Nile Academy vs Toronto STEM School

	N Nile Academy Toronto, Canada	T Toronto STEM School Toronto, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$11,500 - 20,000	Fees / year CA$15,450 - 21,950
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils —	Pupils 30
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 5
Instruction language	Instruction language English, French	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2005	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 5 Blue Haven Crescent, Toronto, Ontario, M9M 1W6, Canada	Location The school is located in the Yonge–Eglinton neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, directly above the Eglinton Subway Station. It is at the corner of Yonge Street and Mt. Pleasant Street in a vibrant, affluent area with easy access to transit and nearby shops and restaurants.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten; Elementary (Grade 1-8); High School	Stages Grades 1-8; Grades 9-12
School type	School type Private school; boarding available for international students	School type —
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Full-time guidance counselling; accommodations for ESL students	Additional learning support The school has a Special Needs Program with dedicated staff and individualized education plans. It uses assistive technologies such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech, and fosters an inclusive community that celebrates neurodiversity.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Canada	Country affiliation Canada
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Three-semester school year with two reporting periods per semester. Timetable with a bell schedule.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application fees - Domestic (new students, all grades): CAD 200 per application. - International (2025/26 listed): CAD 500 application fee. Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts) - Domestic — 2026–2027 academic year: - Kindergarten: CAD 11,500 per year. - Grade 1 to Grade 8: CAD 12,500 per year. - Grade 9 to Grade 12: CAD 13,500 per year. - International — 2025–2026 academic year (listed amounts): - Tuition fee: CAD 20,000 per year. Per-term amounts and billing basis - Tuition is published as annual amounts for each year group. The public fee schedule does not publish a per-term breakdown or fixed instalment amounts; parents should expect the published figures to represent annual tuition unless an instalment plan is provided at registration. Other fees and recurring charges - Book rental: JK–Grade 6: CAD 150; Grade 7–8: CAD 200; Grade 9–12: CAD 250. - International additional fees (2025/26 listing): medical insurance CAD 1,000; optional visa application assistance CAD 2,500; optional guardianship CAD 1,000. - Dormitory / boarding fee (international): CAD 16,000 per year. - Administrative/document fees: transcript copy fee is CAD 25 (regular copy) with additional copies at CAD 5 each; this and related document-payment procedures are managed through the school office. - No separate uniform fee is published in the public fee schedule. Book rental and the listed international ancillary fees are the only specific recurring or ancillary charges shown. Billing schedule and payment terms - An Official Letter of Acceptance and a tuition receipt are issued after the tuition deposit payment has been processed; the fee schedule indicates deposit payment is part of the international admissions workflow. Exact deposit amounts, instalment dates, and term-by-term billing schedules are not published in the public fee schedule. The school offers sibling discounts and mentions early-registration and full-payment discounts. Boarding fees (where applicable) - Nile Academy dormitory (boarding) is listed at CAD 16,000 per year for international students. Boarding is an optional service for international students. Refund information - For international students: a full tuition refund will be granted, less an administration fee of CAD 500, if Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) does not issue the Study Permit. Required documentation for a refund includes the CIC letter of rejection, the school's Official Letter of Acceptance, the original tuition receipt, and a completed Refund Request Form with payee details. Tuition refunds are not issued for voluntary withdrawals (except the study-permit denial case), disciplinary dismissal, or where false information was provided. Additional refund rules and conditions apply as set out in the school's international student participation and application documentation. Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods for school fees and administrative charges include certified cheque, money order, VISA, MasterCard, Interac Direct Payment / debit, and cash where applicable. Personal (uncertified) cheques are not accepted for some transactions. Online registration forms provide a selectable payment-method option at submission. Specific payment channels for tuition deposits, international payments, and dormitory fees (for example, wire transfer instructions) are provided during the admissions/payment process.	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Registration fee: CAD 500. - Application & English assessment (international students): CAD 150. - Deferral of admission (international students): CAD 250. - Resource & field-trip fee: CAD 500. Tuition — Canadian or Permanent Resident (Grades 9–12) - Annual tuition: CAD 15,450. This covers up to eight courses in one academic year and includes educational resources for full‑time students. Three- or seven‑payment plans are available. Tuition — International Students (annual, by grade and English proficiency) - Grades 9–11: - Advanced English speaker: CAD 15,450. - Intermediate English speaker: CAD 17,950. - Beginner English speaker: CAD 18,950. - Additional international fee levels are listed up to CAD 21,950 in certain categories on the tuition schedule. - Grade 12: - Typical listed amounts include CAD 17,950 and other international categories up to CAD 21,950 and CAD 19,950. Students with no English background are admitted into Grade 10 or 11. Note: Tuition amounts above are stated as annual fees and cover up to eight courses per academic year. Per‑term (per semester) amounts are not itemised in the published tuition schedule; three‑ or seven‑instalment payment plans are offered. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment-plan options available for tuition include three‑payment and seven‑payment plans. - For international students the tuition for the eight‑course program must be paid in full regardless of point of entry in the academic year; international applicants are often required to pay for three months of residence services when using the school's residence/homestay arrangements. Boarding / Homestay (where applicable) - No on‑site boarding program is listed; homestay services and related administration fees are provided for international students. - Homestay administration fee: CAD 200. - Homestay monthly fee: CAD 1,600. - Guardianship fee: CAD 600. - International students may be required to pay for residence services (often covering meals) for at least three months. Other costs and optional fees - Health insurance (international students, annual): CAD 650. - Assistive learning package (optional): CAD 3,000. - AP Capstone option (optional): CAD 3,000. - Private tutoring: CAD 85 per hour. - Ontario credit course (one‑on‑one): CAD 4,500. Additional credit course fees listed: Canadian student CAD 1,950 and international student CAD 2,500 for certain offerings. - Summer math and remedial course fees appear as separate published items (examples shown: CAD 739 and CAD 1,950). Refund information - In the event a study‑permit application is refused, a full tuition refund is guaranteed less an administration fee. Fee payment options and contact for payment arrangements - Specific payment methods (for example, credit card, bank transfer, cheque) are not itemised in the published fee schedule. For billing arrangements and the available payment methods, contact the admissions office by phone or email.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Boarding is available for international students through Nile Academy Dormitory (optional). The 2025-2026 International Student Fee includes Nile Academy Dormitory at $16,000.	Boarding arrangements Residence services (homestay) are offered for international students. Tuition includes 8 courses toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and international students are asked to pay for 3 months of residence services (including 2 meals/day). If you do not use residence services, you must provide an address in Toronto where you'll stay with a relative or friend; a guardian in Canada is provided and a guardianship letter will be issued.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Nile Academy has a dress code policy that requires a modest and neat appearance daily. Dress code requirements include modest-length skirts and sweatshirts that must be tucked in, prohibition of excessive jewelry, restrictions on cosmetics and facial/body piercings, tattoos must not be visible, and headgear may not be worn inside the building. Tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs are prohibited on school property.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options Two meals per day are included as part of residence services.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Nile Academy is a private school.	Governance and ownership The school is not-for-profit. It transitioned to non-profit status in 2016.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Ontario Standards Aligned Educational Program. Grades 1-8 follow the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, French, Information Technology, Physical Education, Music and Visual Arts are taught, with Grade 6-8 classes taught by specialist educators. The language of instruction in Elementary is English and French. Nile Academy is a private school with small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio.	Curriculum details The school offers the full high school accredited program for Grades 9–12 to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). As an accredited Ontario high school, it uses the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum, with a STEM focus and enrichment through Technology Workshops that connect core courses to future study and careers. Students may pursue math and computer science at Advanced Placement (AP) level, including an AP Capstone Diploma Program introduced for Grade 9/10 students starting September 2023. AP Capstone comprises AP Seminar and AP Research, and students have the option to earn the AP Capstone Diploma alongside the OSSD. The program includes seven AP Virtual Courses and 28 in‑person AP Exams, with an AP Stream in Mathematics and in Computer Science to support accelerated AP study.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 18	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 100% University Acceptance. University counselling begins in secondary school with weekly meetings with a Guidance Counsellor to align courses with university goals. Graduation follows the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements: 30 credits (18 compulsory, 12 elective), 40 hours of community service, and the Ontario Literacy Test.	Higher education progression Many graduates have gone on to study at Canada's best universities. The school supports post‑secondary applications for Canadian, United States, and United Kingdom institutions. Students have been accepted into universities such as University of Toronto, Queen's University, McMaster University, Western University, University of Waterloo, University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Harvard University, UC Irvine, University of Edinburgh, and University of Bristol, with scholarship support highlighted by the counselling program.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Extension or acceleration for some students.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school places emphasis on social and emotional development and character education. HERO values—Honesty, Empathy, Responsibility, and Open-Mindedness—guide student behavior, decision-making and leadership development. The school fosters a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that supports self-esteem and positive relationships.	Social & emotional learning Small class sizes enable personalized attention and allow teachers to tailor support to each student's needs. Educators are passionate and experienced, trained in differentiated instruction, executive functioning strategies, and adaptive learning techniques. The STEM-focused curriculum supports students who learn differently through hands-on, inquiry-based learning environments. Assistive technologies such as speech-to-text, text-to-speech software, interactive digital tools, AI-powered learning platforms, noise-canceling headphones, and adaptive seating support learning. Dedicated staff develop individualized education plans (IEPs) and provide specialized support to empower students and foster self-confidence in a welcoming, inclusive community that celebrates neurodiversity.