McDonald International Academy and Nile Academy are both in Toronto, about 16 km apart. Both schools offer Canadian programmes, and McDonald International Academy also offers Advanced Placement (AP). Published annual fees are CA$400 - 24,000 at McDonald International Academy and CA$11,500 - 20,000 at Nile Academy, which puts Nile Academy roughly 29% higher. McDonald International Academy takes pupils from 14 to 18, and Nile Academy from 4 to 18. Both keep typical class sizes around 15.
Downtown Campus, 920 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M4W 3C7, Canada. Located in the heart of Toronto at the Yonge/Bloor intersection, near the Toronto Reference Library and the University of Toronto. Accessible by public transport, with a bus stop a 1-minute walk away and the subway about a 5-minute walk away.
Location
5 Blue Haven Crescent, Toronto, Ontario, M9M 1W6, Canada
Stages
Stages
Secondary (Grade 9–12) under the Ontario education system; University Preparation/High School Program included.
Stages
Kindergarten; Elementary (Grade 1-8); High School
School type
School type
Private international secondary school; fully registered and accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
School type
Private school; boarding available for international students
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
—
Pupil nationality mix
—
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
ESL Program; IELTS Prep; University Preparation/High School Program (Grade 9-12).
Additional learning support
Full-time guidance counselling; accommodations for ESL students
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Canada
Country affiliation
Canada
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
—
Religious affiliation
—
School day structure
School day structure
—
School day structure
Three-semester school year with two reporting periods per semester. Timetable with a bell schedule.
Bus service details
Bus service details
Bus access nearby; Downtown campus is a 1-minute walk from a bus stop and a 5-minute walk from the subway.
- International students: CAD 24,000 per academic year (covers 8 credits). Per-credit rate: CAD 3,000 per credit. - Canadian citizens / Permanent Residents: CAD 17,600 per academic year (covers 8 credits). Per-credit rate: CAD 2,200 per credit. - Each additional credit beyond the included 8 credits is charged at the per-credit rate indicated above. - Textbooks: approximately CAD 300 per semester (partially refundable). - To determine fees for any specific term, multiply the per-credit rate by the number of credits taken that term; the annual figure covers a full 8-credit academic year.
- Activity Fee: CAD 400 (one year). - Health Insurance: CAD 600 (one year; mandatory for international students). - Airport pickup: CAD 100 (one trip). - IELTS training: CAD 3,000. - AP Courses: CAD 3,600 (per AP program as listed). - Textbooks noted above are approximately CAD 300 per semester and described as partially refundable.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Overseas (international) students must pay fees in full to be eligible for acceptance; the Application Fee and Tuition Fee must accompany the submitted application. - Upon receipt and confirmation of full payment of the Application Fee and Tuition Fee, an official Letter of Acceptance will be issued. - Accepted payment methods include cash, cheque, Visa, Mastercard, money order, wire transfer, and email money transfer (EMT). Specific bank account details are provided for bank transfer and EMT payment instructions. - Payment receipts will be issued after payment is received and must be sent to the admissions office as instructed in the tuition request.
Refund information
- Refund for failed visa/passport issuance: If a new student is unable to obtain a valid study visa or passport to enter Canada, a full refund of tuition fees will be issued less the non-refundable registration/application fee of CAD 200, subject to submission of the required documentation. - Documentation required for refunds includes a written refund request signed by the student, proof of visa rejection from the relevant Canadian diplomatic mission or proof of passport application/extension rejection from local government, and all original documents and receipts issued by the school. - No refund if student is granted a visa and then decides not to attend. - If a student's visa application is refused, a refund will not be issued if a refund application is not made within 15 months after the student has been admitted to the program.
Fee details
Application fees
- Domestic (new students, all grades): CAD 200 per application. - International (2025/26 listed): CAD 500 application fee.
Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts)
- Domestic — 2026–2027 academic year: - Kindergarten: CAD 11,500 per year. - Grade 1 to Grade 8: CAD 12,500 per year. - Grade 9 to Grade 12: CAD 13,500 per year.
