School Division Profile
(March 2007):
Portage la School Division has one secondary school, Portage
Collegiate Institute (PCI). PCI offers a
variety of options ranging from an academic program to practical skills courses for
business and technology.
The academic program addresses a full range of arts and sciences classes taught on both
semester and non-semester systems. Students successfully completing the program are
awarded a Manitoba high school. The program is designed to prepare students for studies at
post secondary level.
Business education, marketing, cosmetology, computer technology, construction,
electronics and agriculture management are all practical skills options available to
students of Portage la Prairie School Division.
Portage la Prairie School Division expects international students to have a basic
working knowledge of the English language.
Enriched programs are offered to students who excel in one or more subject areas.
Students can take advanced placement courses that earn them credit for first year courses
at universities and colleges across Canada.
Portage la Prairie is a small city of 13, 000 people. It is centrally located
in Canada on the vast plains of southern Manitoba. International students can
enjoy a quiet rural lifestyle in a city that is both safe and friendly. Portage
la Prairie is known as the strawberry capital of Canada.
The city of Winnipeg is located just 84 kilometers away from Portage la Prairie.
Students can take advantage of the short trip to the city by enjoying the professional
football team’s games as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities.
Winnipeg is renowned for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and an active arts community.
Quick Facts
Location: Portage la Prairie, Manitoba Canada
City Population: 13,000
Climate Range: -30° to 30°C
School Sizes: 400 - 600
# of International Student in Program: 20
% of International Students in School/District: 2%
Student Age: 16 - 20 years
Countries of Origin:
International students attending the Portage la Prairie School
Division come mainly from Mexico and Hong Kong.
Portage la Prairie School Division encourages students from all parts of the world to
apply.
Contact Information
Portage la Prairie School Division
535 - 3rd St. N.W.
Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 2C4 Canada
Phone: 1-204-857-8756
Fax: 1-204-239-5998
Email: jsmith@plpsd.mb.ca
Website: http://www.plpsd.mb.ca
Highlights
Opportunities to student in a small, friendly, prairie city
Offers a wide selection of options ranging from a traditional academic program to
practical skills courses such as cosmetology, power mechanics and construction
Program Options
Manitoba High School Graduation Diploma
Practical Skills Programs
Distance Education Program
Advanced Placement Program
French Immersion Program
ESL Program
Program Facts
Diploma : Manitoba High School
Program Levels: Grades 9 - 12
Private vs Public: public
Calendar Year: September-June
Year Program Founded: 1894
Hours of Instruction/Wk: 27.5
College/University Admission Link
Students who graduate from the Portage la Prairie School Division are qualified to
apply to most universities in the world.
Refund Policy
The application fee is nonrefundable. Students who withdraw before the beginning of the
school year receive a full refund.
Student Profile
Student Ages : 16 - 20
Class Sizes: 24 (average)
School Sizes: 400 - 600
Student/Teacher Ratio: 15.5 : 1
Curriculum Overview
Portage la Prairie School Division has one
secondary school, Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI). PCI offers students a variety of options ranging from an academic program
to practical skills courses for business and technology.
The academic program addresses a full range of arts and sciences taught on a semester
system. Students are required to pass a core selection of courses including English,
mathematics and sciences. Elective courses are combined with the required courses to
create a balanced curriculum that stresses academic challenge and success in a fun
setting. Students successfully completing the program are awarded a Manitoba high school
diploma. The program is designed to prepare students for studies at a post secondary
level.
Business education, marketing, cosmetology , computer technology, construction,
electronics and agriculture management are all practical skills options available to
students of the Portage la Prairie School Division. International students who demonstrate
sufficient English communication skills may study any of these options at PCI.
Enriched programs are offered to students who excel in one or more subject areas.
Students can take advanced placement courses that earn them credit for first year courses
at universities and colleges across Canada.
Due to the sizable French-speaking community in the area, PCI offers a French immersion
program for students who wish to learn Canada’s other official language. For students
who choose to pursue their diploma in English, a comprehensive French program
is available to complement the academic curriculum.
The Portage la Prairie School Division expects international students to have a basic
working knowledge of the English language.
International students completing all of the requirements from any of the programs
offered are qualified to graduate with a high school diploma or other appropriate
designation.
