If you've heard of International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement enrichment programs before, you may be wondering what the difference is between them. Find out in this brief overview and how they might be right for your child! Read more
Toronto, Ontario — Havergal has been preparing young women to make a difference since 1894 through its innovative curriculum and future-ready programming with a focus on wellness and student agency. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$35,700 to $65,280
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
1000
Avg. Class:
18 to 22
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Ottawa, Ontario — Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from PreK to Gr. 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$15,540 to $29,700
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
370
Avg. Class:
15 to 17
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Toronto, Ontario — Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-girls, all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$35,700 to $72,500
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
954
Avg. Class:
12 to 22
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Toronto, Ontario — Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$13,000 to $34,500
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
550
Avg. Class:
10 to 15
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Toronto, Ontario — Located in the heart of Toronto, Upper Canada College is the oldest independent boys' school in Ontario. Our IB graduates are highly regarded by top universities and post-secondary institutions worldwide. View School Profile.
Grades:
SK to 12 (Boys)
Type:
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$35,000 to $68,450
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
1200
Avg. Class:
20 to 25
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Port Hope, Ontario — The TCS Signature Journey gives students a strong start on a long and exciting adventure that stretches from our campus to further education and career and carries through the full arc of a life of purpose and service. View School Profile.
Grades:
5 to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$26,750 to $72,500
Living:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
570
Avg. Class:
12 to 16
|
Maple, Ontario — Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Student Wellness. We value best practices & evidence-based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech-Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$15,500 to $19,500
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
200
Avg. Class:
12 to 18
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Toronto, Ontario — St. Clement's School's goal is to develop and equip compassionate, courageous, curious, and adaptable learners, empowering them to make impactful contributions in local, national, and global communities. View School Profile.
Grades:
1 to 12 (Girls)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$32,850
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
460
Avg. Class:
16
|
Toronto, Ontario — Prestige School offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 10 to 18 students. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$12,750 to $17,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
290
Avg. Class:
10 to 18
|
Toronto, Ontario — Our vision: Encourage life-long Georgians ready to use their scholarship, compassion, conscience and courage to make a difference. Our mission: To challenge and inspire each boy to become the best version of himself. View School Profile.
Grades:
3 to 12 (Boys)
Type:
Progressive
Tuition:
$34,500
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
426
Avg. Class:
16
|
Toronto, Ontario — Sunnybrook School offers the IB Primary Years Program for all students in JK - Grade 6. We have a fully integrated co-ed and 1:1 iPad program for all the grades. Our inquiry approach leads to global citizens. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 6 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$29,750
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
140
Avg. Class:
16 to 20
|
Oakville, Ontario — Appleby College in Oakville is recognized globally as one of Canada's leading independent schools. Breadth, excellence, innovation and caring are the characteristics that define the essence of the Appleby experience. View School Profile.
Grades:
7 to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$40,020 to $79,870
Living:
Boarding/Day
Enrollment:
803
Avg. Class:
12 to 16
|
Toronto, Ontario — The York School is a JK to Grade 12 International Baccalaureate school in midtown Toronto. Our mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who are engaged citizens of the world. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$33,750
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
730
Avg. Class:
15 to 20
|
Toronto, Ontario — Crescent School is a Toronto independent day school for boys in Grades 3 to 12. Our relational learning environment develops students' characters through academics, arts, athletics, business, outreach and robotics. View School Profile.
Grades:
3 to 12 (Boys)
Type:
Progressive
Tuition:
$36,090
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
785
Avg. Class:
15 to 20
|
Waterloo Region (Breslau), Ontario — St. John's-Kilmarnock School offers enriched educational programming for students from Junior Kindergarten – Grade 12 through its accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Discover the possibilities. View School Profile.
Grades:
JK to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$18,980 to $71,620
Living:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
425
Avg. Class:
10 to 18
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The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). Daily French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus.
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TMS is a leading, accredited independent school that offers a unique design of Montessori and International Baccalaureate programmes. Our students thrive in academics while building a foundation of Significance.
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Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. is a private school for intellectually gifted students in Richmond Hill, Ontario, from grades 1 through 12.
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Independent Kindergarten to Grade 12 boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, Canada focusing on university and life preparation. Find out how a SMUS education can benefit your family.
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St. Margaret's School offers inter-disciplinary and experiential learning from JK3 to Grade 12. Confidence, leadership and academic rigor lead to student success. At SMS, 'She Can'!
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Lynn-Rose's philosophy is to create an environment that is challenging and rewarding; focusing on social, intellectual and emotional aspects of the students development through the International Baccalaureate program.
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The Country Day School offers JK-12 in a co-ed, non-denominational environment located on 100 beautiful acres just north of Toronto in King.
