1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4P3, Canada
306 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 1T7, Canada
1003 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4P3, Canada
306 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario, M4N 1T7, Canada
1979
1962
1700
1530
9 to 12
Nursery/Toddler to 12
Coed
Coed
Day, Boarding
Day
English
English, French
Academic
Academic
Traditional
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
12 to 22
12 to 22
In-class adaptations
In-class adaptations
$23,070 to $39,020
$3,000
No
Yes
0%
0%
None
7 to 12
$0
$35,000
425
90
100%
0%
86%
30%
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2023
Rolling
Not available
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
While some schools pride themselves on being small, Columbia finds its strength in being large—with a student population in excess of 1800, it is easily the largest boarding school in Canada. What Columbia might lack in intimacy it gains in the ability to provide a wealth of supports and programs that smaller schools simply can't. The school maintains extensive liaison offices, a dedicated guidance staff, and even its own medical clinic. The faculty, through size and experience, is remarkably adept at providing a quality, well-rounded education with an eye to success in postsecondary education. The school provides ESL to students who need it, and liaises directly with universities in Canada and beyond in order to facilitate the transition to postsecondary education. In all, the school excels at doing what it was created to do: to support the university-bound international learner who is living away from home within a culture, and at times a language, that is unfamiliar.
Read The Our Kids Review of Columbia International College
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While some schools pride themselves on being small, Columbia finds its strength in being large—with a student population in excess of 1800, it is easily the largest boarding school in Canada. What Columbia might lack in intimacy it gains in the ability to provide a wealth of supports and programs that smaller schools simply can't. The school maintains extensive liaison offices, a dedicated guidance staff, and even its own medical clinic. The faculty, through size and experience, is remarkably adept at providing a quality, well-rounded education with an eye to success in postsecondary education. The school provides ESL to students who need it, and liaises directly with universities in Canada and beyond in order to facilitate the transition to postsecondary education. In all, the school excels at doing what it was created to do: to support the university-bound international learner who is living away from home within a culture, and at times a language, that is unfamiliar.
View full reportThe school celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022, marking the end of an astonishing period of growth and development. The school really did start in a basement, moving from there into a range of branches throughout Toronto, in time consolidating onto the two campuses that the school occupies today. Schools don't grow that much, or that quickly, if they aren't servicing a specific need, and certainly that's true of TFS. The acronym stands for Toronto French School, which is the name that the school was founded with, though in time it was offering a lot more than the name suggested. Language remains an important part of the curriculum, though the culture of the school reaches beyond language. The environment is rich, varied, and supportive. The student body is culturally and academically diverse, all of which is encouraged through a robust bursary program.
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"Columbia International College is Canada’s largest private boarding school, offering Grades 9 to 12 programs. Our Total Care Education System® ensures that every student’s academic, social, emotional and physical needs are tended to. We are #1 in offers of admission from the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and McMaster University. We are also #1 in scholarships awarded by universities. We offer the only official University of Toronto partnership program - the Elite Pathway Partnership Program."
"TFS’ mission is to develop multilingual critical thinkers who celebrate difference, transcend borders and strive for the betterment of humankind and the planet. As the pioneer of French immersion in Canada, our education is unparalleled in its excellence, preparing students for success in today’s global world. Bilingual and coed since 1962, TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework of the IB's three programs (PYP, MYP and bilingual Diploma Program). We want our students to be academically ambitious and well-rounded, with an international and intercultural perspective. Our students master French and English, while balancing rigorous science, arts and humanities programs. No prior knowledge of French is required, but all students graduate as bilingual due to our successful Intro program, offered up to Grade 7. TFS students are multi-faceted, passionate learners, who form friendships for life in our supportive community. Co-curricular programs include competitive sports, robotics, music, visual and dramatic arts. Students benefit from exceptional facilities, a 26-acre ravine and a diverse, non-denominational environment. TFS has campuses in Toronto and Mississauga."
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"TFS is renowned for its academics. The rigour of our curriculum — in which we teach the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework established by the IB programs — is unparalleled. Our graduates leave TFS with an education that is rich in challenge, diversity and opportunity, and they study in universities and pursue the programs of their choice."
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Welcome!
As Principal of Columbia International College, my belief is that in order for your children to be successful as international students, they need to be cared for as if they were at home with you. All my teachers and staff share the same belief.
The need for students to learn in an environment where they are well supported is the chief concern that thousands upon thousands of parents have shared with us over the years. From its beginning in 1979, CIC was built to address this concern. We wanted to make sure that every international student could study in a fully supported environment of caring: academically, socially, emotionally and physically.
We created an approach that would do just that – look after the whole child around the clock. We call it the Total Care Education System®. It’s a study environment where the academic program, the staff and the facilities are fully integrated as one – all geared towards helping students achieve success and give parents peace of mind.
After almost 40 years, we are proud of how well our Total Care approach works. Our students are most successful in getting admitted to some of the world’s best universities and receiving admission scholarships. Our consistent, proven track record has gained the confidence among parents from over 100 countries.
But most important to me, it’s how the students have achieved success: in a supportive environment, one where they can study in health, safety and happiness and where their parents can be fully confident that they are being cared for.
Columbia International College can make the difference in how your child can go higher with their future: positively building their character and helping them to be responsible, global citizens. Through our brochure and website, you can learn more about how Total Care Education System provides peace of mind for parents and fosters success for students.
If you have any questions about our approach, please reach out to me personally at [email protected].
