McDonald International Academy vs Willowdale High School

	M McDonald International Academy Toronto, Canada	W Willowdale High School Toronto, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$400 - 24,000	Fees / year CA$19,825 - 20,125
Age range	Age range 14 - 18 years	Age range 14 - 18 years
Type	Type —	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 230	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1994	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Downtown Campus, 920 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M4W 3C7, Canada. Located in the heart of Toronto at the Yonge/Bloor intersection, near the Toronto Reference Library and the University of Toronto. Accessible by public transport, with a bus stop a 1-minute walk away and the subway about a 5-minute walk away.	Location Willowdale High School is located at 160 Eglinton Avenue East, 5F, Toronto, Ontario M4P 3B5, Canada. The campus is in Toronto and offers on-campus Residence and Homestay options for students. The admissions procedures mention airport pickup arrangements for arrivals and identify the same address for contact purposes.
Stages	Stages Secondary (Grade 9–12) under the Ontario education system; University Preparation/High School Program included.	Stages Secondary; Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program.
School type	School type Private international secondary school; fully registered and accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education.	School type Private international high school with on-campus Residence and Homestay options.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ESL Program; IELTS Prep; University Preparation/High School Program (Grade 9-12).	Additional learning support Dedicated student advisors provide holistic support, including goal setting, post-secondary guidance, tutoring, IELTS training, and university application support; emphasizes a strong school-home partnership.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Canada	Country affiliation Canada
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus access nearby; Downtown campus is a 1-minute walk from a bus stop and a 5-minute walk from the subway.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Application Fee: CAD 200 (one-time, non-refundable). Tuition fees (Grade 9–12) - International students: CAD 24,000 per academic year (covers 8 credits). Per-credit rate: CAD 3,000 per credit. - Canadian citizens / Permanent Residents: CAD 17,600 per academic year (covers 8 credits). Per-credit rate: CAD 2,200 per credit. - Each additional credit beyond the included 8 credits is charged at the per-credit rate indicated above. - Textbooks: approximately CAD 300 per semester (partially refundable). - To determine fees for any specific term, multiply the per-credit rate by the number of credits taken that term; the annual figure covers a full 8-credit academic year. Residence and homestay fees (where applicable) - Residence (10 months): Shared room (double occupancy) CAD 8,500. - Residence (10 months): Private single room CAD 10,000. - Meal plan (10 months, breakfast and dinner): CAD 6,000. - Residence security deposit: CAD 500. - Homestay: Private room (includes 2 meals) CAD 1,500–2,000. - Homestay: Shared room (includes 2 meals) CAD 1,000. - Homestay placement fee: CAD 100. Other program and optional fees - Activity Fee: CAD 400 (one year). - Health Insurance: CAD 600 (one year; mandatory for international students). - Airport pickup: CAD 100 (one trip). - IELTS training: CAD 3,000. - AP Courses: CAD 3,600 (per AP program as listed). - Textbooks noted above are approximately CAD 300 per semester and described as partially refundable. Billing schedule and payment terms - Overseas (international) students must pay fees in full to be eligible for acceptance; the Application Fee and Tuition Fee must accompany the submitted application. - Upon receipt and confirmation of full payment of the Application Fee and Tuition Fee, an official Letter of Acceptance will be issued. - Accepted payment methods include cash, cheque, Visa, Mastercard, money order, wire transfer, and email money transfer (EMT). Specific bank account details are provided for bank transfer and EMT payment instructions. - Payment receipts will be issued after payment is received and must be sent to the admissions office as instructed in the tuition request. Refund information - Refund for failed visa/passport issuance: If a new student is unable to obtain a valid study visa or passport to enter Canada, a full refund of tuition fees will be issued less the non-refundable registration/application fee of CAD 200, subject to submission of the required documentation. - Documentation required for refunds includes a written refund request signed by the student, proof of visa rejection from the relevant Canadian diplomatic mission or proof of passport application/extension rejection from local government, and all original documents and receipts issued by the school. - No refund if student is granted a visa and then decides not to attend. - If a student's visa application is refused, a refund will not be issued if a refund application is not made within 15 months after the student has been admitted to the program.	Fee details Application / Registration Fee - CAD 300 — one-time, non-refundable registration fee. Tuition (by program / credit) - CAD 18,400 — High School Credit Program (one academic year; for 8 credits). - CAD 2,300 per credit — Night course / Summer course (per credit). Billing schedule and payment terms - Full tuition payment is required after receipt of the invoice issued with the conditional offer; payment in full triggers issuance of the official acceptance letter and official receipt. Payments are required to be sent by wire-transfer, bank-transfer, or certified cheque; proof of payment (receipt) must be emailed to the school. Boarding and accommodation fees - Residence placement fee: CAD 200 — one-time placement fee for residence arrangements. - Residence fee: CAD 1,300 to CAD 1,700 per month — monthly residence charge, varies by room type. - Homestay placement fee: CAD 200 — one-time placement fee for homestay arrangements. - Homestay fee: CAD 1,300 to CAD 1,700 per month — monthly homestay charge, varies by host and arrangement. - Airport pick-up / drop-off: CAD 150 — one-way service fee. Other mandatory or frequently charged fees - Medical insurance: CAD 675 — annual insurance charge. - Student service fee: CAD 