Columbia International College

About us

Location Hamilton, Canada Funding Type Private
No of Students 1800 Establishment High School
Founded In 1979 Estimated Cost of Living 20635 CAD
Address 1003 Main Street West

Canada’s Largest Boarding School

Since 1979, under our unique Total Care Education System®, Columbia International College has offered peace of mind for parents and success for students.  Columbia currently welcomes 1800 students from 73 countries and has a faculty of over 450 teachers and support staff, and proudly bears the status of Canada’s largest and most successful boarding school.

Total Care Education System®

Total Care Education® fosters the whole child by providing:

  • Exceptional academic instruction in:
    - Junior Middle School (Grades 7 - 8)

  - Senior High School (Grades 9 -12)

  - Fast track Pre-University program

  - Elite Pathway Partnership with University of Toronto 

  • Classes that cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and cooperation with others

  • Global Citizen program that emphasizes Character Development

  • Leadership Development program at the Bark Lake Leadership Centre, our privately owned 700 acre (283 hectare) facility

  • Residence program in all five school residences (separated for boys and girls) offers:

    - Tutorial and homework assistance

- Weekday and weekend programming

- Age-tailored routines to independence

#1 in admissions to top universities

According to university reports, Columbia graduates are accepted to:

  • the University of Waterloo, and

  • the University of Toronto,

more than any other school worldwide, many with scholarships.

Scholarships

In 2016, $3.7 million (CAD) in university admission scholarships was awarded to Columbia graduates; 141 graduates were accepted to the University of Waterloo and 396 to the University of Toronto.

Why?

Total Care Learning®:

Focuses on nurturing students through classes that teach critical thinking, inquiry, collaboration, writing and presentation skills.

  • Extensive academic support, with qualified tutors available in school and residences

  • Study groups hosted by teachers and peers, with support for gifted students

  • Teachers and tutors tap into student interests to provide better support

  • Blended learning for today's digital natives, with class material made available online the night before

  • Learning available anytime, anywhere

 

Total Care Living®:

Creates a safe & stress-free living experience for students, with extensive security, personal support services, and nutritious meals.

  • Separate residences for boys & girls

  • Campus Security Staff at all buildings with 24/7 video-monitored security system

  • Houseparents & Hall masters for personal support

  • Weekly room cleaning

  • Bus service between school and residences

  • Residence and Meal Service open 365 days a year

  • Up to 4 meals a day, with all-you-care-to-eat dinners & brunches

  • Menus designed by qualified dieticians, with special diet options and religious meals

 

Total Care Development®:

MAXIMIZE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Keys to Character

• Academics, extracurricular, and residence activities all contribute to fostering character development according to eleven qualities identified by students.

Acquiring Life Skills

• Experiential learning through events, clubs, sports, and community service

• Students develop communication, teamwork, time management, and planning skills.

Leadership training

• Bark Lake Leadership Centre—our own 700-acre outdoor education facility

• The Duke of Edinburgh Award Program fosters independence and personal growth


 

Total Care Communication®:

MAXIMIZE FAMILY CONNECTIONS

Liaison Staff by geographic region

• Single point of contact for parents and students for different school departments, translation services, and guidance around school policies

ezReport Card

• Online record of academic and social performance, easily accessible by parents around the world

Stay connected

• In-room telephone extension with voicemail • Free WiFi access in residence and at school

• Wired internet in bedroom