Our Circus and High School program (CES) allows young people to undertake training in circus arts while pursuing their full-time high school studies at the NCS. The program leads to a high school diploma (HSD) and includes two training components.
General training : learning the academic subjects of Quebec’s high school education system.
Circus arts training : learning the techniques of circus arts, dance and theatrical acting, with performances in front of an audience.
The teaching of the various circus techniques and disciplines is modular. The training is individualized, and the objectives are adapted to each student. As for the academic subjects, they are taught within classes where students participate in collective projects, workshops and laboratories.
Individuals who wish to join our CES program can do so at any time during their high school years.
The schedule provides approximately 43 hours of classes per week, including 25 hours devoted to general education and 18 hours to circus arts. Some weekend activities, such as performances, may require the presence of students.
| Session | Dates |
| Welcome Session | August 12 to 21, 2026 |
| Fall | August 28 to December 18, 2026 |
| Winter | January 4 to June 23, 2025 |
The school calendar is subject to change.
|
Lower Secondary Education |
|
|||
| 1st and 2nd Year | 3rd Year | 4th Year | 5th Year | |
|
French |
French English Mathematics Science and Technology History and Citizenship Drama Physical and Health Education Personal Orientation Project |
French English Mathematics; Culture, Society and Technology or Natural Sciences option Science and Technology and/or Science and Environment History and Citizenship Education Quebec Culture and Citizenship Drama Physical and health education |
French English Mathematics; Culture, Society and Technology or Natural Sciences option Contemporary world Quebec Culture and Citizenship Drama Visual arts Physical and Health Education Financial Education Optional subjects: Film, Economics, Chemistry or Physics |
|
The NCS also offers enriched subjects in mathematics and physical sciences in Year 4 or 5, as well as optional classes for admission to college programs.
Circus Arts Training
All levels
To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
All documents submitted in a language other than French or English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
International students who have received proof of acceptance to the Circus–High School Studies program must ensure they hold a passport valid for at least the first year of studies and must apply for a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) as well as a study permit. Since these processes involve several steps and can take up to six months to complete, it is recommended to begin them as soon as possible.
The following websites will be very helpful to students during these steps:
Auditions are one of the steps in the admissions process for our Circus High School Studies program. Learn more
2026-2027 school year
| File opening fees | $50 |
| Annual registration fees | $200 |
| Annual related fees* | $245 |
| Annual tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students who are Quebec residents* | $5,150 |
| Annual tuition fees for French citizens* | $5,460 |
| Annual tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students who are not Quebec residents * | $8,850 |
| Annual tuition fees for international students (except French citizens)* | $10,290 |
| Annual insurance fees for international students (except French citizens) | $755 |
* Payable in two instalments.
Fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.
The schedule provides approximately 43 hours of classes per week, including 25 hours devoted to general education and 18 hours to circus arts. Some weekend activities, such as performances, may require the presence of students.
| Session | Dates |
| Welcome Session | August 12 to 21, 2026 |
| Fall | August 28 to December 18, 2026 |
| Winter | January 4 to June 23, 2025 |
The school calendar is subject to change.
|
Lower Secondary Education |
|
|||
| 1st and 2nd Year | 3rd Year | 4th Year | 5th Year | |
|
French |
French English Mathematics Science and Technology History and Citizenship Drama Physical and Health Education Personal Orientation Project |
French English Mathematics; Culture, Society and Technology or Natural Sciences option Science and Technology and/or Science and Environment History and Citizenship Education Quebec Culture and Citizenship Drama Physical and health education |
French English Mathematics; Culture, Society and Technology or Natural Sciences option Contemporary world Quebec Culture and Citizenship Drama Visual arts Physical and Health Education Financial Education Optional subjects: Film, Economics, Chemistry or Physics |
|
The NCS also offers enriched subjects in mathematics and physical sciences in Year 4 or 5, as well as optional classes for admission to college programs.
Circus Arts Training
All levels
To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
All documents submitted in a language other than French or English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
International students who have received proof of acceptance to the Circus–High School Studies program must ensure they hold a passport valid for at least the first year of studies and must apply for a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) as well as a study permit. Since these processes involve several steps and can take up to six months to complete, it is recommended to begin them as soon as possible.
The following websites will be very helpful to students during these steps:
Auditions are one of the steps in the admissions process for our Circus High School Studies program. Learn more
2026-2027 school year
| File opening fees | $50 |
| Annual registration fees | $200 |
| Annual related fees* | $245 |
| Annual tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students who are Quebec residents* | $5,150 |
| Annual tuition fees for French citizens* | $5,460 |
| Annual tuition fees for Canadian students and permanent resident students who are not Quebec residents * | $8,850 |
| Annual tuition fees for international students (except French citizens)* | $10,290 |
| Annual insurance fees for international students (except French citizens) | $755 |
* Payable in two instalments.
Fees are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.
The training gives access to health, to our specialized Library as well as to various cultural activities. To learn more about our services, visit the Student Services page.
Learn more about the National Circus School’s scholarship program, through which we support the next generation of circus artists.
Find out more about the unique experience, learning environment and training that the National Circus School has been renowned for over 40 years.
Please consult our FAQ or contact us by email at registrariat@enc.qc.ca.
