Secondary education

Providing your child with an internationally recognized education is the goal of many parents these days. Canadian secondary education is especially valuable because of Canadian government’s continued funding of schools, which can compare only to a few other countries. Quality of education, economic development, ample opportunities for graduates, low crime rates – are the factors that contribute to many parents’ decision to send their kids to a Canadian high school.

Cost of school in Canada – 7,000 – 40,000 $CAD
Cost of our service (admission + visa) – 1,500 $CAD

Apart from improving the quality of life in Canada and the chances for employment, Canadian secondary schools can provide international students with several benefits. For example:

• educational system merges the European traditions with the Western progressiveness;
• each and every school is equipped with modern technologies;
• schools regularly take kids on to trips and various practice activities;
• skills that kids learn are extremely valuable in all areas of life.

On top of that, kids who finish Canadian high school will have an easier time applying to Canadian universities. After that they will be able to get a PR, and eventually Canadian citizenship. Another great addition to the benefits of Canadian schools is that parents can come to Canada with their child. Of course, they will be here on a visitor visa and won’t be able to work, but it can become your first step to immigration, because experiencing life in Canada is very important to make your final decision. Parents can get a visa for as long as their child is studying.

First, you need to choose what matters for you and what is the most important thing in a school. There are three basic areas:

• • Language – there are schools where teachers speak foreign languages, and while they don’t speak it in class, they can help a new student to adapt faster. In some cases this extra support can be of great help. Please note that if you choose a school in Quebec, your teachers will likely speak in French, since 80% of Quebec are French speakers;
  • Cost of education – there are free schools (Public Schools) and private schools. Quality of education is similar, it’s mainly about the status of schools that dictates their cost. The more popular the school, the harder it is to get your child there;
  • Gender – there are girl-only and boy-only schools, which have their benefits. Still, most schools are mixed, so there are options for every parent.

After you decide what school works for you and after you pay the fees and get your letter of acceptance, you have to apply for a visa and a study permit. The application process in quite straightforward and available online.

There is an important aspect that can be easily overlooked. An underage student cannot come to Canada without a guardian, he/she won’t even get a visa is this issue is not decided on. The Canadian government is very protective over underage students, therefore they will take every precaution to make sure that the student has someone in Canada who can take cake of emergencies. There are a few options when in comes to selecting an accompanying adult:

• • • Boarding schools. In these schools kids live at the school and they have supervisors at all times. Often headmasters act as guardians for international student, but parents can choose a different person.
    • Guardian. A guardian has to live in the same city as the student and have a PR or citizen status in Canada. A guardian does not have to be related to the student. Marcus Educate provides a guardian service for underage students in Toronto and GTA.
    • Parent. Since parents can come to Canada with the student on a visitor visa they can act as guardians.

When the student is young one parent usually comes to Canada with them to support and control the child. Also, parents often try to upgrade their immigration status from within Canada.

You should know that Canadian schools might differ from schools in other countries in terms of the length of classes and how the subjects are taught. In order to get used to this new system some students take preparation courses before going to school. Canadian school has 12 grades, and it is divided into:

• • • Elementary. Basic knowledge about the world and society. 6-8 grades depending on the province.
    • Middle. 2 years when a student can choose where they would like to go next;
    • High. Last 2 grades, after which students get a diploma.

Each grade lasts 9 month, which are divided into 2 semesters. There are summer, fall and winter breaks.

We should also talk about selecting the right classes for your child. There is no single government approved educational system in Canada, students have some choice when it comes to the classes that they take. All students have to complete a certain number of “credits”, but it does not matter what subjects they take as long as it fits their timetable and adds up to the right number of “credits”. There are different systems in different provinces. For example, in Ontario students have to complete 40 credits. There are always a few mandatory courses such as maths, english and sciences. Students are allowed to select their classes early on, even though their choice is limited. As the student gets older they have more and more flexibility. The last few years allow students to specialize in things that will help them to get into the universities of their choice. Different schools will offer different classes, and if you already know what area of studies is the most important for your child you should try to find a school that is stronger in these areas. Also, a lot of the curriculum is dedicated to the general development of the youth. There will be trips and sport competitions. The latter is usually a big deal for the school. They will have fully equipped trining facilities, school teams and even scholarships for especially promising athletes.

Helping you to apply to the right school is our priority and we have services that are specifically tailored to the needs of young students. We will introduce you to the Canadian educational system, offer additional language support and will help you find the school that fits your goals and budget. We will also take care of:

• • • transfer from the airport;
    • study permit and visa;
    • accommodation for the student and the guardian;
    • preparation courses before going to school.

If you are interested in giving your child this opportunity, email us for details.

Applying for school and obtaining a visa – 1350 $ CAD (~ 995 USD)

What is included in the service:

• Finding the right school for your requirements
• Preparation of a list of documents required for admission
• Submission of your application and registration to the school
• Application for scholarships, if applicable
• Selection of housing (residence or family – homestay)
• Help with booking and paying for accommodation
• Preparation of a list of documents for a visa
• Advice on what documents to add to increase your chances of getting a visa
• Preparation of your documents, questionnaires and explanatory letters for a visa
• Submitting your visa application
• Picking up at Toronto Airport
• Transfer to your accommodation (City of Toronto only)
• Information support of the child on academic and everyday issues in the first year

Additional services:

• Signing of guardianship declaration – 200 $ CAD per year (some schools also offer this service)
• Transfer order outside Toronto – the amount depends on the address
• Visitor Visa for parents – from $ 500 CAD