LIVING AND LEARNING FOR A LIFETIME OF SUCCESS

A MISSION TO BE THE BEST

1800
STUDENTS
70
COUNTRIES

Columbia International College is the largest and most diverse boarding school in Canada.

But bigger doesn’t always mean better—it must be combined with a true commitment to be the best.

That’s why our mission is to deliver a world-class living and learning experience to every student that passes through our doors.

Learn more about our vision and mission

THE BRIGHTEST FUTURE FOR OUR GRADUATES

of our graduates are accepted to universities and colleges each year

Columbia is the only school to use the Total Care Education System®, which tailors programs to meet the unique needs of each student.

Age-appropriate residence programming, academic support and leadership programs help students become responsible global citizens and proud university graduates.

Learn why Total Care Is the best choice for families

RECOGNITION BY TOP UNIVERSITIES

$21
Million In
Scholarships

From 2020 to 2023, Columbia graduates earned over $21 Million in scholarships from universities in the world.

More than a dozen of these universities have signed on as official “university partners,” offering special awards and guaranteed admission to Columbia graduates.

Learn how our partnerships benefit Columbia graduates

GROWING TOMORROW’S LEADERS

We opened our Bark Lake campus in the beautiful wilds of northern Ontario, three hours north of Toronto, in 1997.

The 283-hectare lakeside property is used as a year-round leadership training facility where students challenge themselves physically and mentally under the guidance of certified outdoor instructors.

Learn more about Columbia's rich history

NEXT DOOR TO CANADA’S BEST UNIVERSITIES

Ontario is Canada’s hub of post-secondary education, with 20 publicly-funded universities, 24 colleges and over 400 private career colleges.


2020-2022 Graduates Admitted to McMaster University
(Canada’s Top 10 University)

648


2020 – 2022 Graduates Admitted to University of Toronto
(World’s Top 30 University)

792

2020 – 2022 Graduates Admitted to University of Waterloo
(World’s Top 5 Math Faculty)

384

IMMERSED IN CULTURE, SURROUNDED BY NATURE

120

WATERFALLS
Columbia is strategically located in Hamilton, Ontario, a beautiful medium-sized city proudly known as “the city of waterfalls.”
Columbia students benefit from the creative energy, friendly people, diverse neighbourhoods and safe environment of the city, which is only an hour from Toronto.
Learn more about Hamilton

IN THE WORDS OF A PARENT

“

From my personal experience, I would say without hesitation that every parent should allow their child to experience Columbia. Junior is prepared for university and the rest of his life. Columbia is truly an exceptional experience for any child, one which they will never forget.

Marjorie Arlene Young
“

I called CIC in 2002 upon the recommendation of another parent. After speaking with a representative from the Admissions Department, I knew this would be a perfect place for Scieska to attend. Her schedule was tailored specifically to her dream of becoming a journalist. CIC was essentially a “home away from home” and I was pleased with the living accommodations, security, housing rules, meals, transportation and social environment. I would highly recommend CIC’s Total Care Education® as the best option for any young person looking to make that successful transition from high school to university.

Sonia Bowie Adderley (Bahamas)Mother of Scieska Adderley (Class of 2003)

COLUMBIA OFFERS STUDENTS MORE OF WHAT
THEY NEED TO GO HIGHER®

1
Established in 1979, we’re Canada’s largest boarding school, focused exclusively on providing students from around the world with the highest quality education possible.
2
Our Students benefit from excellent facilities, enthusiastic teaching staff, innovative programming and personalized attention that helps them accomplish their highest goals.
3
Our unique Total Care Education System® offers well-rounded support for the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of each student, helping them become the leaders of tomorrow.