TORONTO PREPARATORY ACADEMY

Table of Contents

Toronto Preparatory Academy ......................................................................................................................... 3

Who We Are ..................................................................................................................................3

Campus and Facilities .......................................................................................................................................... 4

About Canada........................................................................................................................................................ 6

About Toronto ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Where to find Toronto Prep ............................................................................................................................... 7

Staff ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Student Testimonials ............................................................................................................ 8

Our Programs ....................................................................................................................... 9

Interview ................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Pathway Programs ............................................................................................................................................. 10

Timetable ............................................................................................................................................................. 10

Student Services ................................................................................................................................................... 11

Accommodations .........................................................................................................................11

Airport transfer service ..................................................................................................................................... 14

Medical Insurance and waiver ......................................................................................................14

Registration Procedure ...................................................................................................................................... 16

Application Dates ............................................................................................................................................... 16

Prices and Payment Options ............................................................................................................................ 16

Payment Instructions......................................................................................................................................... 16

Credit Card Authorization form ....................................................................................................................... 17

School Policies ...................................................................................................................................................... 18

Refund policy ...............................................................................................................................18

Student Policy ..................................................................................................................................................... 19

Registration Form ................................................................................................................21

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Welcome

At Toronto Preparatory Academy our idea of a student-centered approach is to offer excellent learning in an intimate, fun environment. We will go out of our way to make sure our students are successful and happy.

Toronto Prep provides the highest standards of education for students that come from all over the world to study together in a warm, stimulating, and friendly international atmosphere. Our aim is to help students reach their academic success while making their time with us a rewarding and enjoyable one. We take the responsibility to ensure that we maintain our reputation for quality education, student welfare and guidance.

Upon completing their studies at Toronto Prep, our graduates have moved on to top international

colleges and universities abroad. Moreover, a quite high proportion of our graduates remain in

Canada continuing to higher education in top universities such as University of Toronto.

Who We Are

Toronto Preparatory Academy (Toronto Prep) is a ministry accredited high school located in downtown Toronto. Since 1998, Toronto Prep has provided education at the secondary level to local and international students in a relaxed, friendly and supporting atmosphere. Toronto Prep provides credits that count towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, with options to study on location or online.

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Philosophy

At Toronto Preparatory Academy, we make our students our number one priority. As part of our commitment to providing excellence, we offer programs with a maximum class size of 12 students to ensure the best learning experience possible. We believe that confident students are successful students and we place a great emphasis on learning in a comfortable atmosphere that encourages all students to participate.

Our Goals

Our goal is, put simply, to create an optimal learning environment. Whether it is live or on-line, we see our primary goal as offering students the best possible means of attaining their educational objectives. Creating such an environment requires great attention, and includes the use of first-rate materials, programs and curricula, constant teacher development and workshops, regular activities for students and a welcoming yet challenging atmosphere.

Our Values

We are educators. Our backgrounds are in education, as are our futures. We are not business people “in education”, but rather educators “in business”. As such, Toronto Prep students are not seen simply as customers or numbers, but as individuals with unique needs and goals.

We take very seriously our mission to bring out the best in our students so that they can achieve what they set out for.

Campus/Facilities

Toronto Preparatory Academy Campus Information

Address 5460 Yonge Street, suite 301. Toronto, ON, Canada. M2N 6K7

Telephone (416) 913-8131 (Toll-free: 1-888-440-2552)

E-mail info@torontoprep.ca

Fax (416) 913-8132

Opened in 1998 (name and location change in 2013)

# of classrooms 6 (in the process of expanding to 8) Access to additional space available

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during peak seasons, as needed.

# of students per class Average 5-8. Maximum 12

Nationalities Diverse- no nationality exceeds 20% of the student body.

# of staff 10

Average student age

Currently our students are 16-18. From time to time we also get adult

students, aged 20 up.

Facilities

Free Wi-Fi, DVD and book library, kitchenette, snack bar, resource library,

free workshops and movie nights.

Languages spoken by English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Hindi,

staff Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Accommodations Homestay, dormitory, shared housing. Subject to availability.

Average commute from 20 minutes

accommodations

Toronto Preparatory Academy (Toronto Prep) is conveniently located in the

uptown area. A short walk from the subway, our school is minutes away

Description of from the North York Library, a variety of affordable cafes and restaurants as

well as Mel Lastman Square, famous for showcasing the diversity of Toronto

neighborhood

through annual festivals and performances.

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About Canada

The second largest country in the world, Canada boasts the longest coastline in the world and spans six time zones. The result of these geographic endowments is a diverse, naturally plentiful and visually beautiful environment in which to live and study.

With four distinct seasons, Canada offers an abundance of fun activities at any time of the year. From camping, swimming and sunbathing in the summer to skiing and ice skating in the winter months, there truly is

something for everyone.

Much of your ability to enjoy Canada is a result of its economic and social stability. Canada is a clean, safe country, and boasts a large number of reputable colleges and universities. If you choose to pursue further studies upon completion of you CLC courses, there will be no shortage of choices available to you.

Canadians are proud of their high standard of living. UNESCO has rated Canada the “best country in the world to live” 3 times. In short, Canada has a great deal to offer, whether one comes to study temporarily or to stay long-term.

Come find out for yourself!

About Toronto

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest in North America (after Mexico City, New York and L.A.). It is regarded as the nation’s financial and business capital, as well as Canada’s centre for culture and art.

The city boasts many great landmarks and attractions such as The CN Tower, the beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront, the Rogers Centre sports stadium, the renowned Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of

Ontario. However, in the end it is Toronto’s smaller, less-visited galleries, theatres and heritage sites that add greatly to our city’s unique multicultural atmosphere.

Throughout our fine city, you’ll find a vast assortment of interesting ethnic areas. For example, there is Greek town, Little Italy, Chinatown, Little India, Bloor-West Village and many more. The choice of restaurants is unlimited. What’s more, Toronto’s public transportation system is inexpensive and easy

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to navigate. Our subway, bus and streetcar systems are well integrated and make just about anywhere in the city simple to access.

Finding your way around the city is as easy and fun as learning English at CLC! So, after school, just hop on the transit and enjoy the Toronto experience.

Where to Find Toronto Prep

Toronto Prep is located on Yonge Street, just south of the Finch Subway Station.

To get to Toronto Prep from Finch Station, go up to

the ground level through “97 Yonge Southbound

Exit,” or enter the North American Center building,

then turn left to use the escalator going up.

Walk South along Yonge Street for about 3 minutes, Toronto Prep is located in a brown office building on the right side of the street.

Staff

Registrar

The Toronto Prep registrar will help you with all the general inquiries you may have. Whether it’s about school policies, questions about Toronto, or virtually anything else, please feel free to approach our Registrar at any time.

Principal

Our principal will help you with anything related to academics. If you have questions about the program, your teachers, your level, the material, your report card, or anything else, our professional and knowledgeable principal will assist you. Upon enrolment, the principal assesses your (or you child’s) transcript and English proficiency to determine which academic program will be best suited for the student’s needs.

Counselors Toronto Prep has a number of student counselors with whom you can talk, often in your own language. Our counselors can also help you if you have questions regarding your stay in Canada (banking, shopping, visa information, for example), your agency, your homestay, classmates, etc.

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Testimonials

“The teachers at Toronto Prep are very good and take their time to explain in details all the

topics we study until we all understand the subject. I am planning to go to a college next fall

and study in the area of health. After studying at Toronto Prep I will have the confidence to

proceed with my career. For me studying at Toronto Prep is a great opportunity to make a

progress in my career.

-Raul Mora, Colombia

“I’m so glad I’ve chosen this school! Every teacher and staff member is supportive and harmonious. They make me feel at home. I met people from different cultures and learnt a lot about the world just by being here. The best is that I got accepted to St. Lawrence College for a marketing program!”

- Nazym Guldari, Mongolia

“I had personable and helpful teachers, who made subjects such as Calculus and

Physics fun. I loved the one-on-one help that I got at Toronto Prep! I have recently

finished my courses and am applying for university.”

- Louis Mark, Canada

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Our Programs

1. ESL (credit / non-credit)

Upgrades reading and writing skills in the English language before starting a credit course.

2. University Preparation

Students wishing to enter university must have a High School Diploma or the equivalent of 30 credits (including 6 – 4U credits) to apply to university. Students will be exposed to the expectations of Canadian education with a great deal of emphasis on speaking, reading and writing (particularly essays) in English. This exposure should enable students to be successful in their post-secondary studies.

3. Virtual Courses

Students who live abroad and want the opportunity to graduate as an Ontario student now have the opportunity to take our courses online. Each course meets the requirements and counts towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

4. IELTS Preparation

Teaches students the skills that they need to achieve the highest score possible on the IELTS test which is often required for university or college entrance. Skills in reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary building are offered as well as extra practice tests to develop confidence and the skills for success.

