Why Ridley College?
Families who want an internationally recognised diploma often look for the IB program and a genuine boarding environment in one place. Because a large share of Ridley's students live on campus, the school meets that need directly. CAIS accreditation is not a diploma; it is a quality assurance showing that the school is reviewed against national standards.
- Families targeting the IB: Those who want to keep university options outside Canada open. The IB is recognised in many countries.
- Those seeking a lively boarding community: Families who want a campus that does not empty at weekends. Schools where boarders are numerous stand out in this respect.
- Those who want to start early: Families considering boarding from Grade 7. There are separate boarding houses for middle-school-age students.
Reasons: what makes Ridley College strong
- IB continuity: The school offers the PYP, MYP and DP together, so students reach the Diploma Programme through the same approach to learning.
- Large boarding population: Of 870 students, more than 375 are boarders, so evening and weekend activities are central to school life.
- International community: Students come from more than 60 countries, so an international student uses English in an environment where no single nationality dominates.
- House system: Separate boarding houses for girls, boys and middle school students allow supervision suited to each age group.
- Teacher attention: The average student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1, so each student's academic progress is closely monitored.
- Large campus: The 90-acre campus brings sports and arts facilities together, so students do not need to spend their day off campus.
- Health and wellbeing: On-campus health services and boarding staff let parents feel reassured about their child's wellbeing, even from a distance.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
International boarding tuition is CAD 92,500 per year for 2026-27.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| International boarding tuition (annual) | 92,500 | listed with the annual fees |
| Headline annual fee with boarding | 92,500 | 2026-27 |
The headline fee works out to about CAD 9,250 per school month over a 10-month year, accommodation and meals included. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
Page does not state what tuition covers; IB DP participation fee, mandatory health insurance, uniforms and textbooks are paid separately and amounts are not given.
Fees were compiled in October 2026 and change every school year; confirm the amount with the school before applying.
How this fee compares
At CAD 92,500, this fee is CAD 2,850 above the median of CAD 89,650 among 24 CAIS schools with boarding included.
Outcome: a high school experience open to the world
- Recognised diploma: The IB Diploma Programme provides a framework known to universities in many countries. This matters for families who want to keep a return to their home country possible.
- Independence: Structured boarding life teaches time management and responsibility. Students learn to build their own routine away from home.
- Lasting network: Friendships formed with peers from more than 60 countries continue after high school and are valuable in university and working life.
- Balanced development: Academics, sports and arts run side by side on one campus, so students can explore their interests within the school.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: The 2026-27 international boarding fee is CAD 92,500 per year. The IB Diploma Programme participation fee, mandatory health insurance, uniforms and textbooks are paid separately. Confirm current amounts with the school before applying.
- Application timeline: First-round applications are due by 1 December 2026; after that, applications are considered as places remain. Because of the Study Permit process, the school recommends that international candidates apply early. Visa decisions are made by IRCC. Students under 17 need a custodian in Canada.
- Academic pace: The IB is an intensive program, and students with limited English or weak study discipline may struggle. St. Catharines is much smaller than Toronto and the Niagara region is quiet, so students seeking a city pace should know this before enrolling.
Are Ridley College and the IB route the right choice for your child? In a free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre we can plan the application timeline and Study Permit preparation together.