Why Greater Essex County District School Board?
Families who are wary of the Canadian winter and have noticed their child's interest in an applied, technical field usually research Windsor. The district is 370 km southwest of Toronto and educates about 36,000 students in 70 schools. It has 55 elementary schools and 13 high schools that accept international students.
- Mild climate: Suited to those who want to study in one of the regions of Canada with the fewest cold days.
- Technical interest: Suited to those who want to try aviation, robotics or STEM fields in high school.
- Flexible duration: Options range from a four-week experience to a multi-year diploma path.
Reasons: a mild climate, applied programs and on-site support
- Climate: The region gets 2,261 hours of sunshine a year and is one of the places in Canada with the fewest cold days, so adjusting to winter conditions is easier for the student.
- Applied programs: The Aviation, Robotics, E-STEAM, MySTEM and Culinary programs let students explore an interest hands-on in high school. Workplace experience can also be gained through Co-Operative Education and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
- Academic options: Advanced Placement, Dual Credit and the IB Diploma Programme offer advanced coursework. French Immersion and Creative Arts are also among the options.
- ESL: Four ESL programs are run in small, sheltered classes, so students with a lower language level can start classes with confidence.
- 13 high schools: International students are accepted at any of the 13 high schools, so the school can be matched to the program the student needs.
- MLI Homestay support: Four MLI staff living in Windsor-Essex provide legal guardianship, progress reports and 24-hour emergency support, so the family can stay informed from a distance. Host-family placement, local activities and adjustment reports are also part of this service.
- Sports: Many sports are available, including basketball, hockey, swimming, tennis, wrestling and curling.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 14,935 | Elementary $13,935 Secondary $14,935 |
| Application fee | 300 | $300 |
| Health insurance | 525 | $525 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider; please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 15,760 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,494 per school month over a 10-month year. 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 district has also published CAD 15,200 for the 2027–28 school year.
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 14,935, this fee is CAD 565 below the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: a supported student who discovers an interest in high school
- Finding direction: Applied programs help the student choose a university major more knowingly. Specialist High Skills Majors reflect this direction on the diploma.
- Secure supervision: Guardianship and local support come from a single provider, so the family knows who to turn to. The program can run from four weeks to a multi-year diploma path.
- Budget: Annual high school tuition is CAD 14,935, and the five-month semester fee is CAD 7,467.50. Full-year, single-semester and summer camp options are available.
- Multicultural setting: There are about 175 international students from 20 countries.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Location: Windsor is 370 km from Toronto and is a mid-sized city. The nearest airport is Windsor International Airport.
- Additional costs: There is a CAD 300 application fee and CAD 525 annual health insurance. Accommodation and guardianship costs vary by provider. The current fee should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Calendar: Applications close on June 1 and November 15, with intakes in September and February. A Study Permit is required for study longer than six months, and IRCC makes the decision. High school students are exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
Let us identify together the Windsor high school that matches your child's interests. Contact Canadian Edu Centre for a free preliminary consultation.