Toronto District School Board
- Why
- Goal · Environment
- Because
- Scale · Academic results · Achievement level
- Result
- Variety of options · Global perspective · Transition to higher education
- Benefit
- Premium · CAD 1,500 above the median, with IB, AP and homestay
- Cost
- CAD 17,900 (total of the published items, without homestay) · about CAD 1,790 per school month
Why Toronto District School Board?
Families who want their child to study in a world city with the widest possible choice of courses and programs turn directly to Toronto. Thanks to its scale and experience, TDSB can accommodate students with academic, artistic or athletic goals.
- Goal: Moving on to university or college with a strong application file.
- Environment: Multicultural schools where more than 200 nationalities and 75 languages are represented.
- City: Toronto, Canada's centre of finance, trade and business, with a population of 2.7 million.
Reasons: what makes TDSB stand out
The board describes itself as Canada's leading public education system and supports this with figures. The international program includes full-year, single-semester and short-term language and culture programs, as well as summer camp options. Key features:
- Scale: 30 high schools accept international students, making it easier to choose a school that fits a student's interests.
- Academic results: According to board data, more than 80% of graduates go on to university or college, so the school culture is oriented toward higher education.
- Achievement level: More than 40% of graduates earn the Ontario Scholar designation, so academic expectations are high.
- IB and AP: The International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement are offered, so students can study internationally recognized programs.
- Specialized areas: Arts-focused schools, Cyber Arts, robotics and elite athlete programs let talented students specialize.
- Experience: The program was established in 1988 and currently hosts about 1,450 international students, so its processes are well established.
- Accommodation flexibility: High school students can live with a parent, a relative or a host family, so families with relatives in Toronto can also apply.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
| Item | CAD | As published on CAPS-I |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition, one school year | 17,000 | $17,000 (Elementary and Secondary). Summer School and Orientation: Included in the tuition fee. |
| Application fee | 400 | $400 |
| Health insurance | 500 | $500 |
| Homestay, full year | see text | varies by homestay provider, please confirm directly with them. |
| Total of the published items, without homestay | 17,900 | Homestay is priced by the homestay provider and is not included in this total. |
Tuition alone works out to about CAD 1,700 per school month over a 10-month year.
The tuition figure for the 2026–27 school year was confirmed on the district's own website on 11 October 2026.
The other items are taken from the district's CAPS-I member page, read on 11 October 2026. Items shown as "see text" could not be read as a single amount and are left out of the total.
How this fee compares
At CAD 17,000, this fee is CAD 1,500 above the median of CAD 15,500 among 32 public school districts in Ontario.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
This lets students use their high school years not only to earn a diploma but also to get to know themselves. For families, it offers the reassurance of working with an established institution and settled processes. Intakes are in September and February. Students under 17 who travel without a parent must have a custodian in Canada.
- Variety of options: If a student's interests change during high school, they can still find a suitable program within the board.
- Global perspective: Working with classmates from different countries strengthens communication skills.
- Transition to higher education: A university-oriented school culture supports students through the application process.
- Easy travel: Toronto Pearson International Airport makes international travel to and from Canada practical to plan.
Benefit analysis: what the investment buys
The student works toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) plus International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) and Robotics, taught and assessed by certified Canadian teachers.
Every lesson, club and team runs in English, which turns English into a working language rather than a school subject.
A screened homestay family provides a private room, meals and daily support, and the district monitors the placement.
Fine Arts, Digital Arts and Media and Elite Athletes let the student build a profile beyond grades.
A Canadian transcript, teacher references and extracurricular record that Canadian and international universities review directly.
Cost–benefit at a glance
| Measure | Value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Annual investment | CAD 17,900 | Total of the published items, without homestay, from the cost analysis above |
| Per school month | CAD 1,790 | Over a 10-month school year |
| Price position | +CAD 1,500 | vs. median CAD 15,500 · 32 public school districts in Ontario |
| Specialty programs | 6 | International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), Robotics, Fine Arts and Digital Arts and Media |
| Living arrangement | Homestay | Included in the cost analysis where the school publishes it |
| Language support | Immersion | No separate ESL program in our data; we confirm with the school |
| Value verdict | Premium |
CAD 1,500 above the median across 32 public school districts in Ontario. The higher price is worth it when the student will use what it pays for: IB, AP, homestay, Fine Arts and Digital Arts and Media.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: Annual tuition is CAD 17,000, the application fee is CAD 400 and health insurance is CAD 500. Homestay and custodianship costs vary by provider. Families should confirm current fees with the school before applying.
- Big-city pace: Crowded schools and long distances within the city may not suit every student. Students who are ready to act independently will find it easier.
- Timing and age: Application deadlines are November 1 and May 1. Students in grade 8 and below must live with a parent or custodian.
Choosing the right school among TDSB's dozens of high schools requires expertise. Book a free preliminary assessment meeting with Canadian Edu Centre, and let us identify the options that match your child's profile.