommodation directly.
- Language preference: English-speaking, French-speaking or bilingual family options are available, so the student can decide which language to develop at home.
- Advanced Placement: AP courses are offered, so academically strong students can work with university-level content.
- Concentrations: there are sports, science, performing arts and visual arts concentrations, so students can devote more time to their interests.
- Vocational education: a vocational option called Vocational Studies is available in grades 7-11, also serving students who want a hands-on route.
- Winter sports: the Bromont, Sutton and Owl's Head ski resorts are in the region.
- Short term: there are three- to four-month programs starting in the fall term, so families can try the experience before committing to a full year.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 13,000 | $13,000 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 |
| Health insurance | 650 | $650 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | Homestay Placement: $300; Custodianship: $250 |
| Homestay placement fee | 300 | |
| Custodianship fee | 250 | |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 14,500 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,300 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 13,000, this fee is CAD 800 below the median of CAD 13,800 among 6 public school districts in Quebec.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
These features provide a good basis for students who want to study safely in calm surroundings and develop two languages at once. The region is also home to the Mont-Orford and Frontenac national parks and the Mont-Mégantic dark-sky reserve. At the end of the school year, recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority. Students under 17 travelling without a parent must have a guardian in Canada; the board offers this service for an annual fee.
- Bilingual development: the student follows an English-language diploma program while learning French in daily life.
- Individual attention: in a program with about 60 international students, each student is followed closely.
- Healthy living: nature and sports opportunities reduce time spent in front of a screen.
- Affordable cost: tuition and accommodation offer a budget advantage.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: full-year tuition is CAD 13,000 and homestay accommodation is CAD 1,100 per month. There are also a CAD 300 application fee, a CAD 300 placement fee, CAD 650 health insurance and a CAD 250 guardianship fee. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Timeline and documents: intakes are in August and February. The application deadline is April 1 for the fall term and November 15 for the winter term. In Quebec a CAQ must be obtained before the Study Permit, which lengthens the process.
- Location: the region consists of rural areas and small cities. The nearest airport is in Montreal. High school ends in grade 11 (Secondary V), so the next steps need to be planned in advance.
Is a bilingual high school experience close to nature right for your child? We can look at the Eastern Townships option together in a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.