doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
L

La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science

Canada, Toronto

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English, French
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 2000
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (MYP), Advanced Placement (AP), Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages English, French, Mandarin, Spanish
Strengths Languages, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Academic and Intellectual
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science is a PrepK-12 private school located at 36 Scarsdale Road, North York, Ontario. The school provides a bilingual Canadian curriculum with English and French language streams in Grades 6 and 7 and a strong emphasis on a third language, arts, and sciences. It offers the IB Middle Years Programme for Grades 6 to 10 (Level II) and the AP program with Pre-AP Courses in Grades 9–10 and AP Courses in Grades 11–12. The campus houses more than 40,000 square feet of learning space, including an Atrium for events, a Gymnasium, an Auditorium, and dedicated rooms for Music, Science, Computer/Music, and Arts. The Kindergarten area is large, with a mini-art studio and reading/computer corners. Surrounding playgrounds and park fields support outdoor activity year round. The school participates in SSAF seasonal sports and offers after-school clubs in academics, arts, culture, and leadership, promoting well-rounded, international education.

36 Scarsdale Road, North York, Ontario M3B 2R7

The Essentials

La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science has instruction in English, French.

Location
36 Scarsdale Road, North York, Ontario M3B 2R7.

Stages
Daycare Panel (PrepK & PreK); Kindergarten Panel (JK & SK); Elementary Panel (Grades 1 to 5); Intermediary Panel (Grades 6 to 8); Secondary Panel (Grades 9 to 12).
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is part of the school's program and is listed under Supplementary Fees. The cost is addressed through the supplementary fees line.

Food Options
Meals and snacks are included in Daycare tuition. A Hot Lunch Program is available as an optional option for JK to Level IV.

House System
The school has four Houses — Dragons (Green), Phoenix (Red), Sharks (Blue), Tigers (Yellow). Students from Grade 1 through Level IV are assigned to a House and remain there until graduation. The House System fosters camaraderie, healthy competition, and leadership, with senior students acting as House Heads to organize activities.

Governance and Ownership
The school is led by the Headmaster and Founder, Mr. Alfred Abouchar. He founded La Citadelle and has over 40 years of educational experience.
Fees
Initial / Application Fees
- Application fee: CAD 200 (non‑refundable).
- One‑time Admission fee (new students only; non‑refundable). Amounts vary by admission cycle: Early Admission CAD 3,500; Main Admission CAD 4,500; Spring Admission CAD 5,000; Final Admission CAD 5,500; Summer & Late Admission CAD 6,000. Sibling discounts on the Admission fee: CAD 1,000 off for the second child and CAD 2,000 off for the third and subsequent children. A CAD 2,500 referral discount is available for qualifying referrals.

Annual Tuition (published for the 2025–2026 school year)
Note: amounts below are shown as annual tuition totals.
- Daycare (tuition includes meals, snacks, and workbooks):
- School year (September–June), Part time — mornings only: CAD 15,675.
- School year, Part time — 3 full days (Tues/Wed/Thurs): CAD 16,720.
- School year, Full time — 5 full days: CAD 22,250.
- School year + July summer daycare, Part time — mornings only: CAD 17,137.50.
- School year + July summer daycare, Part time — 3 full days: CAD 18,300.
- School year + July summer daycare, Full time — 5 full days: CAD 24,250.
- International student daycare (school year), Full time — 5 full days: CAD 26,500.

- Day (local) tuition by panel (annual totals):
- Kindergarten panel (JK & SK): CAD 24,250 (includes all workbooks & books).
- Elementary panel (Grades 1–5): CAD 26,900.
- Intermediary panel (Grades 6–8): CAD 27,700.
- Secondary panel (Levels I–IV / Grades 9–12): CAD 28,650.

- International student tuition by panel (annual totals):
- Kindergarten panel (JK & SK): CAD 28,500 (includes all workbooks & books).
- Elementary panel (Grades 1–5): CAD 31,150.
- Intermediary panel (Grades 6–8): CAD 31,950.
- Secondary panel (Levels I–IV / Grades 9–12): CAD 32,900.

