Our 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.

 Report Cards and Parent-Teacher Conferences

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.

Report Cards and Parent-Teacher Conferences

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. 

Extra-Curricular Activities

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. 

• 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

• 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.

• Adult Upgrading
• Child Care Assistant Training Program
• Custodial Services Training Program
• Microsoft Office Certification
• Personal Support Worker (PSW)
• PSW North Program
• Work-4-Credits (Cooperative Education)

Tuition Fee

If you are a temporary resident in Canada holding a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa, you will be charged the international student tuition fee for enrollment in our Continuing Education Program.

• Rate: $1,800.00 CDN per credit
• Examples:
  • Personal Support Worker Program: 6.5 credits × $1,800 = $11,700.00 CDN
  • Child Care Assistant Program: 6 credits × $1,800 = $10,800.00 CDN
  • Custodial Service Training Program: 5 credits × $1,800 = $9,000.00 CDN

Please note:

• Financial assistance is not available.
• We do not accept installment payments. Full tuition must be paid upfront.

Post-Graduate Work Permit Eligibility

These programs are not eligible for a post-graduate work permit due to their duration (less than 8 months). However, you may apply for a work permit if you are offered employment by a Canadian employer.

Important for Work Permit Holders

If your work permit includes the condition:

"Unless authorized, prohibited from attending any educational institution, or taking any academic, professional, or vocational training course,” you must obtain a study permit before enrolling in our program.

1. Submit Your Application
Complete the online application and pay the non-refundable application fee of $250.00 CAD.
Online Application Portal

2. Literacy Assessment & Orientation
Once your application fee is received, our international education team will help you register for the Literacy Assessment/Orientation Session.

• If you are outside Canada, an online assessment will be arranged.

3. Tuition Invoice
Upon successful completion of the Literacy Assessment, we will issue your tuition fee invoice.

4. Payment & Acceptance
Pay the full tuition fee. Once received, we will provide your fee receipt and official letter of acceptance.

5. Apply for Your Study Permit
Use your acceptance documents to apply for a study permit to enter Canada.

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.