ILAC International High School vs public high school in Canada – what sets us apart?

Did you know that Canada is the most educated country in the world? Over 60% of our population has access to and completes higher education, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

One of the main reasons is our excellent high school system, which prepares youth with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue and succeed in university and college. That’s why one of the hardest decisions parents must make is what type of high school to send their child to in Canada – private or public.

When it comes to high school, some of the most important factors are class size, individual attention, ESL support, accommodations and pathways into higher educations. Other considerations include teaching quality, student services, school environment and student experience.

At ILAC International High School, small class sizes of 12-15 students offer individual attention and customised learning for students from diverse backgrounds. Teachers get to know each of their students and offer personal support and guidance as needed, and our student service team can regularly report back to parents in their own language.

Public schools often have 24 or more students in each class, making it challenging to customise learning for international students. International students must adapt quickly and many struggle to succeed in their new learning environment without additional support.

ESL support is a significant factor in international student success, and it is what we do best. ILAC is an award-winning English language school with over 30 years’ experience. We have the in-house skills and resources to support students with tools such as free ESL tutoring and free English testing.

ESL support is a significant factor in international student success, and it is what we do best.

Public schools often provide general ESL classes; however, they usually combine different levels due to resource limitations. Many international students fall through the cracks or must pay for private tutors to help them navigate the Canadian curriculum and keep up with their peers.

Accommodation plays a key role in the international student experience in Canada. Our in-house dedicated student housing team has more than 30 years of experience individually placing students with the right residence and host family for a safe and welcoming stay. ILAC has an extensive private network of families, student rooms and apartments in Toronto.

In contrast, public schools often use third party companies for student housing options, and many smaller cities and communities have limited housing options for international students.

One of ILAC’s greatest differentiators is our dedicated university pathway team. Our multi-lingual counsellors individually guide students in exploring, selecting and applying to top universities and colleges in Canada and around the world.

Public high schools offer university pathway support from guidance counsellors who may not be familiar with students on a study permit. At ILAC International High School, our priority is working closely with students to understand and help them achieve their academic and professional goals, along with a full-time immigration team to support with study permits.

It is important to recognise that both private and public high schools in Canada follow the same curriculum provided by the government of each province. At ILAC International High School, a big difference is in the tailored instruction and high-value services that we provide to students. We have a dedicated student services team that organises weekly social activities that allow international students to build lasting relationships while creating uniquely Canadian experiences.

Our goal is to create the best international student experience at our boutique styles campuses, so that students develop their critical thinking, build their independence, and as result expand their minds and futures.

About the author: As CEO of ILAC Education Group and a first-generation Canadian, John DeFranco is passionate about creating opportunities for international students to “Dream Big” in Canada. A graduate of Western University with a degree in business, John spent most of his career in retail and service organisations.

He has held several executive leadership roles, including chief commercial officer at Staples Canada, where he co-led a multi-year transformation, which strengthened the brand and helped it grow into a working and learning company made for the changing needs of today’s entrepreneurs, teachers, parents and students.

John was also president of PetSmart Canada where his leadership propelled the organisation forward and made it the largest and fastest growing pet retailer in Canada. John also spent 13 years at Home Depot Canada in progressive roles in store development, merchandising and strategic planning. John is currently on the board of Career Colleges Ontario helping to create quality outcomes for international students.

The post ILAC International High School vs public high school in Canada – what sets us apart? appeared first on The PIE News.