Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB)

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board (HPEDSB) is a public school board located in southeastern Ontario, Canada. Headquartered in Belleville, the school board serves students across Hastings County, Prince Edward County and surrounding communities. According to the school board’s published information, HPEDSB operates approximately 39 in-person schools and serves approximately 15,000 students, supported by around 1,800 teaching and support staff.
The school board is committed to providing inclusive and supportive learning environments that encourage academic achievement, personal development and community engagement.
Its International Student Program (ISP) has welcomed students from around the world for more than 25 years. The program combines academic learning with opportunities to experience Canadian culture through school activities, community participation and homestay living.
2. Location and Community
Belleville, Ontario
Belleville is located in southeastern Ontario along the Bay of Quinte. Compared with major metropolitan centres, Belleville offers a smaller-city environment with residential neighbourhoods, parks, recreational facilities and community amenities. International students can experience Canadian community life while attending local public schools.
Belleville is connected by road to other Ontario cities, including Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston.
3. Why Choose HPEDSB?
Ontario Public Education
HPEDSB schools follow the Ontario curriculum and provide academic programs in English, mathematics, science, social sciences, physical education and other subjects. Eligible secondary school students may work toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
International Student Support
HPEDSB operates a dedicated International Student Program. Program staff provide guidance to help students adjust to academic expectations and everyday life in Canada. The international student program coordinator regularly visits students at their schools. Teachers and guidance counsellors also support students with course selection, academic planning and personal adjustment.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Selected secondary schools offer English as a Second Language courses for eligible students. ESL instruction helps students develop their English communication and academic language skills.Availability and placement depend on the individual school and the student’s assessed needs.

Diverse Academic Programs Depending on the school, students may have access to specialized programs such as:
* Advanced Placement (AP)
* International Baccalaureate (IB)
* French Immersion
* Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
* Cooperative Education
* Arts, Music, Business and Technology
Program availability varies by school. School Board-Managed Homestay Program. A distinctive feature of HPEDSB is its internally managed homestay program. The International Student Program team reviews host family applications, interviews prospective hosts and visits homes before accepting families into the program. The team also considers students’ personalities and lifestyles when matching them with host families. Homestay arrangements generally include:
* A private bedroom with essential furniture
* Daily meals
* A welcoming family environment
* Opportunities to practise English
* Exposure to Canadian family and community life
* Ongoing support from the international student team
Extracurricular Activities
International students may participate in school sports, clubs, arts and other activities, subject to school policies. The International Student Program also organizes cultural activities and excursions, which may include visits to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Niagara Falls. Specific activities and additional costs vary.
4. Secondary Schools Hosting International Students
Bayside Secondary School
Bayside Secondary School offers Ontario secondary school courses and opportunities for students to participate in academic and extracurricular activities.
Centennial Secondary School
Centennial Secondary School provides a range of secondary school courses and learning opportunities designed to support students’ academic development.
Eastside Secondary School
Eastside Secondary School offers Ontario curriculum courses and opportunities for student participation in school life.
Prince Edward Collegiate Institute
Prince Edward Collegiate Institute is located in Prince Edward County and offers secondary education within the HPEDSB system.
Note: These four schools are listed by HPEDSB as international student program schools. Actual intake availability, ESL offerings and placement options may change from year to year.

Ontario Secondary School Curriculum
Students may study subjects such as:
* English
* Mathematics
* Science
* Canadian History and Geography
* Social Sciences
* Health and Physical Education
* Business
* Arts and Music
* Technology
Course offerings depend on the school and grade level.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Eligible students may earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma by meeting the applicable provincial graduation requirements.
These requirements include prescribed credits, literacy requirements, community involvement and other conditions applicable to the student’s cohort.
International students transferring from another education system may have their previous academic records reviewed for possible credit recognition.
Graduation eligibility is determined by the school in accordance with Ontario requirements.

According to HPEDSB’s published admission process, applicants are generally required to provide:
1. A valid passport.
2. Academic records from the previous two years.
3. Immunization records.
4. A list of medications to be brought to Canada.
5. A teacher’s recommendation letter.
6. Photographs showing family life, hobbies and personal interests.
7. Any additional documents requested by the school board.
Applications must be submitted through the designated online application system.