Why Renfrew County District School Board?
This board suits families who want their child to live inside a small Canadian community rather than be part of a large international group. The board has more than 9,000 students, 7 high schools and 21 elementary schools. It lies in the Ottawa Valley, extending from Arnprior in the south to Deep River in the north.
- Full language immersion: Students who want to learn English in schools with very few international students.
- Hands-on education: Students who value sector specialization and workplace experience.
- Proximity to the capital: Families who want to combine small-town life with easy access to Ottawa. The nearest airport is Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
Reasons: small community, sector specializations and proximity to Ottawa
- Very few international students: The board has about 10 international students. In class and in social life the student spends time almost exclusively with Canadian peers.
- Specialist High Skills Major in 13 sectors: 13 fields are offered, including Hospitality and Tourism, Health and Wellness, and Transportation. It gives the student's diploma a sector focus.
- Cooperative Education: Through workplace-based learning the student gets to know the Canadian work environment while still in high school. This experience is an early addition to their resume.
- Seven high schools: Placement can be made according to the accommodation address. International students are accepted in grades 9-12.
- Proximity to Ottawa: Arnprior, on the southern edge, is less than an hour from the capital. The nearest airport is in Ottawa, so travel remains reasonable.
- Flexible duration: Full-year, single-semester and short-term options are offered. The dates of the short program can be discussed.
- Sports programs: Students can build a circle of friends through school teams. The language of instruction is English.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|
CAPS-I lists no fees for this board. We request the current fee schedule for you before you apply.
CAPS-I lists no fees for this board and refers applicants to YES Canada.
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.
Outcome: a student who truly blends into a Canadian small-town community
- Rapid language development: Because the student has to use English in every setting, fluency increases in a short time.
- Career awareness: Sector specialization and work experience help the student make a more informed choice after high school.
- Close attention: In a mid-sized board, teachers get to know and follow the student more easily. The board has 28 schools in total. In a small school community the student joins teams and activities more easily.
- Calm living: The Ottawa Valley towns offer a safe and simple daily routine. Student intakes are in September and February.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Fee information: The CAPS-I page does not list tuition or accommodation fees. The information is obtained from YES Canada, and the current fee must be confirmed with the school before applying. For accommodation, the same organization's homestay unit is contacted. The family should not finalize its budget before obtaining this information.
- Social adjustment and location: The international community is very small and the settlements are rural. It is better suited to independent, outgoing students. Winters are cold.
- Program and calendar: The page does not mention an IB or AP program. The application must be completed three months before the start date. The program began in 2017-18 and is relatively new. A Study Permit is required for programs longer than six months. The visa decision is made by IRCC. High school study is exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) requirement. A custodian in Canada must be appointed for students under 17 who come without a parent.
We can assess together whether Renfrew County fits your child's personality and goals. You can schedule a free preliminary assessment meeting with Canadian Edu Centre. Current fees can also be confirmed during the meeting.