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Dedicated support staff and specialized education plans, including Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), guide each student's learning. Assistive technologies include speech-to-text and text-to-speech software, interactive digital tools, AI-powered platforms, noise-canceling headphones, and adaptive seating. The program supports students who learn differently, including those with ADHD or autism, through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, differentiated instruction, and executive functioning strategies. Hands-on learning and engaging field trips reinforce concepts and skills. A welcoming and inclusive community celebrates neurodiversity and aims to build self-confidence and a lifelong love of learning.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers fast-track in-class and online English as a Second Language courses (ESLAO, ESLBO, ESLCO, ESLDO, ESLEO). English support provides customized ESL for students whose English proficiency ranges from Beginner to Advanced. IELTS boot camps are provided, and there is 1:1 and small-group tutoring for grade 12 courses.	English as an additional language An ESL program exists with five levels, designed to support English language development. Students earn a credit for each level toward their Canadian Diploma.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through a safe, secure, nurturing environment and a focus on social and emotional development. Educators prioritize emotional wellbeing and help students build self-esteem and confidence.	Mental wellbeing Counselling is a one-on-one service that focuses on the student's goals and builds a plan to ensure they stay on track to success. University application consulting is available as a five-meeting package to guide planning, pathway development, and application essay preparation. Counselors assist with finding scholarships, grants, and bursaries to support financial planning. The counselling program also provides guidance on post-secondary pathways and appropriate school options.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school provides a safe and secure learning environment with high behavioral expectations and policies to protect students. There are supervised after-school programs, enrichment and leadership activities.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Nile Academy serves Kindergarten through High School in Toronto, with a campus at 5 Blue Haven Crescent, Toronto, Ontario, M9M 1W6. The Kindergarten program is uniquely designed for the educational, emotional and social needs of four and five-year-old students. The Grade 1–8 curriculum is taught within the framework of the Ontario Ministry of Education's curriculum by dedicated faculty. Nile Academy offers a STEM & Robotic program to complement its academic offerings. The school provides Full-Time Guidance Counselling to support students.	Facilities overview The school is located at 285 Eglinton E, Toronto. It is directly above Eglinton Subway Station, about a 10‑minute walk from the Yonge and Eglinton area. The campus is 3,000 square feet and serves roughly 30 students in grades 9–12. There are labs for hands‑on STEM learning and lab work, supported by a gymnasium used for robotics activities. The learning spaces enable field trips as part of the program.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Nile Academy offers wrestling, soccer and basketball varsity teams that compete with other area secondary schools. Nile Academy is a member of the Toronto District College Athletic Association (TDCAA), which is a member of the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations. Our athletic teams emphasize effort, practice and personal growth as part of development. Club Sports include Basketball and Volleyball.	Sports facilities The school has a gymnasium, which is used for robotics activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Kindergarten program is uniquely designed for the educational, emotional and social needs of four and five-year-old students. Nile Academy's Grade 1–8 curriculum is taught within the framework of the Ontario Ministry of Education's curriculum by dedicated teaching staff. Nile Academy believes in the importance and value of completing secondary education, and our school philosophy includes a commitment to assist every student in achieving a successful outcome for their educational experience at Nile Academy. Nile Academy STEM & Robotic program integrates technology into learning.	Academic facilities The curriculum is a Standard Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program with enriched STEM content. The AP Capstone Diploma Program is offered, and AP Courses and Exams are available. The school also hosts a Robotics program and offers an International Languages Program.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Varsity teams include Wrestling, Badminton and Soccer. Club Sports include Basketball and Volleyball. The school is a member of TDCAA (Toronto District College Athletic Association) and OFSAA.	Extra curricular facilities Robotics participates in FIRST Tech Challenge, providing hands‑on competition experience. STEM Workshops offer small‑group sessions for grades 1–8, including coding and science activities. Field trips and lab work are integrated into the learning experience. Summer Camps are available as an extracurricular offering.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Nile Academy was established in 2005 with the goal of providing better education and a brighter future for children. It follows the Ontario Curriculum and provides a private school environment with small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, and it welcomes and provides boarding for international students. The school has built its reputation on catering for individual student needs and its diversity. It welcomes families of all beliefs and cultural backgrounds.	History The school was established in 2014 as OAT (Ontario Academy of Technology). In 2016, it transitioned to a non-profit school and rebranded as Toronto STEM School. The institution operates as a not-for-profit organization. The curriculum includes a Standard OSSD Program with enriched STEM content, and it offers 7 AP Virtual Courses and 28 in-person AP exams.
