German International School Toronto vs Toronto STEM School

	G German International School Toronto Toronto, Canada	T Toronto STEM School Toronto, Canada
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year CA$19,160	Fees / year CA$15,450 - 21,950
Age range	Age range 3 - 17 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 110	Pupils 30
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 5
Instruction language	Instruction language German, English, French	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2000	Opened 2014
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The German International School Toronto is located at 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd, Toronto, ON M9A 1G9, Canada.	Location The school is located in the Yonge–Eglinton neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, directly above the Eglinton Subway Station. It is at the corner of Yonge Street and Mt. Pleasant Street in a vibrant, affluent area with easy access to transit and nearby shops and restaurants.
Stages	Stages Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12	Stages Grades 1-8; Grades 9-12
School type	School type International school offering a trilingual program (German, English and French) with a High School IB Diploma Programme	School type —
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Accommodating Diverse Learning Needs.	Additional learning support The school has a Special Needs Program with dedicated staff and individualized education plans. It uses assistive technologies such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech, and fosters an inclusive community that celebrates neurodiversity.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Germany and Canada	Country affiliation Canada
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Kindergarten: 7:30 AM–1:15 PM, with aftercare until 3:15 PM or 5:30 PM. Grades 1–4: 7:45 AM–1:15 PM, with aftercare until 3:15 PM or 5:30 PM. Grades 5–12: 7:45 AM–3:15 PM, with aftercare until 3:15 PM or 5:30 PM.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & enrolment fees - Registration (application) fee: CAD 150 (per child). This fee is non‑refundable and is due with the submitted application. - Acceptance (enrolment) fee: CAD 2,500 (one‑time). The acceptance fee is due when the signed enrolment agreement is returned and the place is secured (generally due about two weeks after acceptance). If enrolment occurs during the school year, the acceptance fee is paid along with the tuition instalment(s). Tuition fees by year group (2026/2027 academic year) — annual and per term Note: The school year runs in two terms (Term 1: early September through end of January; Term 2: February through the end of June). Per‑term figures below are the annual tuition divided into two equal term amounts to match the school's two‑term calendar. - Kindergarten (Pre‑K, JK, SK) - Local families (annual): CAD 14,460. - Corporate‑funded families (annual): CAD 22,990. - Per term (two terms): Local CAD 7,230; Corporate CAD 11,495. - Primary School (Grades 1–4) - Local families (annual): CAD 19,160. - Corporate‑funded families (annual): CAD 28,300. - Per term (two terms): Local CAD 9,580; Corporate CAD 14,150. - Grades 5–12 (Middle School, High School and IB Diploma years) - Local families (annual): CAD 20,330. - Corporate‑funded families (annual): CAD 29,630. - Per term (two terms): Local CAD 10,165; Corporate CAD 14,815. Aftercare / extended‑day fees (annual) and day‑rates - Afternoon care options (available for JK through Grade 12, not for Pre‑K sleeping accommodation): - Aftercare until 3:15 p.m.: annual rate CAD 2,700 for local families; included for corporate‑funded families. - Aftercare until 5:30 p.m.: annual rate CAD 3,450 for local families; CAD 750 for corporate‑funded families. - Individual day rates (drop‑in): typical range CAD 18–28 per day for local families; CAD 10 per day for corporate‑funded families. Other compulsory or regularly expected additional costs - School uniform: mandatory; purchase through the school's supplier (InSchoolwear) or the school's ordering process. Uniform costs are additional. - Textbooks, extracurricular activities, overnight camps and certain program materials: additional charges apply and are billed separately. - Lunch program and occasional paid event days (Pizza Day, lunch provider) are charged separately. Discounts, reductions and financial aid - Sibling discount: 10% off tuition for the second and subsequent siblings (in order of birth). - Early‑payment discount: 3% discount on the tuition fee for the following academic year when full payment is received by June 1. - Long‑term enrolment reduction: each local student receives an annual CAD 2,500 reduction once they enter their fifth year of continuous enrolment and for all subsequent years. - Tuition assistance: limited program administered via Apple Financial Services; aid may be up to 50% of tuition (does not apply to registration, acceptance, or extended‑care fees). Applications for assistance follow Apple Financial Services' process and internal Board review. Billing schedule and payment terms - The academic year is organised in two terms (Term 1: September–end of January; Term 2: February–end of June). Per‑term amounts above are the annual tuition split into two equal term amounts for practical budgeting. - Registration fee (CAD 150) is due with the application. The acceptance fee (CAD 2,500) is due on return of the signed enrolment agreement to secure the place (typically within two weeks of acceptance). When enrolment occurs mid‑year, the acceptance fee is due together with the relevant tuition instalment(s). - Early full payment by June 1 for the following academic year qualifies for the 3% early‑payment discount. - Payment plans are offered (options vary); one plan (referred to as Payment Plan A) allows payment by Interac e‑Transfer or wire transfer; other payment plans require cheques. Specific instalment dates and required plan paperwork