Activities and Facilities
Students in the Portage la Prairie School Division benefit from well-equipped educational
facilities. An automated library, modern computer labs, a business education lab and
science lab are all part of the academic facilities. Facilities for the practical skills
programs include a cosmetology lab, an electronics lab, a building trades shop, a home
economics lab, a music room and an art and drama room. International and local students
also have access to non-academic school facilities: a lounge, career resource centre and
technical resource centre.
Sports and club facilities further enhance the learning process; a weight room and a
gymnasium are provided at both schools, and students can take part in student government,
print publications, the Native student association and cultural activities.
Both the city and the school division manage many recreational facilities that are
ideal environments for international students to make contacts with Canadians as well as
other visitors. The Southport Aerospace Centre has a pool, whirlpool, waterslide and
leisure pool. The Portage District Arts Council hosts art exhibitions and offers art
instruction programs to aspiring artists.
Program and Location
There is no formal homestay program offered through the school division.
Portage la Prairie School Division has been in existence since 1897. With
over a one hundred
year history, it is one of the more established formal education systems in the province.
PCI is home to 1100 students.
International students take part in all activities associated with the school. Since
international students in the program must have a working knowledge of English, they are
encouraged to participate fully in classes and extracurricular activities. Immersion into
the curriculum provides an ideal opportunity for students to practice and improve their
language skills in a friendly, supportive, native-English-speaking environment.
Portage la Prairie is a small city of 13,000 people. It is centrally located in Canada
on the vast plains of southern Manitoba. International students can enjoy a quiet rural
lifestyle in a city that is both safe and friendly. Portage la Prairie is known as the
strawberry capital of Canada.
Island Park is located in the middle of the city. With a deer & waterfowl
sanctuary, a playground, picnic sites, a horse racing track, tennis courts, strawberry
farms and an 18-hole golf course, Portage la Prairie has created a wonderful public space
where students and local residents can relax in a beautiful, natural setting.
The city of Winnipeg is located just 84 kilometers away from Portage la Prairie.
Students can take advantage of the short trip to this city to enjoy professional football
and hockey games as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Winnipeg is
renowned for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and an active arts community.
Admissions
The academic year at Portage Collegiate Institute runs on a semester system. The first
semester begins in September and ends in January, while the second one begins in February
and ends in June. Students may begin studies at the beginning either of the two semesters.
There are vacations in December and March.
International students applying to Portage la Prairie School Division should include a
completed application, transcripts indicating past academic performance, a C$100
application fee and an official medical certificate fee and an official medical
certificate that discloses any serious illnesses or health problems. Students are assessed
based on their academic performance and desire to study in Manitoba.
Upon acceptance, students must apply for a student visa, which authorizes them to study
in Canada. Student visas must be obtained prior to entry into Canada. All fees must be
paid by the start of the semester in which the student plans to begin studies.
All students are required to purchase private medical insurance for the duration of
their studies at Portage la Prairie School Division. Insurance can be purchased in the
student’s country of residence or in Canada (at the cost of approximately C$360 per
year).
Support for International Students
There is a small international student population in Portage la Prairie. Students
receive plenty of attention and assistance in their academic programs as well as for
private and personal concerns. Resource teachers, guidance counselors and teacher
assistants all offer support to international students who are experiencing difficulties
in adjusting to a Canadian lifestyle and educational system. Recreational facilities are
open to all students and provide an excellent setting for meeting members of the community
and establishing relationships with other international students.
Community and Location
City Population 13,000
Climate Range -30° to 30°C
Setting rural
Admissions at a Glance
Minimum English Requirement:
Students must have a good working knowledge of English
Minimum Academic Requirement:
varies; student qualifications are assessed on a case-by-case basis
Reference Letter(s) not required
Application Fee C$100
Application Deadlines: June 30 (September entry)
Expenses
Int’l Tuition and Fees C$10,000/year (subject to change)
Health Insurance C$360/year (subject to change)
Books and Lab Fees included
Accommodation (including food costs):
School Residence n/a
Private C$500/month (subject to change)
Homestay n/a
International Students
Program Enrolment: 20
% of District Enrolment: 2%
Admitted/yr to Program : no limit
Countries of Origin
International students attending the Portage la Prairie
School Division come mainly from Mexico and Hong Kong. The Portage la Prairie School Division
encourages students from all parts of the world to apply.