- International — 2025–2026 academic year (listed amounts): - Tuition fee: CAD 20,000 per year.
Per-term amounts and billing basis
- Tuition is published as annual amounts for each year group. The public fee schedule does not publish a per-term breakdown or fixed instalment amounts; parents should expect the published figures to represent annual tuition unless an instalment plan is provided at registration.
Other fees and recurring charges
- Book rental: JK–Grade 6: CAD 150; Grade 7–8: CAD 200; Grade 9–12: CAD 250. - International additional fees (2025/26 listing): medical insurance CAD 1,000; optional visa application assistance CAD 2,500; optional guardianship CAD 1,000. - Dormitory / boarding fee (international): CAD 16,000 per year. - Administrative/document fees: transcript copy fee is CAD 25 (regular copy) with additional copies at CAD 5 each; this and related document-payment procedures are managed through the school office. - No separate uniform fee is published in the public fee schedule. Book rental and the listed international ancillary fees are the only specific recurring or ancillary charges shown.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- An Official Letter of Acceptance and a tuition receipt are issued after the tuition deposit payment has been processed; the fee schedule indicates deposit payment is part of the international admissions workflow. Exact deposit amounts, instalment dates, and term-by-term billing schedules are not published in the public fee schedule. The school offers sibling discounts and mentions early-registration and full-payment discounts.
Boarding fees (where applicable)
- Nile Academy dormitory (boarding) is listed at CAD 16,000 per year for international students. Boarding is an optional service for international students.
Refund information
- For international students: a full tuition refund will be granted, less an administration fee of CAD 500, if Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) does not issue the Study Permit. Required documentation for a refund includes the CIC letter of rejection, the school's Official Letter of Acceptance, the original tuition receipt, and a completed Refund Request Form with payee details. Tuition refunds are not issued for voluntary withdrawals (except the study-permit denial case), disciplinary dismissal, or where false information was provided. Additional refund rules and conditions apply as set out in the school's international student participation and application documentation.
Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods for school fees and administrative charges include certified cheque, money order, VISA, MasterCard, Interac Direct Payment / debit, and cash where applicable. Personal (uncertified) cheques are not accepted for some transactions. Online registration forms provide a selectable payment-method option at submission. Specific payment channels for tuition deposits, international payments, and dormitory fees (for example, wire transfer instructions) are provided during the admissions/payment process.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Residence and homestay placements for international students.
Boarding arrangements
Boarding is available for international students through Nile Academy Dormitory (optional). The 2025-2026 International Student Fee includes Nile Academy Dormitory at $16,000.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
—
Uniform requirement
Nile Academy has a dress code policy that requires a modest and neat appearance daily. Dress code requirements include modest-length skirts and sweatshirts that must be tucked in, prohibition of excessive jewelry, restrictions on cosmetics and facial/body piercings, tattoos must not be visible, and headgear may not be worn inside the building. Tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs are prohibited on school property.
Food options
Food options
A cafeteria on campus.
Food options
—
House system
House system
—
House system
—
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Fully registered and accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Governance and ownership
Nile Academy is a private school.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program for grades 9–12, developed according to the Ontario Ministry of Education. Graduates receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Credits are recognized by American and Canadian universities and colleges. The program is a four-year course of study; the Ontario Student Transcript (OST) and Ontario School Record (OSR) document student achievement.
Curriculum details
Ontario Standards Aligned Educational Program. Grades 1-8 follow the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, French, Information Technology, Physical Education, Music and Visual Arts are taught, with Grade 6-8 classes taught by specialist educators. The language of instruction in Elementary is English and French. Nile Academy is a private school with small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
—
Student teacher ratio
18
Exam results
Exam results
—
Exam results
—
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
85% of graduates are admitted to top 100 universities worldwide, and college admission is guaranteed. Since inception, over 20,000 graduates have entered universities and colleges in Canada and around the world.