Community	Community Nile Academy seeks an active partnership between school and family based on a shared commitment to the students' goals, values and the special joys of childhood. All members of the Nile Academy community are asked to hold each other to high expectations of behavior and achievement. The school provides a safe, secure, and nurturing environment with a strong emphasis on the Ontario Curriculum, sciences and ICT, and offers supervised after-school programs, enrichment and leadership activities.	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. It provides a private school environment with small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio to support individualized learning. There is a strong emphasis on the Sciences and Information and Communication Technology. The school offers supervised after-school programs, enrichment and leadership activities to extend learning beyond the classroom.	Academic & intellectual Toronto STEM School specializes in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics with an emphasis on hands-on learning. We go beyond the regular curriculum and demonstrate the overlap between technical courses. The AP Capstone Diploma Program is offered, and the AP Program includes virtual and in-person courses and exams. Coding Classes are available for grades 6-8 on Saturdays, online, taught by OCT-certified instructors, and Contests/Exams are part of our academic planning.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Nile Academy offers Visual Arts classes with mediums such as acrylics, watercolors, pastels, wax, clay, pyrography, paper mache and more. Students undertake projects including Aboriginal beading, carpet weaving, tie-dye, stitching and various crafts. Art fosters expression, critical thinking and collaboration, and student work is displayed in the school's art gallery.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school offers in-class and online English as a Second Language courses (ESLAO, ESLBO, ESLCO, ESLDO, ESLEO). IELTS boot camps and customized ESL support are provided, with 1:1 and group tutoring for Grade 12 courses. International students may access Nile student housing and guardianship arrangements. Nile Academy welcomes families of all beliefs and cultural backgrounds.	Cultural & language Saturday International Language Classes are offered in Farsi and Mandarin. Farsi and Mandarin classes are organized with Junior (SK–2) and Senior (Grades 3–6) groups. Classes run Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Dates for 2026 and 2027 are listed, and the price for Saturday language classes is CA$499.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Nile Academy offers a wide range of recreational and educational afterschool clubs and tutoring programs to enhance each student's social, cognitive, physical and intellectual wellbeing. Clubs include Tutoring; Board Games; Music; Photography; Chess; Mind Games; Student Council; Web Design and Coding. Board Games Club supports cognitive function and concentration, and the Student Council Club promotes leadership and school events.	Social & hobbies Clubs are part of the daily life, as shown by the daily schedule with an icon of students in clubs. The day includes field trips, lab work, and school events. This combination supports active participation in school life.