Supplementary and Additional Fees
- Annual fees (covers field trips, Parent Support Committee membership, and building fund): range CAD 950 – CAD 1,550 annually.
- ESL (English language support) for international students: CAD 4,000 per term.
- Uniform costs: charged separately (uniform is required).
- Books: Grades 1–12 (where applicable) are billed as an additional cost for the year.
- Hot lunch program: optional for JK through Level IV (costs apply if enrolled).
- Reinstatement fee: CAD 1,500 (applies to current students re‑registering after the re‑registration deadline of January 15 or to applicants whose admission deadline has lapsed; re‑enrolment in these circumstances is subject to space availability and approval).

Scholarships, Discounts and Financial Incentives
- Early Admission discounts (available to new and to some current students).
- Sibling discounts available for the Admission fee (new students) and for Tuition fees (new and current students).
- Academic scholarship programs for Grades 5–8 and Grades 9–12 (available to current students).
- Annual Headmaster's Scholarship (available to new applicants for Grades 6–Level III) and other referral discount plans.

Boarding / Residence
- The school is a day school (no boarding residence fees apply).

Billing schedule, payment terms, and re‑registration
- Enrollment is confirmed only once all required documents and applicable fees have been received; the school publishes defined admissions entry cycle deadlines (Early: November 15; Main: January 15; Spring: March 1; Final: May 1). Re‑registration deadline for current families is January 15; a reinstatement fee applies for late re‑registration. Specific termly invoices, per‑term breakdowns of the annual tuition, payment schedules, and standard payment terms (for example, deadlines for term payments, late‑payment penalties, or refund conditions for tuition) are not published in the material reviewed.

Refunds and non‑refundables
- Application fee: non‑refundable.
- Admission fee: described as a one‑time non‑refundable fee due upon enrolment.
- No explicit general tuition refund policy or detailed refund schedule for tuition payments was published in the material reviewed.

Fee payment options
- No specific published list of accepted payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, electronic payment platforms, cheques, etc.) or instructions for making fee payments was found in the material reviewed. The school confirms that fees must be received to secure enrolment, but payment channels and invoicing procedures were not listed.

Brief summary of unavailable details
- Per‑term or per‑invoice tuition amounts (the site provides annual totals but does not publish a per‑term breakdown for day tuition). Additionally, the site does not publish standard payment methods, detailed billing schedule (dates and installment options), or a comprehensive tuition refund policy. The admissions and tuition pages do show admissions deadlines, non‑refundable application/admission fees, and the reinstatement fee policy for late re‑registration.
Academics

La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science teaches IB (MYP), Advanced Placement (AP), Canadian Curriculum.

Curriculum
Daycare Panel includes PrepK & PreK; Kindergarten Panel includes JK & SK; Elementary Panel includes Grades 1 to 5; Intermediary Panel includes Grades 6 to 8; Secondary Panel includes Grades 9 to 12. Grades 6 & 7 Language Streams are English and French. Grade 8 Reach Ahead includes Secondary School Credit Courses. IB-MYP World School Program runs for Grades 6 to Level II (Grade 10). AP (Advanced Placement) Program offers Level I & II (Grades 9 & 10) – Pre-AP Courses, and Level III & IV (Grades 11 & 12) – AP Courses.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school supports social and emotional growth through a holistic, student-centered approach. The Kindergarten Panel provides a strong foundation for academic, social, and emotional growth. The Daycare Panel focuses on emotional growth within a safe, nurturing, bilingual setting. International Travel & Field Trips foster independence, teamwork, cultural awareness, and personal growth. The Guidance Department offers ongoing support to students, helping ensure they are happy, healthy, and inspired.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Individual support for students is available through the Guidance Department, with staff on hand to provide help. Admissions materials indicate accommodations for disability or special circumstances, including consideration of an IEP. The Daycare and Admission forms reference IEPs and accommodations for students with special needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English and French are both languages of instruction. The school operates a bilingual first-language model with English and French taught as primary languages from early years. French language proficiency is not required for admission. Language Streams in Grades 6 & 7 offer English and French; Mathematics in Grade 8 is taught in English to prepare for higher level requirements.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by a Guidance Department that provides ongoing support; staff are available to assist to ensure students are happy, healthy, and inspired. School life emphasizes social and emotional development through leadership camps, trips, clubs, and student council activities. Field trips and co-curricular programs promote resilience, collaboration, and personal growth.

