Boarding School Review - Established 2003

Columbia International College

5.00 (20 reviews)
1003 Main Street West Hamilton L8S 4P3
Tel: (905) 572-7883 Ext. 2805
www.cic-totalcare.com
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,700 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $26,400
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $3,300
  • Acceptance rate: 86%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Columbia International College Photo #4 - Northcliffe, Columbia International College
Columbia International College Photo #5 - Pine Boys Residence, Columbia International College
Columbia International College Photo #6 - Pine Girls Residence, Columbia International College
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About the School

  • 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 Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,700 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $26,400
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $3,300
  • Acceptance rate: 86%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Top Rankings

Columbia International College ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 269 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Community Size
Large student body (number of students)
Diversity
High percentage of international students
Affordability
Least expensive tuition

School Overview

2026 School Data
Columbia International College
School Focus
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1979

Student Body

Enrollment
1700 students
% International Students
95%
% Students Boarding
98%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes
No
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
CIC Uniform Pieces
Average Class Size
17 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
View Summer Program Details
Courses

Tuition & Financial Aid

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$26,400
(8 courses tuition fee, not include residence or meal plan)
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$3,300
(8 courses tuition fee, not include residence or meal plan)
Tuition international students
$26,400
Merit Scholarships Offered
Yes

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Admissions

Application Deadline
None / Rolling
SSAT Required
Yes
Average Percentile SSAT
n/a%
Acceptance Rate
86%
Director of Admissions
Shawn Qin

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
7
Sports
BadmintonBasketball
GymnasticsIntramural Sports Only
SoccerSwimming
Volleyball

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
15
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Archery ClubAthletic Council
Basketball ClubCooking Club
CrochetDECA
Duke of Edinburgh AwardKaraoke Club
LeadershipModel United Nations
Robotics ClubRobotics Team
Service PrefectsStudent Council
Table Tennis Club

College Matriculation

10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
View Matriculation Data

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
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Zere '23 - Zere has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and remarkable leadership abilities, paving the way for her to secure acceptance from many prestigious universities and close to $300k in scholarships! ✅University College London (Economics) ✅York University - Schulich School of Business (Business Administration) ✅University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce (Commerce) ✅University of Toronto, Mississauga (Commerce) ✅University of Warwick (Economics) ✅Queen Mary University of London (Economics) ✅IE University (Economics) ✅Total Scholarships: $299,500
    • Daniella '23 - ✅CIC Model United Nations team ✅Best Delegate at Kings MUN 2023 ✅Director of Delegate Relations at Global Summit 2023 ✅Top Subject Prize in Canadian and International Law ✅Bronze medal in Badminton Intramurals: Team Captain ✅Queen Mary University of London (Law) ✅University of Aberdeen (law) ✅The University of Law (Law) ✅Total Scholarships: $7,000
    • Emmanuella '23 - ✅University of Toronto, Mississauga (Commerce) ✅University of Toronto, Scarborough (Management) ✅McMaster University (Business) ✅McMaster University (Integrated Business & Humanities) ✅Brock University (Business Administration) ✅Carleton University (Commerce) ✅University Of Ottawa (Management Studies) ✅York University (Commerce) ✅University of Miami (Economics) ✅University of Alberta (Bachelor of Commerce) ✅Minnesota State University (Business) ✅Grinnell College (Business) ✅Western University (Social Sciences) ✅University Of Guelph (Economics) ✅Wooster College (Business) ✅Total Scholarships: $374,297
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Columbia International College cost?
Columbia International College's tuition is approximately $26,400 for boarding students and $3,300 for day 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 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Columbia International College?
Columbia International College famous alumni include: Zere '23, Daniella '23 and Emmanuella '23.
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).

Student & Alumni Reviews

Review
Description

Class of 2019
5.00
McMaster University
When I started at Columbia International College, I was drawn to the promise that this school truly prepares its students for a life of purpose. What sets CIC apart is its Total Care Education System. . .

Class of 2023
5.00
University of Toronto
Attending CIC was like being handed a compass and learning how to navigate both life and studies. From the start, I appreciated CIC’s Total Care Education System which doesn’t just focus on grades, but on. . .

Class of 2023
5.00
University of Toronto
When I first arrived at CIC, I was struck by how seriously they take both academic performance and personal growth. Everything from orientation, mentoring, and counselling made it clear. They want students not just to. . .
Show more reviews (17 reviews)
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,700 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $26,400
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $3,300
  • Acceptance rate: 86%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School location map

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