Public High Schools in Canada
Choose from the Best: Find Your Program of Study at
Canada's Top Public High Schools.
Choosing the right high school in Canada can be a life-changing decision. If you’re ready to explore the opportunities available, start by researching the schools that best fit your academic interests and personal needs. Many schools offer virtual tours and information sessions for international students. Let us help you reach your full potential and make your dreams come true.
Ontario
Toronto District School Board (TDSB)
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is the largest school board in Canada, serving a diverse student population in Toronto. It offers a wide range of programs and services for international students.
Tuition fee for Grades 9 -12: from $17,000 CAN/year.
Accommodation: Homestay.
TDSB Homestay
TDSB Does not offer homestay but encourages to use their partner homestay organizations. If you are a student under 18 and are NOT staying with a family friend or relative who is also your Custodian, you MUST register in Custodianship Program.
Fees start from $1100 a month (Accommodation + 3 meals).
High Schools
Ursula Franklin Academy, Toronto
Known for: Rigorous academic curriculum and competitive admission process.
Programs: Various academic and extracurricular programs.
Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, Toronto
Known for: Strong academic performance and comprehensive curriculum, including AP courses.
Programs: Extended French, French Immersion, and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs.
Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute, Toronto
Known for: STEM education.
Programs: TOPS (Talented Offerings for Programs in the Sciences), Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), and English as a Second Language (ESL).
Leaside High School, Toronto
Known for: Academic excellence and robust extracurricular programs.
Programs: French Immersion and Extended French programs.
Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, Toronto
Known for: Diverse student body and comprehensive academic programs.
Programs: Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
Earl Haig Secondary School, Toronto
Known for: Strong focus on both academics and arts.
Programs: Claude Watson Arts Program, English as a Second Language (ESL), Enriched option for some STEM subjects.
York Region District School Board (YRDSB)
The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) is a prominent public school board in Ontario, Canada, serving a diverse student population across several municipalities including Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan.
Tuition fee for Grades 9 -12: from $15,800 CAN/year.
Accommodation: Homestay.
YRDSB Homestay
YRDSB Does not offer homestay but encourages to use their partner homestay organizations. If you are a student under 18 and are NOT staying with a family friend or relative who is also your Custodian, you MUST register in Custodianship Program.
Fees start from $1100 a month (Accommodation + 3 meals).
High Schools
Bayview Secondary School, Richmond Hill
Known for: Bayview Secondary School is renowned for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and outstanding extracurricular activities.
Programs: International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Richmond Hill High School, Richmond Hill
Known for: Richmond Hill High School in Richmond Hill is known for its rigorous academic programs, diverse student body, and strong community involvement.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) program, Dual Credit (DC), High Performance Athlete (HPA) program, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program.
Unionville High School, Markham
Known for: Unionville High School in Markham is known for its strong academic reputation and comprehensive range of specialized programs.
Programs: Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), Dual Credit (DC), Arts Unionville Program, High Performance Athlete (HPA) program.
Markville Secondary School, Markham
Known for: Markville Secondary School in Markham is known for its exceptional academic programs, including the Advanced Placement (AP) program and a wide range of co-curricular activities.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) program, Dual Credit (DC), Exploring Opportunities (EOP) program, High Performance Athlete (HPA) program.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School, Markham
Known for: Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School in Markham is known for its innovative approach to education, strong emphasis on leadership development, and diverse range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Programs: Dual Credit (DC), French Immersion, High Performance Athlete (HPA) program, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program.
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB)
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) offers a wide range of educational programs designed to meet the needs of international students. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on student success, the OCDSB provides an inclusive and diverse learning environment.
Tuition fee for Grades 9 -12:from $15,300 CAN/year. Accommodation: Homestay
OCDSB Homestay
OCDSB Does not offer homestay but encourages to use their partner homestay organizations. If you are a student under 18 and are NOT staying with a family friend or relative who is also your Custodian, you MUST register in Custodianship Program.
Fees start from $900 a month (Accommodation + 3 meals).
High Schools
Lisgar Collegiate Institute, Ottawa
Known for: Academic excellence and strong performance in music and arts programs.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, French Immersion, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture, and extensive extracurricular activities.
Canterbury High School, Ottawa
Known for: Arts-focused education and strong academic performance.
Programs: Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture, Arts Canterbury program (Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music), and French Immersion.
Colonel By Secondary School, Ottawa
Known for: International Baccalaureate (IB) program and high academic standards.
Programs: IB Diploma Programme, French Immersion, extensive athletic programs, and a variety of clubs and activities.
Glebe Collegiate Institute, Ottawa
Known for: Diverse course offerings and strong athletic programs.
Programs: French Immersion, SHSM in Arts and Culture, and Business, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and numerous extracurricular activities.
Nepean High School, Ottawa
Known for: Strong academic programs and vibrant student life.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, French Immersion, and a wide range of sports and clubs.