Higher education progression
100% University Acceptance. University counselling begins in secondary school with weekly meetings with a Guidance Counsellor to align courses with university goals. Graduation follows the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements: 30 credits (18 compulsory, 12 elective), 40 hours of community service, and the Ontario Literacy Test.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
—
Gifted and talented
Extension or acceleration for some students.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
—
Academic calendar
—
Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
MIA maintains a vibrant academic and social community with clubs and field trips that help students build friendships and engage with Canadian culture. Total Care provides care beyond the classroom, including guidance on university applications and ongoing post-graduation support. Student Life offers extensive social and academic opportunities that support students' well-being and personal growth. The environment emphasizes safety as part of learning, reflecting a family-like atmosphere created by teachers and staff.
Social & emotional learning
The school places emphasis on social and emotional development and character education. HERO values—Honesty, Empathy, Responsibility, and Open-Mindedness—guide student behavior, decision-making and leadership development. The school fosters a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that supports self-esteem and positive relationships.
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The ESL program is open to all age groups and begins with an English assessment on arrival to place students into Level 1 (Beginner) through Level 5 (Advanced). The Intensive ESL program provides 6 hours daily (4 hours ESL Fundamentals in the morning) with elective classes in the afternoon. The Semi-Intensive program offers 4 hours daily of ESL study with a morning ESL Fundamentals class and some self-study. Elective classes include Grammar and Writing, Conversation and Listening, and TOEFL Preparation. IELTS preparation is available as a separate 110-hour course taught by qualified instructors.
English as an additional language
The school offers fast-track in-class and online English as a Second Language courses (ESLAO, ESLBO, ESLCO, ESLDO, ESLEO). English support provides customized ESL for students whose English proficiency ranges from Beginner to Advanced. IELTS boot camps are provided, and there is 1:1 and small-group tutoring for grade 12 courses.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
Safety and well-being are integral to learning; the school emphasizes a family-like environment created by teachers and staff. Student Life offers clubs and activities that support social and emotional development and a sense of belonging. Total Care and the emphasis on learning and safety reflect the school's commitment to student well-being.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a safe, secure, nurturing environment and a focus on social and emotional development. Educators prioritize emotional wellbeing and help students build self-esteem and confidence.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Safety is prioritized, with learning and safety presented as core commitments of MIA. Total Care includes safety-focused support and a family-like atmosphere. Residence and Homestay placement provides housing support for international students.
Safeguarding
The school provides a safe and secure learning environment with high behavioral expectations and policies to protect students. There are supervised after-school programs, enrichment and leadership activities.
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
—
Safeguarding policy
—
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Downtown Toronto campus features a computer lab, a music and audio-visual lab, a fitness studio, a cafeteria, and a student lounge. Modern facilities include computer labs, Wi-Fi, and smart boards. The Downtown Campus is located at 920 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M4W 3C7. Facilities support both academic work and student life.
Facilities overview
Nile Academy serves Kindergarten through High School in Toronto, with a campus at 5 Blue Haven Crescent, Toronto, Ontario, M9M 1W6. The Kindergarten program is uniquely designed for the educational, emotional and social needs of four and five-year-old students. The Grade 1–8 curriculum is taught within the framework of the Ontario Ministry of Education's curriculum by dedicated faculty. Nile Academy offers a STEM & Robotic program to complement its academic offerings. The school provides Full-Time Guidance Counselling to support students.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Fitness studio is part of the facilities.
Sports facilities
Nile Academy offers wrestling, soccer and basketball varsity teams that compete with other area secondary schools. Nile Academy is a member of the Toronto District College Athletic Association (TDCAA), which is a member of the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations. Our athletic teams emphasize effort, practice and personal growth as part of development. Club Sports include Basketball and Volleyball.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Computer labs, a music and audio-visual lab, Wi-Fi, and smart boards are available on campus.
