The Canadian school system consists of 12 grades, with High school beginning in Grade 9. As an exchange student, you will be placed in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, depending on your age, academic standing and the school principal's judgement.

There are two streams of study to choose from. One prepares the students for University studies, and the other for training at a municipal college. Since Canada is a bilingual country, French classes are offered in many high schools and you may also apply to attend a French school. In Canada, most schools follow a two-semester school system, while other have a one, three or even four semester school system. In a two-semester school system, students study 3-4 subjects per semester. In a non-semester school students study 6 to 8 courses per year.

High schools in Canada are governed at the Provincial level and managed at the local level by area School Boards. There are two types of Boards; Public and Catholic. Students in most Catholic schools must wear a school uniform. Other than that, there are not many differences between the two systems. Classes are of equal value in both types of schools. Academic achievement is based on homework, essays, tests and written final exams.

Canadian schools offer many different extra curricular activities, ranging from drama clubs to students council. Sports are very popular in Canada and many students are involved in the school teams.

Most schools arrange dances, carnivals, theme days and many other events for students. Field trips are also part of the school activities and various day trips and excursions to study a subject more carefully are made on a regular basis.

School starts in early September or late August and ends in the end of June.