On this page we cover boarding schools that offer the IB program. For a complete guide to boarding, including information about admissions, please see our introductory guide.
"Confident Learners. Inspiring Leaders. Creating a thriving world.
—From the school
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"Located in the heart of Toronto, UCC provides transformational learning experiences in a supportive, caring environment. Our highly sought-after graduates are awarded International Baccalaureate and OSSD diplomas.
—From the school
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"Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only leading International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls in JK-Grade 12, developing the leaders of tomorrow through the nurturing of curiosity and critical thinking at every age.
—From the school
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"SJK offers an enriched environment of exploration and experiential learning. Through its IB curriculum, SJK provides exciting experiences and guides students to discover their talents and passions. Go beyond at SJK.
—From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "GNS is an independent JK-12 International Baccalaureate boarding and day school in Victoria, BC, that empowers and supports each of our students to do their best through truth and courage in learning and in life." —From the school
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Winnipeg, Manitoba Langside St./Westminster Ave. "Parents trust us to personalize the educational experience of each girl, to care for each girl, to challenge her to grow, to build a supportive community around her, and, most importantly, to prepare her for the future." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "Brookes Westshore is an IB World School on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC, offering grades 4 to 12 in both day and boarding programmes (from grade 8 for boarding). We have an average class size of 15 students." —From the school
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North Vancouver, British Columbia Harbourside Drive/ "Bodwell High School emphasizes a well-rounded education with strong student support. The school's motto, "Strength in Diversity," pays homage to the 40+ countries students come from. Bodwell offers AP and IB courses." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario "Markham, Ontario; IB School; OSSD; OSSD online credit course; NOIC ACADEMY’s annual university enrolment rate is 100% and more than 85% of graduates are admitted by University of Toronto." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Mariposa Avenue/Springfield "This traditional private school in Ottawa, Ontario offers Grades 4 to 12 with 100 boarding and 600 day school students. Tuition is from $33,720 to $76,830." —From the school
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Summerland, British Columbia "Looking for an education that's out of the ordinary? Unisus School is a Pre - K to Grade 12 day and boarding school in Canada's Okanagan, offering the International Baccalaureate program + the B.C. Diploma (Dogwood)." —From the school
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Windsor, Nova Scotia College Rd/King St "Benefitting from its safe and beautiful Nova Scotia location, King's-Edgehill facilitates the opportunity for every student to Be More – in the classroom, on the sports fields, on stage, in the community and beyond." —From the school
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London, Ontario Richmond Street/King Street "A Canadian Private Secondary Boarding school, located in the heart of London, Ontario. LIA is authorized to grant the Ontario Secondary School and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme." —From the school
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Sherbrooke, Quebec "Bishop's College School is an English boarding and day school for students in grades 7 through 12. Small in size and culturally diverse, BCS is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme and Canadian curricula." —From the school
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St. Catharines, Ontario Ridley Road/Henrietta Street "Ridley College is an acclaimed co-educational IB boarding and day school that prepares meaningful and flourishing lives by teaching the habits of mind, body and spirit, and the values needed to lead in a global society." —From the school
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Rome, Italy Ponte Sublicio/Lungotevere Aventino "An IB World School located in the heart of Rome. A connected community driven by our 5 core values of Scholarship, Integrity, Creativity, Independence, and Care; culturally inspiring students since 1964." —From the school
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Rothesay, New Brunswick Rothesay Rd/College Hill Rd "Our unique, daily Advisor Program ensures every student is surrounded by a strong network of highly qualified, dedicated faculty and staff whose mission is to provide academic, emotional, and social guidance and support." —From the school
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Regina, Saskatchewan "Luther College prepares students to be compassionate, creative, and critical thinkers who go on to create a more grace-filled, just, and joyful world. Luther College is the only IB World School in southern Saskatchewan." —From the school
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Our boarding school guide has advice specific to finding boarding schools in Canada. For insights that are more general (on how to evaluate school options) we recommend you review our hub on choosing a school. You can also read our guides to questions to ask private schools and questions students get asked at school interviews.
Private school expos are ideal launching pads for your school-finding journey. All expos are held in the fall at a number of centres across Canada. There are three expos hosted in Ontario, one in Toronto, one in Halton-Peel, and one in Ottawa. Expos are also held each fall in Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. All are opportunities to speak with administrators from leading boarding schools within the regions in which the expos are held.
