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Study in Canada

TOP prestigious high schools in Canada for high school students 2025

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  • Published: 24 February 2024

Based on statistics from the Immigration and Government of Canada, the number of high school students studying abroad in Canada is increasing. It can be understood that studying abroad early in high school is gradually becoming a current trend because it brings many prospects as well as opportunities to transfer to top universities.

Once you understand the high school education system in Canada and the high schools in Canada, you will be able to plan for the future and have clear goals. Find out more about high schools in Canada through this article!

In Canada, the government in each province will be responsible for the high school education policy in its locality. In addition, high schools also need to meet the strict standards of the Ministry of Education of each province.

When studying in Canada, you need to carefully research the tuition fees as well as the entry requirements and study time for each level of study because the regulations in each school and each state are always different.

High School System in Canada

The high school education system in Canada is divided into two main groups: public and private schools. Each school group will have certain differences, including:

  • Public High Schools in Canada

The group of public schools is directly managed by the provincial government, and the school also receives state budget support for the development of facilities and the quality of teaching. Among the good high schools in Canada under the public system, international students can consider two prestigious public school systems in Toronto and Vancouver, the Toronto District School Board and the Vancouver School Board.

  • Private High Schools in Canada

In contrast to public schools, private high schools in Canada operate primarily with tuition fees invested by individuals or independent organizations. The number of classes will be small and the subjects will not be diverse, but the quality of the subjects will always be guaranteed and strictly censored by the provincial governments.

1. Columbia College

Founded in 1936, Columbia College is Canada's oldest independent international college. Developed under the model of a "liberal arts college", the practical knowledge and skills acquired from the school will be a launching pad for you to pursue in-depth majors in the future.

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Strengths of the school:

  • The school offers Secondary (grades 10 – 11 – 12), Associate Bachelor's, University Transfer, and Academic English.

  • Guaranteed 100% transfer of credits to British Columbia universities and other Canadian universities.

  • Providing a full range of support services for international students: study method counseling, orientation for new students, medical services, health care, and diverse clubs.

  • Columbia College is on the Canadian government's DLI list. Students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit for 3 years after completing the university's Associate Degree program.

2. William Academy

Academy is a well-known private school located in Toronto, Canada. The university has 3 campuses in North York (central Toronto) and Cobourg (about 1 hour by train from Toronto). All campuses are equipped with modern facilities and high-quality student support services.

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Strengths of the school:

  • Teaching School high school programs (grades 7 – 12), college preparatory programs, AP advanced programs, arts and sports programs.

  • 98% of graduates have the opportunity to study at top universities such as the University of Waterloo, McMaster University, York University, Columbia University, McGill University, and other top universities in other countries.

  • Vietnamese school representatives are living in Canada to help support counselors in the application process and solve problems related to students' school studies

  • Many scholarships are diverse with attractive values for students with good academic achievements.

3. Alexander Academy

Alexander Academy is a private high school in Canada. The school enrolls approximately 2,000 students each year. Established in 2006 under the management of the British Columbia Department of Higher Education, Alexander Academy consists of two urban campuses. These campuses are located in Burnaby and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Strengths of the school:

  • The campuses are located in the heart of Vancouver, with easy access to all locations by train, bus and sea bus.

  • Clubs and extracurricular activities are diverse to explore students' hidden skills as well as learn new practical skills and experiences.

  • The teaching system focuses on training many aspects: academic, physical and social. Classes are held on a small scale to increase teacher engagement and interest.

4. Bodwell High School

Bodwell High School is a private boarding school, recognized as a top boarding school in Canada. With a diverse student body including both domestic and international students, the school is an exciting choice to learn, study, have fun, and make good memories.

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Strengths of the school:

  • The college offers programs from grades 8 to 12, and college preparatory programs.

  • All students who complete the school's 12th-grade program will receive a Dogwood certificate. This British Columbia Provincial Graduation Certificate is recognized globally.

  • You will experience modern facilities with a gymnasium, indoor pool, science lab, as well as laptops provided for each student.

  • The school year is divided into three semesters: Fall (September – February), Winter (February – June) and Summer (July)

5. Abbotsford School District

Abbotsford School District is a public high school 80km east of Vancouver - one of the fastest-growing places in Canada. High School in Canada - Abbotsford has programs and courses to suit every student, from academically intensive to athletic or art academies.

