Elementary & High School Academic Program
Excellence in Education
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Our Niagara Catholic schools provide all of our learners with quality academic courses and a variety of co-curricular and athletic programs. Our schools welcome all of our students alike –Canadian and International – with open arms. Our goal is to help our students achieve academic success in a Christ-like, nurturing, disciplined and safe environment. As an international student you can choose from a variety of courses according to your academic goals, expand your English language skills and form new friendships as you study alongside your Canadian classmates in our primary, intermediate and high school years from Grades 9 through 12. High school ages vary from country to country, but in Canada, high school students are typically between 14 and 18 years of age.
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Following the provincial standards and guidelines of the Ontario Ministry of Education, our schools operate on a semester-based calendar from September through January (Semester 1) and February through June (Semester 2). Students enroll in four courses per semester in order to meet the requirements to graduate within the four years of high school. More information regarding these requirements to graduate in Ontario can be found on the Ontario Ministry of Education website.
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Start Your High School Journey Today
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The High School Academic program offers students the opportunity to develop academic and English language skills through immersion in regular and specialized classes in our Niagara Catholic high schools. Education extends inside and outside of the classrooms as the Canadian experience comes to life through everyday interaction with Canadian students and teachers.
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The Niagara Catholic District School Board offers full-year programs for secondary students who wish to take part in longer stays in Canada or for students who wish to graduate and earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). A one-semester program, beginning in September or February, is also available.
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The benefits of our High School Academic Program include:
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Greater opportunity to become immersed in the English language and Canadian culture
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Increased travel opportunities
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The chance to fully bond with a Canadian family
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Earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
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Pathways to post-secondary education
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Choices of Support
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We are proud to offer diversity through our specialized programs to ready our learners for the next leg of their journey – whether it is an apprenticeship, college, university or the world of work. Decisions abroad can be overwhelming at times. Guidance counsellors are available for continuous support for all while attending our schools, as well as English as a Second Language teachers should our learners require additional language support.
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Get Involved
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Our Niagara Catholic schools offer many opportunities for our international students to get involved with our local students and communities, both during and after school. For those interested in the arts, there are many school-based clubs where you can practice and showcase your musical talents, learn an instrument, try out for a play, or be involved with costume and set design, audiovisual creation, and much more. We are also big on sports, whether you like to play or watch field or ice hockey, football, soccer, basketball, cross-country running, there is always a place for you. In the winter months, make sure to join our ski/snowboard clubs who meet once a week on the mountains. Get involved and enjoy all that our schools and our region have to offer!
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Homestay
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In addition, homestay is available upon request allowing students to maximize their cultural experience by living with one of our carefully selected Canadian host families for the duration of their stay. For more information about homestay, please visit the Hospitalite Canada website.
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