D5. Private and Independent Schools
Agents will deal with students and families who are interested in private/independent schooling in Canada. In this case, the agent will want to consult the association CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools).
For private/independent schools, tuition and boarding fees range from $45,500 to $75,000 per year depending on the institution.
The Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) is a membership association of not-for-profit independent schools that specialize in university preparation. Member schools are provincially licensed, board-governed, and are not driven by commercial interests (thus not-for-profit). Of particular interest, each school must meet high standards of excellence established by an independent accreditation commission.
In Canada, education is provincially mandated, and CAIS Schools are required to meet Ministry requirements.
However, all schools undergo an additional, rigorous CAIS National Standards accreditation process. This process is recognized by the NAIS Commission on Accreditation and ensures that all accredited schools are pursuing best practices in every major area of program and operation. In fact, out of the thousands of private and independent schools in Canada, only 92 schools meet the 12 CAIS National Standards and have earned accreditation.
Boarding Schools
- The Canadian Boarding Collective is a select group of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools that specialize in boarding services for international students. They offer helpful resources from CAIS member schools, including definitions and links to types of boarding schools, information for international families, and application advice.
- The Western Boarding Schools Association represents more than three dozen college-preparatory schools in Canada and the western United States.
These regional associations offer region-specific guidance and information that may be of use to those attending schools in BC, Ontario, or Quebec: