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Keystone School

Canada, Toronto

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$22,850
Ages 11 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 100
Type Co-educational, Online/Hybrid
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages French
Typical class size 10
Strengths STEM, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, High School
Introduction

Keystone School is a private, co-ed international school located at 186 St. George Street in Toronto's Annex. It offers the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) through the Flexible OSSD Homeschool Program, fully accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education, enabling the OSSD to be earned from anywhere in the world. The program is asynchronous with about 110 hours of learning material across 3–5 units; final grades are 70% coursework and 30% final assessments. Grades 9–12 provide university preparation and a University Pathways framework, with academic guidance to support course selection and university applications. The school is pursuing International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme candidacy, with an IB Preparation and IBDP pathway announced for 2026–2027. Keystone emphasizes inquiry-based, project-based learning, small class sizes, and a campus near the University of Toronto, fostering global engagement, leadership, and service. Its campus offers field experiences and a vibrant array of clubs and committees for all students.

186 St George St, Toronto, ON M5R 2N3, Canada

The Essentials

Keystone School has 100 pupils, typical class sizes of 10, instruction in English.

Location

Located in the University District of Toronto at 186 St. George Street. The campus is 20 metres from the St. George subway station. Proximity to the University of Toronto provides access to a university campus atmosphere and opportunities for higher education exposure.

Stages

Middle School (Grades 6-8); High School (Grades 9-12)

Type

IB Candidate School

Additional learning support

Mentorship Program

Country affiliation

Canada

Fees

Annual tuition at Keystone School ranges from CAD 22,850 for 2026/27.

Application and Registration

- Application fee: CAD 300.00 (one-time, payable at the time of application).
- Registration (enrolment) fee: CAD 2,800.00 (one-time, payable on acceptance).

Tuition and Annual Mandatory School Fees (2025–26 academic year)

- Tuition (standard day student / international student rate): CAD 20,250.00 per academic year.
- Resource fees: CAD 750.00 per academic year.
- Activity fees: CAD 500.00 per academic year.

Fees charged as one-off or per-item (mandatory / common)

- Gym kit (required for PE/field trips): CAD 325.00 (reusable across years).
- Middle school camp trip: CAD 500.00 to CAD 750.00 (range depending on trip).
- High school camp trip: CAD 600.00 to CAD 850.00 (range depending on trip).

Optional / Additional costs

- Hot lunch program: approximately CAD 200.00 per month.
- Yearly international study trip (optional): typically CAD 5,000.00 or more depending on destination and program.
- Yearly trip to French Canada (optional): CAD 500.00.

Boarding / Homestay / Residence (international students)

- Homestay (single room with internet and three meals per day): CAD 15,700.00 for the 10-month school year (September–June).
- Student residence options: available for inquiry; fees vary by option (contact admissions for current residence pricing).

International-student specific fees

- Health insurance (international students): CAD 750.00 per year (mandatory).
- Custodianship (for students under 18): CAD 1,000.00 (non-refundable).
- Student visa processing fee (school's processing): CAD 1,250.00 (does not include fees payable directly to immigration authorities).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Annual billing: tuition and annual fees are stated per academic year. Instalment plans are offered; families must contact the school to arrange payment plans or instalments. Late-payment penalties apply.
- Late-payment interest: 1.5% per month (equivalent to 18% per annum) on overdue amounts for the 2025–26 fee schedule.
- Responsibility for payment: parents/guardians are responsible for all charges for the full academic year; unpaid accounts may result in restriction from classes and withholding of records/transcripts until accounts are settled.

Refunds and non-refundable items

- Application and registration fees are non-refundable.
- Custodianship and certain administrative/service fees are non-refundable.
- Visa refusal refund (international students): when a study permit is refused by the immigration authority, a full tuition refund (less any non-refundable items listed by the school) is granted provided the school is notified in writing within the time frame specified by the school and a copy of the official refusal letter is provided. Specific refund procedures and time limits apply.

Sibling discount and concessions

- Sibling discount: a 10% reduction in tuition fees applies to the second sibling (and subsequent siblings) enrolled and attending at the same time; the discount applies to the lesser of the full year's tuition and is applied to tuition only (not to other fees).

Accepted payment methods and payment channels

- International bank transfers and multi-currency payment support are available via the school's PayMyTuition payment partner; this service supports payments from banks in many countries and currencies.
- Payment plans and instalment arrangements are available through the school's finance office; families can also use standard banking/wire transfer methods as coordinated through PayMyTuition or the school's finance office.