appear in the enrolment agreement and the school's fee schedule provided with enrolment. Accepted payment methods and practical notes - Accepted methods include: Interac e‑Transfer, bank transfer (school account at Bank of Montreal — parents are instructed to contact the office for account details), wire transfer (for certain payment plans), and cheques. The acceptance fee may be paid by cheque or Interac e‑Transfer. Credit card payment is not listed among the standard methods. Boarding / residence - Boarding is not offered at the school; the school operates as a day school with afternoon care and extended‑day options. Refunds and enrolment‑related refund conditions - Registration fee: explicitly non‑refundable. The acceptance fee is payable to secure the place at enrollment; the enrolment agreement references the conditions of payment and any terms for withdrawal/refund, which are handled through the enrolment documentation. Parents should note the registration fee's non‑refundable status when applying. Summary — what parents should record immediately - Pay CAD 150 registration fee with the application (non‑refundable). - When offered a place, return the signed enrolment agreement and pay CAD 2,500 acceptance fee to secure the spot. - Expect annual tuition by grade band: Kindergarten CAD 14,460 (local) / CAD 22,990 (corporate); Grades 1–4 CAD 19,160 (local) / CAD 28,300 (corporate); Grades 5–12 CAD 20,330 (local) / CAD 29,630 (corporate). - Aftercare is billed separately (annual and drop‑in rates apply). - Available discounts: sibling, early‑payment (3% if full payment by June 1), and long‑term enrolment reduction after the fifth year; limited tuition assistance is available by application.	Fee details Application & Registration Fees - Registration fee: CAD 500. - Application & English assessment (international students): CAD 150. - Deferral of admission (international students): CAD 250. - Resource & field-trip fee: CAD 500. Tuition — Canadian or Permanent Resident (Grades 9–12) - Annual tuition: CAD 15,450. This covers up to eight courses in one academic year and includes educational resources for full‑time students. Three- or seven‑payment plans are available. Tuition — International Students (annual, by grade and English proficiency) - Grades 9–11: - Advanced English speaker: CAD 15,450. - Intermediate English speaker: CAD 17,950. - Beginner English speaker: CAD 18,950. - Additional international fee levels are listed up to CAD 21,950 in certain categories on the tuition schedule. - Grade 12: - Typical listed amounts include CAD 17,950 and other international categories up to CAD 21,950 and CAD 19,950. Students with no English background are admitted into Grade 10 or 11. Note: Tuition amounts above are stated as annual fees and cover up to eight courses per academic year. Per‑term (per semester) amounts are not itemised in the published tuition schedule; three‑ or seven‑instalment payment plans are offered. Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment-plan options available for tuition include three‑payment and seven‑payment plans. - For international students the tuition for the eight‑course program must be paid in full regardless of point of entry in the academic year; international applicants are often required to pay for three months of residence services when using the school's residence/homestay arrangements. Boarding / Homestay (where applicable) - No on‑site boarding program is listed; homestay services and related administration fees are provided for international students. - Homestay administration fee: CAD 200. - Homestay monthly fee: CAD 1,600. - Guardianship fee: CAD 600. - International students may be required to pay for residence services (often covering meals) for at least three months. Other costs and optional fees - Health insurance (international students, annual): CAD 650. - Assistive learning package (optional): CAD 3,000. - AP Capstone option (optional): CAD 3,000. - Private tutoring: CAD 85 per hour. - Ontario credit course (one‑on‑one): CAD 4,500. Additional credit course fees listed: Canadian student CAD 1,950 and international student CAD 2,500 for certain offerings. - Summer math and remedial course fees appear as separate published items (examples shown: CAD 739 and CAD 1,950). Refund information - In the event a study‑permit application is refused, a full tuition refund is guaranteed less an administration fee. Fee payment options and contact for payment arrangements - Specific payment methods (for example, credit card, bank transfer, cheque) are not itemised in the published fee schedule. For billing arrangements and the available payment methods, contact the admissions office by phone or email.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school follows a state-of-the-art combined German and Canadian curriculum. It teaches the Thuringian German curriculum alongside the Ontario curriculum. Primary instruction is mainly German, with English increasing to about 50/50 from grade 5. French begins in kindergarten with weekly lessons and becomes integral from grade 3. The Three Step German Program (GermanFasttrack, GermanPlus, GermanPro) supports language development, with free language support in German, English, and French. The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program for global university access and has a STEAM_MINT profile with a Seal of Excellence from the Federal President of Germany.	Curriculum details The school offers the full high school accredited program for Grades 9–12 to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). As an accredited Ontario high school, it uses the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum, with a STEM focus and enrichment through Technology Workshops that connect core courses to future study and careers. Students may pursue math and computer science at Advanced Placement (AP) level, including an AP Capstone Diploma Program introduced for Grade 9/10 students starting September 2023. AP Capstone comprises AP Seminar and AP Research, and students have the option to earn the AP Capstone Diploma alongside the OSSD. The program includes seven AP Virtual Courses and 28 in‑person AP Exams, with an AP Stream in Mathematics and in Computer Science to support accelerated AP study.