750 — annual fee covering material fees, textbook rental, and related student services for one year. Refund information - If a student's study permit application is refused and the school receives the official visa refusal letter together with the letter of acceptance and the tuition receipt, the tuition fee will be refunded (an administrative fee will be deducted). If the applicant cancels for reasons other than a study-permit refusal, no tuition refund is provided. Fee payment options and instructions - Accepted payment methods: wire-transfer, bank-transfer, and certified cheque. Parents/students must email proof of payment to the school. Credit card payment is not listed among accepted methods. Full tuition payment is required as part of the acceptance process. Notes on year and availability of published schedule - The listed fee amounts are presented in the school's published tuition-and-fees schedule labeled 2024–2025. No separate 2025/26 or 2026/27 fee schedule was located during the review of the school's tuition and admissions information.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Residence and homestay placements for international students.	Boarding arrangements The Willowdale High School Residence provides on-campus housing that is safe, secure, well-maintained, and reasonably priced. Residents are encouraged to engage in a diverse range of activities within the Residence to build a supportive community that respects personal space and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Homestay Program offers a comfortable home atmosphere where students live with a Canadian family. Residence/Homestay arrangements are described as part of the admissions process.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options A cafeteria on campus.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Fully registered and accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program for grades 9–12, developed according to the Ontario Ministry of Education. Graduates receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Credits are recognized by American and Canadian universities and colleges. The program is a four-year course of study; the Ontario Student Transcript (OST) and Ontario School Record (OSR) document student achievement.	Curriculum details Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program. To earn the OSSD, students must complete 30 credits: 18 compulsory and 12 optional for students starting Grade 9 in 2023 or earlier; or 17 compulsory and 13 optional for students starting Grade 9 in 2024. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1: Algebra-based, and AP Calculus AB/BC. AP classes run as 45-minute daily sessions from September to May, with the option to complete the Ontario Diploma concurrently. Willowdale High School provides individualized blended learning with certified teachers, small class sizes, and technology-enhanced personalized instruction. Merit-based financial aid and scholarships are offered based on leadership and academic achievement.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Small class sizes and individualized attention are provided by certified teachers.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 85% of graduates are admitted to top 100 universities worldwide, and college admission is guaranteed. Since inception, over 20,000 graduates have entered universities and colleges in Canada and around the world.	Higher education progression Willowdale High School provides comprehensive post-secondary guidance through dedicated student advisors and university/college application support. The school hosts University Fair & Information Seminars with leading Canadian universities and institutions, including the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, Western University, and the University of Waterloo. There is guidance for OUAC and Ontario Colleges applications, and one-on-one consultations and specialized workshops to tailor admission strategies.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning MIA maintains a vibrant academic and social community with clubs and field trips that help students build friendships and engage with Canadian culture. Total Care provides care beyond the classroom, including guidance on university applications and ongoing post-graduation support. Student Life offers extensive social and academic opportunities that support students' well-being and personal growth. The environment emphasizes safety as part of learning, reflecting a family-like atmosphere created by teachers and staff.	Social & emotional learning The school provides an inclusive and caring environment that supports holistic development. Every student is assigned a dedicated student advisor to address academic and social needs, including goal setting, effective communication, student advocacy, and post-secondary guidance. Advisors support post-secondary planning and coordinate between families and school staff, reinforcing collaboration with home. The program emphasizes communication, problem-solving, leadership, and ethical global citizenship as part of student growth.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The ESL program is open to all age groups and begins with an English assessment on arrival to place students into Level 1 (Beginner) through Level 5 (Advanced). The Intensive ESL program provides 6 hours daily (4 hours ESL Fundamentals in the morning) with elective classes in the afternoon. The Semi-Intensive program offers 4 hours daily of ESL study with a morning ESL Fundamentals class and some self-study. Elective classes include Grammar and Writing, Conversation and Listening, and TOEFL Preparation. IELTS preparation is available as a separate 110-hour course taught by qualified instructors.	English as an additional language IELTS Training is provided to support English language proficiency.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Safety and well-being are integral to learning; the school emphasizes a family-like environment created by teachers and staff. Student Life offers clubs and activities that support social and emotional development and a sense of belonging. Total Care and the emphasis on learning and safety reflect the school's commitment to student well-being.	Mental wellbeing The environment is safe, secure, and inclusive, with no bullying or harassment and a focus on mutual respect and inclusion. Resident life and school supports promote wellbeing, belonging, and constructive social interaction. Student advisors and the inclusive culture contribute to students' mental wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safety is prioritized, with learning and safety presented as core commitments of MIA. Total Care includes safety-focused support and a family-like atmosphere. Residence and Homestay placement provides housing support for international students.	Safeguarding Homestay programs involve rigorous screening of hosts with police checks for adults, and homestay residences are thoroughly examined to maintain high safety standards. The program emphasizes a secure, welcoming environment and requires international students to apply before arriving to ensure arrangements are in place.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Downtown Toronto campus features a computer lab, a music and audio-visual lab, a fitness studio, a cafeteria, and a student lounge. Modern facilities include computer labs, Wi-Fi, and smart boards. The Downtown Campus is located at 920 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M4W 3C7. Facilities support both academic work and student life.	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Fitness studio is part of the facilities.	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Computer labs, a music and audio-visual lab, Wi-Fi, and smart boards are available on campus.	Academic facilities Technology-enhanced personalized learning; Small class sizes with individualized attention; Certified teachers. Dedicated student advisors provide academic and social support; Post-secondary guidance; University application support; Tutoring; IELTS training; Volunteer placement; Resource connections.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities and field trips are offered; there are clubs and student life events.	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities span sport and culture; field trips across Canada and the USA.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Established in 1994, McDonald International Academy (MIA) is a fully registered and accredited secondary school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Since its inception, more than 20,000 graduates from over 50 countries worldwide have successfully entered top universities and colleges in Canada and around the world. MIA is a vibrant academic and social community with modern facilities and a collaborative effort from teachers and students.	History —
Community	Community MIA's active school community is buzzing with social and academic opportunities throughout the year. Events and activities help students get to know each other, build friendships, and familiarize themselves with Canadian culture. A wide range of clubs nurtures students' interests and supports the prerequisites for university or college applications.	Community Willowdale High School is located in Toronto, Ontario, and is inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education (BSID: 885998). The school offers the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and university/college preparation courses to prepare students for global universities. The school fosters an inclusive and caring environment with a mission to empower students through academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. Co-Curricular Activities span sport and culture and include educational field trips across Canada and the USA, while the Student Council provides student leadership by planning events, supporting peers, fundraising for activities, helping new students, and contributing to the school newspaper.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The University Preparation Program/High School Program (Grade 9-12) is developed according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Our graduates will receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) after the program. The four-year program follows the Ontario curriculum designed to prepare students for post-secondary studies in Canada, the United States and around the world. Credits earned are recognized by American and Canadian universities and colleges.	Academic & intellectual Willowdale High School follows the Ontario curriculum for grades 9–12 and awards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. A Project-Based Learning approach uses AI, multimedia, and interdisciplinary courses to develop key skills. The school offers STEM projects, mathematics competitions, arts, music, and sports courses, with regular AP exams and competitions organized through College Board and the University of Waterloo. Classes are small, with an average teacher-student ratio of 1:8, and many teachers hold master's degrees.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Arts is offered as a course within the curriculum.	Arts & creative Willowdale High School regularly organizes art exhibitions and charity concerts. Arts and music courses are offered as part of the curriculum. Modern facilities include an art creation room and multimedia classrooms. The school also hosts cultural events and performances as part of campus life.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language International Languages is offered as a course. IELTS Preparation and ESL programs are available to support English proficiency. The Summer Program includes English instruction and exposes students to Canadian culture through activities and excursions.	Cultural & language The campus hosts a multicultural environment with students from many countries and regions, creating a diverse and inclusive culture. ESL English enhancement is provided, along with learning supports and mentoring. AP exams and competitions are available alongside a broad range of STEM, arts, and music courses. Airport pickup and housing management services support international students.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Student Life includes field trips and a wide range of clubs and social activities. Events and activities foster community and give students opportunities to engage with Canadian culture outside the classroom.	Social & hobbies Co-Curricular Activities span sport and culture. Educational field trips across Canada and the USA provide immersive, real-world experiences. The program features events such as a Christmas party, BBQ, Family Fun Run, Science Fair, Youth Soccer Camp, and Lunch and Learn.