Academic facilities
Kindergarten program is uniquely designed for the educational, emotional and social needs of four and five-year-old students. Nile Academy's Grade 1–8 curriculum is taught within the framework of the Ontario Ministry of Education's curriculum by dedicated teaching staff. Nile Academy believes in the importance and value of completing secondary education, and our school philosophy includes a commitment to assist every student in achieving a successful outcome for their educational experience at Nile Academy. Nile Academy STEM & Robotic program integrates technology into learning.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Extracurricular activities and field trips are offered; there are clubs and student life events.
Extra curricular facilities
Varsity teams include Wrestling, Badminton and Soccer. Club Sports include Basketball and Volleyball. The school is a member of TDCAA (Toronto District College Athletic Association) and OFSAA.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Established in 1994, McDonald International Academy (MIA) is a fully registered and accredited secondary school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Since its inception, more than 20,000 graduates from over 50 countries worldwide have successfully entered top universities and colleges in Canada and around the world. MIA is a vibrant academic and social community with modern facilities and a collaborative effort from teachers and students.
History
Nile Academy was established in 2005 with the goal of providing better education and a brighter future for children. It follows the Ontario Curriculum and provides a private school environment with small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, and it welcomes and provides boarding for international students. The school has built its reputation on catering for individual student needs and its diversity. It welcomes families of all beliefs and cultural backgrounds.
Community
Community
MIA's active school community is buzzing with social and academic opportunities throughout the year. Events and activities help students get to know each other, build friendships, and familiarize themselves with Canadian culture. A wide range of clubs nurtures students' interests and supports the prerequisites for university or college applications.
Community
Nile Academy seeks an active partnership between school and family based on a shared commitment to the students' goals, values and the special joys of childhood. All members of the Nile Academy community are asked to hold each other to high expectations of behavior and achievement. The school provides a safe, secure, and nurturing environment with a strong emphasis on the Ontario Curriculum, sciences and ICT, and offers supervised after-school programs, enrichment and leadership activities.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
—
Parent teacher association
—
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
The University Preparation Program/High School Program (Grade 9-12) is developed according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Our graduates will receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) after the program. The four-year program follows the Ontario curriculum designed to prepare students for post-secondary studies in Canada, the United States and around the world. Credits earned are recognized by American and Canadian universities and colleges.
Academic & intellectual
The school follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. It provides a private school environment with small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio to support individualized learning. There is a strong emphasis on the Sciences and Information and Communication Technology. The school offers supervised after-school programs, enrichment and leadership activities to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The Arts is offered as a course within the curriculum.
Arts & creative
Nile Academy offers Visual Arts classes with mediums such as acrylics, watercolors, pastels, wax, clay, pyrography, paper mache and more. Students undertake projects including Aboriginal beading, carpet weaving, tie-dye, stitching and various crafts. Art fosters expression, critical thinking and collaboration, and student work is displayed in the school's art gallery.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
International Languages is offered as a course. IELTS Preparation and ESL programs are available to support English proficiency. The Summer Program includes English instruction and exposes students to Canadian culture through activities and excursions.
Cultural & language
The school offers in-class and online English as a Second Language courses (ESLAO, ESLBO, ESLCO, ESLDO, ESLEO). IELTS boot camps and customized ESL support are provided, with 1:1 and group tutoring for Grade 12 courses. International students may access Nile student housing and guardianship arrangements. Nile Academy welcomes families of all beliefs and cultural backgrounds.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Student Life includes field trips and a wide range of clubs and social activities. Events and activities foster community and give students opportunities to engage with Canadian culture outside the classroom.
Social & hobbies
Nile Academy offers a wide range of recreational and educational afterschool clubs and tutoring programs to enhance each student's social, cognitive, physical and intellectual wellbeing. Clubs include Tutoring; Board Games; Music; Photography; Chess; Mind Games; Student Council; Web Design and Coding. Board Games Club supports cognitive function and concentration, and the Student Council Club promotes leadership and school events.
Community & service
Community & service
—
Community & service
Nile Academy participates in charitable activities such as the Terry Fox Run. Student leadership and mentorship initiatives are highlighted in Nile Academy's news and student-life content. Camps & Trips provide opportunities for community engagement and experiential learning.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Guidance and Career Education is offered as a course to support career planning. The Advanced Placement Program provides college-level courses for Grade 12 students, connecting them to college success by taking AP classes while in high school.