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio Class sizes are kept small to provide individualized attention.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Third-party inspections and standardized tests, Canadian and German, demonstrate the school's overall quality, and the school holds the Seal of Excellence awarded by the Federal President of Germany.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program for global university access and provides a pathway to universities worldwide.	Higher education progression Many graduates have gone on to study at Canada's best universities. The school supports post‑secondary applications for Canadian, United States, and United Kingdom institutions. Students have been accepted into universities such as University of Toronto, Queen's University, McMaster University, Western University, University of Waterloo, University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Harvard University, UC Irvine, University of Edinburgh, and University of Bristol, with scholarship support highlighted by the counselling program.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Explore: Request the digital information package and discover the teaching approach. The package includes general information about the school, the fee schedule, the yearly calendar, and the Application for Admission form. 2. Apply: Complete the form on the online application portal. After the school receives the application, the non-refundable registration fee of $150 and all supporting documents, processing begins. 3. Meet: Arrange an in-person tour or virtual meeting with the Admissions team. Trial days are available and family ambassadors can connect you with current families. 4. Enroll: If the application is approved by the principal and the registration fee has been paid, the Enrollment Agreement is sent. Return the signed agreement and pay the enrollment fee of $2,500 to secure the spot.	Admissions 1. Learn about Toronto STEM School. Trial days are offered as half‑day shadow visits where a student can tour the school and meet future peers and teachers. Visits are arranged on select Wednesdays, with scheduling available through the school. This step helps families understand the school's environment and programs. 2. Scholarships. Local students can compete for entrance scholarships. Each year 1–2 local students may receive up to 50% off entrance tuition, with eligibility including Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, transferring from a different school, eligibility for grades 9–11, and a strong STEM plus English record (minimum A) and evidence of STEM aptitude. The application should include references, awards, SSAT scores, or other notable projects. 3. Local admissions process and entry points. The school recommends starting in late August for the first semester, though students may enroll for fall or winter semesters. Before applying, gather the student's OEN (if applicable), the most recent transcript and report card, and proof of Canadian residency. 4. International admissions process. Toronto STEM School is an approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI). After applying, the school reviews the application and may schedule a video interview; if admitted, a letter of admission and a tuition request are issued. Tuition covers eight courses toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and may include three months of residence services for international students. 5. International language and documentation. A language proficiency demonstration or English assessment interview is an admission requirement. 6. International scholarships. International students may be eligible for entrance scholarships of up to 30%, with criteria including international status, grades 9–11, and a high STEM plus English average (minimum 95%) and evidence of STEM aptitude; the scholarship application is part of the main enrollment form. 7. Next steps after admission. A letter of admission and guardianship arrangement are provided, after which students apply for a study permit and the school guarantees a full tuition refund minus a processing fee if the permit is refused.
Scholarships	Scholarships Tuition assistance is awarded in a limited number of cases based on financial need and assessed by Apple Financial Services. Assistance is up to 50% of tuition and does not apply to registration, acceptance, or extended care fees. An Apple Financial Services application is required. Apple Financial Services evaluates the application and makes a recommendation to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees; final decision rests with the Board of Trustees. Applications must be submitted by May 1, and the process typically takes four to six weeks. Annual renewal is required.	Scholarships Local scholarships: 1–2 entrance scholarships each year for local students, up to 50% of tuition. Eligibility includes Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, transferring from another school, grades 9–11, and a minimum A average in STEM and English, plus evidence of STEM aptitude (references, awards, SSAT scores or similar projects). International scholarships: 1–2 entrance scholarships each year for international students, up to 30% of tuition. Eligibility includes being an international student, grades 9–11, and a minimum 95% average in STEM and English, with evidence of STEM aptitude (references, awards, SSAT scores or similar projects). The scholarships are described as part of the enrollment process.
Waitlist	Waitlist For Pre-Kindergarten applications, complete the waitlist application form and email it to admissions@gistonline.ca.	Waitlist —
	View full profile →	View full profile →