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Fact Sheet: Elementary and Secondary School Education

Information for Newcomers

Public Education for Children

Public education is run by the provinces and territories and is paid for through taxes. Public education is free and available to every child in Canada.

Most children start going to school when they are 4 or 5. By law, they must attend school until the age of 15 or 16, depending on where they live.

In some provinces, there are separate public school boards. These boards manage education in another language, or education that is based on a specific religion.

Generally, the language of instruction in Canada is either English or French. If a student has difficulty, language training is usually available. In Quebec, almost all newcomers must attend French-language schools.

Boys and girls share classrooms and are taught together in most public schools. Teachers in all provinces must be qualified and licensed. All academic teachers have at least one university degree and special training in education.

Most children in Canada attend public schools. About five percent of students go to private schools, which charge school fees.

Find out more about education in your province or territory.

Elementary and Secondary School

Children begin their education in elementary school. Elementary school starts with kindergarten for young children, and runs through to grade 6 or 8. This is followed by secondary school, or high school. In some provinces, high school is divided into junior high (grades 7 to 8 or 9) and senior high (grades 9 or 10 to 12). Students must complete high school to be admitted to college or university.

How to Enroll Your Children in School

Parents must register children at the local school or school board office. School boards are listed in the blue pages of the telephone book.

When you register your child, you must bring your child’s:

• Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing (IMM 1000) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292);
• birth certificate; and
• vaccination certificate

You should also bring your child’s previous school records.

Your child’s language and mathematical skills might be tested before being assigned to a class. Once the testing is complete, your child will be placed in the program the school thinks is best for him or her. If you think that your child has not been placed at the right level, talk to the teacher, guidance counsellor or school principal.