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service The Willowdale High School Student Council is a leadership and community body, addressing student affairs and promoting acceptance, equity, cooperation, responsibility, friendship, and school spirit. The council works closely with teachers and advisors to foster a continually improving learning environment. It plans special events and projects, supports student initiatives, raises funds for community activities, helps new students adjust, advocates for student rights, and participates in producing the school newspaper.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Guidance and Career Education is offered as a course to support career planning. The Advanced Placement Program provides college-level courses for Grade 12 students, connecting them to college success by taking AP classes while in high school.	Leadership & professional The Student Council provides leadership opportunities and helps students reach their full potential through leadership, character development, and community engagement. All WHS students are encouraged to participate and nominate themselves for positions on the Student Council. The council's activities include planning events, fundraising for community activities, supporting the student body, assisting new students with transitions, and advocating for student needs.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Health and Physical Education is offered as part of the curriculum. Total Care provides ongoing support beyond the classroom, including guidance on university applications and post-graduation planning. Learning beyond the classroom is encouraged through field trips and a range of activities that support student well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Co-Curricular Activities span sport and culture. Educational field trips across Canada and the USA provide immersive experiences. Examples include a Christmas party, BBQ, Family Fun Run, Science Fair, Youth Soccer Camp, and Lunch and Learn.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English language learning is supported through ESL and IELTS Preparation programs; Summer Camp includes English language skills development (oral communication, reading and writing).	Language provision English is taught with ESL support. ESL courses offered include ESLBO, ESLCO, ESLDO. Mandarin is offered as an International Language.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Ranked TOP50 Best Private School in Canada by Hong Kong and the Canadian Government.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations Fully registered and accredited secondary school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Fill out the online registration form. The form collects student information and program interests. Email the most recent scanned report cards/transcripts starting from grade 9 and a copy of the passport to the admissions team. The admissions team reviews the submission and, if approved, issues the first Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and the Tuition Request Letter within 3–4 business days by e-mail. 2. Pay the tuition fees and the application fee according to the Tuition Request details. Email the payment receipt to the admissions office. Upon receipt of full payment, the office issues a receipt and the official Letter of Acceptance. The official LOA can be used to apply for a Canadian study permit. 3. For international students, apply for a Government of Canada study permit using McDonald International Academy's official Letter of Acceptance. Processing times vary by country. The LOA is required to support the permit application. Applicants should coordinate with the school to ensure all documents are in order. 4. Upon approval and receipt of the study permit, inform MIA to arrange airport pickup and accommodation. MIA coordinates housing arrangements, including residence or homestay placements. The arrival process is supported by the Admissions and International Support teams, with additional assistance from overseas offices in Beijing, China and Lagos, Nigeria.	Admissions 1. Step 1: Application. To begin the admissions process, students complete and submit an application form. The completed form can be submitted in person or by email. The documents to accompany the application are: Passport; Transcripts for the past 3 years; Vaccination Record (submitted on the first day of school); IELTS or TOEFL test result (optional). 2. Step 2: Conditional Acceptance Letter (if required). After the application is received, a student recruitment specialist will contact you to discuss enrollment options. The admission officer will review the application documents and issue the Conditional Acceptance Letter and the invoice for tuition. 3. Step 3: Tuition Payment. After receiving an offer of admission and an invoice, the full tuition fees must be paid by wire-transfer, bank-transfer, or certified cheques. Email the payment receipt to the school as proof of payment. 4. Step 4: Official Acceptance Letter. Once payment is made in full, the Official Acceptance Letter and Official Receipt are issued. 5. Step 5: Applying for a Study Permit and Visitor Visa. It is the responsibility of parents and students to apply for a Canadian Study permit and Visa depending on the student's nationality. If the study permit application is refused, provide the letter of refusal from the Canadian immigration office, the Letter of Acceptance, and the tuition receipt to the school. Upon receipt of these documents, the tuition fee will be refunded (deducting an administrative fee). If the applicant cancels the application for reasons other than visa refusal, no refund is issued. 6. Step 6: Residence/Homestay Arrangement. The residence provides facilities that are safe, secure, well-maintained, and reasonably priced. Residents are encouraged to engage in activities to build a supportive community that respects diversity, equity and inclusion. The Homestay Program offers a comfortable home atmosphere where students can live with a Canadian family. Host families are knowledgeable in hosting international students and strive to provide a safe, comfortable and caring living environment. 7. Step 7: Arriving to Canada. Inform the student service coordinator when arriving in Canada to arrange for airport pickup. Mission Statement: Empowering students to achieve their full potential through academic excellence, character development, and community engagement.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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