Boarding school in Canada: what is it like to study at William Academy?
William Academy stands out among Canadian boarding schools for its unique combination of academic excellence and welcoming multicultural environment. With two campuses strategically located in Toronto and Cobourg, the institution offers a complete educational experience that goes far beyond the classroom.
Founded in 1999, this boarding school has earned international recognition for its exceptional results: 100% of graduates gain admission to higher education institutions, 96% of whom enter world-renowned universities and an impressive 76% receive scholarships.
What makes William Academy special
William Academy operates through a unique four-term system, allowing students to focus on just two subjects per term. This innovative approach reduces academic stress and provides deeper and more effective learning.
International diversity is another striking differential. With students from over 40 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, China, South Korea, Nigeria, Russia, and many others, the multicultural environment prepares young people for the globalized world.
Academic structure and campus life
Ontario Education System (OSSD)
William Academy strictly follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum, offering the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). This degree is recognized worldwide and opens doors to universities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia.
To better understand the differences between educational modalities, it is worth knowing the Comparative guide between boarding school vs high school, which clarifies the main characteristics of each format.
Flexible academic calendar
- September to November: Fall semester
- November to January: Winter semester
- January to March: Spring semester
- April to June: Summer semester
This structure allows for four annual entry opportunities (September, November, January, and March), offering flexibility for international students.
Privileged teacher-student ratio
With only 12 students per class and a 1:8 ratio between teachers and students, each student receives personalized attention. This intimate environment facilitates learning and allows teachers to individually know the needs of each young person.
Residential life at William Academy
Cobourg Campus: Complete Boarding School Experience
The Cobourg campus offers the authentic boarding school experience with:
- Integrated facilities: 90,000 square feet of modern facilities
- Supervised Dorms: Double rooms during the school year with 24-hour houseparents
- Campus cafeteria: Nutritious and varied meals respecting different culinary cultures
- Complete security: CCTV system and constant supervision
Students experience a structured routine that balances studies, extracurricular activities, and personal time. Typical hours include breakfast at 8:10am, two intensive class sessions, community lunch, clubs and activities from 3:15pm to 5:15pm, group dinner, and supervised study period.
For those who seek to understand more deeply How is it to study at a boarding school, this environment provides the development of independence, responsibility, and essential interpersonal skills.
Toronto Campus: Homestay and Urban Life
At the Toronto campus, non-local students are welcomed by carefully selected Canadian families. This modality offers authentic cultural immersion in Canada's largest city, with access to museums, theaters, sporting events, and endless cultural opportunities.
Excellent sports programs
The William Academy Vikings competes at the highest level of Canadian school sports:
Men's basketball: Program with a proven track record of training athletes who receive full NCAA scholarships
Men's hockey: Combining Canada's most celebrated sport with elite training
Women's volleyball: Technical and tactical development that prepares athletes for university competitions
Students interested in combining academic education with athletic development can explore the sports exchange program from Be Easy, which offers similar opportunities in several countries.
Academic support and university guidance
Personalized support
- Academic support: Free tutoring in math, science, English and IELTS
- Educational guidance: Counselors specializing in university admissions
- Personal support: Assistance in cultural adaptation and personal development
Preparing for universities
The guidance team works individually with each student in the university application process. From course selection to document preparation, essays, and grant requests, support is comprehensive.
William Academy graduates enter prestigious institutions such as:
- University of Toronto and McGill University (Canada)
- University of California Los Angeles and Pennsylvania State University (USA)
- University College London and King's College London (United Kingdom)
- University of Melbourne and University of Sydney (Australia)
Extracurricular activities and personal development
Student clubs and organizations
William Academy offers a variety of clubs based on student interests:
- Visual and dramatic arts
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Science and Technology
- Music and languages
- Student Council and Leadership
Exchange programs and international experiences
During the year, the school organizes educational trips, cultural celebrations, and events that connect students of different nationalities. These programs complement formal education with practical experiences.
In addition, the William Academy offers short-term exchange programs:
- Semi-annual programs: Starting at 2.5 months
- Summer and winter camps: 1-month experiences combining studies and cultural activities
Validation and recognition in Brazil
A common concern of families is the recognition of studies carried out abroad. O Is high school in Canada recognized in Brazil through equivalence processes that allow continued studies at Brazilian universities.
The OSSD obtained at William Academy further facilitates this process due to the international recognition of the Canadian education system.
Fun facts about studying in Canada
Canada has unique characteristics that make it a preferred destination for international education. Get to know 10 fun facts about high school in Canada that reveal surprising aspects of the Canadian education system.
Among the most interesting are the diversity of winter activities, the culture of inclusion and respect for diversity, and the unique leadership development opportunities that only the Canadian environment provides.
Admission process and requirements
Required Documentation
- School transcript for the last two years
- Letter of recommendation from teachers
- Proof of English proficiency
- Personal motivation letter
- Valid identification documentation
Selection process
- Initial consultation: Profile assessment and objectives
- Submission of documents: Full review of the application
- Interview: Talk with the admissions team
- Conditional offer: Acceptance letter upon payment
- Student visa: Support for the necessary documentation
- Preparing for the trip: Pre-shipment guidelines
Why choose William Academy
The William Academy differentiates itself in its combination of academic excellence, genuine multicultural environment and personalized support. The institution not only prepares students academically, but it develops global citizens who are confident and prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
The strategic location offers the best of both worlds: the lakeside tranquility of Cobourg for a focus on studies and the cosmopolitan energy of Toronto for extensive cultural exposure.
For families seeking a complete international education, it's worth exploring How to do an exchange in Canada in 2025, which presents the comprehensive overview of educational opportunities in the country.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about William Academy
1. What is the difference between studying at the Toronto campus versus Cobourg?
The Cobourg campus offers a traditional boarding school experience with dorms, a cafeteria, and integrated community life. Toronto offers homestays with Canadian families and access to urban life in the country's largest city.
2. Is a William Academy degree accepted at Brazilian universities?
Yes, the OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma) is internationally recognized and can be validated in Brazil through equivalence processes with Brazilian secondary education.
3. What are the approximate costs in addition to the monthly fee?
Additional costs include school supplies, optional extracurricular activities, excursions, international health insurance, and personal expenses. The institution provides detailed estimates during the admission process.
4. How does support for international students work?
William Academy offers 24/7 support through houseparents in the dorms, academic counselors, free tutoring, and assistance with cultural adjustment. There is also specific support for obtaining visas and documentation.
5. Is it possible to transfer credits to American universities?
Yes, the Ontario curriculum is widely recognized by American universities. Many graduates enter institutions such as UCLA, Penn State, and other prestigious universities in the United States.
Be Easy
Be Easy connects students to international educational experiences that transform lives and open horizons. With over 17 years of experience, our specialized team offers complete support from choosing the institution to returning to Brazil, ensuring that each family has the necessary peace of mind during this unique journey. Contact us and discover how we can make the dream of studying at William Academy a reality.