Word-of-mouth is another powerful tool in your school-finding arsenal. The Our Kids private school discussion forum allows you to discuss your options and debate topics around gifted education. You can use our community of parents, educational experts, alumni, and schools to help answer your questions and stimulate your thinking.
Attending open houses is obviously a great way to learn more about a school and get a feel for the environment. For some advice on open house visits, go here. For questions to ask that are specific to boarding programs, refer to our main boarding school hub.
| School name | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
Glenlyon Norfolk School | May 15, 2024 9:00 am | Glenlyon Norfolk School 1701 Beach Drive Victoria BC V8R 6H9 |
Glenlyon Norfolk School | May 15, 2024 6:00 pm |
Broadly speaking, the cost of boarding reflects the cost private school tuition in general, though with premiums added to cover housing and meals.
Many schools offer financial aid, including scholarships and bursaries. Financial aid is needs-based, and financial aid programs are created as a means of broadening the student base and attracting students, independent of means, who will contribute most to the culture of the school. Generally speaking, the larger and more expensive schools provide the most aid.
You can read more about financial aid and scholarships in our dedicated guide.
Below you'll find the range of costs at IB boarding schools:
| Tuition (boarding school) | Students receiving financial aid | Grade eligibility for financial aid | Avg. aid package size (annual) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Margaret's School | $54,000 to $69,100 | |||
Upper Canada College | $66,620 to $71,875 | 18% | 5 - 12 | $15,000 |
Branksome Hall | 5% | 7 - 12 | ||
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | $75,840 | 8% | JK - 12 | $8,000 |
Glenlyon Norfolk School | $57,260 to $73,145 | 15% | SK - 12 | $2,000 |
Balmoral Hall School | $38,625 to $49,440 | 15% | SK - 12 | $8,333 |
Brookes Westshore | $47,000 to $62,000 | 10% | 7 - 12 | $5,000 |
Ashbury College | 10% | 7 - 12 | $15,000 | |
Unisus School | $49,980 to $59,480 | 30% | 1 - 11 | $3,000 |
King's-Edgehill School | $58,800 | 33% | 6 - 12 | $15,000 |
Bishop's College School | $63,750 to $75,710 | 40% | 7 - 12 | $23,800 |
Ridley College | $74,745 to $82,975 | 21% | 5 - 12 | $15,892 |
St. Stephen's School, Rome | 13% | 9 - 12 | $9,996 | |
Rothesay Netherwood School | $44,000 to $70,830 | 28% | 6 - 12 | $15,500 |
Luther College High School | $32,030 to $42,910 | 10% | 9 - 12 | $2,500 |
| Founding date | Endowment | Admissions rate | Enrollment | Enrollment per grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Margaret's School | 1908 | 85% | 285 | 20 | |
Upper Canada College | 1829 | $1,300,000 | 1220 | 87 | |
Branksome Hall | 1903 | 30% | 900 | 60 | |
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | 1972 | 520 | 37 | ||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | 1913 | $1,000,000 | 72% | 854 | 57 |
Balmoral Hall School | 1901 | $3,750,000 | 550 | 37 | |
Brookes Westshore | 2009 | 95% | 251 | 28 | |
Bodwell High School | 1991 | $0 | 60% | 560 | 112 |
NOIC Academy | 2004 | 90% | 289 | 72 | |
Ashbury College | 1891 | 70% | 730 | 81 | |
Unisus School | 2018 | 70% | 130 | 9 | |
King's-Edgehill School | 1788 | 80% | 380 | 54 | |
London International Academy | 2002 | 90% | 345 | 86 | |
Bishop's College School | 1836 | $25,000 | 270 | ||
Ridley College | 1889 | 61% | 797 | 57 | |
St. Stephen's School, Rome | 1964 | $9,036,180 | 50% | 308 | 77 |
Rothesay Netherwood School | 1877 | $9,000,000 | 85% | 310 | 44 |
Luther College High School | 1913 | 90% | 410 | 103 |
Primary curriculum | Secondary curriculum | Curriculum pace | Academic culture | Average class size | Language immersion | Special needs support | Tech integration |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Margaret's School | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 15 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Upper Canada College | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 20 to 25 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Branksome Hall | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 22 | No support | Heavy integration | |
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 20 | No support | Medium integration | |
Glenlyon Norfolk School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 16 to 18 | No support | Medium integration | |
Balmoral Hall School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Supportive | 10 to 20 | Resource Assistance | Heavy integration | |
Brookes Westshore | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 12 to 18 | Full-time Dedicated Class | Light integration | |
Bodwell High School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 18 to 24 | No support | Medium integration | |
NOIC Academy | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 6 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | |
Ashbury College | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 17 | No support | Medium integration | |
Unisus School | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Student-paced | Supportive | No support | Heavy integration | ||
King's-Edgehill School | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 15 to 17 | No support | Medium integration | |
London International Academy | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 5 to 15 | No support | Medium integration | |
Bishop's College School | Traditional | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 12 to 15 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Ridley College | Progressive | International Baccalaureate | Accelerated | Rigorous | 17 to 18 | No support | Heavy integration | |
St. Stephen's School, Rome | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 10 to 15 | Indirect Support | Medium integration | |
