Why Grand Erie District School Board?
Families who plan their budget carefully and are looking for a quality public high school within reasonable distance of Toronto look at this region. The board serves about 30,100 students in 73 schools. Safe city centres, historic towns and rural areas all fall within the district. The board names affordability for international students as a priority.
- Affordable fees: Suited to families looking for relatively low tuition in Ontario.
- Intensive language environment: Suited to those who want full immersion in English at schools with very few international students.
- Small-city safety: Suited to parents who want their child to live in a calm, safe setting.
Reasons: low fees, few international students and university connections
- Fee level: High school tuition for 2026-27 is CAD 13,750. In 2025-26 it was CAD 13,600.
- Few international students: There are 11 international students in the district, so the student spends most of the time with Canadian peers.
- Four high schools: Brantford Collegiate, Pauline Johnson Collegiate, North Park Collegiate and Paris District High School accept international students. Placement is made through these schools.
- AP and dual credit: Advanced Placement courses and dual credits with universities and colleges are available. A Canadian Indigenous Studies course, about Canada's Indigenous peoples, is also taught.
- ESL and French Immersion: Language support and an intensive French program are offered. Education can be taken in English, French or both.
- MLI Homestay: A private room with a study area and three meals a day are provided.
- Nature and sports: The Grand River, conservation areas, cycling, skiing, curling and hockey are all available.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 13,750 | 2025-2026 Fees $13,600 (Secondary), $12,700 (Elementary); 2026-2027 Fees Secondary $13,750; Elementary $13,115 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | Please confirm directly with them |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 14,050 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,375 per school month over a 10-month year. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
2026-27 secondary fee.
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 13,750, this fee is CAD 1,750 below the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: a deep Canadian experience on an affordable budget
- Fast language development: A student who cannot find friends speaking their own language has to use English in every setting.
- Budget advantage: The single-semester high school fee is CAD 6,875. Full-year, single-semester, short-term and summer options are available.
- University preparation: AP and dual credit courses strengthen the application file. Sports and fine arts programs support development outside the classroom.
- Accessibility: The nearest airport is Toronto Pearson. The Niagara Falls area is also nearby.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Social adjustment: The international student community is very small. Shy students may feel lonely in the first months. Outgoing, independent students benefit most.
- Homestay age and fees: MLI Homestay accepts students aged 13 and over. The accommodation cost is obtained from the provider. The application fee is CAD 300. The current fee should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Calendar and visa: Applications for the September term close on May 31, and applications for the February term close on November 30. Late applications are considered case by case. Programs longer than six months require a Study Permit, and IRCC makes the visa decision. A student under 17 who arrives without a parent must have a guardian appointed in Canada. High school study is exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
Let us assess together whether Grand Erie fits your budget and your child's goals. Plan a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.