WELCOME TO GREATER ESSEX!
The Greater Essex County District School Board invites students from around the world to experience life and learning in vibrant Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Our schools reflect the consistent success of Ontario public education in global rankings. Our International Students enjoy a tremendous opportunity to enhance their language skills and explore Canada's culture in a welcoming and diverse community. Students engage in collaborative, inquiry-based learning in the classroom and participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities and community service opportunities.
International Students are warmly welcomed at 13 secondary schools and 55 elementary schools. Our wide range of academic programming offers opportunities for all students including English as a Second Language, technical courses, Advanced Placement courses, the IB Diploma Programme and Primary Years Programme, a dedicated Centre for Creative Arts and more.
Windsor is a medium-sized Canadian city with all the amenities of a large urban centre. The region of Essex County includes numerous large suburban neighbourhoods, thriving small towns and rural areas that cover an area of 145 square kilometres. At the heart of the Great Lakes region, Windsor is surrounded by fresh water on three sides providing many opportunities for recreation. Waterfront parks, manicured gardens, playgrounds, green spaces, walking and biking trails are woven throughout the area.
Windsor-Essex is a beautiful, diverse and friendly region with a long history of welcoming newcomers from around the world to our classrooms. We look forward to welcoming your students to Windsor-Essex!
AGENT AND FAMILY MANUAL
The GECDSB provides this 
Agent and Family Manual 2021-22.pdf to international education agencies and parents to acquaint you with our school district and outline the GECDSB's processes, expectations and requirements of the International Students Program.
Please review this document fully and become familiar with it before application, and continue to refer to it throughout the application and enrollment process. It is crucial that applicants understand our program and its requirements and expectations.
Please refer to the web links provided throughout this document. They contain valuable supplemental information that will enrich your understanding of our international education program. All forms referenced can be found at the end of this document.
The GECDSB encourages regular communication from agents and parents with the GECDSB International Students Program staff and MLI Homestay staff. We are all here to answer all your questions about international education at the GECDSB. Please reach out to our staff at any step along the process.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS PROTOCOL
Prior to arrival, International Students, parents and agents MUST read the GECDSB's protocol for pre-departure, travel and arrival in Canada and complete all required forms and attestations. This protocol outlines the many new requirements for international students arriving in Canada. Please check back often as government requirements are subject to change and new requirements come into effect.
Given the Government of Canada's mandatory requirement for all travelers to Canada to quarantine for 14 days and the critical need to keep students, staff and local communities safe, the GECDSB has entrusted our official homestay partner MLI Homestay to provide a quarantine service and orientation program for International Students. This is a fantastic opportunity for incoming students to quarantine in a safe, secure, supervised environment while preparing for their studies in Canada.
Please contact Michelle Marcuz, International Students Program Lead, if you have any questions.
+1 519-255-3200 x10371
