How to Choose a Private High School in Toronto as an International Student: 8 Questions

16 hours ago

3 min read

Toronto has more than a hundred private high schools, and many of them accept international students. Their websites use the same words: small classes, university preparation, caring teachers. This checklist gives you eight questions to ask before you pay a deposit. After each one you can see how St. George Academy (SGA) answers it, so you can compare any school the same way.

››› 1. Is the school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education?

Only inspected private schools can grant credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Ask for the school's BSID number and check it on the Ministry's list of private schools. SGA: inspected private school, BSID 666564, authorized to grant OSSD credits.

››› 2. Can you get a study permit?

Every primary and secondary school in Canada is a Designated Learning Institution, so a Letter of Acceptance from an inspected school lets you apply for a study permit. Ask how the school helps with the documents. SGA: the International Student Services office reviews study permit documents, arranges airport pick-up and health insurance, and issues the Letter of Acceptance after tuition is paid.

››› 3. How big are the classes?

Public high schools in Ontario often have 20 to 30 students per class. Ask for the real average. SGA: about 12 students per teacher, with one-to-one tutoring available at CA$100 per hour.

››› 4. How many semesters a year, and how fast can you graduate?

A school with more start dates lets you begin when you arrive and catch up on credits. SGA: 5 semesters a year (September, November, February, April and a summer semester), up to 14 credits in one year. New students can also start the Foundation ESL program on any Monday.

››› 5. What English support is there?

Most international students need academic English before or alongside credit courses. Ask about placement tests, level length and who teaches ESL. SGA: a free online English test, then the Foundation Program with 8-week levels from Starter to Advanced, plus IELTS and TOEFL preparation. ESL teachers hold a TESL certificate.

››› 6. Where do graduates go?

Ask for the list of university offers by year, not just a percentage. SGA: offers published every year since 2010, including the University of Toronto, McMaster, Waterloo, UBC, McGill, Western and Queen's, plus US and UK universities. SGA reports that over 99% of graduates are accepted to universities and colleges. See the university offers.

››› 7. What is the real total cost?

Compare the price per credit and then add registration, materials, student fees, insurance and the uniform. SGA 2025-26: CA$2,600 per credit, registration CA$350, materials CA$100 per subject, student fee CA$350 per semester, insurance CA$1,300 per year. A full year of 8 credits is about CA$25,500 before accommodation. See the full fee guide.

››› 8. Is there safe housing for students under 18?

Students under 18 need a custodian in Canada and supervised housing. Ask whether the school has its own residence and how far it is from campus. SGA: Finch Residence for under 18 with three meals a day and a maximum of 30 students, 15 minutes on foot from the Park Home Campus; Sheppard Residence for over 18; homestay with Canadian families; custodianship letter CA$1,200 per year.

››› Quick comparison table you can copy

Question	St. George Academy
Ministry of Education inspected	Yes, BSID 666564
Grants OSSD credits	Yes, grades 9 to 12
Founded	1994
Class size	About 12 students per teacher
Semesters per year	5 (up to 14 credits a year)
ESL support	Foundation Program, 8-week levels, start any Monday
Counselors	Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Spanish and English
Tuition 2025-26	CA$2,600 per credit
Accommodation	Residence for under 18 with meals, residence for over 18, homestay
Location	North York Centre, on the subway