Secondary Education

Secondary education in Canada offers a variety of schools, programs and formats, each designed to meet different student needs. The Canadian secondary school system includes public international high schools, private international high schools, boarding schools, all-girls schools, all-boys schools and Catholic or other Christian high schools. This wide range of options gives students looking at schools in Canada great choices for their education. Secondary-level education in Canada is overseen at the provincial level, not the federal level, which means there can be substantial differences between the provinces, and even between different school districts within a province. These include differences of terminology, grading, years of study, programs and curricula.

Many secondary schools offer intensive or specialized English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as Second Language (FSL) programs to help international students master the language of instruction and prepare for college or university admission. There are also some secondary schools that offer instruction in languages other than Canada's two official languages of French or English.

Likewise, tuition can vary depending on whether the student is looking to attend a Canadian public high school, a religiously-affiliated high school, or a private high school. Costs will also depend on whether they are at a boarding school or will need separate accommodation. Regardless of affiliation, location, cost or school type, secondary schools in Canada are all held to provincial government standards of quality, ensuring that all international secondary school students in Canada have access to a world-class educational opportunity.

Canadian secondary school education experience

Each Canadian secondary school education experience is unique. The years you spend in secondary school are important ones for your academic and personal development, and Canada's wide variety of schools, programs and environments offer a wonderful opportunity to get the most out of your secondary school education - both inside and outside of the classroom.

Canada's high schools range from public to private schools, day schools and boarding schools, religious schools and secular schools. The Canadian secondary education system is world-class and you can be assured of getting highly qualified teachers, professors and administrators. Canada's high schools will ensure you are well prepared to continue on to post-secondary education, either in Canada or elsewhere.

As an international student in Canada, you will be immersed in Canada's unique cultural and natural environments, which offer many opportunities to explore and experience new things outside of the classroom as well. You can choose from urban or rural environments, English or French immersion, and a variety of housing choices, including homestay with a local family. No matter which option you choose, the Canadian secondary school education experience helps international students grow in knowledge, self-confidence, and global experience.

Preparing for Secondary School in Canada

Preparing to study at a high school in Canada involves both academic and personal preparation. What you do to prepare will depend partly on which kind of secondary school program you have chosen, and on the specific requirements of the particular school.

Academic
International students applying to high school in Canada should begin planning early. Because requirements or assessment tests may vary from secondary school to secondary school, the more time you give yourself to prepare, the easier your application and acceptance processes will be.

• Try to do your best. Keeping your grades up always help your application. Admission requirements, however, vary between schools: some have minimum academic requirements; others judge each application on a case-by-case basis. Because there is no universal standard, doing as well as you can now is a good way to be prepared.
• Build relationships with teachers and others at your school. Some high schools in Canada request a reference from a school official (such as the principal) or your teachers. This also means you want to stay out of trouble at school and avoid any kind of disciplinary record.
• Work on your language skills and find out about potential testing requirements. Different schools will also have different English or French language proficiency requirements. Some will require a minimum ability to speak English or French, while others will test students to place them appropriately. Some may even have no language requirements at all. It is very important that you clarify this requirement with your school, as that requirement will change what you need to do in your own country.

Personal
Personal preparation can be as important as academic preparation. There are many things you can do to prepare yourself for life and study in Canada.

• Get more familiar with the language of the region you will be studying in (English or French). You can do this by reading English- or French-language books, magazines, newspapers or even comic books, either in print or online. You can practice your conversation with any English- or French-speaking friends. You can watch English or French TV and films.
• Research the extra-curricular activities that are offered by the school you wish to go to, or that are available in the local community. You may find your favourite sport or other activity, or you may find something new that looks interesting. Either way, it will help to get you involved in your new community, and showing that you are ready to get involved will improve any application.
• Get in contact with other international students already studying at the school you wish to attend. The school's administration may be able to put you in touch with current students who can share their experiences and advice with you. You might also want to find out if there's anyone in your home community who has done a similar study abroad program that you can talk to.

Choosing a Secondary School in Canada

Choosing a high school in Canada is an important decision for your future. There are many wonderful secondary school options in Canada to choose from, but the decision does not have to be overwhelming. Breaking down your decision about which Canadian high school to attend and making a check-sheet for each school you are interested in can be a great way to compare schools and find the one that best suits your academic and personal needs.

Things to consider when choosing a Canadian secondary school:

Curriculum and programs offered: Given the broad range of choices for secondary level education in Canada, it's a good idea to consider what a school's curriculum focuses on, and what programs they offer, such as language programs, International Baccalaureate or University Preparation.

Academic and language requirements and support: You should consider what previous grades or other academic requirements you might need, as well as what language-test scores the school accepts. Additionally, consider what kinds of language support services the school offers for international students.

Location: Consider weather and climate of your potential locations, as well as the benefits and challenges of small towns, mid-sized cities, and larger cities.

Size and culture: Different students have different needs, and you should consider what learning environment is best suited for you as a student in Canada, whether a smaller, more personal environment or a large, bustling campus. You should consider the "culture" of the school, its religious affiliation, its program focus, and its history and mission statement.

Cost: Consider living expenses, tuition fees and all other potential costs, including uniforms, transportation (if you are staying off-campus) and school supplies.

Scholarships, awards and financial aid: Depending on the kind of high school you choose, there may be monetary awards and scholarships for academic achievement, or financial aid based on a student's need.

Other international students' experiences: Sometimes the best information comes from other international students and their families. Consider success stories from other students, and look for online resources that can help you connect with other international students and their families who have studied at the various high schools in Canada.

Applying to a Secondary School in Canada

Applying to high schools in Canada is a process with several steps. Some steps will differ from school to school, so you should contact the school you are applying to for more specific information. However, there are some general guidelines for applying to high schools in Canada.

Choose a school
Your first step is to research Canadian secondary schools and choose the school that will give you the education you are looking for. Canada offers a wide variety of program choices for international students, so you should have no problem finding the school that is right for you.

Apply directly to the school
This step is the one that varies the most between schools. Most high schools in Canada have their own individual application form and process to follow. You should contact the school directly to get a copy of the form or an introduction to their process. They may require transcripts or other supporting documents from you, which you may need to have translated if they are not issued by your home institution in the language of the school in Canada (English or French). You should also find out if there is an application deadline, and give yourself plenty of time.

Pay your application fees and any other fees
Many schools will require you to pay an application fee and all or part of the year's tuition before they will send you a letter of acceptance. As the letter of acceptance is absolutely required to obtain a Canadian student visa, this step is very important. Most institutions will refund your payment if for some reason a student visa cannot be obtained. Check the individual school's policy.

Apply for your study permit
Once you have your letter of acceptance from a Canadian secondary school, you can begin applying for your Canadian student visa, also called a study permit. This permit is required for all international students whose studies in Canada will last more than six months. The permit is issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The application process for this permit may take some time. Again, it is very important to leave enough time before the beginning of the school year to apply for and receive your study permit.

Once you have your letter of acceptance and your study permit from CIC, you are ready to begin your journey to Canada for an exciting high school experience.