Our Programs
International Students
A Grade 1 to 3 IB Primary Years Programme experience in Thornhill, Ontario, fully integrated with local students and supported every step of the way.
Overview
A Canadian elementary education, welcoming students from around the world.
Inventive Minds Academy welcomes international families to our Grade 1 to 3 program, fully aligned with the IB Primary Years Programme. As an Ontario private school, we operate independently with our own admissions policies and program model, while meeting all of Ontario's private school operating requirements.
International students are fully integrated into our regular homeroom classes alongside local students, learning through the same inquiry-based units of study that guide our entire elementary curriculum. We offer both full-year academic enrollment and short-term Canadian school-experience stays, depending on what best suits your family.
We understand that enrolling a child in school abroad involves more than admissions. It involves study permits, custodianship, housing, and ongoing communication between parents, the school, and everyone supporting your child's experience in Canada. Our team is here to guide your family through every step of that process.
What Our Program Covers
- Full integration into regular Grade 1 to 3 homeroom classes alongside local students.
- The IB Primary Years Programme curriculum, taught through inquiry-based units of study.
- English language development support for students who need it.
- Small class sizes allowing individualized attention for every student.
- Guidance on the school acceptance letter required for a study permit application.
- Orientation support to help new international students and families settle in.
- Ongoing communication between parents, the school, and the student's custodian in Canada.
- Full-year academic enrollment or short-term, multi-week Canadian school-experience stays.
Planning Your Family's Move
What international families need to know.
Study Permits
- Minor students studying in Canada for six months or more typically require a study permit.
- A letter of acceptance from Inventive Minds Academy is generally required for the application.
- Study permits for primary school students are usually issued for one year and can be renewed.
- We recommend consulting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or a licensed immigration professional for guidance specific to your family.
Custodianship
- Children under 17 must come to Canada with a parent or legal guardian, or have a custodian in Canada.
- A custodian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 19 years old, who supports the child during their studies.
- Custodianship declarations typically require notarized signatures from both the custodian and the parents or legal guardians abroad.
- Our admissions team can provide guidance as your family arranges custodianship documentation.
Housing and Accommodation
- Families are responsible for arranging safe and appropriate housing for their child during their studies.
- This may include homestay arrangements, accommodation with a custodian, or other suitable living arrangements.
- Our team is available to discuss accommodation considerations as part of your family's planning process.
Medical Insurance
- International students should arrange appropriate medical insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Canada.
- Families are encouraged to confirm insurance details well in advance of arrival.
Why Families Choose Us
What sets our International Students program apart.
Getting Started
How the Enrollment Process Works
Initial Inquiry
Contact our admissions team to discuss your family's goals, whether a full academic year or a shorter Canadian school-experience stay, and confirm program availability.
Application and Documentation
Submit the required application documents. Our team will guide you through what is needed and answer any questions about the process.
Interview and Offer of Place
Following a brief interview to understand your child's academic background and needs, eligible students receive an offer of placement at Inventive Minds Academy.
Acceptance Letter and Study Permit
Upon confirmation, we provide the official acceptance letter your family may need for a study permit application. We recommend consulting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or a licensed immigration professional regarding the application itself, as we do not issue visas or guarantee study permit approval.
Custodianship and Housing Arrangements
Minor children under 17 require either a parent or legal guardian in Canada, or a custodian who is at least 19 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. We can provide guidance on custodianship declarations, housing, and accommodation as your family finalizes travel plans.
Orientation and First Day
Newly arrived students receive an orientation to help them settle into their classroom, meet their teachers, and feel confident and supported from their very first day.
Let's find the right path forward — together.
- Book a free, no-obligation tour with our admission team.
- Located in Thornhill, we welcome families from across the Greater Toronto Area.