July Session
28 June-25 July 2026
Four-week ESL credit boarding course.
In-person Program
Summer ESL Credit Program
Ridley College combines practical, project-based English learning with an Ontario education credit, campus friendships and cultural excursions.
Last verified: 8 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
Get the full picture before you decide
See Succeed's assessment of the programme, who it may suit, the estimated total cost, what applying involves and what is still to confirm.
or let us know if .
What Succeed checks
We review public program details such as eligibility, age range, cost, duration, location, format, accommodation, meals and application timing.
What Last verified means
Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Program dates, prices and availability can still change.
How official sources are used
Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.
Why some dates are reference dates
If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.
Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.
Summer ESL Credit Program at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Canadian and international students
Age range / Year group
Ages 12-17
Location / Region
St. Catharines, Canada
Cost
$7,195
Duration
4 weeks
Format
In-person
Accommodation: Shared boarding house accommodation
Meals: Three meals daily and snacks
Certificate / Outcome: Ontario Ministry of Education credit
Campus experience: 90-acre campus; peer activities
Supervision: 24-hour qualified boarding staff
Excursions: Guided evenings and weekends
Summer ESL Credit Program summary
Ridley College combines practical, project-based English learning with an Ontario Ministry of Education credit upon completion.
Campus activities and guided cultural excursions give students opportunities to use English and build friendships beyond lessons.
The strongest fit is someone who wants English-language development alongside a supervised boarding experience.
What is Summer ESL Credit Program?
The Summer ESL Credit Program is Ridley College's residential English-learning course. It uses practical and project-based learning to help students develop their English, with an Ontario Ministry of Education credit awarded upon completion.
The experience combines classroom learning with on-campus activities and cultural excursions. Students live in a supervised boarding environment and spend time with peers, making language practice part of their wider camp experience.
Why Succeed highlights Summer ESL Credit Program
The Ontario Ministry of Education credit gives the course a concrete academic outcome.
Practical, project-based learning provides a clear emphasis beyond passive language exposure.
Campus activities and guided excursions connect language learning with everyday social experiences.
Around-the-clock boarding supervision and health access give families concrete support arrangements to evaluate.
Who is Summer ESL Credit Program for?
Best for
Students who want practical English development and an education credit alongside a social boarding experience.
Not ideal if
Your priority is a short language taster or staying at home while studying.
Is Summer ESL Credit Program worth it?
This is worth considering when practical English learning and a residential cultural experience are both priorities. The education credit provides a tangible outcome, while activities with peers give the experience a social dimension.
The boarding commitment and additional travel expenses make this a substantial family decision. Consider how the Ontario credit fits your school's requirements and whether you would use the wider campus experience before committing.
Sean
Founder, Succeed
Talk it through with Sean
Want to talk it through?
“I can help you compare the programmes you're considering, think through the practicalities and work out what makes sense for you.”
20 minutes · No obligation to enrol
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$7,195; includes ESL credit course and program fees., Shared accommodation in a Ridley boarding house., Three healthy meals daily and snacks., Campus activities and excursions., 24-hour supervision by qualified boarding staff., Emergency health insurance while staying on campus., 24-hour access to health care and medical professionals., Free Wi-Fi access..
Accommodation
Shared boarding house accommodation
Meals
Three meals daily and snacks
Supervision or safety information
Qualified boarding staff supervise students around the clock. The campus also provides 24/7 security, emergency health insurance while on campus and access to health care and medical professionals at Schmon Health Centre.
Provider details
Review the Ridley College provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
4 weeks; St. Catharines, Canada.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Summer ESL Credit Program need?
Effort level
Substantial residential commitment.
Best started
Several months before your intended session, allowing time for Canadian travel authorization.
Main challenge
Preparing for English learning and everyday life away from home.
Typical preparation
Identify the English skills you most want to improve.
Discuss shared accommodation, dietary requirements and health needs as a family.
Determine which Canadian travel authorization you need and apply early.
Budget for flights, travel documents and personal spending alongside the boarding fee.
Useful if
You want to progress toward further English-language study.
What do students do on Summer ESL Credit Program?
You develop English through practical, project-based learning, then spend time with peers through campus activities and guided cultural outings. Completing the course earns an Ontario Ministry of Education credit.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Study English through engaging, practical and project-based learning.
- 2
Join on-campus activities with peers.
- 3
Take part in guided evening and weekend activities and excursions.
- 4
Complete the course to earn an Ontario Ministry of Education credit.
Summer ESL Credit Program dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
August Session
26 July-22 August 2026
Four-week ESL credit boarding course.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
July Session | 28 June-25 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
August Session | 26 July-22 August 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Students ages 12-17.
