The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a widely respected international curriculum that’s gaining popularity with schools across Canada. It was originally developed by an international group of academics formerly called the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and offers courses in four core areas.
In this article, we’ll take a look at Toronto’s top IB schools, what they offer students, their tuition fees, and more.
Overview of IB Schools in Toronto
As the city of Toronto attracts people from around the world, it’s no surprise that there are some fantastic IB schools here. If you’re looking for international focus and high standards, then these top-rated IB schools will be right up your alley.
IB programs are known for their diversity among both students and teachers. The IB curriculum also emphasizes leadership development and global citizenship, encouraging students to think about how their actions affect others—both locally and globally—and how their decisions can contribute to a better future for everyone.
The International Baccalaureate is known as a multifaceted education franchise that currently has a presence in schools in 151 countries today. The history of the Swiss non-profit group can be traced back to 1948 when Marie-Thérèse Maurette wrote an educational study that would largely contribute to the foundation’s framework.
According to Wikipedia, IB sells its “products and services” to schools through the provision of IB assessments, publications, and the right to use its branding, and in turn, schools act as distributors reselling these services to parents.
The IB is a nonprofit organization, selling its products and services to schools in a system analogous to a franchise network.
International Baccalaureate. (2022, September 5). In Wikipedia.
Currently, there are 381 IB World Schools in Canada; 36 of which are bilingual schools (English and French). The province of Toronto, however, has only 9 IB schools to its name – some of which are popular public and independent schools in Canada.
Suggested: 40 Best High Schools in Toronto
What is an IB School?
International Baccalaureate (IB) schools are known for their unique curriculum, high standards of education, and diverse student body. If you’re looking for an international school in Toronto that offers the benefits of bilingual education, then there are plenty of options to choose from.
These schools offer students a more comprehensive and challenging curriculum than other local options—and they’re also located in some of the most desirable areas around town. But while they may be pricier than your average private school or public school, many parents feel it’s worth it; after all, did we mention IB schools have a reputation for being elite?
What are the Benefits of Enrolling in an IB College?
IB schools offer a wide range of subjects. Even if a student is not particularly gifted in a subject, the IB allows them to take that class and earn university credit for it. The IB also offers students the opportunity to study at top universities in Toronto or travel abroad, giving them the chance to gain international experience and perspective on different cultures.
In addition, when it comes down to college applications, many colleges look favorably upon an applicant who has completed three years of secondary school at an IB school—especially if they were academically successful while doing so.
The IB program helps create well-rounded individuals who are prepared for success both in college and beyond by developing critical thinking skills and building confidence through high achievement in academics or extracurricular activities such as sports teams or arts programs.
Also read: 15 Best Boarding Schools in Toronto
Are IB Schools Expensive?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools are largely considered alternatives to the traditional high schools’ curriculum.
There are currently 9 schools in Toronto offering this IB program in four selective areas of the program: the IB Diploma program, the IB Career-related program, the IB Middle Years program, and the IB Primary Years program.
The cost of tuition varies from school to school but it can be anywhere between C$20,000 – C$35,000 per year depending on which school you select.
List of Schools in Toronto Offering IB Education
There are currently nine IB World Schools in Toronto at the time of this publication. Many of them are considered some of the best schools in Canada, generally. Here they are:
1. Canada International School (Toronto French School)
Canada International School (Toronto French School) is a private school that offers an English-French bilingual curriculum for students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. The school is located within the heart of downtown Toronto and provides a unique learning experience for students through the use of an international curriculum, which is based on Ontario’s provincial standards.
It is the largest IB school in Toronto with a student population of 1,500 students. TFS is considered a highly prestigious school where students are admitted solely on their academic and intellectual merit rather than class privileges, and its royal patron was the now late Queen Elizabeth II.
At TFS, students are taught by highly qualified staff who are dedicated to providing an excellent education. The school also has numerous extra-curricular activities and sports teams, as well as many clubs and organizations that students can join in order to further develop their interests outside of class.
The cost of tuition at TFS ranges from C$29,200 to C$37,630, depending on your selection. You can view the tuition schedule.
2. Upper Canada College
Upper Canada College (UCC) is an IB World Continuum English-language private school for boys in Toronto, Ontario. It is the oldest IB secondary school in Toronto-Ontario and one of the oldest in Canada.
UCC has a student body of approximately 1,200 students from Senior Kindergarten through Year 12. The school is reputable for providing academically sound education innovation and producing world-class talents who go on to become leaders in the arts, politics, business, and sports affairs.
The cost of tuition at UCC is C$36,750 annually.
3. Bronte College
Bronte College is a private, independent school in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is an IB World School and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Over the years, Bronte has established itself as one of Canada’s premier independent schools. Today, it has 400 students from grades 9 – 12. This makes it one of the largest coeducational boarding schools in North America.
The cost of tuition at Bronte College is C$21,760 per year.
4. Walden International School
Walden International School is a private school in Toronto, Canada. They are an IB World School, offering the full continuum of the IB Program.
