Since our founding, we have offered our students one of the most challenging and globally-recognized courses of study based on the Ontario (Canada) curriculum. Why Ontario? Well, Ontario consistently places at or near the top in reading, math and science when compared to other jurisdictions in Canada and worldwide. For example, in comparative studies, Ontario Grade 4 student reading abilities are among the best in the world. In the most recent Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessment, Ontario was in the top 3 globally. In addition, 91% of Ontario Grade 10 students met or exceeded the critical science benchmark in the most recent Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study. In fact, on a global comparison, Ontario (and Canada) has consistently ranked near the top in the PISA ratings, much higher than the United States and Great Britain.

Based on this model, Columbia International School follows a common and rigorous curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 12. The strength of the Ontario Program is due in part to its rich curriculum and continuous evaluation based on learner outcomes for each subject area. Combined with our focus on increasing our students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills, we are preparing our students to be global thinkers for the 21st Century!

Our students graduate with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). This internationally recognized diploma permits students’ entry into university programs throughout North America and the world. Just explore some of the post-secondary institutions our students have attended.