Safeguarding
The school has a Code of Conduct and school policies governing behavior and safety. Admissions materials indicate that personal information is collected for proper administration and that consent is required for certain uses. The admissions forms address permissions for photos and recordings for promotional content.
Parent Experience

History
La Citadelle was conceived by its Headmaster with a clear vision of education for the future. It is rooted in Canadian bilingualism and a holistic, excellent education, balancing arts and sciences and teaching a third language, with IB-MYP and AP programs introduced at intermediary and secondary levels. The school opened in 2000 with 5 students in the basement of a church in Richmond Hill and relocated the following year to the Mallow site with 9 students. It presently offers advanced international academic programs from Preparatory Kindergarten to Grade 12 at a new site on Scarsdale Road in North York. La Citadelle is a private PrepK-12 educational institution with a focus on a bilingual, international curriculum.

Community
All children are remarkable and possess unique talents and immense potential to achieve great things. Individuality is emphasized, and the school recognizes and celebrates each student's talents and potential. The mission is to provide a nurturing environment where students flourish academically, creatively, and personally, guided toward realizing their dreams and achieving greatness. The community is encouraged to engage with La Citadelle through school events and open house opportunities to learn more about the school.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents Support Committee (PSC) is a vital part of the school community, made up of dedicated parent representatives who drive initiatives throughout the year. Their efforts support school programs, foster collaboration, and strengthen the school's mission. By joining PSC activities and attending events, parents and guardians actively contribute to the success and well-being of both students and the school. Every family has an equal vote within the PSC, ensuring all voices are represented. The PSC builds a meaningful bridge between home and school through the collective dedication of families who embrace the school's philosophy, organizing leadership roles, events, and gatherings to create a nurturing, connected environment. Families contribute annual dues set by the PSC Executive to fund enriching programs and activities for students.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has over 40,000 square feet of space with open-concept, airy areas designed for comfort. The Atrium is a 3,000-square-foot communal space used for events such as the Science Fair Expo, school-wide exams, Student Council fairs, and Parent Support Committee socials, and it serves as a hub for breaks and year-round gatherings. The Gymnasium and Auditorium feature soft-touch flooring and a professional stage for performances, with built-in microphones, lighting, and stage curtains. Classrooms are colorful, spacious, and organized to provide a home base with dedicated spaces for materials; there are specialized rooms for Music, Science, Computer/Music, and Arts. The Kindergarten space is the largest classroom, including a mini-art studio, reading corner, computer corner, play corner, and JK/SK spaces. Playgrounds and park fields surround the campus for outdoor activity year-round.

Sports Facilities
The Gymnasium provides space for year-round athletic programs and has soft-touch flooring. The adjoining Auditorium houses a professional stage with built-in microphones, lighting, and stage curtains for performances. Playgrounds and park fields surround the campus, supporting outdoor activities. La Citadelle is a member of the Small School Athletic Federation (SSAF) and offers seasonal sports; Fall includes Co-Ed Dodgeball, Cross Country, Co-Ed Indoor Soccer, Boys Volleyball, and Girls Basketball; Winter includes Co-Ed Basketball, Boys Basketball, and Girls Volleyball; Spring includes Co-Ed Outdoor Soccer, Boys Outdoor Soccer, Track & Field, Table Tennis, and Badminton.

