Metropolitan Preparatory Academy vs TAIE International Institute
Metropolitan Preparatory Academy and TAIE International Institute are both in Toronto, about 9 km apart. Both schools offer Canadian programmes, and Metropolitan Preparatory Academy also offers IB. Published annual fees are close, at CA$25,560 - 33,700 for Metropolitan Preparatory Academy and CA$31,050 - 32,000 for TAIE International Institute. Metropolitan Preparatory Academy takes pupils from 12 to 18, and TAIE International Institute from 14 to 18.
1 Duncan Mill Rd, Toronto, Ontario M3B 1Z2. The campus is in Toronto. The school serves Grades 7–12 as a private school.
Location
21 Mullen Dr., Thornhill, Ontario L4J 2T6, Canada. The campus spans 5 acres with 50,000 square feet of indoor space. The school has two on-site residences.
Stages
Stages
Middle School Program (Grades 7–8) and High School Program (Grades 9–12). The IB Diploma Programme is offered and Metro Prep is a Candidate School for the IB Diploma Programme.
Stages
Grades 7–12
School type
School type
Private, co-educational school serving Grades 7–12.
School type
Private international high school with on-site boarding residences
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
30+ nationalities
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
Small class sizes and individualized attention.
Additional learning support
English Learning Centre offers five ESL levels (ESLAO, ESLBO, ESLCO, ESLDO, ESLEO) with placement tests, individualized tutoring, and language support; students progress to English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
Canada
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
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Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application fees
- Domestic (general application form): CAD 200 non-refundable application fee, payable with the application. - International applicants (international admissions information): CAD 300 application fee for international applications.
Registration / acceptance deposit
- A one-time, non-refundable registration/deposit of CAD 2,000 is required upon acceptance to secure a student's place. This deposit is withheld from the tuition balance.
Tuition fees (annual and per-instalment)
- Grades 7–12, Domestic: CAD 25,560 per year. Tuition is typically payable in five instalments; this equals CAD 5,112 per instalment when divided evenly into five payments. - Grades 7–12, International: CAD 33,700 per year. Tuition is typically payable in five instalments; this equals CAD 6,740 per instalment when divided evenly into five payments.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Deposit: CAD 2,000 non-refundable due on acceptance to secure enrolment. - Instalments: Tuition is typically billed and paid in five instalments across the school year (the deposit is in addition to these instalments). Instalments are usually scheduled during the first semester and in January of the new calendar year; families should note the school's billing dates and due dates on the invoice. No refunds are provided for withdrawal or dismissal during the billing period, except that special consideration may be given for prolonged medical absences.
Boarding / accommodation (if applicable)
- The school does not provide on-campus boarding; homestay placement is offered as an option for international students. Homestay placement is for an academic year (September to June) unless otherwise arranged. - Homestay application fee: CAD 500 (non-refundable) for homestay program applications. - Homestay monthly cost: host-family fees typically range from CAD 1,200 to CAD 1,500 per month; homestay payments are normally made directly to the host family on the first day of each month. (The school's general tuition page lists homestay in the range CAD 1,200–1,300 per month; the homestay placement form lists a typical range of CAD 1,200–1,500 per month.)
Other costs and typical additional fees
- Books and course materials: CAD 300–500 per year (estimated range for required textbooks and materials). - Gym uniform: Students must purchase and wear the gym uniform for physical education classes (there is no full school uniform requirement, but gym uniform is required). Families should budget separately for the gym uniform. - Extracurricular activities, specialty program fees, supplies, field trips, and optional services may incur additional charges beyond tuition and are billed separately when applicable.
Refund information
- The school's published policy states that no refunds are provided for withdrawal or dismissal during the billing period. Special consideration for refunds or credits may be given only for prolonged absences due to medical reasons, according to the school's payment policies. Homestay fees already paid to a host family are forfeited if a student leaves the homestay early (students who leave homestay before the end of June forfeit the current and June payments).
Fee payment options and billing contacts
- Application fee payment methods (as stated on the application form): by cheque payable to Metropolitan Prep Academy Inc. or by e-transfer to pay@metroprep.com. - Homestay fees: paid directly to the host family on the first day of each month as specified in the homestay agreement. - Billing and tuition-payment arrangements are handled by the school's Billing Department; families may liaise with billing@metroprep.com for invoicing and payment questions.
