The Great Lakes College of Toronto is a certified Private High School located in downtown Toronto, Canada. Established in 1978, our school has developed expertise in educating international high school and post-secondary students throughout the past 40 years.
We specialize in preparing our students for entrance into North American universities and colleges, as well as assisting students with learning English as a second language. GLCT is known for our “Personalized Education Program” in which we aim to meet the various needs of all our unique students.
To date, universities in Canada, the United States and throughout the world have accepted over 10,000 of our graduates. In recent years, 90+% of our graduates have been admitted to universities.
Our students consistently receive Ontario and Canadian academic awards, as well as university entrance scholarships. This high record of success reflects the professional commitment and personalized touch that has become a trademark of The Great Lakes College of Toronto.
| Number of students |
250 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
37 |
| Most common nationality |
Nigerian, Kenyan, Chinese, Vietnamese |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
1% |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
ESL |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
ESL |
| Max. number of students per class |
25 |
| Average number of students per class |
20 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
No |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Teachers use projector, smartboard, Microsoft Team & Microsoft OneNote Class Notebook to enrich students learning experience. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
We offer synchronous live lessons for students who are waiting for their study visa to be approved. |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Average 30 minutes to an hour per subject. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
99% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
No |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
We offer scholarship to gifted, able and talented students. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Entry exam takes place before student choose his/her timetable, so the school can place the student in the proper grade level. |
| Waiting list |
No |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No we do not have the deadline, however we strongly suggest Grade 12 students starting in either September or November. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes, within two weeks after semester starts. |
| School start time |
8:30 |
| School finish time |
17:15 |
| Supervised care before/after school |
No |
| School bus service available |
No |
| School provided lunches |
Yes, monthly meal plan is available for student to purchase. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. |
| Uniform required |
Yes. |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Chess, Student council, Principal Advisory Group, Table Tennis |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
No |
| Facilities at the school |
Science Lab, Study Lounge |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Basketball Court |
| Grades/ages available for boarding |
Age 15 - 21 |
| Boarding facilities at the school |
Internet / WiFi, Bathroom, Laundry, Meal Plan, Air Condition, Heating, Single/Double Room, Closet/Drawer, Mini-fridge |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
The Great Lakes College of Toronto (GLCT) is a full-service boarding school and center of Quality Education and Excellence for grades 9-12 students. We serve a student population from a rich array of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. We empower students in shaping and sharpening their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills to ensure they are well-equipped with innovative adaptability skills, and mindset to thrive in an ever-changing and increasingly interconnected world. Our focal point is a structured and personalized ESL program, emphasizing the diverse needs and styles of English Language Learners in acquiring a full range of Literacy skills and confidence. At GLCT, we have cultivated a strong, cohesive, and harmonious team that prioritizes not only the educational well-being but also the holistic development of students. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered. Together we uphold the tradition of excellence that defines the Great Lakes College of Toronto. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
Our qualified and experienced teachers employ innovative and personalized instruction ensuring that students receive a world-class education. We offer rigorous, comprehensive, and authentic university preparation programs to allow graduates to consistently gain admission to the most prestigious universities in the world. Our students graduate with the Ministry-approved Ontario Secondary School Diploma that is recognized around the world. Through community service initiatives, leadership programs, and extracurricular activities, we nurture well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society. We offer cultural events, and language learning opportunities to broaden students’ horizons. Through these experiences, our students develop an appreciation for diversity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of global issues. |
Grade 9 – 12 & University Preparation Program
During their time at GLCT, students select an appropriate combination of academic courses to add to their knowledge and skills base; explore courses of interest; determine the type of educational program they are best suited to pursue in university/college and to gain entrance to university or college.
Fast-Track University Preparation Program
GLCT is one of the few high schools in the province of Ontario that offers five student in-take times per school year.
You may wonder why we have so many semesters in one calendar year. In Canada, there are two main admission times when universities accept new students, September and January. In addition, some universities also admit students in May for the summer session.
Our five-level English a Second Language (ESL) program is based on the curriculum developed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and is taught by a staff of highly professional teachers.
This program enables students to acquire effective communication skills in all areas of language study, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It enables students to achieve the standard of English necessary to succeed in high school and university courses.
Students may finish one ESL level in two months. Once the student has completed ESL Level 5, he or she will move on to the regular program.
The GLCT campus is located near downtown Toronto in the North High Park area, which includes High Park, the largest park in Toronto, and is in the middle of a prestigious residential area. The school is close to subway and TTC bus lines, a community library, supermarkets, banks, shopping areas, all within 10-15 minutes of walking distance.
Campus facilities include science lab, drama room, art studio, gym, laundry rooms, and free WiFi.
Several community centres are closed to the school, which has swimming pools, soccer fields, ice skating fields, e.t.c.
Student can either choose to stay in on-campus dormitory, off-campus housing (all within 5-10 walking distance) or home-stay. If student choose to live with a homestay family, we will do our best to find one that suits student’s need.
Desk, chair, bed, bedding, closet, fridge are provided free of charge to students who stay either in dormitory, off-campus housing or home-stay family.