Columbia International College (CIC), founded in 1979 and located in Hamilton, Ontario, is Canada’s largest private boarding school. It markets itself as providing a “Total Care Education System®,” a comprehensive support program designed for international students.
The school focuses on preparing students for university entrance, with the majority of graduates progressing to Canadian and international post-secondary institutions. While it boasts extensive modern facilities and a wide array of academic and extracurricular programs, reviews from students and parents often highlight a mix of rigorous academic preparation and challenges related to its large, corporate-like structure.
Did You Know??
Columbia International College operates the largest residence system of any high school in Canada, with dedicated staff providing 24/7 supervision and support for its entirely boarding student population.
General Information
| Category | Number/Value |
|---|---|
| Year Established | 1979 |
| Grades | 7 to 12 |
| Enrollment | 1,700 – 1,800 students |
| Countries Represented | 70+ |
| Percentage International Students | 95% |
| Acceptance rate | 86% |
Notable Achievements:
- #1 in scholarships: CIC graduates receive more university scholarships than any other Canadian high school (CAD $36+ million in 2025)
- Only official University of Toronto Global Partner School in Canada
- 10+ university partners (more than any other Canadian high school)
- Nearly 100% university placement rate with exceptional placement at top institutions like U of T, Waterloo, and McMaster
- Class of 2023: 162 graduates admitted to University of Toronto alone
Academics & Staff
| Category | Number/Value |
|---|---|
| Average Class Size | 17 to 20 students |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | About 15:1 |
| Total Staff | 300+ dedicated staff members |
Tuition & Fees
| Category | Amount CAD |
|---|---|
| Boarding Tuition | Approx. 26,400 (plus residence fee) |
| Day Student Tuition | Approx. 3,300 |
Facilities
| Facility | Number/Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Buildings | Multiple campuses (Ainsliewood, Maple Building, Cedar Campus) |
| Residences | 5 residence halls |
| Gymnasium | At least 1 indoor gymnasium |
| Swimming Pool | Indoor swimming pool |
Contact Information
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Phone | +1 905-572-7883 |
| Fax | +1 905-572-9332 |
| info@cic-totalcare.com | |
| Website | www.cic-totalcare.com |
Negative Reviews (Common Criticisms)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| High Cost | Tuition and fees are significantly higher than public schools. |
| Corporate Feel | Can feel like a “student factory” or business, lacking a personal touch. |
| Food Quality | Repetitive and inconsistent quality of cafeteria food is a frequent complaint. |
| Strict Rules | Residence curfews and regulations are considered overly strict by some students. |
| Academic Pressure | High-paced curriculum and pressure to perform can be stressful for some. |
| Social Integration | Limited interaction with local Canadian students due to 100% international enrolment. |
Notable Negatives / Past Incidents
2023 Cybersecurity Incident:
In May 2023, the college was targeted by a cyberattack that disrupted its network and online systems. While the college stated there was no evidence personal information was accessed, the incident caused significant operational disruption and highlighted the risks of managing a large, digitally-dependent institution.
Criticism of “Total Care” Model:
While a key selling point, some alumni and critics argue the “Total Care” system can be overly paternalistic, creating a “bubble” that limits students’ independence and authentic experience of life in Canada, making the transition to university more difficult.
Food and Health Concerns:
Over the years, there have been periodic student petitions and complaints regarding the quality, variety, and nutritional value of the food provided by the centralized cafeteria, sometimes citing issues of food safety and lack of cultural diversity in the menu options.