Leadership & professional
Student Council Club promotes leadership, community involvement and supports school events and functions. Web Design and Coding clubs help students develop collaboration and problem-solving skills. Nile Academy highlights student leadership and mentorship in its News and Athletics sections.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Health and Physical Education is offered as part of the curriculum. Total Care provides ongoing support beyond the classroom, including guidance on university applications and post-graduation planning. Learning beyond the classroom is encouraged through field trips and a range of activities that support student well-being.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Nile Academy offers after-school clubs and tutoring to enhance students' social, cognitive, physical and intellectual wellbeing. Athletics play a key role with wrestling, soccer and basketball teams competing in TDCAA, emphasizing health, teamwork and discipline. The school promotes a safe, secure, and nurturing environment that supports overall wellbeing.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English language learning is supported through ESL and IELTS Preparation programs; Summer Camp includes English language skills development (oral communication, reading and writing).
Language provision
English and French are taught as part of Nile Academy's Grades 1–8 curriculum. The Grade 1 to Grade 8 program is taught within the Ontario Ministry of Education's framework, with specialist educators delivering Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, French, Information Technology, Physical Education, Music and Visual Arts for Grades 6–8. ESL support is available for English language learners, including remedial sessions in English and Mathematics and a Reading Recovery program.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
—
Bilingual teaching
—
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
—
Immersion programs
—
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
Ranked TOP50 Best Private School in Canada by Hong Kong and the Canadian Government.
Awards
—
Accreditations
Accreditations
Fully registered and accredited secondary school inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Accreditations
—
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Fill out the online registration form. The form collects student information and program interests. Email the most recent scanned report cards/transcripts starting from grade 9 and a copy of the passport to the admissions team. The admissions team reviews the submission and, if approved, issues the first Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and the Tuition Request Letter within 3–4 business days by e-mail.
2. Pay the tuition fees and the application fee according to the Tuition Request details. Email the payment receipt to the admissions office. Upon receipt of full payment, the office issues a receipt and the official Letter of Acceptance. The official LOA can be used to apply for a Canadian study permit.
3. For international students, apply for a Government of Canada study permit using McDonald International Academy's official Letter of Acceptance. Processing times vary by country. The LOA is required to support the permit application. Applicants should coordinate with the school to ensure all documents are in order.
4. Upon approval and receipt of the study permit, inform MIA to arrange airport pickup and accommodation. MIA coordinates housing arrangements, including residence or homestay placements. The arrival process is supported by the Admissions and International Support teams, with additional assistance from overseas offices in Beijing, China and Lagos, Nigeria.
Admissions
Local Students 1. Nile Academy Application Process. The admissions office coordinates campus visits and oversees the admissions steps. 2. School Tour. Families are encouraged to arrange a visit; campus tours are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and are conducted with guided tours by Nile Academy students. 3. Application Forms. Complete the application form and forward it to the Admissions Office by email or by fax. 4. Report Card and Transcript (for high school students). Provide a copy of current and past year's report cards and transcripts. 5. Admission Test. The prospective student takes Nile Academy's entrance test, which lasts about 60 minutes. 6. Interview. The prospective student meets with a member of the Admissions Team for a personal interview (approximately 15 minutes). 7. Acceptance. An official acceptance email and a formal letter are issued; new students can schedule registration in person or by telephone.
International Students 1. The Application Process. Start online submission by submitting the online application form. 2. Gather Necessary Documents. Send a photocopy of the passport or birth certificate in English, a photocopy of current year's school transcripts, and a signed letter of recommendation by a school official to the admissions email. 3. Conditional Acceptance. All approved applicants receive a conditional Letter of Acceptance. 4. Letter of Acceptance. Once the tuition deposit is processed and issued, an Official Letter of Acceptance and a tuition receipt are sent; the Official Letter of Acceptance may be used for visa purposes.