Strengths of the school:

  • The university offers programs from the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement. Majors focus on electives such as Aviation, Business, Film and Radio, 3D design for Architecture and Engineering, etc.

  • The school offers field trips and outdoor activities that help you practice practical skills, such as climbing, hiking, fishing, and rafting.

  • You can apply for homestay programs managed by the School Board. The school also has excellent student support services from International Student Coordinators (ISLs)

6. TAIE International Institute

TAIE International Institute is an international boarding high school, established in 1998. Accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education, the school offers comprehensive training programs including high school courses as well as basic to advanced English courses.

Strengths of the school:

  • Programs offered by the school include English language courses (ESL), Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), and college preparatory (UPC) courses.

  • The school hosts a variety of sports and cultural activities, encouraging students to organize various clubs within the school including gardening clubs, music, drama, media, debate, and Toastmasters English.

  • High school students in Canada at TAIE can choose from more than 25 different subjects including science, humanities, arts, and many others without any restrictions.

7. Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)

Every Ottawa Catholic School is located in the heart of every vibrant neighborhood in the city, promoting self-discipline in learning and innovative thinking in each student. The university is proud to be a member and has extensive relationships with many leading national, provincial, domestic, and international educational institutions.

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Strengths of the school:

  • The EQAO Achievement Score is consistently higher than the provincial average in the EQAO assessments for reading, writing, and math and the percentage of students who succeed in the OSSLT assessment for each level and level.

  • The teaching method focuses on the holistic development of students. Canadian high schools - OCSB are also known for their cultural diversity and innovative use of technology in learning.

  • Upon graduating with qualifications, students will receive 2 diplomas, 1 degree from the province of Ontario, and 1 degree from an intensive field of study.

8. Toronto International Academy (TIA)

Toronto International Academy (TIA) is one of the private schools in the Toronto metropolitan area. The university has two campuses in Mississauga and Oakville. Approved and accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education, all teachers hold advanced qualifications, especially certificates from the Teachers Association of Ontario.

Strengths of the school:

  • The school emphasizes 3 factors: motivation, baggage and achievements. The school always focuses on caring for each student to ensure that they are taught thoughtfully and develop comprehensively.

  • The school has a wide selection of academic programs, including a free Summer Orientation and Integration program for High School students.

  • You will be able to explore and learn about the culture of the local and international student community from more than 60 countries.

9. Peel District School Board

The Peel District School Board was established to improve the quality of instruction for international students studying in the Greater Toronto Area. Students enrolled in Peel District School Board Schools will receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), which is recognized by all schools around the globe.

Strengths of the school:

  • The school allows students from grades 7 to 12 to choose their learning path according to their strengths, goals, and personal interests.

  • PDSB's partnership with the University of Toronto Mississauga and Sheridan College provides an opportunity for students to be admitted to these schools if eligible, whether they decide to continue their studies in Canada or another city.

  • There are English programs for students at different levels. The easy-to-understand and engaging curriculum helps students be motivated to practice and improve their English speaking skills in the future.

10. York House, Vancouver

Founded in 1932, York House School is a leading independent high school in Canada for girls from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The school has always upheld the mission of educating girls to become active and responsible citizens, individuals who help others and make a difference in the world.

Strengths of the school:

  • York House follows the BC Department of Education's Curriculum requirements, offering programs based on key areas of study including academics, service, fine arts, and athletics.

  • Small class sizes ensure close attention to the individual and the class experience builds confidence. The teaching staff is made up of professional, dedicated, compassionate individuals who genuinely care about their students.

  • The curriculum always focuses on applying knowledge and mastering 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, communication, personality, and critical thinking.

Above are the high schools in Canada with top-quality teaching and learning environments. Studying in Canada right from high school not only helps you practice your foreign language skills, but also hone practical skills and learn culture from friends from all over the world.

If you want more detailed information about schools, majors as well and the cost of studying abroad, go contact IDP now to get Free study abroad advice in Canada. IDP will advise you on the most accurate school and field of study based on your academic ability, proactively looking for the highest value scholarship for each student.

Coming to IDP, you will be consulted in detail from schools, and majors to the necessary types of documents. In particular, the process apply for Canadian student visas is always closely followed by a consultant, so it increases your chances of getting a visa and studying in Canada as soon as possible.

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