Why Toronto District School Board?
Families who want their child to study in a world city with the widest possible choice of courses and programs turn directly to Toronto. Thanks to its scale and experience, TDSB can accommodate students with academic, artistic or athletic goals.
- Goal: Moving on to university or college with a strong application file.
- Environment: Multicultural schools where more than 200 nationalities and 75 languages are represented.
- City: Toronto, Canada's centre of finance, trade and business, with a population of 2.7 million.
Reasons: what makes TDSB stand out
The board describes itself as Canada's leading public education system and supports this with figures. The international program includes full-year, single-semester and short-term language and culture programs, as well as summer camp options. Key features:
- Scale: 30 high schools accept international students, making it easier to choose a school that fits a student's interests.
- Academic results: According to board data, more than 80% of graduates go on to university or college, so the school culture is oriented toward higher education.
- Achievement level: More than 40% of graduates earn the Ontario Scholar designation, so academic expectations are high.
- IB and AP: The International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement are offered, so students can study internationally recognized programs.
- Specialized areas: Arts-focused schools, Cyber Arts, robotics and elite athlete programs let talented students specialize.
- Experience: The program was established in 1988 and currently hosts about 1,450 international students, so its processes are well established.
- Accommodation flexibility: High school students can live with a parent, a relative or a host family, so families with relatives in Toronto can also apply.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 17,000 | $17,000 (Elementary and Secondary). Summer School and Orientation: Included in the tuition fee. |
| Application fee | 400 | $400 |
| Health insurance | 500 | $500 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider, please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 17,900 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,700 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 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 17,000, this fee is CAD 1,500 above the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
This lets students use their high school years not only to earn a diploma but also to get to know themselves. For families, it offers the reassurance of working with an established institution and settled processes. Intakes are in September and February. A Study Permit is required for study longer than six months. High school study is exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), and IRCC makes the visa decision. Students under 17 who travel without a parent must have a custodian in Canada.
- Variety of options: If a student's interests change during high school, they can still find a suitable program within the board.
- Global perspective: Working with classmates from different countries strengthens communication skills.
- Transition to higher education: A university-oriented school culture supports students through the application process.
- Easy travel: Toronto Pearson International Airport makes international travel to and from Canada practical to plan.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: Annual tuition is CAD 17,000, the application fee is CAD 400 and health insurance is CAD 500. Homestay and custodianship costs vary by provider. Families should confirm current fees with the school before applying.
- Big-city pace: Crowded schools and long distances within the city may not suit every student. Students who are ready to act independently will find it easier.
- Timing and age: Application deadlines are November 1 and May 1. Students in grade 8 and below must live with a parent or custodian.
Choosing the right school among TDSB's dozens of high schools requires expertise. Book a free preliminary assessment meeting with Canadian Edu Centre, and let us identify the options that match your child's profile.