Beginner through advanced English proficiency.
Canadian and international students.
How much does Summer ESL Credit Program cost?
Program fee
$7,195 CAD — Four-week ESL credit boarding package.
What's included
ESL credit course and program fees., Shared accommodation in a Ridley boarding house., Three healthy meals daily and snacks., Campus activities and excursions., 24-hour supervision by qualified boarding staff., Emergency health insurance while staying on campus., 24-hour access to health care and medical professionals., Free Wi-Fi access.
How to apply to Summer ESL Credit Program
- 1
Use Camp Ridley's summer registration portal for the ESL credit boarding course.
- 2
Contact campridley@ridleycollege.com with registration or payment questions.
- 3
Pay program fees by credit card, or arrange Flywire or wire transfer with the camp office.
- 4
For international travel, determine and obtain the appropriate Canadian entry documents.
Next step with Succeed
Interested in this programme?
or let us know if .
Succeed replies first, usually within a working day
What does Summer ESL Credit Program cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
English language development
The course supports English learning from beginner through advanced levels.
Practical English
Students develop English through engaging, practical learning.
Project-based learning
Project-based work forms part of the course's approach to English language development.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Summer ESL Credit Program?
A typical day during the program.
Guided activities
Campus activities and local guided trips support cultural and language experiences.
Excursions
Guided outings explore the Niagara Region, with Toronto and Canada's Wonderland visits included in the boarding experience.
Who teaches on Summer ESL Credit Program?
Qualified and experienced boarding staff supervise students around the clock. Students also have 24-hour access to health care and medical professionals at Ridley's Schmon Health Centre.
Where do students stay on Summer ESL Credit Program?
Residential plan
- Boarding house: Students share accommodation in a Ridley boarding house on the 90-acre campus.
- Meals and snacks: The package includes three healthy meals daily and snacks.
- Supervision and health: Students receive 24-hour boarding supervision, campus security access and health support.
- Activities and outings: Campus activities and guided evening and weekend excursions form part of the boarding experience.
Ridley's kitchen can accommodate a variety of dietary needs and restrictions.
What happens after Summer ESL Credit Program?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn an Ontario Ministry of Education credit upon completion.
Advance English through practical, project-based learning.
Develop English for further English-language high school or university study.
Where does Summer ESL Credit Program take place?
The course takes place on Ridley College's 90-acre campus at 2 Ridley Road in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Canada's Niagara Region. The boarding experience includes guided regional excursions and visits to downtown Toronto and Canada's Wonderland.
Summer ESL Credit Program FAQs
The course covers ESL from beginner through advanced, using practical and project-based learning.
Students earn an Ontario Ministry of Education credit upon completing the course.
The boarding package includes shared accommodation in a Ridley boarding house, three healthy meals daily and snacks.
Ridley states that its kitchen can safely accommodate a variety of dietary needs and restrictions.
Qualified boarding staff supervise students around the clock. The campus also provides 24/7 security, emergency health insurance while on campus and access to health care and medical professionals at Schmon Health Centre.
Ridley states that summer camp students do not require study permits. International students must have appropriate Canadian entry documents, usually a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization, and should apply early.
Students participate in on-campus activities and guided evening and weekend excursions. The boarding program includes regional outings and visits to downtown Toronto and Canada's Wonderland.
Flights, custodianship fees, travel documents and spending money are outside the package. Ridley recommends bringing $300 to $500 for personal spending.
Alternatives to Summer ESL Credit Program
Compare these English-learning options if your priority is city exploration, creative activities or a different age group.
Alternatives to Summer ESL Credit Program
Residential English lessons with New York excursions and campus activities
Deadline: Not announced
From £3830
12-18
New York
In-person
Best for
English learners interested in New York
English learning paired with art exploration in Brighton
Art
14 Jul 2026
From £3590
11-15
Brighton
In-person
Best for
Learners who want English and art
Young Explorers
Upcoming
Immersive English lessons, workshops and activities
Art
13 Jul 2026
From £4095
8-12
Oxford
In-person
Best for
Younger learners seeking immersive English
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Apply to Ridley College | Ridley College
- Boarding Camps | Ridley College
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 8 Oct 2026)
Course dates reviewed
ESL eligibility checked
Boarding fee reviewed
Residential inclusions checked
Travel guidance reviewed
Refund terms reviewed
Official imagery reviewed
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Summer ESL Credit Program
by Ridley College
Upcoming
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
Get the full picture before you decide
Succeed's assessment, estimated total cost and what applying involves.
No account needed for the Guide or Compare.
Not ready to decide yet? Keep it for later.
Get a next-cycle reminder
Compare similar programs
Save it for later
Keep recommendations organised