Walden International School is a school where your child can feel at home. The teachers are great and the students are friendly, so it’s easy to make friends. There are many activities that students can take part in, including sports, clubs, and community service projects.
The curriculum at Walden International School is very challenging and engages students in a way that makes them want to learn more. Students will get homework every day and they will be expected to work hard at it. The teachers are very helpful when it comes to explaining difficult concepts so that students understand them better.
The cost of tuition at Walden is estimated to be around C$16,690 per year.
5. Branksome Hall
Branksome Hall is a school that needs no introduction. It is by far one of Canada’s best schools. It is an independent school that offers an IB program. The average tuition fees are C$37,130 per year, and they have a low student/teacher ratio of 12:1.
Students at the school can choose from an arts-based curriculum or a non-arts-based curriculum, as well as have access to special programs like robotics and film studies. It is Canada’s top school for girls; as they provide education for girls only, training and empowering them to become social change-makers.
This means not only will you get to learn from some really great teachers but also be part of a supportive community that encourages growth in all areas of your life.
6. Sunnybrook School
Sunnybrook School is an IB World School and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, Middle Years Programs, Primary Years Program, and Early Childhood Education Program. The school also offers a Career-related Program for Grades 11 and 12.
The Middle Years Program (MYP) develops students’ abilities to collaborate with others in order to solve complex problems in a variety of settings.
Students will learn how they can make decisions based on ethical principles, civic responsibility, or global awareness; how they can evaluate their own work while collaborating with others; how they can use critical thinking skills when working independently; how they can participate effectively in group discussions or presentations; as well as how they can reflect on what they’ve learned through different experiences.
The cost of tuition at Sunnybrook is C$29,750/year.
7. St. Jude’s Academy
St. Jude’s Academy is another one of the few independent schools in Toronto to offer the IB Diploma Programme. The school currently has a student population of around 560 students. It offers programs for grades 9 through 12, with an average class size of 20 students.
The school stresses creativity and individuality, so you’ll find that many art classes are offered throughout your time at SJA—from ceramics to photography to painting—which you can take as electives or as part of an IB subject option.
In addition to these classroom activities, there are also extracurricular clubs like Drama Club and Model United Nations for those who want more hands-on experience in this area; plus sports teams such as Rugby Team or Cheerleading Squad for those looking for additional physical activity outside of PE class.
The cost of studying at SJA ranges from C$10,095 to C$13,395 per year.
8. The York School
The York School is an independent school for boys located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The school was founded in 1965 and is the first school accredited to offer an International Baccalaureate (IB) program from JK to Grade 12.
The school offers a wide range of academic courses, including English, French, Math, Science, and more. Students are encouraged to explore their interests through the many opportunities available at The York School Toronto.
The York School Toronto also offers a variety of extra-curricular activities for students to participate in after school hours such as drama club and sports teams.
The cost of tuition to study at TYS is C$39,920 yearly for domestic students. International students applying to the school will need to contact the school’s Business Office for the tuition and fees breakdown.
9. La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science
La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science is an IB World School that provides students with the tools they need to succeed in a global economy. The school provides a curriculum that focuses on critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration so that each student can develop into an individual who can thrive in the modern economy.
La Citadelle’s tuition fee is C$25,150 for domestic students and C$29,940 for international students applying to study at the school.
FAQs About IB Schools in Toronto
There is no doubt that many parents in Canada prefer IB schools to traditional schools. They are generally perceived to offer more with their IB curriculum and continuum programs.
Here are some questions parents ask about IB schools in Toronto:
How many IB schools are in Toronto?
There are nine International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Toronto. However, Canada has a staggering total of 381 IB Schools.
What is the average tuition fee of IB schools in Toronto?
The average tuition fee for an international student studying at an IB school in Toronto is $29,000 – C$37,000 per year. This price varies depending on whether or not you are applying to a private school or public school, as well as which level of education you are going through, i.e., elementary, middle, or high school.
Which IB school in Toronto is the largest?
TFS – Canada International School is the largest IB school in Toronto; as well as one of the most prestigious schools in Canada.
The smallest?
The smallest IB school in Toronto is Walden International School based on student enrollment alone.
Are Toronto IB Schools good for my child?
Yes, they are. And here’s why:
- IB schools offer a well-rounded education. The IB program covers a broad range of subjects and encourages students to explore their interests through the various courses it offers. It also gives you the chance to take additional classes which can help you gain extra credits or even an AP (Advanced Placement) score.
- IB schools have a diverse student body. One of the greatest benefits of attending an international school is getting exposed to new cultures and ways of thinking that you wouldn’t get if you went to a public school in your neighborhood.
- IB schools have a strong academic reputation in Toronto. Because these are rigorous and challenging courses, they provide some of the best preparation for university and college admission tests such as SATs or ACTs because they help students improve their test-taking skills over time through practice questions similar to ones found on these exams. This means that students aren’t just finishing high school with great grades but also with confidence when taking entrance exams.
Wrapping It Up
IB schools in Toronto provide a great environment for students of all ages. If you’re looking for an academically challenging and supportive school that provides a variety of programs to meet your needs, then an IB school may be your best option.