After working as a Principal with Le Conseil Scolaire Viamonde here in Toronto, and in Georgia before that, as well as a Director of Curriculum in Nigeria and an Athletic Director in Yemen, M. Gaudet arrived at TFS as Principal of the Senior School in 2015, bringing with him an invaluable international perspective. In August 2020, M. Gaudet stepped into his new role of Executive Director of the Learning Forum at TFS. M. Gaudet is a bilingual educator with a master’s degree in educational administration. He has more than 20 years of experience working with high school students. His passion for academic ambition is felt school-wide through his innovative and informed ideas and programs.
Liberal Arts
International Baccalaureate
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
CIC offers a wide variety of courses to enable students to meet the admission requirements for their desired university programs. https://www.cic-totalcare.com/total-care-education/total-care-learning/courses/ CIC has a Traditional approach to Curriculum. Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Academic ambition is our bedrock. TFS teaches the curricula of France and Ontario through the framework established by the IB programs (PYP, MYP and bilingual IB Diploma Program) from Jardin d'éveil (age 2) to Grade 12 in a fully bilingual French/English environment. We provide our students with an education that is rich in challenge, diversity and opportunity.
Equal Balance
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
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The Mathematics program develops students’ ability to work independently and their aptitude to seek, communicate, and justify mathematical statements. Problem solving and creativity will be integrated in all areas of mathematics.
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Balanced Literacy
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
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The early reading program focuses on phonics instruction in French and English, with guided reading and levelled literacy that suits individual needs and abilities.
DIBELS Testing: This school periodically uses DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Regular running records and miscue analysis, CTBS testing
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
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Cursive writing instruction begins in SK, and students have access to a handwriting app developed by a TFS teacher for the iPad. The writing process is taught thoughout the grades, including writing reflections and reading for authentic purposes, as part of the IB programs.
Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
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The study of science is integrated into units of inquiry in the primary grades, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, digital tools and robotics. In Grade 6, science is taught as a specialized subject, leading to biology, chemistry and physics study in later years.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
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Grades 2-5: Students receive daily instruction in English and French. Language experiences support the Program of Inquiry and fulfil the Ontario curriculum’s Language expectations. The language curriculum is organized into four strands: Reading, Writing, Media Literacy and Oral Communication. In later grades, through our literature program, students will expand their knowledge of literary genres. Reading various kinds of texts will help students to discover what interests them most and to pursue and develop their interests and abilities.
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Thematic
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
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Students explore social studies through the PYP's program of inquiry, with central ideas and key concepts relating to the themes of who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, how we organize ourselves and sharing the planet.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
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Communicative
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
The communicative method of language acquisition emphasizes the use of the target language in authentic contexts. The approach commonly features interactive group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes may still be used, but less frequently than with the audio-lingual method.
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TFS is a bilingual French-English school. In addition to becoming fluent in both languages, students also learn a third language.
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
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Equal Balance
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
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Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Medium integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
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TFS has made the integration of information technology into the curriculum a priority. Students have access to a wide array of technology, including Apple laptops and desktops, iPads, digital cameras, production equipment, robotics, interactive whiteboards and projectors in every classroom, and much more.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
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Health and Physical Education courses are part of the regular curriculum. TFS appreciates the benefits of physical activity to academic performance. Students with higher levels of fitness have a more developed brain structure, perform better on cognitive tests, and have heightened levels of focus and retention. Skating and swimming programs are scheduled throughout the year as part of the curriculum in different grades.
Academic
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 1, TFS teaches the curricula of the Ministry of Education of Ontario and the Ministry of Education of France through the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization. From the moment children join TFS, through Grade 1 (CP), they are instructed only in French. Children quickly embrace the language and are gently encouraged to increase their use of French during classroom activities. As of Grade 2 through high school, the language of instruction of the various subjects is approximately 30% in English and 70% in French.
Accelerated
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
The main curriculum accelerates beyond the pace of the provincial one; ALL students do the work of OLDER public-school peers in tangible and measurable ways. This accelerated pace is maintained by the teachers and school, (through textbook selection, topic selection, grading, assignment standards and expectations, etc).
Flexible and self-paced programs include Math XL and Mathletics, coding, digital citizenship programs.
Rigorous
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
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"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
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CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
CompetitiveComp. |
RecreationalRec. |
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Badminton |
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Baseball |
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Basketball |
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Canoeing/Kayaking |
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Cricket |
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Cross-country skiing |
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Cycling |
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Downhill skiing |
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Equestrian |
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Fencing |
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Field Hockey |
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Figure Skating |
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Football |
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Golf |
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Gymnastics |
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Ice Hockey |
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Ice Skating |
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Lacrosse |
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Martial Arts |
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Mountain biking |
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Racquet Ball |
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Rowing |
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Rugby |
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Running |
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Sailing |
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Skateboarding |
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Snowboarding |
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Soccer |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Swimming |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ultimate |
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
7 - 12
0%
0%
$0
$35,000
86%
30%
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nursery/Toddler, Preschool, JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Dec 01, 2023
Rolling
Not available
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
No
Yes: grades 6 - 12
Yes: grades 9 - 12
Yes: grades 2 - 12
No
No
No
No
Students who are pursuing OSSD and post-secondary education.
High average to excellent academic performance; motivated and determined; respectful of others; positive attitude; makes a positive contribution to TFS; values a bilingual education; internationally minded; parents are committed to the TFS vision, mission and values.
Students are asked to submit their transcripts from their previous school with their application form.
Admissions application plus:
