High School
We’re here to help you Go Higher® and turn your dream university into your next destination.
Go Higher® with flexible, tailored education
- Semester programming allows students to vary course load depending on ability
- Our credit-based system allows students to focus on specific subjects according to their strengths and areas for improvement – promoting deeper understanding and stronger performance.
- Rather than relying on a single national exam, ongoing testing and assessment throughout the semester provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate their progress and growth.
- Upon arrival, students will complete admission and placement assessments that help place them at the most appropriate academic level – ensuring a smoother transition and greater chance of success.
- Technology oriented Blended Learning Model to better engage the young students in learning and research
Go Higher® with University Placement
At CIC, Grade 12 students receive personalized support to help them achieve their university goals. Our University Placement Office offers 1-on-1 guidance through every step of the process—from choosing the right programs to meeting admission requirements and completing applications.
Graduates earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), which is globally recognized and offers key advantages:
- Apply to U.S. universities without the SAT
- Apply to U.K. universities without A-Levels
Throughout the year, university representatives visit CIC to meet with students, provide the latest admission updates, and offer valuable insights to help them make informed decisions.
Go Higher® — Explore, Learn, and Grow Beyond the Classroom
At CIC, we believe that success goes beyond academics. That’s why we offer a full range of athletics, leadership opportunities, and community involvement activities – the kind of experiences top universities value in their applicants.
Our dedicated Student Development Department provides students with unique opportunities to build confidence, explore their passions, and develop leadership skills that support greater academic achievement. Students also have the opportunity to participate in clubs that help them develop new skills, explore their interests, and grow as future leaders.
Popular enrichment opportunities include:
Robotics Club
Hands-on learning in engineering and innovation
Robotics Club
Hands-on learning in engineering and innovation.
Band
Teamwork, discipline and memories that last.
Cooking
Real-life skills. Confidence starts in the kitchen.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Adventure, service, leadership—real-world growth.
DECA
The award-winning student business club that prepares members for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
Visual Arts
Express yourself and grow your creative voice.
Intramural Sports
Play for fun, fitness, friends and school spirit.
Craft Club
Craft together, unwind together.
Media Club
Tell stories, collaborate, and grow your portfolio.
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Inside the Classroom, CIC has a Broad Range of Courses to Suit Every Student’s Aptitude and Interests
Understanding the Ontario Eduction System
Columbia International College takes full advantage of Ontario’s secondary education system by offering courses on a semester and credit basis. A minimum of 30 credits is required to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD. We help students achieve this goal by recognizing and awarding credits for successfully completed high school courses taken in the students’ home country. That means students only have to complete the remaining courses needed to meet the required minimum.
This credit system, coupled with our semester programming, allows international students to pace their studies according to their academic ability and to take courses that match their personal interests.
Credit Recognition & Placement Tests
All new students attending Columbia International College’s High School Program will be required to take Math and English diagnostic tests before registering for their courses. Students enrolled in the High School Program will write Math and English Diagnostics Tests. The sample time line and duration of study chart shown here shows the flexibility in CIC programming.
| Home Country Studies | *Grade 12 Completed | Grade 11 Completed | Grade 10 Completed | Grade 9 Completed | Grade 8 Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Credits Recognized by CIC | 24 Credits | 23 Credits | 16 Credits | 8 Credits | 0 Credits |
| CIC Credits Needed to Study for Grad | 6 Credits | 7 Credits | 14 Credits | 22 Credits | 30 Credits |
| Mid-Aug to Dec | 3 Credits | 4 Credits | 4 Credits | 4 Credits | The duration of study may vary depending on ability and language proficiency |
| Jan to Mid-May | 3 Credits | 3 Credits | 4 Credits | 4 Credits | |
| Jul to Mid-Aug | Holiday | Holiday | Holiday | Holiday | |
| Mid-Aug to Dec | Enter Uni. | Enter Uni. | 4 Credits | 4 Credits | |
| Jan to Mid-May | Enter Uni. | 4 Credits | |||
| Mid-May to Jun | 2 Credits | ||||
| Jul to Mid-Aug | Holiday | ||||
| Mid-Aug to Dec | 2 Credits | ||||
| January | Enter Uni. | ||||
| Total Months | 10 | 10 | 16 | 28 | TBD |
**Holiday - Summer Semester provides the opportunity to take 2 additional credits
Enrollment
At CIC, we offer four intakes per year, providing flexibility to meet the academic calendars of students from around the world.
