High Schools in Canada
Introduction
There are many different High Schools (also called Secondary Schools) in Canada each offering programs and formats designed to meet different students’ needs including Public and Private High Schools. See our FAQs for the differences between publicly funded and private schools.
Age and Grades
In Canada, students typically go to High School when they are 13 years of age (grade 8) and graduate when they are 17 or 18 (grade 12). There are some exceptions depending on the province.
School Year/Week
The school year usually begins at the end of August or early September and finishes toward the end of June. Students go to school from Monday to Friday during the school year (except during holidays). Note: Some private schools operate on a 3 semester schedule (Sep-Dec; Jan-Apr; May-Aug) with classes throughout the year including the summer.
Curriculum
Canadian high schools offer many extracurricular activities, including athletics. The most popular sports in Canadian high schools are ice hockey, rugby, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, football, baseball, basketball, track and field athletics, and volleyball. Many non-sporting extra-curricular activities include drama, student newspaper club, yearbook club, and computer club.
School Boards
The High School system is overseen by the Provincial Government and managed on a local level by School Boards (or School Districts).
School boards (sometimes called school districts, school divisions or district education councils) manage the schools within a certain local area.
Parents of international students can choose which school district they want to send their children to. Things to consider are: Size of the school (small and intimate or large and diverse), location of the school (rural area or city).
English and French Language Programs
Since Canada is a bilingual country, English-language and French-language schools are available across the country (even in areas where one language is more commonly spoken than the other).
Many Canadian High Schools offer intensive or specialized English language programs specifically for international students who would like to improve their language skills (See program options below).
After graduating, students will receive a Secondary School Diploma.
Program Options
Step 1: Select from the following special program options:
1. Short-Term English/French Language Program: 2 weeks to 3 months (1 semester; offered by a limited number of High Schools)
2. Long-Term English/French Language and Academic combined Program: 6 months (2 semesters) to 1 year
3. Standard High School Program: Up to 5 years
Step 2: Select from the following standard program options:
1. School District (location of the High School, e.g. city, town or area)
2. Private or Public High School
3. Class size (number of students)
Complete our Education Enquiry Form and we will contact you to discuss the options above.
Program Eligibility
Typically, students must be between the ages of 12 and 17.
Contact us if you have any questions about eligibility.
Partner High Schools
Below is a sample of the High Schools we partner with. The list is not exhaustive and subject to change. Talk to us for the most up-to-date list and if you have a school in mind that is not on our list.
| Province | High School Name | City |
| Alberta | Sir Winston Churchill High School (Public) | Calgary |
| Western Canada High School (Public) | Calgary | |
| William Eberhart High School (Public) | Calgary | |
| Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School (Public) | Calgary | |
| Old Scona High School (Public) | Edmonton | |
| Millwoods Christian High School (Public) | Edmonton | |
| British Columbia | Bodwell High School (Private) | North Vancouver |
| Brentwood College School (Private) | Mill Bay (Vancouver Island) | |
| St. Margaret’s School (Private) | Victoria (Vancouver Island) | |
| Columbia College (Private) | Vancouver |
More Partner High Schools coming soon!
Costs
Typical cost: Coming Soon!
Accommodation Options
Grand Pacific advisors can help you find accommodations for High School aged students. The options are:
1. Room and Board: Offered by a limited number of Private Schools (Boarding Schools).
2. Homestay: We can help you find a homestay family.
Please let us know if you require accommodations.
Visas
Grand Pacific will help you arrange visas for students and their parents. Please see our visa page for more information.
Next Steps
Complete our Education Enquiry Form or Contact us for a FREE consultation to find a Canadian High School that meets your needs.
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Find out more about our featured High Schools on our BLOG.
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