Total Care
Development®
A Journey to your Best Self
Qualities for long-term success
A Holistic Approach to Student Growth
The qualities students need for long-term success do not develop by chance. They are shaped through daily guidance, real experiences, and consistent reinforcement.
Total Care Development® provides this support through a holistic ASEP framework — Academic, Social, Emotional, and Physical development. When these areas are intentionally supported, students experience balanced growth across every area of life.
Every student is different.
Personalized Care That Meets Each Student Where They Are
Total Care Development® recognizes each student’s uniqueness — how they think, respond, and learn. Support is individualized, so growth feels meaningful, achievable, and authentic.
With patient coaching and steady guidance, students build confidence in their growth journey. Progress is guided through consistent expectations and personalized care.
Our Holistic Approach: ASEP
Total Care Development® is delivered through a holistic ASEP framework that supports every dimension of student life:
Higher University Acceptance
Where the Extra Mile Creates the Leading Edge
Global programs such as DECA, HOSA, Model UN, FIRST Robotics, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the Elite Pathway Program challenge students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and act responsibly in real-world scenarios.
These programs are designed to support students in:
· Conducting meaningful research and analysis
· Communicating professionally
· Making thoughtful, ethical decisions.
We provide leadership opportunities to strengthen confidence while reinforcing honesty, integrity, and peaceful problem-solving under pressure.
ACADEMIC –
Special Programs
Broaden Global Perspectives
Our special programs pillar is designed to broaden global perspectives while empowering students to set and achieve personal goals. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award encourages introspection by challenging students to investigate their passions and set goals in different aspects of their lives. Students also develop critical thinking skills to explore international diplomacy through the Model United Nations team. Our special programs equip students with the tools to thrive in an interconnected world while shaping their pathway to success.
- Ignite the desire to build a better future.
- Inspire students to apply critical thinking to generate solutions.
- Transform into a global citizen who can positively influence the world around them.
Our Elite Pathway Program in collaboration with the University of Toronto allows students to explore the concepts on a deeper level forming them into well rounded citizens. Please refer to Columbia International College’s Elite Pathway Program Brochure for additional information.
Examples of some of our Special Programs Opportunities:
Elite Pathway Program – global citizenship trip (ex. Galapagos Islands*), Cultural immersion trip (First Nations*),
Pre-university academic program (University of Toronto)
Model United Nations – local competitions (Toronto & Hamilton*), domestic competitions (Vancouver & Montreal*), international competitions (New York City & London*)
Duke of Edinburgh– adventurous journey (Algonquin Park & Bruce Trail*),
Skill development, Volunteering, Physical recreation
Super Curricular (Robotics, DECA, HOSA, etc.)
Leadership Development (Overnight Leadership Retreats, Leadership Workshops, Head Delegates in Super Curricular Activities, etc.)
Fostering a Genuine Sense of Belonging
Where Connection Becomes Belonging
Nearly 100 clubs, weekly cultural trips, daily residence activities, and special events create a vibrant community where students build friendships.
Within these shared experiences, students learn to communicate across cultures, listen with respect, and contribute to an inclusive environment. When challenges arise, daily moments of care, support, and understanding help students feel valued.
Over time, these repeated social experiences establish accountability to others and foster a genuine sense of belonging within the school community.
SOCIAL –Student Life
Discover New Passions. Build Lasting Friendships.
CIC student life focuses on discovering and exploring new passions outside of the classroom while meeting new friends who share the same interests. Columbia International College offers approximately 100 different clubs a semester. Students can join a club based on their interests or try a new activity and learn a new skill. In addition to clubs, students can participate in school-wide events and join any of the multiple trips that occur each weekend. These trips explore a wide variety of incredible venues throughout Ontario.
- Ignite a desire to explore new interests
- Inspire the confidence to leave your comfort zone
- Transform into someone who embraces challenges
Examples of some of our Student Life Opportunities:
Professional Sport Events (NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, etc.)
Local Cultural Immersion Trips (Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Canada’s Wonderland, etc.)
Experiential Learning Trips (Royal Ontario Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, Ontario Science Centre, etc.)
Social Trips (Chicopee Snow Tubing, Activate Arcade, Go Karting, etc.)
Art Based Trips (Cirque de Soleil, Live Theatre, Live Musical Performances, etc.)
After School Clubs (Cooking, Entrepreneurship, Band, etc.)
School-wide Events (Prom, Talent Shows, Spirit Week, etc.)
Leadership Development (Student Council, Run-you-own-club program, Morning Announcement Team, etc.)
Build Empathy and Understanding
Where Care Inspires Purpose
Through service initiatives and guided reflection, students become more empathetic by understanding the needs and perspectives of others. Volunteer experiences encourage students to respond thoughtfully and develop optimism for the future through solution-focused action.
