Why Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board?
Families who find high school fees around Toronto high and are looking for an alternative may consider Windsor-Essex Catholic, because it offers lower tuition together with a strong academic option and a residence.
- Budget: Families who are aiming for an Ontario diploma but want to keep costs in balance.
- Accommodation preference: Parents who want their child to stay in a supervised residence rather than with a host family.
- Climate: Those who prefer to live in Canada's southernmost city.
Reasons: what makes Windsor-Essex Catholic stand out
The international program was established in 2011 and today hosts about 150 students. There are full-year, single-semester, short-term and custom group programs. Enrolment takes place in September and February.
- Tuition: The annual fee for high school is CAD 13,300. A lower budget can be planned than for big-city boards.
- Student residence: A residence attached to Assumption College High School with a full meal plan. Students can walk to school and live in an orderly environment.
- International Baccalaureate: Academically ambitious students work with a curriculum recognized worldwide.
- STEM and technology: Computer programming and robotics courses give students heading toward engineering and information technology an early start.
- Language program: With the English Language Program and ESL support, students whose English is still developing can adapt to classes.
- Graduation rate: The board reports a 98% graduation rate.
- The city: Windsor is presented as Canada's third most multicultural city, after Toronto and Vancouver. International students are not expected to feel like outsiders.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 13,300 | $13,300 Secondary; $12,600 Elementary |
| Application fee | 260 | $260 (non-refundable) |
| Health insurance | 540 | $540 annually |
| Homestay, full year | see text | To be determined by the homestay company |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 14,100 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,330 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 13,300, this fee is CAD 2,200 below the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
The combined result of these features is access to an Ontario high school education on a more affordable budget and within a supervised structure. In the board's promotional material, Windsor is described as one of Canada's safest communities.
- Balanced budget: Lower tuition leaves room for accommodation and living expenses.
- Orderly living: The residence option reduces uncertainty about meals and transport.
- Academic preparation: IB or STEM courses mean the student enters university applications better equipped.
- Flexible application: There is no application deadline; applications are accepted throughout the year.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: The following are added to the CAD 13,300 tuition: a CAD 260 non-refundable application fee, CAD 540 health insurance, a CAD 100 activity fee and a CAD 1,300 Ontario international student levy. The residence fee is CAD 1,900 per month. Current fees should be confirmed with the school before applying.
- Location: Windsor is four hours from Toronto and three hours from Niagara Falls. The nearest airports are Windsor and Detroit, just across the border. Students who want big-city life should take this into account.
- School identity and formalities: The board is Catholic. A Study Permit is required for study longer than six months. A custodian is appointed for students under 17.
Which of the residence and homestay options in Windsor is right for your child? Arrange a free preliminary assessment meeting with Canadian Edu Centre, and let us plan the budget and program together.