Our International Education programs include:
- Academic Full Year/Semester Program
- Short-Term Program
- Summer Program
- Continuing Education Program for Adults
Academic Full Year/Semester Program
DCDSB provides international students who wish to earn credits and learning experience in Ontario, Canada, with both Elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 8) and Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12) academic programs.
All the schools at DCDSB will offer academic courses with ESL support and high-quality ESL instructions for classes from ESL Level A to E. Students are given English as a Second Language instruction to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening, while immersed in the daily high school curriculum. These classes are tailored to the specific needs of the students.
Academic success is dependent upon regular attendance in all classes. If you are to be absent or miss a class for any reason, your host family or custodian is expected to call the school to provide a reason for your absence. If a student is consistently absent without consent, consequences could include loss of credits and suspension from school.
Each school has a Code of Conduct policy on the school website and/or school agenda that you will receive during your school orientation. It is important to ask questions during the school discussion about this policy which is based on expectations from the Ontario Ministry of Education.
International Students and their parents/guardians will receive written warning for misbehaviour, missing classes without consent or failing courses. Students who do not follow the school's Code of Conduct may be asked to leave the program without reimbursement if they do not show signs of improvement.
Elementary students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 typically spend the instructional day with the same teacher. A different teacher may come in to teach French, Music, Art or Health and Physical Education. Learn more about our Elementary School Program here.
Elementary students will receive three report cards for the school year, advising of their progress. Students, their host families, and all custodians are invited to discuss student progress and marks at any time with the classroom teacher. They will also be invited to parent-teacher conferences that are held at the school.
Secondary school students will begin each semester with four courses and complete eight courses in the full year study. To receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, students are required to complete at least 30 credits in secondary school, 18 of which are compulsory courses (one credit for one course). International students who meet or exceed a high level of academic achievement (Level 4 or 80%) in a broad array of subjects can apply for AP Courses (Advanced Placement) at secondary school level. Learn more about our Secondary School Program here.
Secondary school students will receive four report cards -- two for each semester -- including a mid-term report card and a final report card. Students, their host families, and all custodians are invited to discuss student progress and marks at any time with the classroom teacher. They will also be invited to parent-teacher conferences that are held at the school.
International students are strongly encouraged to get involved in school activities, clubs, sports and fun events is an important part of adapting to a new culture and community. Every school will have their own unique sports programs, clubs and school events, and staff and students are there to help international students participate in those activities.
Some of the clubs and events that your school might offer are listed below.
- Academic Clubs: Calculus, English, Robotics, STEM, Math Contests, Studio Art, Yearbook.
- Sports: Badminton, Baseball/softball, Cross country running/track, Curling, Field Hockey, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball.
- Extra-curricular Clubs: Chaplaincy, Chess, Debating, Drama, Eco, French, Harry Potter, International Students, Mock Trial, Poetry, Student Council, Jazz Band, Weight Training, Tech Team, Writers Club.
- Events: Black History Month, Drama Productions, Skilled Trade Symposium, Prom, Multicultural Night, Prom, Religious Retreats, Remembrance Day, School Masses and Liturgies, Toy Drives, University and College Fairs.
Short-Term Program
Our short-term program is an immersion program to integrate international students with local Durham Catholic District School Board students. To satisfy international students’ needs and expectations, the length of the short-term stay can be customized from minimum 4 weeks to maximum 16 weeks.
- Partner with a local Durham Catholic District School Board student in the same grade/age.
- Learn English as a Second Language in Canadian content.
- Attend classes with their local Canadian students
- Earn exciting classroom and extra-curricular experience in the school community.
- Activities and excursions will be arranged based on weather, interest and learning experience.
- Receive a letter of attendance and an achievement certificate
Summer Program
The two, three, or four-week educational programs are available throughout the summer for individuals and chaperoned groups. In addition to enriching English as a Second Language classes, these programs also include theme-based activities to enhance the language learning process.
- Involve in different ESL learning and theme-based activities, which include, but are not limited to, media and arts, STEM, Coding and Robotics, cultural, athletic and leisure events.
- English assessment on students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills based on the Canadian Benchmark will be provided upon arrival.
- During weekends, campers can choose to spend time with Host Family or trips arranged by DCDSB.
- Upon completion, a Certificate of Attendance and English proficiency level certificate will be issued.
- Participate in the college/university tour for campers to learn more about higher education opportunities in Canada.
Secondary students may choose to take one accelerated credit course (Grade 9 to 12) during the summer in July. This program is available for international students who are currently studying in DCDSB. Please contact your school guidance counsellor before registering the summer credit course and visit the summer school program page. International student tuition fee will be charged.
Continuing Education Program for Adults
DCDSB Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre offers employment preparation and training programs, and adult international students can earn high school credits and well-prepare for the workplace or post-secondary education through the following programs. International student tuition fee will be charged.
Brochures
Our Passport to Excellence Student Handbook will provide you with information about:
Passport to Excellence in Academics;
Passport to Excellence in Community; and
Passport to Excellence in Canadian Culture.
Download the Passport to Excellence Student Handbook here.