Other important financial notes

- Homestay fees are quoted for the 10-month school year (September–June); additional charges may apply for special dietary needs.
- Optional trip costs and extracurricular charges are billed separately and vary by program and destination.
- Outstanding balances can affect a student's continued enrolment and release of academic documents.
Academics

Keystone School teaches Canadian Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 11 to 18.

Curriculum

Keystone School offers the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) through the Flexible OSSD Homeschool Program. The program is fully accredited by the Ontario Ministry of Education and enables the OSSD to be earned from anywhere in the world. Courses are asynchronous with about 110 hours of learning material across 3–5 units, and final grades consist of 70% coursework and 30% final assessments. The program provides Grades 9–12 with university preparation and a dedicated University Pathways framework, with academic guidance to support course selection and university applications. Gifted and Advanced Learners are among the targeted student groups. Keystone is pursuing International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme candidacy, with an IB Preparation and IBDP pathway announced for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Higher Education Progression

Keystone supports higher education through University Pathways and university partnerships that assist international applicants, including language-requirement waivers and scholarships. In 2024 Keystone graduates entered programs at universities in Canada and abroad, including University of Toronto, McMaster, McGill, Western, York University, Dalhousie, Ontario Tech University, Rutgers, University of Arizona, and others.

Gifted and Talented

Gifted and Advanced Learners are included among Keystone's target student groups in the OSSD Homeschool Program.

Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Keystone School's Mentorship Program pairs every student with a dedicated mentor who provides personalized guidance beyond the classroom. Mentors meet regularly to encourage students, discuss academics, school life, and personal development goals, boosting self-esteem and confidence. These interactions strengthen relationships among parents, teachers, and peers, creating a supportive school community. The program offers a safe space to discuss challenges and aspirations, helping students develop a positive attitude toward learning. It emphasizes holistic development and equips students with resilience and life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management. Peer-based mentoring for older students reinforces a culture of support and leadership.

Mental Wellbeing

Keystone provides a supportive community where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The Mentorship Program contributes to emotional well-being by fostering resilience, empathy, communication, and independence. It offers skill-building workshops on study strategies, stress management, and leadership to support mental well-being and positive attitudes toward learning. The mentorship framework strengthens relationships among students, families, and staff, contributing to a sense of belonging. The overall approach emphasizes holistic development to help students navigate challenges and reach their potential.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is supported through the Homestay & Student Residence program. Students stay with Canadian host families during their studies in Toronto. Keystone provides a wide support network including international program staff, a homestay coordinator, the host family, and a custodian, who check in on personal safety and wellbeing regularly. Homestay families undergo a rigorous selection process with extensive background checks, including criminal record checks and references. The program aims to ensure a safe, secure, and supportive living environment for international students.

Admissions

Admissions

Keystone School is a fully accredited Canadian independent private school for grades 6 to 12. The admissions process is designed to ensure a good fit and to support families at every step. Step 1: Book a School Tour to visit the campus, meet the Principal, see classrooms and facilities, and learn about the school's educational approach. Step 2: Submit an online application, including a copy of the student's ID (passport or birth certificate) and the most recent transcript or report cards from the last three years. Step 3: Schedule a Student Meeting with the Principal or an Academic Director to discuss the student's interests, goals, and learning style. Step 4: Classroom Visit may be offered, giving the student a half-day in class to meet future classmates and experience lessons. Step 5: Offer of Admission is issued, including academic placement information, tuition and fee details, and an acceptance deadline.

Scholarships

The school offers four merit-based scholarships: Academic Excellence, Arts & Innovation, Leadership & Community Engagement, and the International Student Merit Scholarship. Each scholarship is valued at 5,000 toward tuition and only one scholarship is available per student. Who can apply: All students applying for admission to Keystone School. Application materials include a 500–1,000 word scholarship essay or portfolio and the Keystone School application form. Application timeline for the 2026–2027 academic year includes three rounds: First Round submissions due by November 1, 2025; notification by November 14, 2025; enrolment deadline to secure the scholarship by December 15, 2025. Second Round submissions due by December 12, 2025; notification by December 19, 2025; enrolment deadline January 23, 2025. Third Round submissions due by February 23, 2026; notification by February 27, 2026; enrolment deadline March 13, 2026. Submission materials needed: a 500–1,000 word scholarship essay, three years of transcripts, and a copy of the student's ID. Submit Scholarship Application. Need-Based Assistance is available through Apple Financial for families needing additional support.

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