Interview

What to bring? Letter of Acceptance from school

Visa (if you have one)

Photocopy of passport

Photocopy of medical insurance

What time? 9:00am (unless otherwise specified)

Where? School lobby

What to expect? Placement test - written test and an

interview after which student will be

placed in the appropriate level

School Orientation and Introduction

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Pathway Programs

Toronto Prep’s Pathway Program is designed for students who would like to attend Colleges in Canada. Toronto Prep has agreements with several Ontario colleges, allowing direct admission to students who have successfully completed our Pathway Program. Successful students will not be required to submit an English proficiency score (IELTS, TEOFL, etc.) to our partner colleges for admission.

Sample Timetable (Winter – Spring 2015)

Time

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

2pm-4:30pm HSB4U MCV4U SPH4U MCV4U SPH4U

Social Calculus and Physics Calculus and Physics

Science: Vectors Vectors

Challenge and

Change in

Society

4:30pm-7pm HSB4U

Social Science:

Challenge and

Change in

Society

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Student Services

Accommodations

Toronto Prep can arrange homestay or residence accommodations for all students.

Homestay

Stay with a carefully selected Toronto Prep homestay family to experience Canadian culture and improve your English while living with Canadians. Your Canadian homestay family would like to welcome you to their home. Exchange cultural ideas, talk about different experiences, and practice your English at home these are some of the advantages of doing homestay. You'll also join family activities - it's a great way to do what Canadians enjoy doing! Toronto Prep host families are carefully selected and are friendly, safe, and willing to help you with your goals in Canada.

You will have a private room in your home and three meals per day. Your host family will explain how to get around the city easily. The homestay counselor is here to talk to you about your time with your family and will always be available to discuss any questions that you might have. Families and students often become life-long friends. This homestay experience is perfect for anyone wanting to get a unique perspective of Canada. We will make sure that you have a great time in Canada!

Safe and convenient locations Extra opportunities to practice English All homes inspected by TPA staff Private rooms, 3 meals per day At TPA we manage our homestays internally, not through an agency. This allows us to select homestays best suited to students, and better understand and meet their needs.

Students at Toronto Prep are especially lucky in that our location allows for us to find homestays at a close distance to the school. Rather than having to travel great distances in each direction like students at many schools, we have some homestay options within a 5 minute walk from our school. While some are farther, we are able to provide students with a great variety of homes within very reasonable distances to Toronto Prep.

Dormitory/Private rooms

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Rooms in safe and clean college dormitories, as well as rooms in nearby houses can also be arranged by our staff upon request. These options include a private bedroom as well as access to a shared washroom and

kitchen. Space can be limited, however, so please book in advance.

All of our accommodations are located in appealing, safe neighbourhoods accessible to Toronto Prep within 30 minutes by foot or public transportation. ALL of our host families are inspected and continuously monitored, to ensure that they meet our rigorous standards for safety and cleanliness.

*Note: We provide students with information on accommodations in Canada, explaining potential cultural differences and what to expect (and not expect) from their host families. Please ensure that students have received and read this document.

Students should keep in mind that they are in a different country with unfamiliar customs, and to be kind to their host family. Some basic things to keep in mind include:

· Students are responsible for paying for any long distance calls that you make. They should purchase a long distance calling card if they plan on using the phone.

· No guests are allowed to stay overnight, unless the family gives authorisation first. Students must ask their host family if they desire to make such arrangements.

· Host families usually eat dinner at a specific time every day. They may expect students to join them, so if being home late or missing meals is anticipated, students should let them know in advance.

· Students must not pay directly to their homestays. Instead, TPA or their agency should receive the funds, and we will pay the host family.

· If students want to move from their homestay, they must give at least two (2) weeks written notice to TPA. The first four (4) weeks of homestay are non-refundable.

· Extra nights at the homestay are charged on a daily basis. Remember that the basic price includes 4 weeks (28 days) only.

· People in Canada don’t usually have housekeepers, but rather clean their homes themselves. Please remind students to respect this and do their best to clean up after themselves- they are sharing a house, and the hosts aren’t their servants!

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Accommodation fees

(All accommodations are subject to availability. All fees in this manual are in Canadian dollars)

Homestay fees

Homestay Placement Fee $180 (Non-refundable)

Homestay - 4 weeks $850

Homestay Weekly Rate $230

Extra Days $30/ day

1 week = 7 nights / 4 weeks = 28 nights

Dormitory fees

Residence Placement Fee $180 (Non-refundable)

Single Room – 4 weeks $600 per person

Extra days $25 per person per day

1 week = 7 nights / 4 weeks = 28 nights

Living Expenses

Again, proof of Health Insurance must be provided. Medical insurance can be purchased from TPA at the time of application. It will be in place once the student is off the plane. Health insurance through TPA is $2/day. Metro Transit Bus Pass. A local transportation bus/subway pass will cost CDN$126 per month. This pass will allow the student unlimited travel for the duration of the month. Passes are valid only from the first of the month to the last day. Toronto Prep can obtain these passes for CDN$113. However, there

is a limit of 20 per month, and fees must be received by the 15th of the preceding month, so please contact us as soon as possible if you would like to take advantage of this deal.

