private school Public school education high school students tests curriculum guidelines culture history Canada’s public schools have been accepting international students since the 1980’s and have well-developed infrastructure and support including ESL (English as a Second Language) instruction and carefully supervised homestay programs. Almost all public schools are co-educational and accept international students for high school graduation programs or for shorter stays of weeks, months or a year or two. Many elementary schools also accept young students for short term and full-year programs International students and their parents choose Canada as a study destination because tuition fees are competitively priced yet provide for a high standard of living. The standard of living in Canada is among the highest in the world.