Summary of key fee figures (2026–2027 academic year)
- Application fee (domestic): CAD 200 (non-refundable). - Application fee (international): CAD 300. - Acceptance / registration deposit: CAD 2,000 (non-refundable). - Tuition, Grades 7–12 (domestic): CAD 25,560 per year (CAD 5,112 per instalment if paid in five instalments). - Tuition, Grades 7–12 (international): CAD 33,700 per year (CAD 6,740 per instalment if paid in five instalments). - Books and materials: CAD 300–500 per year. - Homestay application fee: CAD 500 (non-refundable). Homestay monthly: typically CAD 1,200–1,500 per month; pay host family monthly.
(For billing queries, invoicing schedules, or to arrange specific payment methods, use the school's Billing Department at billing@metroprep.com.)
Fee details
Application & Registration Fees
- Registration / Application fee (all applicants): CAD 300 (non‑refundable). - Double Letter of Acceptance (DLA) fee (all applicants where applicable): CAD 450 (non‑refundable).
Tuition Fees — International students (by credit package)
- 10‑credit program (typical full program option): CAD 28,500 (non‑refundable; refundable only if a study visa is formally rejected). - 8‑credit program: CAD 23,600 (non‑refundable; refundable only if a study visa is formally rejected). - English proficiency / preparation courses (IELTS Prep): CAD 2,850 (non‑refundable; refundable only if visa is rejected where indicated).
Tuition Fees — Canadian citizens / Permanent Residents (by credit)
Other Mandatory / Regular Fees (applies to all student categories unless otherwise stated)
- Commencement fee (includes airport pickup, bank and library services): CAD 180. - Medical insurance (12 months): CAD 800. - Education fee (12 months): CAD 1,000 (non‑refundable). - Uniform fee: CAD 300 (non‑refundable). - Custodianship fee (where applicable): CAD 1,200 (non‑refundable; note: partial deduction may apply on visa refusal as specified).
Accommodation & Boarding Fees
- Concord Residence (double occupancy, 12 months): CAD 18,960. - Concord Residence (single occupancy, 12 months): CAD 28,560. - South Park Residence (double occupancy, 8 months): CAD 22,000. - South Park Residence (single occupancy, 8 months): CAD 25,200. - Homestay (4 months, meal plan included): CAD 8,000; homestay placement fee CAD 500 will apply.
Meal Plans & Transportation
- Meal plan at Concord and South Park Residence: CAD 1,000 per month. - Transportation (Concord or South Park Residence): CAD 250 per month.
Deposits & Miscellaneous
- Dormitory security deposit: CAD 1,000 (refundable if room is returned in good condition). - Additional costs not included in listed fees: trips and excursions, long‑distance phone calls, local transportation beyond listed service, books, photocopying and personal petty cash.
Billing Schedule & Payment Terms
- Certain fees (registration, DLA, and tuition for international applicants) are required to be paid prior to study permit approval as part of registration. Other fees (commencement, insurance, education fee, uniform, accommodation deposits and monthly residence charges) are payable after study permit approval or according to the school's invoicing schedule. Specific timing is determined at registration and invoicing.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Money Order. - Bank Draft. - Credit Cards: VISA and MasterCard. - Debit Cards. - Flywire payment option. - Wire payment transfer to the school's Canadian bank account (bank details provided for remittance; remittance advice should be emailed to the school with student identification).
Refund Information
- Registration fee: non‑refundable under all conditions. - For applicants who require a study permit: tuition and other refundable fees will only be refunded if the student's study permit application is denied; required documentation (written refund application, original visa rejection letter, original Letter of Acceptance and original receipts) must be submitted for processing. - Students already in Canada or students who do not require a visa: tuition fees are not refundable once registered. - Students whose visas have been approved are not eligible for refunds.
Notes on fee variability
- Residence fees (South Park and Parkside/other residences) and some accommodation options are subject to availability and may change. Alternative residence options may be required if a chosen residence is full.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Metropolitan Preparatory Academy is a co-educational Grades 7-12 school offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Small class sizes and individualized attention support student learning. Signature programs include GENIUS (Biotechnology & Life Sciences), SMITH (Arts & Humanities), Momentum (Middle School Foundations), VENTURE (Business, Trade & Global Systems), and IMPACT (Leadership & Global Citizenship). The IB Diploma Programme is delivered through small classes and close academic mentorship.
Curriculum details
TAIE International Institute offers Grades 7–12 with day and boarding options on a 5-acre campus. The curriculum includes more than 25 subjects across the sciences, humanities, and the arts. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) pathway is available; to graduate with the OSSD, students must complete 30 credits (18 compulsory, 12 optional), pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test or complete OLC4O, and complete 40 hours of community service. University Preparation Courses (UPC) are available for graduates aiming to enter Canadian or international universities, including UPC Elite for exceptional students targeting Canada's top universities, with one intake per year and additional requirements. ESL (English as a Second Language) includes courses and IELTS preparation; the ESL program is approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education and students study in English.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Small class sizes and individualized instruction.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
Approximately 99% of graduates were admitted to the university or college program of their choice.
