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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
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There is a power within you. Unique academic programs, unusual opportunities, and a solid leadership education will help you unlock your potential. Come explore Randolph-Macon Academy, and discover The Power of Rise.
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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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Columbia International College is a day and boarding school, offering programs to international students in grades 7 to 12.
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TFS - Canada's International School offers Canada's only bilingual IB programs from PK to Grade 12. Average class size is 12 to 22 students. Entrance Scholarship to Grade 7 is available.
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Havergal College has been preparing young women to make a difference since 1894.
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Walden International School, Oakville, offers enriched, child-centred, academic programs from Pre-K through Grade 8. Grade 9 will be introduced in September 2021. Class sizes up to 18 students depending on grade level.
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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. On line learning available under special circumstances.
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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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UNISUS (IB World) School simply is the most innovative school. We are based on 4 pillars of IB Education, Innovation and Technology, Entrepreneurship and Outdoor Education; also E-Learning Division and Global Partners.
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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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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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Crescent School is a Toronto independent day school for boys in Grades 3 to 12. Our learning environment develops students' characters through academics, arts, athletics, business, outreach and robotics.
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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.
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This academically re-known French & English bilingual serves students from Pre-Kg to High School. Class size averages 20 students; tuition ranges from $15,000 to $18,00 . Boarding is available.
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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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Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12.
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Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Character Development. We value best practices & evidenced based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum.
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Lynn-Rose Heights Private School offers challenging academic programming from three years old to grade twelve in Mississauga. Lynn-Rose Heights school is an official International Baccalaureate World School.
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Sunnybrook School offers a fully integrated 1:1 iPad program for all students in JK - Grade 6.
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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.
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Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-girls, all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
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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. Tuition is $14,500.
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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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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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TCS students appreciate that school needs to be more than just reaching their academic potential–it’s about exploring all facets of themselves so that the realization of talents reach far beyond the classroom walls.
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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.
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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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Elmwood School is Ottawa's pre-eminent school for girls from JK to Grade 12. Our high academic standards, small class sizes and safe, supportive environment ensure that each girl is inspired to reach her full potential.
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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.
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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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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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Prestige School offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 10 to 18 students.
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Brookes School Canada, an IB World School on beautiful Vancouver Island, offers grades 4 to 12 for both day and boarding students with an average class size of 12 students.
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Located on the Quebec-Vermont border, Stanstead College offers rigorous university-prep, Grades 7to 12, in a secure, family-focused learning environment.
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The Linden School provides a challenging academic program for girls from JK - Grade 12. We create opportunities to discover the joys of learning and foster the development of critical thinking and physical well-being.
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Richland Academy is a progressive, innovative Reggio inspired and International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for children from 2.8-years to Grade 8. Voted #1 Private School in Richmond Hill 4 years in a row.
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Acadecap International School ( Académie de la Capitale), an IB school, offers bilingual and/or English programmes from Pre-K to Grade 12. Students thrive in a culture of academic excellence and real-life learning.
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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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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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TFS - Canada's International School (West Campus) offers programs from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7. Its average class size is 12 to 22 students.
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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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BC Christian Academy offers Christian education from Preschool to Grade 12. Our dedication to academic excellence, strong Christian and moral values and a community built on compassion equip our students for the future.
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Queen Margaret's School is a co-ed independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC.
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Léman Manhattan - the only boarding school in Manhattan, New York that delivers academic excellence that inspires your child for a lifetime. IB Diploma program and unique internship opportunities offered in the city.
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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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At The Westside Schools students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 gain a solid foundation for their future. Every student is known, cared about, and understood by Westside’s dedicated and passionate teachers.
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Wheatley School offers programs from nursery to grade eight in St. Catharines. Its average class size is 15 students.
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Accredited by French Ministry of Education and certified by AEFE, this school provides outstanding education and revolves around 3 major themes: Excellence, Educational innovation and Cultural / linguistic openness.
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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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Shawnigan Lake School is the largest boarding school in Canada. Located in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, we offer a comprehensive program to 500 young men and women in grades 8-12.
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Accomplished, confident and innovative - adjectives that describe not only our programs but more importantly, our students. Developing critical thinking, creative problem solving and academic excellence for everyone.
