Why Niagara Catholic District School Board?
This region suits families who want their child to study close to Toronto but in a calmer setting. The region has a population of over 450,000 and is made up of 12 municipalities; the board educates 22,000 students. It has 48 elementary schools, 8 high schools and 4 adult education centres.
- Diploma goal: Students who want to graduate with the OSSD and prepare for university.
- Short experience: Those who want to start with a four-month high school program or group camps.
- Language support: Credit-bearing ESL at every high school and ESL support in elementary schools.
Reasons: ESL at every high school, a variety of program types and a strong homestay system
- Credit-bearing ESL: ESL credits are offered at all eight high schools; whichever high school the student attends, they receive language support and earn credit.
- AP and university-preparation courses: Advanced courses are offered to strengthen the application file. There is also a Specialized High Skills Major (SHSM) program.
- International Dual Diploma: The student can add the Ontario diploma to their education in their home country.
- Program variety: There are full-year, single-semester and four-month short programs, plus summer and winter camps. For groups, two- to six-week school integration experiences are organized.
- Accommodation standard: Students stay with local families who have been screened, interviewed and background-checked. Three meals a day are provided, seven days a week.
- Full-time coordinator: The homestay coordinator provides ongoing support.
- Activities: There are music, theatre, hockey and soccer clubs, and ski and snowboard clubs that meet once a week. Students can learn an instrument and take part in costume, set and audio-visual production.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 15,250 | High School $15,250 Elementary School $14,250 |
| Application fee | 400 | $400 (paid annually) |
| Homestay, full year | see text | Please consult Homestay Services for current fees |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 15,650 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,525 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 15,750 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 15,250, this fee is CAD 250 below the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: a student moving toward the diploma with language support
- Uninterrupted credits: Because ESL courses count for credit, the student progresses toward the diploma while learning the language.
- Safe home: Thanks to screened families and a full-time coordinator, the student lives in a safe environment with a local Canadian family.
- Fees: The annual high school fee is CAD 15,250, and the single-semester fee is CAD 7,625. The annual elementary school fee is CAD 14,250.
- Surroundings: There are about 250 international students. Toronto and Buffalo airports can be reached within an hour; Buffalo airport is 50 minutes away.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Additional costs: There is a CAD 400 application fee payable every year. Accommodation and guardianship costs are obtained from Homestay Services. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- School identity: The board is a Catholic school system. The language of instruction is English; French Immersion is offered to a limited extent.
- Calendar: The application deadline is June 30 for September entry and December 30 for February entry. Applying earlier is recommended because of visa processing times. Programs longer than six months require a Study Permit; IRCC makes the decision, and high school study is exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). A student under 17 who arrives without a parent is assigned a guardian in Canada.
Let us identify together which Niagara Catholic program suits your child. Plan a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.