Academic Facilities
Classrooms are designed as colorful, spacious home bases with small class sizes to support focused learning and organized storage for textbooks and materials. The school provides specialized rooms, including a Music Room, Science Lab, Computer Lab/Computer Music Studio, and Arts Studio, to support hands-on exploration across disciplines. The Kindergarten space is the largest classroom and includes a mini-art studio, reading corner, computer corner, and play corner to support early learning. Throughout the campus, spaces support hands-on learning across arts and sciences.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Clubs – All Year include Book Club (Gr. 1-5), Robotics Club (Gr. 2-12), Coding Club (Gr. 1-8), Lego Club (Gr. 1-4), Newspaper Club (Gr. 3-12), and Broadcast/Journalism (Gr. 6-12). Competitive Academics include Math Club (Gr. 2-8), Spelling Bee (Gr. 3-8), Club de débat (Gr. 1-5), Debate Club (Gr. 6-12), Epelle Moi Canada (Gr. 1-8), and Chess Club (SK-Gr.12). Fine Arts include Rock/Jazz/POP Band (Gr. 6-12), Theatre Club (Gr. 6-12), and Photography Club (Gr. 5-12). Sports Teams are seasonal; the school is a member of SSAF and offers Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons with activities such as Dodgeball, Cross Country, Indoor Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Outdoor Soccer, Track & Field, Table Tennis, and Badminton.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers after-school programs, clubs, teams, and associations that complement academic learning. Clubs include Media & Technology (Book Club, Robotics, Coding, Lego, Newspaper, Broadcast/Journalism), Competitive Academics (Math Club, Spelling Bee, Club de débat, Debate Club, Epelle Moi Canada, Chess Club), and Fine Arts (Rock/Jazz/POP Band, Theatre Club, Photography Club). Seasonal sports are organized as part of the Small School Athletic Federation, with a fall season featuring Dodgeball, Cross Country, Indoor Soccer, and Volleyball; a winter season with Basketball and Volleyball; and a spring season with Outdoor Soccer, Track & Field, Table Tennis, and Badminton. Through these activities, students develop teamwork, communication, and broader problem-solving skills.

Arts & Creative
Fine Arts clubs include Rock/Jazz/POP Band (Gr. 6-12), Theatre Club (Gr. 6-12), and Photography Club (Gr. 5-12). Students express themselves through music, drama, and visual arts in after-school activities. These offerings run year-round and contribute to the school's artistic life.

Cultural & Language
Grades 6 & 7 Language Streams provide English & French. Language-related clubs include Club de débat (French) and Debate Club (English), and Epelle Moi Canada (French spelling competition). The school promotes bilingual engagement through these language activities.

Social & Hobbies
Clubs span Media & Technology (Book Club, Robotics, Coding, Lego, Newspaper, Broadcast/Journalism), Competitive Academics (Math Club, Spelling Bee, Debates, Chess), and Fine Arts (Band, Theatre, Photography). A variety of hobbies and skill-building opportunities foster camaraderie and informal interests among students.

Community & Service
Students participate in community service projects and social responsibility initiatives. Clubs and service programs provide opportunities to give back to the community. The school fosters a sense of civic mindedness and social responsibility.

Leadership & Professional
The school has a Student Council. LCA Houses provide a structure for teamwork and leadership. The Parent Support Committee (PSC) involves families in school life. These structures offer leadership opportunities and collaborative experiences for students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics are offered through the Small School Athletic Federation (SSAF). Seasonal sports include Fall: Co-Ed Dodgeball, Cross Country, Co-Ed Indoor Soccer, Boys Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Boys Volleyball; Winter: Co-Ed Basketball, Boys Basketball, Girls Volleyball; Spring: Co-Ed Outdoor Soccer, Boys Outdoor Soccer, Track & Field, Table Tennis, Badminton. These activities promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and a healthy lifestyle.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught are English and French. Grades 6 and 7 offer English and French language streams.

Bilingual Teaching
English and French language streams are offered for Grades 6 and 7.
Admissions

Admissions
1. The school has an Application for Admission. The form requests Applicant Name, Applying to Grade, Applying for Academic Year, and Start Date for mid-year entry. It also collects the student's date of birth, gender, language background, and contact information. The applicant and guardian certify that all statements are true and agree to adhere to the school's rules and to promptly pay fees and disbursements. 2. The school has an Application Checklist. It lists the required materials: a completed Application Form; copies of the two most recent Report Cards; SSAT testing completed; a copy of proof of age; transcript (Secondary School Applicants Only); English proficiency testing (International Applicants Only); a completed Health Form; a current photo (headshot); a copy of Health Card & Immunization; a Referral Letter (may be required); and a $200.00 Application Fee.
School Events
The school has not added events
Search for more schools
Search schools in Canada View all schools in Toronto View all schools in Canada IB curriculum schools in Canada Open days & tours in Toronto What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools