International Education Program

Passport to Excellence: International Education

The Durham Catholic District School Board welcomes international students to an enriched learning experience in Canada. Our diverse and multi-cultural school board attracts students from around the world. Our Passport to Excellence program is the perfect place for one to improve his/her English, make friends, prepare for the future and learn about the Canadian culture.

Location

Our schools are located one hour east of Toronto in Durham Region, Ontario. This area offers students both the charm of urban and small-town communities. Lake Ontario borders our communities to the south and Lake Simcoe to the north.

The quality of life is excellent and the recreational opportunities are endless not to mention that the educational and employment opportunities continue to grow.

Durham Region has an impressive resume of hosting sport events, from large international events including the recent PanAm games to numerous community-based sport tournaments.

Our Board

We are accepting international students at our eight secondary schools and 39 Catholic elementary schools. Student can identify their school preference on their application, but placement depends on space and programming. Our staff have final approval on placement.

Our schools

In the Ontario education system, an elementary student is place in a grade based on his or her age. Our Board will determine the final school and grade placement for your child.

• Elementary schools;
• Secondary schools.

Elementary schools

Our elementary schools provide Kindergarten programs for four and five year-olds, as well as programs for students in Grades 1 to 8. Placement in a school is based on the address of the parent or guardian in the Region of Durham and is subject to the availability of space in the schools. Proof of address is required to identify a home school for a student.

Secondary schools

Secondary schools offer programs for Grades 9 to 12. 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). Learn more about the secondary graduation requirements.

Why choose the Durham Catholic District School Board?

We are a diverse and multi-cultural learning community and our programs are open to all learners. Many subjects are available in our secondary schools, some include:

• Accounting;
• Biology;
• Business;
• Chemistry;
• Technological Education;
• Drama;
• Economics;
• English;
• English as a Second Language;
• Family Studies;
• Geography;
• History;
• Law;
• Marketing;
• Mathematics;
• Music;
• Physical and Health Education;
• Physics; and
• Visual Arts.

We offer some courses are available as eLearning courses and provide cooperative learning experiences for students.

University and colleges will look for successful studies in the major fields in which the student applies. All English language universities and colleges in Canada require high levels of proficiency in English.

English as a Second Language

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.

We offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in our 39 elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 8) schools and our seven high schools (Grades 9 to 12 or Grades 7 to 12).

We offer an English Immersion environment, supporting many levels of English as a Second Language. We have programs to help support International students adjust to life in Canada.

We are here to help

Our experienced Guidance staff assist students in selecting courses to pursue further education in colleges and universities and guide them through the applications process. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff speak a variety of languages and can help you adjust to life in a new country.

Our program

Our International Education programs include:

• Elementary school (full year) program;
• Secondary school (full year) program for youth and adults;
• Ontario Secondary School Diploma Program (OSS Diploma Requirements);
• English as a Second Language (ESL) short and long-term programs;
• Summer English as a Second Language program;
• Summer camps for elementary and secondary students;
• IELTSs and TOEFL test preparation program;
• Advanced English for Professionals program;
• Personal Support Worker program; and
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certificate program.

Contact us
For more information email our International Education program.