Rothesay Netherwood School | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Supportive | 14 to 16 | No support | Heavy integration | |
Luther College High School | Liberal Arts | International Baccalaureate | Standard-enriched | Rigorous | 23 | No support | Light integration |
Legend:
St. Margaret's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Upper Canada College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Branksome Hall | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balmoral Hall School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brookes Westshore | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bodwell High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
NOIC Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashbury College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unisus School | ||||||||||||||||||||
King's-Edgehill School | ||||||||||||||||||||
London International Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop's College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ridley College | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Stephen's School, Rome | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rothesay Netherwood School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Luther College High School |
| Admission deadline | SSAT required | Interview required | Acceptance rate | Next open house | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Margaret's School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | Preschool - 12 | 85% | ||
Upper Canada College | Day: Dec 1, 2021 Boarding: rolling | SK - 11 | |||
Branksome Hall | Day: Dec 1, 2023 Boarding: rolling | 9 - 11 | JK - 12 | 30% | |
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | JK - 12 | |||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling Homestay: rolling | Preschool - 12 | 72% | May 15, 2024 | |
Balmoral Hall School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | ||||
Brookes Westshore | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | 4 - 12 | 95% | ||
Bodwell High School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling Homestay: rolling | 8 - 12 | 60% | ||
NOIC Academy | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | 90% | |||
Ashbury College | Day: Dec 1, 2023 Boarding: rolling | 4 - 12 | 70% | ||
Unisus School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | Preschool - 11 | 70% | ||
King's-Edgehill School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | 6 - 12 | 80% | ||
London International Academy | Boarding: rolling | 9 - 12 | 90% | ||
Bishop's College School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | 7 - 12 | |||
Ridley College | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | JK - 12 | 61% | ||
St. Stephen's School, Rome | Day: Jan 27, 2024 Boarding: rolling | 9 - 12 | 50% | ||
Rothesay Netherwood School | Day: rolling Boarding: rolling | 6 - 12 | 85% | ||
Luther College High School | Day: Mar 1, 2021 Boarding: Mar 1, 2021 | 90% |
Nursery/Toddler | Preschool | JK | SK | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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St. Margaret's School | |||||||||||||||||
Upper Canada College | |||||||||||||||||
Branksome Hall | 100% | ||||||||||||||||
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | |||||||||||||||||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | 72% | 72% | 72% | 72% | 72% | 80% | 72% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 72% | 72% | 72% | 90% | |||
Brookes Westshore | |||||||||||||||||
Bodwell High School | |||||||||||||||||
Ashbury College | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | ||||||||
Unisus School | 90% | 95% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 70% | 70% | 60% | 25% | ||||
King's-Edgehill School | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | ||||||||||
London International Academy | |||||||||||||||||
Bishop's College School | |||||||||||||||||
Ridley College | |||||||||||||||||
St. Stephen's School, Rome | |||||||||||||||||
Rothesay Netherwood School | 85% | 85% | 85% | 75% | 70% | 70% | 70% | ||||||||||
Luther College High School | 95% | 95% | 95% | 95% |
Nursery/Toddler | Preschool | JK | SK | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Margaret's School | |||||||||||||||||
Upper Canada College | |||||||||||||||||
Branksome Hall | |||||||||||||||||
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | |||||||||||||||||
Brookes Westshore | |||||||||||||||||
Bodwell High School | |||||||||||||||||
NOIC Academy | |||||||||||||||||
Ashbury College | 70% | 70% | 70% | 70% | |||||||||||||
Unisus School | 80% | 70% | 70% | 60% | 25% | ||||||||||||
King's-Edgehill School | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | ||||||||||
London International Academy | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% | |||||||||||||
Bishop's College School | |||||||||||||||||
Ridley College | |||||||||||||||||
St. Stephen's School, Rome | |||||||||||||||||
Rothesay Netherwood School | 90% | 90% | 90% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | ||||||||||
Luther College High School | 90% | 90% | 90% | 90% |
| Math | Science | Literature | Humanities Social Sciences | Foreign Languages | Fine Arts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Margaret's School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Creative |
Upper Canada College | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Branksome Hall | Traditional Math | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Communicative | Equal Balance | |
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Communicative | Equal Balance |
Glenlyon Norfolk School | Equal Balance | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Communicative | Equal Balance |
Balmoral Hall School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | ||||
Brookes Westshore | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Communicative | Equal Balance |
Bodwell High School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
NOIC Academy | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Creative |
Ashbury College | Traditional Math | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Unisus School | Equal Balance | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Creative |
King's-Edgehill School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
London International Academy | Discovery Math | Equal Balance | Traditional | Equal Balance | Communicative | Equal Balance |
Bishop's College School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Ridley College | Equal Balance | Inquiry | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
St. Stephen's School, Rome | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Rothesay Netherwood School | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Creative |
Luther College High School | Traditional Math | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance | Equal Balance |
Student council | School newspaper | Yearbook | Radio club | Photograph club | Art club |
Choir | Band | Dance club | Yoga club | Drama club | Debate club |
Chess club | Math club | Science club | Robotics club | Computer club | Environmental club | Outdoor club | Community service |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Margaret's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Upper Canada College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Branksome Hall | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balmoral Hall School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brookes Westshore | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bodwell High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
NOIC Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashbury College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unisus School | ||||||||||||||||||||
King's-Edgehill School | ||||||||||||||||||||
London International Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop's College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ridley College | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Stephen's School, Rome | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rothesay Netherwood School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Luther College High School |
Badminton | Baseball | Basketball | Cricket | Equestrian | Football | Golf | Gymnastics | Ice Hockey | Lacrosse | Rowing | Rugby | Soccer | Softball | Squash | Swimming | Tennis | Track and Field | Volleyball | Wrestling |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
St. Margaret's School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Upper Canada College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Branksome Hall | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. John's-Kilmarnock School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Glenlyon Norfolk School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balmoral Hall School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Brookes Westshore | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bodwell High School | ||||||||||||||||||||
NOIC Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ashbury College | ||||||||||||||||||||
Unisus School | ||||||||||||||||||||
King's-Edgehill School | ||||||||||||||||||||
London International Academy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Bishop's College School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ridley College | ||||||||||||||||||||
St. Stephen's School, Rome | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rothesay Netherwood School | ||||||||||||||||||||
Luther College High School |
Sending your child to a boarding school will offer the academic environment that he or she will need in the International Baccalaureate program. With minimal distraction, students have the opportunity to focus on their studies.
The International Baccalaurete Diploma Programme is one of the most popular university entrance programs recognized throughout the world. Of schools offering the program about half are publicly funded and half are private.
If you have a child enrolled in an International Baccalaureate program in Canada, some courses are recognized as equivalent to university courses. Universities in Canada and the US may award first year credit for courses in the program.
The IB program curriculum consists of study in six subject areas, an essay of up to 4,000 words and at least 50 hours in each area of Creative, Action and Service requirements. Theory of Knowledge is one other important component of the IB curriculum.
Boarding schools may offer International Baccalaureate diplomas or specific programs including the middle years or primary years programs. Consult with each school to learn what depth of programs they offer concerning IB.
The International Baccalaureate is a two-year advanced secondary school curriculum that was founded in 1968 and is now taught in schools in more than 140 countries, including many alternative institutions in Canada.
The IB curriculum was created for students aged 16 to 19. It is intended to provide a well-rounded, high quality, advanced course of study that delivers the basics of high school education while challenging students to apply their knowledge and skills through collaboration, discussion, and communication.
In order to earn an IB diploma students complete a course of study in six core subject areas (language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts) an essay of up to 4000 words, and sit standard, externally assessed exams. In addition to course work, students are also required to complete two formal projects and a minimum of 50 hours of community service.
