Did you know that many Canadian primary and secondary (K-12) schools are open to international students? Youth from around the world may attend world-class programs, from kindergarten to grade 12, all across Canada. ApplyBoard is proud to partner with over 80 K-12 school boards, each of which manage 5 to 20+ primary and secondary schools in their community. Read on to learn why it’s a great idea to study internationally at Canadian K-12 schools!
Ready to start the journey to a primary or secondary school in Canada? Find the right program for you or your child on the free-to-use ApplyBoard platform.
Why Study Internationally for Primary or Secondary School?
Every student can benefit from studying abroad. Some of the most popular reasons to become an international student are:
- Building empathy and cross-cultural awareness
- Learning in Canada’s high-quality education system
- Exploring unique educational programs
- Developing key career skills through internships and co-operative education
- Improving language skills
English is the typical language of instruction in most parts of Canada, but French immersion programs will teach classes in French at an English-language school. Classes are taught in French in Quebec. Classes are taught in both English and French in New Brunswick.
Canadian schools also work with technology to build students’ digital literacy and STEM skills. In Ontario, nearly all primary schools and all secondary schools use different technology to communicate with students. At some institutions, digital literacy labs with 3D printers and iPads or coding classes prepare young learners for a tech-forward future.
In turn, having international students in primary and secondary schools builds all students’ global competence. Global competence refers to students’ cultural awareness, ability to challenge inherent biases, and their teamwork and communication skills. All of these abilities help to prepare students for their future careers and lives in an increasingly interconnected world.
Studying in Canada during K-12 can help students develop the most in-demand technical skills and interpersonal skills.
What Kinds of K-12 Schools Admit International Students in Canada?
International students can join select classes in Canada’s public or private school systems. This openness helps to make Canada one of the most attractive countries in the world to study in. Boarding school opportunities are also available to local and international students. These institutions give students unique opportunities to connect with global peers in academic and social settings.
Public Schools
The number of study abroad options available in Canada might surprise you. 130 public school boards or districts work with the Canadian Association of Public Schools – International (CAPS-I). These school boards are composed of community members, usually elected, who work with the province or territory to manage different aspects of K-12 education like staffing, supplies, and buildings in their city or region.
In most communities, schools are organized into school boards based on their language of instruction (English or French) and whether or not they follow religious curriculum (public schools don’t, but Catholic schools do). School boards take care of schools within a set geographical area, whether in major centres like Calgary, or smaller cities like Nanaimo, British Columbia and Fredericton, New Brunswick. Canada’s well-respected public school system connects international students with local students so they can experience Canadian culture first-hand.
Public school boards on the ApplyBoard platform include:
- Toronto District School Board in Ontario
- Vancouver School Board in British Columbia
- York Regional District School Board in Ontario
Boarding Schools
The ApplyBoard team is also proud to support the work of many members of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) network. CAIS represents over 90 premier boarding and day schools located across Canada, and ensures its partner schools meet national-level standards and provide educational excellence.
These schools include:
- UMC High School in Ontario
- Fredericton Christian Academy in New Brunswick
- Upper Canada College in Ontario
Private Schools
Specialty private schools range in scope. Some offer a strong academic focus, where others allow students to develop top-tier skills in specific arts or athletics, particularly at the high school level. Many of these private schools are guided by the standards set out by CAIS. Private schools can prepare you or your children for a custom educational experience you won’t find anywhere else!
Some private schools you’ll find on the ApplyBoard platform are:
- Braemar College in Ontario
- Blyth Academy in Ontario
- Columbia Academy in British Columbia
Want to become an international student at a Canadian high school? Dive into how studying in Canada can put you ahead of the competition.
Don’t just take our word for it! In 2023, U.S. News and World Report ranked Canada fourth in the world for its quality of education. The rankings highlighted some of Canada’s strengths, like citizens’ good quality of life and support of social purpose, as well as the country’s support of entrepreneurs and other innovators.
Every kind of student can thrive in Canada, whether they’re an innovative artist or a budding mathematician. Are you ready to join them? Start your study abroad journey with ApplyBoard!