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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 $30,000 to $78,000.
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Newton's Grove School offers programs from JK to Gr. 12, located in a newly renovated 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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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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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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Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life!
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The purpose of Banbury is to meet individual needs, and to help students to become self-sufficient. Banbury feels like a family. Where you have the freedom to be yourself. Where you are seen, heard, and understood.
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City Academy offers courses which follow Ontario Curriculum Guidelines. Utilizing teachers who are subject specialists and following a flexible and unique timetabling format, we are committed to every student's success.
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SSS Rome provides students with a culturally diverse and rigorous academic education. Graduates obtain the International Baccalaureate Diploma and American High School Diploma to enter renowned universities worldwide.
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Alexander Academy is a private World IB School offering the Diploma Programme and approved to offer the BC Ministry of Education curriculum in a culturally rich and academically challenging environment for Grades 8 - 12.
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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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Mentor College offers programs from junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 16 students.
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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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St. Michael's College School offers students in Grades 7-12 an enriched, Catholic, liberal arts education complemented by a diverse co-curricular programme.
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Ridley College is an acclaimed co-educational 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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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.
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West Island College offers post-secondary preparatory programs from grades 7 to 12 in Calgary. It's class size varies from 15 to 25 students. French Immersion is offered alongside the English program
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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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As western Canada's leader in French immersion education, Calgary French & International School students are active leaders and global citizens, graduating with a foundation for life long success.
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Holy Name of Mary College School in Mississauga, is an independent Catholic school for girls in grades 5-12 offering an enriched university preparatory programme. The average class size is 12 students.
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GNS, an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate 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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The UWC National Committee of Canada and Pearson College UWC represent the United World Colleges in Canada. We are seeking daring young Canadians who aspire to make the world a better place.
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Located in Vaughan, King Heights Academy provides a unique educational experience for toddlers to grade eight, which includes the IB Program.
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Rothesay Netherwood School offers programs for grades 6 to 12 in Rothesay, New Brunswick. Its average class size is 16 students and it is an outstanding engaged and supportive community -'It's our Nature to Nurture'.
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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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TIA offers a wide range of educational programs such as High School courses, ESL, TOEFL/IELTS/AP Prep., Tutoring, Summer & Night School with a flexible admission schedule for both Canadian and International 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 Montreal offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
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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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Bodwell High School in North Vancouver is a boarding school that enrolls 650 students. Tuition starts at $26,225. We provide Education for a Changing World. The school's motto is "Strength in Diversity."
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The Study, founded in 1915, is one of Canada's premier all-girls' school. 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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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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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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This traditional private school in Ottawa, Ontario offers Grades 4 to 12 with 100 boarding and 600 day school students. Tuition is from $29,130 to $69,290.
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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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École secondaire francophone privée pour jeunes filles située à Outremont, Qc. Les frais de scolarité sont de 4 500 $ par année. Elle offre les profils Éducation internationale, Danse-études et Musique-études.
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Hanson International Academy is a private high school in Toronto established in 2001. It offers Ontario curriculum of grade 9 through 12 focusing on preparing the students for admission to the top Canadian universities.
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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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Town Centre Montessori Private Schools, located in Markham, Ontario, is an IB Continuum World school and offers programs from pre-school to grade 12.
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St. Margaret's School (est. 1908) is an independent school in Victoria, BC, offering empowering education for girls from JK to Grade 12. At SMS, girls don't just get equal opportunity; they get every opportunity.
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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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St. Clement's School develops outstanding women who are intellectually curious, courageous, and compassionate.
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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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We aim to create the opportunity for students to achieve their learning goals. In collaborative learning spaces, students explore content, ideas and perspectives to better understand the world around them.
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Clear Water Academy is a private Catholic school that stands ready to meet and expand the minds and passions the brightest students in Calgary and exchange students from around the world.
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Walden International School is pursuing authorization to become an IB World School. With a unique student-centred focus, it prepares all students to become globally responsible citizens.
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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 23 students and tuition at $13,325.
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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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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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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:
A new initiative in Surrey, BC, is recasting how we think of school. It’s safe to say that you haven’t seen anything like it.. [Read more]