Supported by our Total Care team, students build confidence in managing emotions and uncertainty as they navigate challenges.
EMOTIONAL –
Community Service
Give with Intention. Lead with Compassion.
Our community service pillar teaches students to use their talents and abilities to benefit others. Volunteering demonstrates the value of each person’s contributions and allows them to experience the personal benefits of helping others. In Ontario, while students are in secondary school, they must complete 10 hours of Community Service per year. To complete this requirement, students can choose from a variety of activities to benefit their local and global communities. During this process, they are guided by staff to facilitate learning.
- Ignite the realization that some members of our community are less fortunate.
- Inspire to take personal action to build a more equitable society.
- Transform into a more compassionate person and an advocate of social justice.
Examples of some of our Community Service Opportunities:
Community Service Events (Terry Fox Run, 30-Hour Famine, Global Heath Mission, etc.)
Fundraisers (Canadian Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Woodland Cultural Center, etc.)
Community Service Programs (Knit for a Cause, Cedar Community Garden, CN Tower Stair Climb, etc.) Community Service Clubs (Bake a Difference, Community Service for Seniors, Hammerheads, etc.) Local Community Service Trips (The Ride to Conquer Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis Walk, Imagine in the Park, etc.)
Community Service Activities (Operation Christmas Child, Neighbour to Neighbour Food Drive, Mission Services, etc.)
Leadership Development (Service Prefects, SOCS, Community Service Mentoring, etc.)
Committment through personal growth
Where Strength is Built Through Commitment
Healthy routines around nutrition, sleep, exercise, and organization support students’ physical well-being and strengthening academic focus.
Through a wide range of athletics, physical activities, and extensive intramural programs, students are encouraged to participate regularly, challenge themselves, and stay engaged regardless of skill level. CIC coaches actively guide students in understanding the importance of fair play and perseverance in competition. As students set goals and see progress over time, they gain a strong sense of self-empowerment.
Together, these experiences develop a lasting sense of commitment to personal growth.
PHYSICAL – Athletics
Be Active. Be Connected. Be Inspired.
Athletics at CIC helps build community, serving as a unifying force for students from around the world. The love of sport and physical activity fosters an environment of respect, sportsmanship, and collaboration. Students can join athletics programs for leisure, competitive activity, and elite training. Intramural Programming runs throughout the year and provides an opportunity for students to feel like professional athletes with custom logos, custom jerseys, photo shoots, stat keeping, and professional referees. In addition to using Columbia International College athletic facilities, programming is available at various elite local and provincial venues.
- Ignite a desire to live an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Inspire students to physically and mentally challenge themselves.
- Transform habits and create a spirit of determination to achieve long-term goals.
Examples of some of our Athletics Opportunities:
Professional Athletic Venue Rentals (NBA [Scotiabank Arena], CFL [Tim Hortons Field], MLS [BMO Field], etc.)
Intramural Sports (Badminton, Volleyball, Table Tennis, etc.)
Varsity Sports (Soccer, Basketball, Dance, etc.)
External Athletic Programming (Alpine Skiing/Snowboarding, Golf, Curling, etc.)
Athletic Clubs (Archery, Strength Training, Floor Hockey, etc.)
Athletic Trips (Rock Climbing Gym, Indoor Soccer Field, Bowling, etc.)
Leadership Development (Athletic Council, Varsity Captains, Intramural Captains, etc.)
Explore interests, build independence
Where Character and Life Skills are Built Through Consistency
As a boarding school, we reinforce Total Care Development® 24/7. Students practice values in the classroom, strengthen them through activities and leadership opportunities, and live them in residence through daily routines and shared responsibility.
CIC extends this growth beyond the school day. Through evenings, weekends, and holidays, students explore interests, build independence, and apply what they are learning in new settings — supported by educators who know them well and care deeply about their growth.
Total Care Plus®
for students under 16-years-old
Confidence Starts Early
Belonging, Friendships and Leadership
The Total Care Plus (TCP) Program supports students’ social growth and personal development by creating opportunities for belonging, friendship, and leadership. Younger students receive priority access to residence activities, cultural trips, and community-building events designed to strengthen communication skills and confidence. Exclusive programs such as Open Kitchen Fridays allow students to bond with peers in a relaxed environment, while mentorship opportunities connect them with older student leaders who provide guidance and role modeling. With guaranteed spots in clubs and leadership councils, TCP students are encouraged to explore their interests, take on responsibilities, and develop teamwork and leadership skills. This supportive environment helps students build meaningful relationships and grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.
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A Journey Parents Can Trust
Over time, values become habits.
Habits shape character.
Total Care Development® is a thoughtful, caring journey that supports the whole student. Through consistent guidance, structure, and care, students develop the skills and character needed to succeed — giving parents confidence that their children are prepared not only for university, but for the opportunities ahead.