Aliu IsaLet’s be real—choosing the right school for your kid can feel weirdly more stressful than buying a home.
At least with a house, if you hate the kitchen, you can renovate. With education? You’re basically deciding where your child will flourish, make friends, and shape their future. No pressure… right?
Here in Toronto, options are everywhere—especially when it comes to international programs. We’re talking about institutions that mix cultures, global curricula, and opportunities that go way beyond textbooks.
These aren’t just places to study; they nurture curiosity, confidence, and a mindset that reaches across borders. So let’s break down these universities and find what truly fits your family!
How much does tuition cost in international schools in Toronto?
Tuition in international schools in Toronto typically costs between $17,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on the institution and grade level.
Mid-range campuses often cost around $17,000 to $25,000, while more prestigious options charge roughly $30,000 to $55,000 or more, especially those offering IB or specialized tracks.
1. Connect International School (CIS)
Location: 460 Richmond St W Suite 204
Website: https://studycis.com/
Contact: +14168508602
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Connect International School (CIS) is a boutique-style private school in downtown Toronto, so don’t expect a huge campus.
What you get instead is focus. Classes stay small, around 8 students, which means teachers actually do have time to know you and track your progress closely.
They offer the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)—a provincially recognized credential—plus ESL, IELTS prep, junior and family English, and even university and career pathways.
But what I like most about CIS is the personal atmosphere. You can join free workshops and conversation clubs for extra practice—and each lesson runs for only 45 minutes, keeping the pace efficient and engaging.
As for cost, fees fall in the mid-range—more affordable than many top-tier academies. Do take note, however, of their cancellation policy. The rules are strict, especially for visa-related enrollments.
My teachers were incredibly kind and patient
“I was at this school for about 10 months. It felt like I was visiting my friends and family the whole time. My teachers were incredibly kind and patient. They listen to you patiently and give you time. I want to thank all the staff at CIS, you do a very, very good job. I recommend this school with all my heart. And a big thank you to my teacher Jonathan, you do an incredible job.”
— Hamida Zuhurian, Google Review
I’ll be back again
“The best experience I’ve ever had, studying, meeting people and learning… I’ll be back again”
— Luis Fernando Garcia Delgado, Google Review
2. Oxford International Toronto
Location: 111 Peter St #210
Website: https://www.oxfordinternationalenglish.com/school/toronto/
Contact: +14165421626
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5pm
Oxford International Toronto is not a big, flashy campus. Instead, it focuses on language training and practical career paths.
You can take General English at different levels, prepare for IELTS or TOEFL, or choose semi-private sessions if you prefer tighter guidance.
In terms of facilities, the space is simple and classroom-based—there are no science labs or art studios. Class sizes are small, from 5 to 18 students, so you won’t feel lost in a crowd.
What I found more interesting, though, is the career college side. They train students for healthcare and early childhood roles, making it feel goal-driven rather than purely academic.
It’s also worth considering the financial aspect. Tuition falls in the middle range. However, refund and cancellation policies are strict. This is especially important to note if your enrollment depends on visa approval.
The classes were fun and covered many different topics
“I had a great experience at this school.
The teachers were always kind and patient.
Even though I was a quiet student and not good at speaking up, they always supported me and gave me chances to speak.
They never gave up on me, and that really meant a lot.
The classes were fun and covered many different topics, so I was able to learn not only English but also other things like culture, history, and world issues.
There were students from many countries, and I enjoyed learning with them.
I truly appreciate all the teachers and classmates I met here.”
— Minami Ito, Google Review
It was a good experience to study English here
“It was a good experience to study English here. I had many friends from other countries. Daniel and Dennis were my great teachers. I spent great time with them and my friends. Thank you everyone. If you want to study English in Toronto, I recommend you to do here.”
— Kante Yoshida, Google Review
3. St. George International College (SGIC)
Location: 150 Dundas St W #200
Website: http://www.sgiccanada.com/
Contact: +14169294050
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5pm
If your goal is to strengthen communication skills, consider St. George International College.
This private language institution has operated for more than three decades. It’s also a member of Languages Canada, meaning it follows recognized national standards.
The program options are straightforward. You can enroll in general ESL or choose a focused track such as IELTS preparation, business English, medical English, or TESOL. A university pathway is available too, for those preparing for post-secondary studies.
What I like most is their adaptability. Students range from teens to working professionals, so you won’t feel out of place. Classes usually stay at around 15 people—this allows interaction while ensuring individual guidance.
