Why Edmonton Catholic Schools?
Families who value character, want a disciplined school environment and are looking for a capital-city setting at a reasonable cost may consider this district. Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, and its nearest airport is Edmonton International Airport. The district has about 51,000 students. Its international group is relatively small, so students can be followed closely.
- Values-based environment: for parents who see academic success and character development as going together.
- Language support: for students who need to raise their English to an academic level.
- Capital-city opportunities: for young people who want to study in a city of roughly one million people.
Reasons: the strengths of Edmonton Catholic Schools
The district aims to inspire learning and prepare students as global citizens. Its international program has been running since 2003.
- Open to all faiths: the district accepts students from around the world and embraces all beliefs, so families of different faiths can apply.
- Alberta curriculum: students earn the province's official high school credentials.
- EAL: English as an Additional Language classes run alongside regular academic courses.
- Advanced Placement: AP courses let university-bound students take advanced classes.
- Sports and arts: soccer, hockey, baseball and golf programs, plus music, visual arts, drama and dance, let students develop their talents at school.
- Nine high schools: international students are accepted at nine schools, with 120 to 150 students enrolled at any time, so the group is neither overwhelming nor isolated.
- All-inclusive homestay: the Canada Homestay Network package covers placement, orientation, monthly monitoring, guardianship, airport pickup, three meals a day and 24/7 emergency support.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 12,750 | $12,750 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 (nonrefundable – new applications only) |
| Health insurance | 550 | $550 (Full year) |
| Homestay, full year | 15,690 | 10 Months Homestay Fee: $15,690; 5 Months Homestay Fee: $8,665 |
| Estimated first-year total | 29,290 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,275 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 2,929 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 12,750, this fee is CAD 650 above the median of CAD 12,100 among 17 public school districts in Alberta.
Outcome: a student who lives both values and academics
Students improve both their language and their academic level in a structured, supportive school culture. Parents benefit from accommodation and guardianship being handled in a single package.
- Academic reputation: the district is known for academic excellence and student support.
- Clubs: student council, choir, jazz band, drama, environment, travel and cooking teams.
- City life: Edmonton is known for its river valley and its live music and arts scene.
- Duration: students can attend for a full year or a single semester.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: students who can adapt to a structured, values-focused school culture and are ready to live in a large city.
- Faith environment and climate: education is delivered in a faith-based setting, which families should consider in advance. Winters in Edmonton are cold and long.
- Calendar and cost: the application deadline is May 31 for September entry and October 31 for February entry. February entry is open only to grades 10 to 12. Tuition is CAD 12,750, the application fee is CAD 300 and health insurance is CAD 550. Fees may change, so they should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Stays longer than six months require a Study Permit, which IRCC decides on. High school students are exempt from the PAL. Students in K-6 are accepted only when living with a parent or relative. A five-month homestay costs CAD 8,665. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
Let us discuss whether the district's environment matches your expectations. Request a free preliminary consultation from Canadian Edu Centre.