About the
Niagara Catholic
District School Board
YOUR PATH THROUGH EDUCATION
Welcome to the Niagara Catholic District School Board! We are a publicly funded board of education offering students a wide range of grades, courses, and programs, from Kindergarten to Grade 12, based on the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum guidelines. Our Catholic schools have provided excellence in education to our local students for more than 150 years, and have had the privilege of welcoming international students for the last 25 years. Rooted in the Catholic faith and values, our focus continues to be on providing an environment that will support the spiritual, emotional, academic, social and physical needs of all our students. Located in the beautiful Region of Niagara, Ontario, the Niagara Catholic District School Board is a leader in the delivery of Canadian and international education to primary, secondary and adult learners. With 48 elementary schools, 8 high schools and 4 adult education centres, the Niagara Catholic District School Board is home to over 25,000 students, including our international students who are valuable members of our family.
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When it comes to our international students, our goal is to provide a superior English language education and cultural learning experience that enriches the minds and builds the souls of all of our learners. We offer programs and activities to fit all students' needs, from intensive long-term academic to short-term integration experiences which include athletic teams, clubs and the arts. From school to home, we provide a safe and nurturing environment to all of our students. Full homestay accommodation with English-speaking Canadian families is available for all programs, with continuous support from our homestay coordinators. Ongoing guidance and student support is available in all of our schools. Support in students’ first language may be available throughout their stay to ensure that all of our international students are personally cared for and safe at all times.
Meet The International Team
Joseph Zaroda
Superintendent of Education
Fred Wilson
Administrator of International Education
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Jennifer Schinkel
Supervisor of International Education
Anastasia Martin
Admissions Secretary
Explore the Niagara Region
In the heart of Southern Ontario, the Niagara Region is the perfect place to live, study, work and explore. Our 12 dynamic cities include the world-famous Niagara Falls, historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Garden City of St. Catharines. We are blessed with four distinct seasons, each reflecting the natural beauty of Canada in its own way.
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Located between two of Canada’s Great Lakes, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, the Niagara Region also serves as a gateway between Canada and the United States, with New York State separated by the Niagara River and the three magnificent falls for which the area is well known.
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In a spectacular landscape etched by glaciers long ago, the Niagara Region also boasts some of the most fertile, agricultural lands in Canada. This in turn has transformed Niagara into the flourishing wine capital of Canada, while providing local chefs and artisans with a wealth of locally inspired ingredients. Niagara offers a wealth of diverse opportunities to get outdoors, from hiking the Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment to walking or cycling the Welland Canal and the Niagara Parkway.
Post-Secondary Educational Pathways
The Niagara Region is one big classroom with all of its attractions and educational opportunities. Niagara Catholic offers excellent pathways once you graduate with us. Post-secondary education in the region includes Brock University and Niagara College, with whom we partner, and we are just a short distance away from McMaster University, the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and various colleges.