Fall & Winter Intake
- To meet the needs of different school systems around the world
- To help students who wish to progress faster Study up to 10 credits per year
Special Intake
- Offer only English, EAP or Math courses
School Year Schedule
High Performing Students Get a Competitive Edge
Elite Pathway Partnership with University of Toronto
Students who demonstrate the most exceptional performance are eligible to apply for the Elite Pathway Partnership (EPP) Program with the University of Toronto for their Grade 11 and 12 years.
The two-year program is designed to comprehensively prepare students for the rigorous requirements for entry to the world’s best universities. This program offers academic, leadership and extracurricular opportunities beyond CIC’s high school program and far beyond regular high school. Our Elite Pathway Program gives high performing students the most competitive edge.
An Accelerated Pathway to University Success
Grade 12 Fast Track 6-Month Program
The Grade 12 Fast-Track Program is designed for students who have already graduated from high school or are currently completing Grade 12 (or an equivalent senior level) and wish to transition into the Ontario education system to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). From January to the end of June, students complete six Grade 12 courses that fulfill Ontario university admission requirements. Upon successful completion, they receive the OSSD and can begin their university studies as early as September of the same year.
It’s a fast, focused route to your dream university.
Students who meet the following criteria are welcome to apply.
Academic Background:
- High graduates from the previous school year, OR
- Students currently in Grade 12 (or equivalent), including:
- Senior Middle 3 (completed HuiKao), OR
- O-Level with 6 IGCSE passes, OR
- First Year A-Level
English and Math Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 79 / Duolingo 95, OR CIC English Placement Test (4U level)
- Math placement test (4U level) required for Business, Science, Engineering, and some Social Science programs
English Proficiency & Prerequisite Requirements
- TOEFL/IELTS are not mandatory at time of enrollment.
- Student are required to take CIC placement test in English before start of semester unless they provide recent scores
The following Grade 12 subjects have required prerequisites at the Grade 11 level:
- Accounting, Computer Science, English, Math, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Music, Art, Drama
Grade 11 (ENG3U)
IELTS 5.5 (no band below 5.0) or equivalent.
Grade 12 (ENG4U)
IELTS 6.o (no band below 5.5) or equivalent.
EPA Program - English Preparation
That Builds a Strong Academic Foundation
CIC offers a comprehensive English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program for both Canadian and international students at all English as a Second Language proficiency levels (EAP).
EAP students benefit from learning English in a supportive, real Canadian classroom environment—surrounded by peers who are equally motivated to succeed.
Through engaging and structured lessons, students will:
For more information, please contact our Admissions Office.
| Your External English Test Score | TOEFL iBT Under 44 | TOEFL iBT 45-48 | TOEFL iBT 49-68 | TOEFL iBT 69-78 | TOEFL iBT 79+ | |
| IELTS Under 3.5 | IELTS 4.0-4.5 | IELTS 5.0 | IELTS 5.5 | IELTS 6.0+ | ||
| Duolingo Under 50 | Duolingo 55-75 | Duolingo 80-90 | Duolingo 95+ | |||
| If Writing Score is: | ||||||
| TOEFL iBT Under 17 | TOEFL iBT 17 and over | |||||
| IELTS 5.0 | IELTS 5.0 and over | |||||
| You will be placed in: | EAP 1 | EAP 2 | EAP 2 | ENG 3U | ENG 3U | ENG 4U |
| Your Course Progression: CIC English & EAP (English for Academic Preparation) All CIC English Courses must be accompanied by Academic Courses | EAP 1 | EAP 2 | EAP 2 | ENG 3U | ENG 3U | ENG 4U |
| EAP 2 | ENG 3U | ENG 3U | ENG 4U | ENG 4U | ||
| ENG 3U | ENG 4U | ENG 4U | ||||
| ENG 4U |
Each EAP Term = 2 Credits (220 Hours)
EAP 1 and EAP 2 + Academic courses is available for an Aug & Jan start.
EAP 1 and EAP 2 without Academic courses is available for an Oct, Mar & May start.
- Original IELTS/TOEFL iBT/Duolingo test score must be provided prior the time of placement test.
- Only official results are accepted. Projected results are not recognized.
- The equivalency table is based on the best practices in North America as well research done by Academic English department at CIC.
- Students who HAVE submitted the IELTS/TOEFL iBT/Duolingo English proficiency score prior placement test will be exempt from writing CIC’s English placement test.
- Placement is also determined by the original transcripts provided at the time of registration.
- Students who wrote an English proficiency test more than 6 months ago may request to write CIC’s English placement test upon arrival at CIC (before registration) in order to update their English proficiency for course placement.