Don’t expect fancy labs or big facilities, though. This place sticks to classroom learning, which keeps tuition reasonable as well.
In addition, courses run in 8-week blocks, so if you want long-term continuity, you’ll need to plan ahead.
I had a good experience at this school
“I had a good experience at this school.
The teachers are very prepared. The schedule is a good place to learn, make friends, and of course improve our English.
I highly recommend this school to learn English.
I was part of Halloween content and it was so funny.”
— Nancy G Valdez, Google Review
The classes are well-structured and interactive
“I had a great experience studying at SGIC!The teachers are professional, friendly, and always willing to help students improve their English skills. The classes are well-structured and interactive, which made learning both effective and enjoyable. I also appreciated the diverse environment—meeting classmates from all over the world really helped me practice speaking in real-life situations. The staff is supportive and the facilities are clean and comfortable. I would definitely recommend this school to anyone looking to improve their English in a positive and international atmosphere!”
— Cynthia Liu, Google Review
4. Kaplan International Languages
Location: 35 The Esplanade #250
Website: https://www.kaplaninternational.com/learn-english-canada/
Contact: +14163640989
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8am – 6pm
Kaplan International Languages isn’t tiny; classes can have around 15 to 18 students, which can feel crowded at times. But on the bright side, you meet people from all over the world.
They cover a full range of programs, from general English to IELTS and TOEFL prep. For those aiming to enter Canadian universities or college, their Academic Pathways and University Placement Service make the transition smoother.
What sets this school apart is how they mix tech with learning. Their K+ system lets you join online clubs, access study tools, and get some personal guidance without feeling trapped in a classroom.
Weekends are often spent on trips across Canada or even the US, so learning doesn’t just happen indoors.
The academic setting is modern, the vibe is friendly, and their price is mid-range—I think it feels worth it overall.
I felt welcomed in a warm, supportive, and well-organized environment
“My experience at Kaplan Toronto was amazing.
From day one, I felt welcomed in a warm, supportive, and well-organized environment. The classes were engaging, and I could clearly see my English improving.
The school’s multicultural atmosphere makes the experience even more enriching, allowing you to meet people from all over the world while gaining new perspectives.
If you’re looking to improve your English and enjoy an authentic experience in Toronto, Kaplan is an excellent choice.”
— Sarah LE NOAC’H, Google Review
Every class was fun and engaging
“My time at Kaplan Toronto was one of the best experiences of my life! 💙 From the very first day, I felt welcomed and supported. The school created a great environment not only for learning English but also for meeting new friends from all over the world. Every class was fun and engaging, and I could see myself improving day by day. A special thanks to my teacher Colleen Coffe — she was amazing, so kind and inspiring, and always made the lessons enjoyable. I will always remember the people I met, the memories I made, and the confidence I gained here. Truly unforgettable!”
— Aykut Ozser, Google Review
5. ILSC Toronto English Language School
Location: 443 University Ave
Website: https://www.ilsc.com/language-schools/destinations/city/toronto
Contact: +14163231770
Business hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 5pm
ILSC Toronto is honestly one of the strongest options for international schools I’ve come across. They’ve been around for over 30 years and operate in Canada, the USA, and Australia, so it’s clear they know what they’re doing.
As an official Designated Learning Institution (DLI), they can also support study permits, which matters if you’re coming from abroad.
What I like most is the range of pathways available. You can start with General English, move into Business English, prep for exams, or even take their Academic English track if university is your end goal.
In terms of learning environment, class sizes remain manageable, encouraging meaningful participation and discussion. The facilities are modern, and technology is integrated into lessons in ways that are very engaging.
Tuition here sits in the mid-range, though extras like housing and materials can push your budget higher than expected.
The teachers are amazing
“A nice english school in Toronto… THE BEST ONE!!!! Here you can connect with people from many part of the world. The teacher are amazing!!! For me, it was a great experience!!!”
— Cristiano Rocha da Cunha, Google Review
The lessons are interesting and suitable for all levels
“The most impressive thing about this school is certainly the welcome. Inside, you can see many different cultures meet, people from all over the world with a common goal, to improve their English, and with the desire to learn something about other cultures. The lessons are interesting and suitable for all levels of English, no one is left behind, everyone learns. It’s a fantastic experience.
In the picture, our italian’s group.”
— Fabrizia Salaris, Google Review
