Why Ottawa-Carleton District School Board?
Families who want their child to study in the national capital, in a safe and orderly city, often choose Ottawa. The board is the secular, English-language public school board in the city and hosts about 566 international students. International students are accepted from junior kindergarten through Grade 12.
- University goal: Students who want to graduate with the OSSD and prepare for university or college. One- or two-semester academic and cultural experience options are also available.
- Wide school choice: Families who want to choose among many high schools based on their child's interests.
- Transparent costs: Parents who want to see the accommodation cost clearly from the start.
Reasons: the capital city, a broad school network and a transparent fee structure
- 25 high schools: International students are accepted at 25 high schools, so families can choose the school that best fits the program, the student's interests and the accommodation location.
- IB and AP: The International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement are offered, so students can follow advanced coursework suited to their target university.
- Credit-bearing ESL: ESL courses carry credit, and intensive ESL is available at the Young People's Language School, so students build language skills while progressing toward their diploma. Summer and winter camps are also held.
- TOEFL iBT preparation: Exam preparation is offered, so a student planning to apply to university can prepare for the language certificate within the school.
- Guardianship included: The guardianship fee is part of the tuition, so families do not need to look for this mandatory service separately.
- Published accommodation fee: Homestay accommodation is listed at CAD 15,843 for the full year and CAD 8,768 for one semester, so the total budget can be calculated in advance.
- Vetted families: All host families go through a background check and a coordinator visit. Students get a private room and three meals a day, and the families are expected to offer a warm, caring and supportive environment.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 15,800 | $15,800 |
| Application fee | 400 | $400 |
| Health insurance | 600 | $600 |
| Homestay, full year | 15,843 | Homestay Placement Fee: $400 (annual); Homestay Fee: $8768 for one semester or $15,843 for the full year; Custodianship Fee: included in tuition |
| Homestay placement fee | 400 | |
| Custodianship fee | 0 / included | |
| Estimated first-year total | 33,043 | Tuition, the listed fees, insurance and homestay for one school year. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,580 per school month over a 10-month year. With homestay and the listed fees, the year comes to about CAD 3,304 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 district has also published CAD 16,300 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 15,800, this fee is CAD 300 above the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: a student preparing for university in the capital
- Strong preparation: IB, AP and TOEFL preparation equip students for university applications. The program has run since 1997, so the board's experience in this area is well established.
- Calculable total: Tuition and accommodation together come to about CAD 31,600 per year, so families face no surprises.
- Rich school life: Rowing, rugby, hockey and basketball teams, plus choir, chess and photography clubs, give students a wide community. Baseball, golf, soccer, volleyball and track and field are also options, and there are band, theatre and ski clubs.
- Easy arrival: Ottawa International Airport is the city's own airport.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Additional costs: A CAD 400 application fee, a CAD 400 annual placement fee and a CAD 600 health insurance fee are paid separately. Current fees must be confirmed with the school before applying. A single semester of tuition is CAD 7,900.
- Climate: Winters in Ottawa are long and cold, so students should arrive with suitable clothing and be prepared for the weather. A Study Permit is required for study longer than six months, and IRCC makes the decision. High school study is exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL).
- Large international program: The number of international students is high, so students need to make a conscious effort to build local friendships. Application dates must be confirmed with the school. Intakes are in September and February. Recognition in the student's home country is handled by that country's education authority.
Let us work out together which of Ottawa's 25 high schools suits your child. Contact us for a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre.