Columbia International College is Canada`s largest private boarding school, offering Grades 9 to 12 for day and boarding students.
At the heart of our success is the holistic Total Care Education System - an innovative approach to learning and living.
Our Total Care Education System ensures that every student`s academic, social, emotional and physical needs are tended to.
We are #1 in scholarships awarded by universities and we offer the only official U of Toronto partnership program - the Elite Pathway Program.
Quick Stats (2023)
- Grades: (Boarding) 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,700 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $24,000
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- Average class size: 17 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Columbia International College ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 296 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Affordability
School Overview
Definition of Terms | 2022 School Data
Columbia International College
School Focus
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation
Year Founded
1979
Student Body
Enrollment
1700 students
% International Students
95%
% Students Boarding
98%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
CIC Uniform Pieces
CIC Uniform Pieces
Average Class Size
17 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
ESL Courses Offered
Summer Program Offered
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$24,000
(8 courses tuition fee, not include residence or meal plan)
(8 courses tuition fee, not include residence or meal plan)
Tuition international students
$24,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
Acceptance Rate
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
7
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
15
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Archery Club, Athletic Council, Basketball Club, Cooking Club, Crochet, DECA, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Karaoke Club, Leadership, Model United Nations, Robotics Club, Robotics Team, Service Prefects, Student Council, Table Tennis Club
Archery Club, Athletic Council, Basketball Club, Cooking Club, Crochet, DECA, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Karaoke Club, Leadership, Model United Nations, Robotics Club, Robotics Team, Service Prefects, Student Council, Table Tennis Club
College Matriculation
Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
- Canada's largest boarding school
- Total Care Education System - Total Learning, Total Living, Total Development, Total Communication
- Offers Grade 9-12 , ESL, and Summer Camp, Short-term/Exchange programs
- Offer the only official University of Toronto partnership program - the Elite Pathway
- Leadership programming and The Duke of Edinburgh award (Bronze, Silver and Gold)
- University Partners provide exclusive scholarships to graduates
- University of Toronto's official Global Partner School
- # 1 in university admissions and scholarships among all high schools in Canada
- Separate residences for boys and girls with door-to-door school bus transportation
- Official Test Centre for IELTS
- Compared with any other high school globally, CIC graduates receive more offers of admission from: University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and McMaster University
- Our unique Total Care Education System is a holistic education that addresses the complete development of a child`s academic, social, emotional and physical needs
- CIC graduates are awarded the largest amounts of scholarships from universities C$9.5 million in 2020
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Columbia International College cost?
Columbia International College's tuition is approximately $24,000 for boarding students.
What is the acceptance rate of Columbia International College?
The acceptance rate of Columbia International College is 86%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 58%.
What sports does Columbia International College offer?
Columbia International College offers 7 interscholastic sports: Badminton, Basketball, Gymnastics, Intramural Sports Only, Soccer, Swimming and Volleyball.
Does Columbia International College offer a summer program?
Yes, Columbia International College offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Columbia International College's ranking?
Columbia International College ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Large student body (number of students), High percentage of international students and Least expensive tuition.
When is the application deadline for Columbia International College?
The application deadline for Columbia International College is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Recent Articles

Mastering the Boarding School Selection Process: A 5-Step Guide
Discover the ultimate 5-step guide to choosing the perfect boarding school for your child. Explore essential factors, such as academics, campus facilities, extracurricular activities, and more. Make an informed decision to provide your child with an enriching and transformative educational experience. Read now!

5 Founders and Their Boarding Schools
What prompts somebody to start a boarding school? The motives range from idealism to munificence right on through to capitalism. The common thread seems to be ample capital and a vision of what education can do.

April 24, 2023
Top 5 Reasons To Study Dance At A Boarding SchoolFrom meeting world-renowned guest artists to balancing busy rehearsal schedules, students share how boarding school is preparing them to dance professionally.