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Villanova College is York Region's only independent Catholic school offering Grades 4 to 12 in King City, Ontario. Average class size is 18 students. Specialty programs include STEM and AP.
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SPIRE INSTITUTE & ACADEMY is an international, high school and post graduate sports performance training and education academy, located within a world class event and wellness complex.
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An English school in a French milieu, Stanstead College is located on the Quebec-Vermont border, offering rigorous university-prep, Grades 7 to 12, in a secure, family-focused learning environment.
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TFS - Canada's International School offers an exceptional bilingual education from age 2 to Grade 12. Average class size is 12 to 22 students. Entrance Scholarship to Grade 7 is available.
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Meadowridge is an IB Continuum World School that supports the development of the whole child in a safe, supportive and challenging environment.
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College Prep International, a traditional private school in Montreal, offers English instruction with partial French immersion, for grades five to twelve. Its average class size range from 12 to 18 Students.
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St. Jude's Academy is an IB World School that offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Mississauga. A university preparatory school with a focus on student life, average class size is 16 to 18 students.
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The Bishop Strachan School is a leading independent JK-Grade 12 day & boarding school for girls. Students build the academic skills to thrive at university and beyond. Over $1.6 million available in financial assistance.
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Established in 1901, Hillfield Strathallan College is one of Canada’s leading co-educational independent schools, offering academic programs from Montessori Toddler and Pre-K to Grade 12, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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Crestwood Preparatory College offers a university preparatory program for students in grades 7 to 12. Crestwood always strive to Inspire Excellence and to Nurture the Individual.
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Bishop's College School is an English boarding and day school for students in grades 7 through 12. Small in size and culturally diverse, BCS is an IB World School offering the IB DP and course certificates.
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Brookes Westshore, an IB World School on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC, offers grades 4 to 12 and both day and boarding programmes, with an average class size of 12 students.
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We go beyond curriculum expectations to provide opportunities for students to earn admission into their choice of university using our AP accreditation, staff expertise and individual goal setting in small classes.
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Century Private School in Richmond Hill runs from preschool to grade twelve, with small class ratio to ensure best learning for our students.
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Greenwood College School in Toronto offers programs for Grades 7 through 12. Its average class size is 15 to 19 students.
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Windsor Hall, an IB MYP Candidate school, is the only school in Richmond, BC to offer the IB MYP Programme from grade 6 to 8.
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Acadecap International School (Académie de la Capitale), an IB World School, offers bilingual and/or English programmes from JK to Grade 12. Students thrive in a growth mindset environment and a culture of excellence.
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Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, full IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12 close to Calgary, AB.
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La Citadelle's Excellence in Bilingual Education and academically advanced curriculum develop successful global citizens through IB & AP programs and a holistic approach where students achieve their highest potential.
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TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers the Ontario, France and IB programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7 in Mississauga.
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Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for children from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Voted #1 Private School in Richmond Hill for 6 years!
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Collingwood creates opportunities for our JK to Grade 12 students to excel. Our four strand approach is delivered through a comprehensive educational experience that in collaborative, interdisciplinary and relevant.
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West Island College offers English and French Immersion with a focus on academics, leadership, athletics and global awareness. Students are curious, creative and innovative - able to impact the world.
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MacLachlan is a world-class school offering the benefits of small class sizes, highly dedicated and engaged teachers and an internationally recognized curriculum for students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.
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This traditional private school in Ottawa, Ontario offers Grades 4 to 12 with 100 boarding and 600 day school students. Tuition is from $30,585 to $71,720.
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Canada’s only independent, Catholic school for boys in Grades 7-12, taught in the Basilian tradition of forming the mind, body, and soul. Since 1852, we have educated students in goodness, discipline, and knowledge.
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Walden International School, Oakville, offers enriched, child-centred, academic programs from Pre-K through Grade 8. Class sizes up to 18 students depending on grade level.
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HTS offers a remarkable opportunity for students from JK-12 to shape their own experience through our comprehensive academic and co-curricular programming, lead by our incredible faculty and staff.
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Our goal is to nurture curious spirits, which is why we value a multilingual pedagogy that encourages both French immersion and a wide selection of langage courses, while promoting cultural exchange.
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Brockton School is an independent, co-ed, non-denominational, IB World School.
Brockton hosts an Early Learning Years program, a Junior School, and a Senior School, with students from Junior Kindergarten to grade 12.
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De La Salle College is a Catholic, co-educational, university preparatory school in Toronto from Grade 5 to 12, with average class sizes of 218students and tuition at $15,950.
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Bronte College is a private International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering Grades 9 to 12 for day and boarding students. Our academic programming has attracted students from over 30 countries.
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Benefitting from it's safe and beautiful Nova Scotia location, King's-Edgehill facilitates the opportunity for every student to Be More - in the classroom, on the sports fields, on stage, in the community and beyond.
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Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an International Baccalaureate® World School and offers a Montessori Pre-School program as well as an IB Elementary School and optional IB Diploma Programme.
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Our unique daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support.
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STEAM and experiential learning are at the heart of our program, making learning at BH both dynamic and meaningful. With a focus on post-secondary guidance and internship, BH girls graduate with purpose.
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Queen Margaret's School is a gender inclusive independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC that focuses on preparing young trailblazers...no two journeys are the same.
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We provide students with opportunities to explore real-world concepts and issues, broadening their sense of responsibility, develop their critical thinking skills, and empower them to take action in a global community.
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Luther students, from many different social and cultural backgrounds, have the opportunity to be part of a tightly woven community of students, parents, teachers, staff, and alumni.
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Every student has the ability to learn and achieve academic success. Through our subject specialist teachers, City Academy is committed to helping students reach their full potential with flexible, small-class learning.
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King Heights Academy provides a unique educational experience for toddlers to grade 12 which includes the IB Program. Preschool, Pre- Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Elementary, Intermediate & Secondary Programs offered.
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WRCA exists to inspire and cultivate citizens of Godly character who transform their world for Christ. We do this through integrated faith based teaching and the International Baccalaureate programme for JK - grade 12.
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The Alexander von Humboldt German International School Montreal is a multilingual (German, English and French), private, co-educational school serving students from preschool to grade 12.
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Since 1964, SSS Rome has provided International Boarding and Day Students with a culturally inspiring and rigorous academic IB education in the heart of Ancient Rome.
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Markham, Ontario; IB School; OSSD; OSSD online credit course; NOIC ACADEMY’s annual university enrolment rate is 100% and more than 85% of graduates are admitted by University of Toronto.
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Mulgrave School offers programmes from Preschool to Grade 12 in West Vancouver to all genders. Its average class size is 20 students with teacher to student ratios of 1:8.
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We strive to take the best aspects of Catholic teaching & interpret it in a modern context for the confident young woman of today. They are imbued with a strong work ethic, sense of purpose & a desire to change the world
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Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all girls English Catholic high school, has been graduating exceptional leaders. We offer grades 7 to 12, day school and boarding.
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With over 120 years of excellence in all-girls’ education, our rigorous academic program is complemented by strong arts, design technology and athletic programs. Financial assistance is available.
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University of Toronto Schools (UTS) offers a transformative education to high-achieving students in Grades 7 to 12 from all backgrounds. UTS graduates take initiative and innovate as socially responsible global citizens.
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Prestige School offers individualized programs from pre-school to grade twelve in Richmond Hill with an average class size of ten students.
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Lower Canada College is a coed, K-12 university preparatory school, committed to excellence in teaching and learning. It is the only high school in Quebec offering both the IB MYP and DP.
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Columbia International College is Canada’s largest private boarding school, offering Grade 9 to 12 programs.
#1 in scholarships awarded by universities.
The University of Toronto's official Global Partner School.
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Mentor College offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 16 students.
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Bodwell High School in North Vancouver is a boarding school that enrolls 650 students. Tuition starts at $21,500. We provide Education for a Changing World. The school's motto is "Strength in Diversity."
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The Linden School is a socially progressive community where innovative, research-based practices in girls’ education promote and strengthen personal well-being, academic excellence, and civic engagement.
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Our program is developed to equip and inspire students to cultivate their humanity. We are distinctly different: an IB middle school with 64-72 kids that fosters intellectual engagement, citizenship and leadership.
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Newton's Grove School offers programs from JK to Gr. 12, located in a new, state-of-the-art facility, backing on to an incredible 100-acre green space. Its average class size ranges between 12 to 18 students.
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Beginning in Grade 8, our unique Shawnigan journey purposefully guides students through a distinct, unparalleled and bold educational experience on our stunning waterfront campus on Canada’s beautiful West Coast.
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Brentwood is a truly co-educational, progressive day/boarding school for Grades 8 to 12 located on an oceanfront campus on Vancouver Island, BC. Tuition runs from $31,500 to $59,000.
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Ridley College is an acclaimed co-educational IB boarding and day school that prepares meaningful and flourishing lives by teaching the habits of mind, body, and spirit, and the values needed to lead in a global society.
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Trafalgar Castle offers a close-knit, academically challenging environment where girls feel a strong sense of belonging and discover their unique talents and interests.
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Carrey Education is one of the top choices for parents as it provides academic programs tailored for individual students. Our goal is to help students build their character and discover new interests through learning.
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Early Learning Centre to Grade 12. Discipline. Character. Respect. Complete your child's academic and spiritual foundation. Discover why PCA students excel!
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North Star Academy Laval is the only private English high school in Laval. We offer small classroom sizes for individualized attention. We teach not only for school but for life! Certificate of eligibility not required.
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UNISUS was founded by the leaders of the top Private Schools in BC. Based on IB Education/Innovation/Technology, Entrepreneurship/ Outdoor Education. Boarding, Athletics and Global Partnerships/Opportunities.
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Ashwood Glen offers a Montessori program for children aged 18months - 6 yrs. The Grades 1 - 8 Learning Program applies the IB framework to extend the learning outcomes of the Ontario curriculum.
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GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day-school in Victoria, BC, that challenges and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life.
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SJR is the world’s leading school in Debating and Public Speaking. It has produced 18 Rhodes scholars and 3 math olympiads. 98% of SJR graduates are accepted to their first choice university program.
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A Canadian Private Secondary Boarding school, located in the heart of London, Ontario. LIA is authorized to grant the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
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At Banbury, we teach and mentor each child individually. Students are happy and engaged in learning. We believe in small class sizes with multi-aged groups. 98% of our grads continue with post-secondary education.
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At Vaughan College instructions are embedded with strategies appropriate to the students' unique needs. We develop students' confidence and their urge to do better, which results in a high university acceptance rate.
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JK- 12/IB/AP , inter-faith/R.C.co-ed day, and boarding located in Windsor, ON
Family of Schools includes Nursery, Elementary and Secondary Schools, athletic facilities, performing arts wing (music and dance studios).
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Aspengrove School is the only independent, non-denominational, co-educational school in Nanaimo, BC. Our school teaches the International Baccalaureate Curriculum through a team of passionate faculty to JK - Grade 12.
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Unionville Academy provides AP courses and Unionville Academy is one of the authorized AP test sites.
Unionville Academy provides a Language Training program to students based on individual situations e.g. IELTS, TOFEL
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The Study, founded in 1915, is one of Canada's premier all-girls' schools. Dedicated teachers offer a warm and stimulating bilingual mother-tongue environment from Kindergarten to Grade 11. The World Needs Great Women.
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Pickering College's fully-integrated Global Leadership Program (JK to Grade 12) inspires students to become agents of courageous, ethical and positive change with the confidence, knowledge and skills to shape the future.
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Amidst increasing competition, Canadian parents often seek enrichment opportunities for their children that will help them get into the best universities. Here is a brief overview of two such enrichment programs, Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). If you want to compare specific schools with these programs, visit our compare hub.
AP, which the New York-based College Board has operated since 1955, allows students to take university-level courses and exams while still in high school.
At the end of these university preparation courses, students write an examination that the Canadian College Board in Victoria, B.C. administers. If the student scores a four or five (out of five points), he or she may earn a university course credit. In other words, your son or daughter could take one fewer course in university or graduate with an extra credit.
The content of Advanced Placement exams vary depending on which one of the 34 courses a student is in. Nonetheless, they always require quick and critical thinking. Concision and rapidly organizing my thoughts were the most demanding aspects of the AP exam in English Language and Composition that I wrote. Near the end of the paper, my answers were incomplete because I devoted too much time to other responses. Learning how to write quickly is a wonderful tool for university preparation. Indeed, success depends not only on intensive preparation (e.g., reading and practicing), but also on efficiency.
Students should only take AP courses in subject areas at which they excel, for AP exams require a high level of competence in a given field. Students who select AP in courses that do not meet their strengths may feel overwhelmed by its challenging workload. However, taking AP courses comes with multiple benefits, including:
IB is a renowned leader in international education. It was created to combine the strengths of multiple national school systems to create a so-called "curriculum without borders." Throughout its history, IB has continually added to its intellectually challenging curriculum. These courses share a drive to learn through questioning (Socratic method), critical thinking and self-exploration instead of mere memorization, which is a useful university preparation strategy, especially for a future liberal arts education.
As Adam Kovacs-Litman (The York School, in Toronto, Ontario, Class of 2010) notes, "IB encourages students to discover their passions through a depth and breadth of knowledge that is offered by few other programs."
An International Baccalaureate education is not restricted to the classroom. For example, students must complete at least 50 hours of community service and 50 hours of leadership training every two years, as IB strives to mold global citizens, not just students with rote learning skills.
Unlike AP, IB is a comprehensive approach to enrichment. While AP offers enrichment in one course or subject area, IB is a holistic educational approach that provides programs for students aged three to 19. But, like AP, success in IB depends both on completing an above average workload and high aptitude. Put simply, an IB program is for students who can handle its heavy demands. Despite its difficulty, however, IB possesses multiple benefits including:
Though universities look favourably on both programs, they are more likely to prefer IB. The most important difference is as follows:
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