Alberta
Calgary Board of Education (CBE)
The Calgary Board of Education (CBE) serves over 125,000 students in more than 240 schools. It offers diverse programs such as International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), French Immersion, and specialized arts and science programs.
Tuition fee for Grades 9 -12:from $13,000 CAN/year. Accommodation: Homestay
CBE Homestay
CBE Does not offer homestay but encourages to use their partner homestay organizations. If you are a student under 18 and are NOT staying with a family friend or relative who is also your Custodian, you MUST register in Custodianship Program.
Fees start from $900 a month (Accommodation + 3 meals).
High Schools
Western Canada High School, Calgary
Known for: Academic excellence and strong performance in music and arts programs.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, French Immersion, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture, and extensive extracurricular activities.
Bowness High School, Calgary
Known for: Arts-focused education and strong academic performance.
Programs: Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture, Arts Canterbury program (Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music), and French Immersion.
Sir Winston Churchill High School, Calgary
Known for: International Baccalaureate (IB) program and high academic standards.
Programs: IB Diploma Programme, French Immersion, extensive athletic programs, and a variety of clubs and activities.
Centennial High School, Calgary
Known for: Strong academic programs and vibrant student life.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, French Immersion, and a wide range of sports and clubs.
William Aberhart High School, Calgary
Known for: Diverse course offerings and strong athletic programs.
Programs: French Immersion, SHSM in Arts and Culture, and Business, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and numerous extracurricular activities.
Central Memorial High School, Calgary
Known for: Strong academic programs and vibrant student life.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, French Immersion, and a wide range of sports and clubs.
Edmonton Public Schools (EPSB)
The Edmonton Public Schools (EPSB) is one of the largest school boards in Alberta, offering a wide range of programs and services to meet the diverse needs of students, including international students. EPSB is known for its commitment to academic excellence, inclusive education, and innovative programs.
Tuition fee for Grades 9 -12:from $13,000 CAN/year. Accommodation: Homestay
EPSB Homestay
Edmonton Public Schools offers international students the chance to live with Canadian families through its Homestay program, in partnership with The Canada Homestay Network (CHN). This program ensures a safe, supportive, English-speaking environment, fostering student success.
Fees start from $900 a month (Accommodation + 3 meals).
High Schools
Old Scona Academic High School, Edmonton
Known for: Academic excellence and strong performance in music and arts programs.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, French Immersion, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture, and extensive extracurricular activities.
M.E. LaZerte High School, Edmonton
Known for: Arts-focused education and strong academic performance.
Programs: Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture, Arts Canterbury program (Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music), and French Immersion.
Harry Ainlay High School, Edmonton
Known for: International Baccalaureate (IB) program and high academic standards.
Programs: IB Diploma Programme, French Immersion, extensive athletic programs, and a variety of clubs and activities.
Jasper Place High School, Edmonton
Known for: Diverse course offerings and strong athletic programs.
Programs: French Immersion, SHSM in Arts and Culture, and Business, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and numerous extracurricular activities.
Strathcona High School, Edmonton
Known for: Strong academic programs and vibrant student life.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, French Immersion, and a wide range of sports and clubs.
British Columbia
Vancouver School District (VSB)
The Vancouver School District (VSB) is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in British Columbia. VSB offers a range of specialized programs including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), French Immersion.
Tuition fee for Grades 9 -12: from $16,000 CAN/year. Accommodation: Homestay
VSB Homestay
VSB Does not offer homestay but encourages to use their partner homestay organizations. A list of Vancouver area homestay providers is available upon request from the International Education office. If you are a student under 18 and are NOT staying with a family friend or relative who is also your Custodian, you MUST register in Custodianship Program.
Fees start from $1200 a month (Accommodation + 3 meals).
High Schools
University Hill Secondary School, Vancouver
Known for: High academic performance and strong university preparatory programs.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, French Immersion, Fine Arts, ESL (English as a Second Language), TESSI courses (Technology Enhanced Secondary Science Instruction), and Athletics.
Lord Byng Secondary School, Vancouver
Known for: Excellent academic programs and vibrant arts community.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Byng Arts Mini Program, English Language Learning (ELL), and Athletics.
Eric Hamber Secondary School, Vancouver
Known for: Diverse range of programs and strong emphasis on technology and applied skills.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Fine Arts, Technology Education, The Hamber Challenge Studio Program, and Dance programs.
Kitsilano Secondary School, Vancouver
Known For: Kitsilano Secondary School is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong emphasis on athletics and arts, offering a balanced education that encourages both academic and personal development.
Programs: Advanced Placement (AP), French Immersion, Pre-Employment, ACE-IT, Work Experience.
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, Vancouver
Known For: Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School stands out for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a wide range of extracurricular activities, providing students with opportunities for academic excellence and global citizenship.
Programs: International Baccalaureate (IB), French Immersion, Ideal Mini, Prelude Program.