Community & service	Community & service Nile Academy participates in charitable activities such as the Terry Fox Run. Student leadership and mentorship initiatives are highlighted in Nile Academy's news and student-life content. Camps & Trips provide opportunities for community engagement and experiential learning.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Student Council Club promotes leadership, community involvement and supports school events and functions. Web Design and Coding clubs help students develop collaboration and problem-solving skills. Nile Academy highlights student leadership and mentorship in its News and Athletics sections.	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Nile Academy offers after-school clubs and tutoring to enhance students' social, cognitive, physical and intellectual wellbeing. Athletics play a key role with wrestling, soccer and basketball teams competing in TDCAA, emphasizing health, teamwork and discipline. The school promotes a safe, secure, and nurturing environment that supports overall wellbeing.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision English and French are taught as part of Nile Academy's Grades 1–8 curriculum. The Grade 1 to Grade 8 program is taught within the Ontario Ministry of Education's framework, with specialist educators delivering Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, French, Information Technology, Physical Education, Music and Visual Arts for Grades 6–8. ESL support is available for English language learners, including remedial sessions in English and Mathematics and a Reading Recovery program.	Language provision The school offers an International Languages Program with Saturday in-person language classes in Farsi and Mandarin. The classes are for Junior (SK–2) and Senior (Grades 3–6). Classes run Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations Not-for-Profit AP High School - Ontario Ministry of Education: 884354 College Board Member School: 826335 SAT Test Centre: 96867
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Local Students 1. Nile Academy Application Process. The admissions office coordinates campus visits and oversees the admissions steps. 2. School Tour. Families are encouraged to arrange a visit; campus tours are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and are conducted with guided tours by Nile Academy students. 3. Application Forms. Complete the application form and forward it to the Admissions Office by email or by fax. 4. Report Card and Transcript (for high school students). Provide a copy of current and past year's report cards and transcripts. 5. Admission Test. The prospective student takes Nile Academy's entrance test, which lasts about 60 minutes. 6. Interview. The prospective student meets with a member of the Admissions Team for a personal interview (approximately 15 minutes). 7. Acceptance. An official acceptance email and a formal letter are issued; new students can schedule registration in person or by telephone. International Students 1. The Application Process. Start online submission by submitting the online application form. 2. Gather Necessary Documents. Send a photocopy of the passport or birth certificate in English, a photocopy of current year's school transcripts, and a signed letter of recommendation by a school official to the admissions email. 3. Conditional Acceptance. All approved applicants receive a conditional Letter of Acceptance. 4. Letter of Acceptance. Once the tuition deposit is processed and issued, an Official Letter of Acceptance and a tuition receipt are sent; the Official Letter of Acceptance may be used for visa purposes.	Admissions 1. Learn about Toronto STEM School. Trial days are offered as half‑day shadow visits where a student can tour the school and meet future peers and teachers. Visits are arranged on select Wednesdays, with scheduling available through the school. This step helps families understand the school's environment and programs. 2. Scholarships. Local students can compete for entrance scholarships. Each year 1–2 local students may receive up to 50% off entrance tuition, with eligibility including Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, transferring from a different school, eligibility for grades 9–11, and a strong STEM plus English record (minimum A) and evidence of STEM aptitude. The application should include references, awards, SSAT scores, or other notable projects. 3. Local admissions process and entry points. The school recommends starting in late August for the first semester, though students may enroll for fall or winter semesters. Before applying, gather the student's OEN (if applicable), the most recent transcript and report card, and proof of Canadian residency. 4. International admissions process. Toronto STEM School is an approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI). After applying, the school reviews the application and may schedule a video interview; if admitted, a letter of admission and a tuition request are issued. Tuition covers eight courses toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and may include three months of residence services for international students. 5. International language and documentation. A language proficiency demonstration or English assessment interview is an admission requirement. 6. International scholarships. International students may be eligible for entrance scholarships of up to 30%, with criteria including international status, grades 9–11, and a high STEM plus English average (minimum 95%) and evidence of STEM aptitude; the scholarship application is part of the main enrollment form. 7. Next steps after admission. A letter of admission and guardianship arrangement are provided, after which students apply for a study permit and the school guarantees a full tuition refund minus a processing fee if the permit is refused.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships Local scholarships: 1–2 entrance scholarships each year for local students, up to 50% of tuition. Eligibility includes Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, transferring from another school, grades 9–11, and a minimum A average in STEM and English, plus evidence of STEM aptitude (references, awards, SSAT scores or similar projects). International scholarships: 1–2 entrance scholarships each year for international students, up to 30% of tuition. Eligibility includes being an international student, grades 9–11, and a minimum 95% average in STEM and English, with evidence of STEM aptitude (references, awards, SSAT scores or similar projects). The scholarships are described as part of the enrollment process.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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