Upper Madison College (UMC High School)
- Why
- See below
- Because
- Four-term structure · OSSD diploma · Five-level English program
- Result
- A seamless transition · Predictable cost · Language and diploma together
- Benefit
- Budget-friendly · CAD 5,980 below the median, with boarding with supervised study and ESL support
- Cost
- CAD 18,400 (headline annual tuition) · about CAD 1,840 per school month
Why Upper Madison College?
Families who want to move a high school student to Canada in the middle of the school year often ask whether the student can start before September without strong English. The school suits three groups:
- Families who want to start at a time other than September.
- Families who prefer to pay per course rather than for an annual package.
- Families who want university preparation on a campus close to the subway in Toronto.
Reasons: the features that set UMC High School apart
These details come from the school's own program and fee pages, together with what each means for an international student:
- Four-term structure: With intakes in fall, winter, spring and summer, a student can start right after finishing the term at home, which lowers the risk of losing a school year.
- OSSD diploma: Grades 9-12 follow the Ontario curriculum, so graduates apply to Canadian universities with a provincial diploma.
- Five-level English program: ESL and ELD classes run alongside credit courses, so a language gap does not stall academic progress.
- Per-course fee: Students taking 8 or more courses a year pay CAD 2,300 per course, so families can budget according to the remaining credits.
- Two accommodation options: Homestay, or the UMC student residence with three meals included, so families can match the choice to the student's age and independence.
- Transition and portfolio programs: Grade 12 includes a university and college transition program, IELTS preparation and an art portfolio, so the application file is built within the school.
- Two campuses: Yonge-Eglinton and Scarborough, so families can pick the one closer to their accommodation.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
For 2025-26, tuition is CAD 2,300 per course for students taking 8 or more courses, about CAD 18,400 for eight courses a year; accommodation and insurance are extra.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition per course (8 or more courses) | 2,300 | listed with the annual fees |
| Tuition for eight courses per year (approx.) | 18,400 | listed with the annual fees |
| Homestay (from, per month) | 1,550 | per month |
| Custodian document (per year) | 1,500 | listed with the annual fees |
| Application fee | 250 | one-time |
| Headline annual tuition | 18,400 | 2025-26 |
| One-time fees in the first year | 250 | added to the first year only |
The headline fee works out to about CAD 1,840 per school month over a 10-month year, before accommodation.
Fees are on a 2025-26 basis; residence price and insurance amount not stated; confirm with the school.
Fees were compiled in October 2026 and change every school year; confirm the amount with the school before applying.
How this fee compares
At CAD 18,400, this fee is CAD 5,980 below the median of CAD 24,380 among 16 private schools, tuition only.
Outcome: what it means for the student and family
Together, these features make UMC a manageable option for families whose timing and budget are not fixed. The student's credit needs become clear only after a transcript review.
- A seamless transition: A student can enter the Canadian system even in the middle of the academic year.
- Predictable cost: A year of eight courses costs about CAD 18,400 in tuition, with accommodation and insurance calculated separately.
- Language and diploma together: English support progresses alongside credit courses.
- University preparation: The final-year transition program and exam preparation are offered under one roof.
Benefit analysis: what the investment buys
The student works toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), taught and assessed by certified Canadian teachers.
ESL/ELL support builds academic English step by step, so subject marks are not held back by language.
A choice of on-campus boarding or a carefully placed homestay, with staff responsible for the student’s daily routine.
Clubs, teams and community activities 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 18,400 | Headline annual tuition, from the cost analysis above |
| Per school month | CAD 1,840 | Over a 10-month school year |
| Price position | −CAD 5,980 | vs. median CAD 24,380 · 16 private schools, tuition only |
| Specialty programs | Core program | Standard provincial curriculum |
| Living arrangement | Boarding & homestay | Included in the cost analysis where the school publishes it |
| Language support | ESL/ELL | Structured English support listed by the school |
| Value verdict | Budget-friendly |
CAD 5,980 below the median across 16 private schools, tuition only. Families get the full Canadian school experience for less.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Campus structure: It is a city school, so families looking for a classic boarding campus with large sports fields may not find it suitable.
- Additional costs: The application fee is CAD 250. The custodianship document costs CAD 1,500 per year. Homestay starts at CAD 1,550 per month. Families should confirm current fees with the school before applying.
- Self-discipline: Success in a big city with a flexible schedule depends on the student taking responsibility for their own work.
On return, credit recognition is handled by the home country's education authority, so course selection should be planned from the start. We can assess together whether UMC suits your child's current grade and English level; you can contact Canadian Edu Centre for a free preliminary assessment meeting.