Exam results
CAD 1.8M in Scholarships and University Offers: In 2025, graduates received offers from Imperial College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and King's College London, as well as from the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia (UBC), and the University of Waterloo. Graduates were admitted to Australian universities such as the University of New South Wales, Monash University, and the University of Sydney. Altogether, graduates were awarded over CAD 1.8 million in scholarships.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Nearly 100% of Metro Prep graduates are admitted to universities, including Harvard University, Yale University, University of Toronto, and McGill University. University guidance covers Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and international destinations.
Higher education progression
Graduates receive offers from top universities in the UK, Canada, and Australia, including Imperial College London, the London School of Economics, King's College London, the University of Toronto, UBC, the University of Waterloo, the University of New South Wales, Monash, and the University of Sydney.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
GENIUS Program is Toronto's first and only high school biotechnology program with hands-on DNA sequencing, PCR and genetic engineering; includes the GeneTalk Speaker Series and hands-on biotechnology labs.
Gifted and talented
UPC Elite is designed for exceptional students who aim to be accepted into one of Canada's top six universities; there is one intake per year with additional requirements.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
1. Complete the Application. Start by filling out the online application form. Upload the following documents: the most recent report card; year-end reports from the previous two academic years; and birth certificate or passport. Ensure all form fields are completed accurately before submitting, as the information cannot be edited once submitted. A paper PDF application form is available as an alternative.
2. Initial interview. After receiving the completed application and documents, the admissions team will contact you within two business days to schedule an interview. The interview may be conducted in person or online and focuses on your child's academic goals, personality, and compatibility with Metro Prep's learning environment. This is also an opportunity to ask questions.
3. Student Assessment. Grades 7–9: An entrance examination may be required and assesses mathematics, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and reading comprehension; the test is optional for students who have completed the SSAT. The examination is diagnostic and helps us understand your child's strengths; a score does not define the student. Grades 10–12: Admission is based on current academic records.
4. Admissions Decision. After reviewing the application, documents, test results (if applicable), and the interview, a decision will be communicated. If accepted, families proceed with the next steps to finalize enrollment. The admissions process uses a holistic approach, evaluating academic record, personal qualities, and potential contributions to the Metro Prep community.
Admissions
Five-step admissions process: 01 Personalized Admissions Consultation; 02 Submit Your Application; 03 Academic Assessment & Offer Letter; 04 Visa & Enrollment Support; 05 Begin studying at TAIE. TAIE offers rolling admission with 6 high school semesters per year and 12 ESL semesters. If a specific start date is planned, apply 2–4 months before that semester to allow time for visa/study permit processing and departure planning.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Merit-Based Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to personal growth. Scholarship amount: $2,000. Eligibility: Open to first-year, new students only; current or previously enrolled students are not eligible. Application requirements: latest report cards or transcripts; two letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, or mentors; and a 500-word personal statement explaining how the student will contribute to the Metro Prep community and benefit from the personalized learning environment.
Need-Based Financial Awards are available to families who require financial assistance, up to 30% of tuition. Eligibility: Open to first-year, new students only; families must demonstrate financial need. Application requirements: most recent tax return and financial statements; a 500-word personal statement detailing how Metro Prep's values align with the family's goals and how the financial assistance will help the student thrive.
How to Apply for Financial Aid: Download the First-Year Scholarship Program Application Form and submit the completed form and all required documents within 14 days of the date printed on the acceptance letter. Submission methods include email (admissions@metroprep.com), mail to Admissions Office, or in person at the main office. Important deadlines: application deadline is within 14 days of acceptance; notification within 30 days after receipt of the application. Limited availability of scholarships and financial aid: funding is limited and awards are not guaranteed, determined by merit, need, and resource availability, with possible first-come, first-served allocation. For questions, contact admissions at admissions@metroprep.com or +1 (416) 285-0870.
Scholarships
TAIE offers a limited number of scholarships and bursaries each year. Scholarships are based on academic ability; bursaries are based on family need. The University of Toronto - TAIE Excellence Award selects 5 winners annually; the winners are chosen by the University of Toronto's admission officer and are honored during TAIE's graduation ceremony. Additional scholarships include Academic Scholarships.