Columbia Advantage™
- Our interactive teaching and active class discussions encourages students to gain confidence in discussion, presentation and public speaking.
- Our Academic Support Program provides students with extra help during and after school and on the weekends.
- With 40% of our teachers having a Master's Degree or PhD, students are taught by passionate teachers who have in-depth knowledge of the subjects they teach.
- We teach critical analysis, research, report-writing and presentation skills to enable students succeed in North America's post-secondary education system.
- Through our orientation activities and school trips, students learn exemplary North American customs.
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Registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education, Columbia has memberships in:
- Independent School Associations of Ontario (ISAO)
- Industry-Education Council (IEC)
- Teaching English a Second Language (TESL Canada)
- ETS authorized test center for iBT TOEFL.
- Official test centre for MELAB, CAEL, SSAT and AP.
- Each student is assigned to meet individually with one of our guidance counsellors to create a Personalized Success Plan according to the students' ASEP needs.
- Each student is assigned a University Placement Officer who assists them with university selection and applications to ensure the student chooses the best university and program to meet their goals.
- Our leadership programs teach students goal-setting, decision-making and communication skills, which are key to success in university and their future lives.
- Our Bark Lake Leadership Training Centre coaches students to be confident and learn essential life and leadership skills.
- Our 40 well-planned after-school activities equip students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to succeed in today's competitive global environment.
- Our Co-op Program and Career Guidance Series provides students first-hand experience in their future careers and allows them to clarify career goals, network with businesses, and develop a professional résumé.
- As an international school, Columbia coordinates activities that help students to connect with and learn the cultures and mores of their peers who come from over 60 countries.
- Our multilingual liaison staff assist parents to communicate with teachers and other school departments on their child's conduct and progress.
- A personal phone extension with voice mail in each room, allows parents to connect privately and conveniently with their child.
- Internet connection in school and residence as well as free Wi-Fi internet in select areas of the school allow students to stay connected with friends and family.
- Parents have easy access to their child's test marks, progress, midterm and final reports via our online ezReport Card.
- Residence entry is access-card controlled and residences are monitored 24/7 by CCTV and live-in residence staff to ensure students' safety.
- Rooms have individual air-conditioning and heat controls for student's comfort.
- Our caring and friendly residence staff help students to feel right at home.
- World-renowned food service provider, Sodexo, serves delicious and nutritious meals to meet students' dietary needs.
- Our 10 University Partners® offer priority admissions, specially designated entrance scholarships and reduced or waived TOEFL scores to our graduates.
- Students are assured placement in our select and renowned Dual Admission partner universities.
- Since 1995, 100% of our graduates have been accepted to post-secondary institutions worldwide, with majority receiving scholarships and entering top universities in Canada and the USA.
- Since 1979, Columbia International College has effectively met the needs of international students and their parents because our primary objective has always been to nurture international students to succeed.
- As one of Canada's top private schools Columbia cares for students under our superior and unique Total Care Education System®.