Why Edmonton Public Schools?
Families looking for a large system where their child can try many subjects beyond the core curriculum look at this district. It accepts international students from grade 3 to grade 12, and the nearest airport is Edmonton International Airport. The city has about one million residents and offers big-city amenities at lower tuition than the Vancouver area, which helps families with tighter budgets.
- Well-rounded education: for students looking for a wide range of electives alongside academic courses.
- Student athletes: for students who need a flexible schedule that fits training and competition.
- Experienced district: for parents who want an institution with a long track record of working with international students.
Reasons: the concrete features of Edmonton Public Schools
Through its international student program, the district gives access to a respected network of schools. The program currently enrolls 233 international students. The following features form its core.
- 100+ electives: the district offers more than 100 complementary courses, so students receive a broad education and can explore their interests.
- ESL at every level: ESL support is available at all levels and focuses on reading, writing, listening and speaking, so language gaps are closed systematically.
- Full integration: international students attend the same classes as Canadian students, so language practice continues during lessons.
- Advanced Placement: the AP program lets university-bound students take advanced courses.
- Language courses: Cree, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish are offered, giving a rich choice of additional languages.
- Sports Alternative Programs: a flexible schedule is provided for elite athletes, so students who train intensively do not fall behind in class.
- Package accommodation: the Canada Homestay Network fee covers registration, placement, orientation, monitoring, guardianship and airport pickup, so families can plan around a single cost.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 13,500 | $13,500 CAD (2026/27) |
| Application fee | 250 | $250 CAD |
| Health insurance | 550 | $550 CAD |
| Homestay, full year | 16,290 | 5 Months Homestay Fee: $9,265 CAD (2026/27); 10 Months Homestay Fee: $16,290 CAD (2026/27). All-inclusive price covers registration, placement, orientation, monitoring, custodianship, airport transfers, and a $500 refundable emergency deposit. |
| Homestay placement fee | 0 / included | |
| Custodianship fee | 0 / included | |
| Estimated first-year total | 30,590 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,350 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 3,059 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 13,500, this fee is CAD 1,400 above the median of CAD 12,100 among 17 public school districts in Alberta.
Outcome: a student who finds their own interests and settles into the language
The result is a student who receives language support while exploring a wide range of courses and activities and charting their own path. For families, accommodation, guardianship and airport pickup are handled by a single provider.
- Broad horizons: students can try many areas, from academic clubs and photography to choir and leadership.
- Team sports: baseball, basketball, football, rugby, athletics and volleyball teams are available.
- City culture: Edmonton is Alberta's capital and is known as the Festival City.
- Flexible duration: full-year, single-semester and short-term options are offered.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Suitable profile: students who can take initiative in a large school environment and are willing to try different areas.
- Climate and scale: winters in Edmonton are cold and long. The district is very large, and international students are placed across its four high schools.
- Calendar and cost: there is no application deadline, but applying 3 to 4 months in advance is recommended. For 2026/27, full-year tuition is CAD 13,500 and single-semester tuition is CAD 6,750. The application fee is CAD 250 and health insurance is CAD 550. The current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- A full-year student needs a Study Permit, which IRCC decides on. High school students are exempt from the PAL. The homestay package includes guardianship, which meets the guardian requirement for students under 17. A five-month homestay costs CAD 9,265, and a CAD 500 emergency deposit is included in the package. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
Let us work out together which of the district's four high schools suits your child. Schedule a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.