High school in Canada

As far as excellence in education, Canada currently ranks 4th in the world. The quality of our education system is recognized as one of our greatest strengths (U.S News & World Report, Best Countries for Education, 2024). 

Standards and quality assurance

Canada’s 10 provinces and 3 territories oversee education, and each of their ministries of education recognizes the importance of maintaining high standards. Through the Council of Ministers of Education Canada, a national organization, they make major policy decisions and design initiatives using their provincial and territorial counterparts as benchmarks. This ensures quality and consistency in the education system.

Much of our success can be attributed to our exceptional teachers. Canadian teachers hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 1 year of practical teacher training. Many go on to earn master’s degrees. Teachers are required to regularly upgrade their skills through ongoing education and professional development

Facts about high school in Canada

• School year: Usually begins in September and ends in June, but varies by province and territory. Some students choose to attend summer school to take additional courses or improve their grades.
• Days and hours: School hours are usually 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., from Monday to Friday.
• Ages: High school students must attend school until age 16 or 18, depending on the province or territory.

Public high schools

Many Canadian public high schools now accept international students into their programs. Publicly-funded schools are managed at the local level by elected school boards, which deliver a standard curriculum or program of study. Almost all public schools have male and female students in the same classes and offer day programs only.

In most parts of Canada, international students can choose to study in English, French or both. Some provinces offer a separate school system that includes classes in religion. This is part of the public school system and is open to all.

Many parents send their teenagers to Canada for a study abroad experience. You can do this too. Students live with Canadian families, learn about the culture, gain memories to last a lifetime and earn an outstanding education at the same time.

Private or independent high schools

Canada also has independent and private secondary schools. They charge fees for attendance. Private schools must deliver the same curriculum as public schools in the province or territory.

Class sizes in private schools are often smaller than public schools where students may benefit from specialized programming. Some private schools will have a religious program as well as standard school subjects. Sometimes, private schools are set up for boys only or for girls only.

Private high schools include boarding schools (with on-site accommodations), alternative schools, International Baccalaureate programs and specialized sports programs or schools for students with unique learning needs.

Cost of high school

The fees and costs depend on the type of school your teenager attends.

Public secondary or high school is free in Canada for Canadian citizens and permanent residents of the country. Schools otherwise charge fees for international students, which can range from approximately CAD $10,000 to CAD $17,000 per year. Please check with the school you want your teenager to attend to confirm the cost for international students.

Private day schools have their own fee structures.

Private or independent boarding schools will have higher fees due to the wide range of educational and non-education services provided (such as room and board).

Learn more about high school costs.

Accommodations options

International students who do not have a parent, relative or family friend who will be residing with them while they study in Canada can either stay with a host family or in a boarding school environment.

Canadian host family

Homestay programs allow international students over the age of 12 to live with a carefully selected and well-matched Canadian host family. Your teenager will get:

• a furnished private bedroom
• three meals per day and snacks
• ‘parental’ support
• introduction to the local community
• access to recreational activities

Boarding school environment

At boarding school, your teenager will live and learn on campus with the support of devoted staff who supervise and guide students in a safe environment. Your teenager will get:

• a place to stay
• meals and snacks
• access to recreational activities
• guidance with schoolwork from teachers

Educational requirements

To enter a high school in Canada, your teenager may need to show they have:

• Finished certain grades that correspond to grade levels in Canada
• Proficient language skills in English or French
• School results or report cards from their home country

How to enroll in high school

Contact a local school board if you want to apply for your teenager to attend a public high school. These boards often assess new students, so the student can begin classes in the correct grade. To enroll your teenager in a private high school, contact the school directly.

Find a public or private high school in Canada

There may be deadlines for applying to public schools or private schools.

After your studies

As an international student, graduating from a Canadian high school can also be your first step to eventually consider further studies in Canada. Canada has many pathway programs to help you pursue university , college or vocational education.

Learn more

• Beyond borders: A parent’s guide to Canada
• Beyond borders: Paula and Minh’s high school experience
• Provincial/territorial overview of secondary education in Canada
• Languages Canada