Restaurants are attractive and plentiful in Toronto. Prices vary depending on the type and quality of the restaurant. Average breakfast prices are CDN$5-7, lunch CDN$6-10 and dinner CDN$8-20. Activities are optional. Toronto Prep offers a variety of recreational activities from free walks and basketball games to 4-day trips to other cities. Students may select how many activities they wish to participate in and how much they wish to spend. Average entertainment expenses are CDN$25-CDN$100 per week for local things.

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Airport Transfer Service

Toronto Prep can arrange airport transfer service for our students. A driver will meet students at the airport and transfer them to their homestay or residence accommodation. We have worked with the same airport reception provider (HTP Tours) for years, and they are reliable, safe and helpful. Also operating a tour agency, they can offer many important tips and information on the way to the accommodations, and will show directions to the school and important landmarks.

Fees:

Airport Pick-Up Service $90

Airport Drop-Off Service $60

Airport Pick-up/Drop-Off Service $150

*** IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR AGENTS ***

Agents must make sure that students are fully aware of the airport transfer procedure and that they will contact the school immediately, either through you or directly to us, if there have been any changes or delays to their flight route. If the school is not informed of any changes or delays to the flight schedule, and is therefore unable to collect the student as arranged, the fee for the transfer will still be charged.

Students will be given the direct number to the transfer service provider, so they will be able to contact them directly. Students or agents will be required to send us an e-ticket detailing their flight information, so please be prepared to provide this information.

Medical Insurance and waiver

Proof of medical insurance is required to study at TPA. If students do not have medical insurance, TPA can arrange coverage for $2/day. Proof of medical insurance must be presented in order to study at TPA.

Students will receive the following statement in their handbook to which they will be required to agree:

I release and agree to indemnify TPA with regard to my financial obligations that I may personally

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incur or any damage or injury to the person or property of others that I may cause while participating in the program. I also understand that TPA is not responsible for any injury or loss suffered or caused by me while away from the school for any reason.

If I become ill, injured or incapacitated, TPA or the host family may take such actions as any of them considers necessary, including medical treatment for me and transporting me back to my country, at my own expense. I understand that my participation at TPA and in the accommodations may be terminated at the sole discretion of TPA without a refund of fees and that I may be sent home at my expense if I do not adhere to these rules, standards and instructions. I agree that Canadian law shall apply to this agreement and I agree to submit to the jurisdiction of Canadian law.

Registration Procedure

1. Complete the application form (found at www.TorontoPrep.ca) or the registration form at the end of the brochure

2. Send payment to Toronto Preparatory Academy

3. Toronto Preparatory Academy will send you a letter of acceptance (if applicable)

4. Apply for a Canadian Visitor’s Visa and Student Authorization (if you are studying for more than 3 months)

The Price List

Offline Courses:

Full year (2 semesters): 8 credits - $14,500.

Online Courses:

International Students: One full credit – $750.

Ontario Residents: One full credit – $450.

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Application Dates

If students need a study permit to enter Canada, they must apply at least 6-12 WEEKS before their course start date because the application process takes time. If students do not need a study permit to enter Canada (for example if they can enter as a visitor), they must apply for their courses at least ONE WEEK (if not requesting homestay) or TWO WEEKS (if requesting homestay) before their course start date. Please note, however, that the earlier homestays are requested, the more options will be available.

Children coming to Canada to study require a custodianship form until they are of legal age of the province of destination (Under 18 years of age in Ontario). This does not apply if they are in Canada with parents or guardians.

Public Holidays 2015

January 1- New Year’s Day July 1 - Canada Day December 21 - January 1 Winter Break

February 16 - Family Day August 3 - Civic Holiday (December 25 - Christmas Day , December 26 – Boxing Day

April 3 - Good Friday September 7 - Labour Day January 1- New Year’s Day)

May 18 - Victoria Day October 12 – Thanksgiving

Payment Instructions Agents and students can pay for the courses, accommodation and airport transfer by any of the following methods:

Wire transfer: Payment may be made in Canadian dollars in the form of International Bank Draft, World Money Order payable to:

Toronto Preparatory Academy

TD Canada Trust. 23532 Woodbine Avenue, Keswick, Ontario. L4P 0E2. TRANSIT# 2240 INSTITUTION # 004 ACCOUNT # 2240-5005967 SWIFT # TDOMCATTTOR

*Please ensure the STUDENT’S name is shown clearly on the bank transfer, and that Canadian Language Centre is named as the beneficiary

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*Please email or fax a copy of the bank transaction to info@torontoprep.ca

Cheque:

This must be in Canadian Dollars and made payable to ‘Toronto Preparatory Academy.

Credit Card

TPA staff will send applicants the registration form and a Credit Card Authorization Form for agents and/or students to fill out. Students can pay the remainder by their credit cards on their arrival. We accept VISA, Master Card, and American Express.

Mail International Money Order in US$ or CDN$ to:

Toronto Preparatory Academy

5460 Yonge Street, Suite 301, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. M2N 6K7

CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION FORM

I, ________________________________________________ authorize the use of my credit card for

charges incurred at Toronto Preparatory Academy

LEASE PRINT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION

_______________________________________________________________________

Name of Card Holder

_______________________________________________________________________

Billing Address State/Province Zip or Postal Code

_______________________________________________________________________

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Credit Card Number Expiration Date

Security Code: ___________ Today’s Date: _________________________________

Email: _________________________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________________________

*Note: (We have credit card authorization forms as individual files with TPA letterhead- please request some if desired)

School Policies

Refund Policy

1. Please note that the administration fees including (but not limited to) registration fee, homestay placement fee and discounts provided will be deducted from ALL cancellations and/or refunds.

2. Cancellations prior to start date must be received in writing SIX weeks prior to the program

start date in order to be considered for a refund on programs paid. An additional 20% fee may be deducted from the eligible amount.

3. Refunds after start date: no refunds available after program start date.

4. Accommodations require a minimum of SIX weeks cancellation notice to be considered for

a refund

5. In order to issue a Letter of Acceptance, Toronto Preparatory Academy requires a minimum payment of one semester (7, 250.000 CDN). Cancellations due to a visa denial must include a copy of the office denial letter.

Toronto Prep Homestay Fee Refund Policy

1. The Homestay Placement Fee is non-refundable under all circumstances.

2. All Homestay fees are refunded if a Student Permit is denied and the student provides

TPA with written notification as outlined in the TPA Refund Policy.

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3. If a student withdraws from Homestay, in writing, 30 days prior to the Homestay

commencement date all Homestay Fees will be refunded, with the exception of the

Placement Fee). 4. If a student withdraws from Homestay, in writing, before, but less than 30 days prior to

the commencement of Homestay, all Homestay Fees will be refunded except fees for the

first 2weeks of Homestay. 5. There will be a $25 Homestay Transfer Fee for any change of homestay, unless

otherwise approved by the TPA Director responsible for Homestay. 6. If a student requests to transfer to a different homestay family, the Homestay Transfer Fee

will be charged and fees for the next 4 weeks contract period may be charge unless

otherwise approved by the TPA Director responsible for Homestay. 7. A student will be dismissed from homestay if he or she has violated Canadian law and/or TPA

Homestay Regulations.

Student Policy

Examinations and Assignments

It is expected that TPA students complete all tests, assessments and assignments as instructed by their teachers. Students who fail to submit their

assignments on time/do not complete their examination will be called in to a meeting with the teacher and principal to further determine the necessary course of action.

Attendance

Consistent attendance is crucial in determining whether the student successfully completes the

course. If the student attendance is low, the school will hold a meeting with a student and contact his/her parents or guardians.

Attitude

Students are expected to behave in a respectful manner towards their peers and teachers. If an incident occurs where a student behaves in an impolite matter, the principal should be informed and further action taken depending on the seriousness of the issue. Should a

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student have an issue with one of the peers or staff members, he/she is encouraged to discuss this matter in private with the principal.

Lateness Policy (Be On Time All the Time) Students may enter the class up to ten minutes late. After that, they must wait until the coffee break or lunchtime to enter class. If students have an emergency situation before class starts, they can phone Reception, which will then make arrangements for them to enter class late.

English Only Policy

TPA strongly believes in creating the best possible environment for our students to learn English. TPA recognizes performance and encourages that every student must have the right to an environment that is supportive.

Excused and Approved Absences There are times when students are legitimately absent from school due to a number for possible reasons. Students are reminded that it is their primary responsibility to obtain make-up work from their teachers promptly so that grade assessment will not suffer. * Please note: for all absences, students must call the school in advance to inform his or her teacher/s which classes they will miss.

Vacation Policy

Students are allowed a (maximum two-week) vacation once during their studies.

Students must inform Reception of their holiday plans at least one week before departure.

If students fail to inform reception of their plans, they are considered absent.

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