According to IRCC, education is required by law in Canada, and parents must enrol their children and make sure they attend. Each province and territory runs its own school system; there is no federal education department.
School levels
| Level | Usual ages | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | 5 to 12 | Preschool (optional), kindergarten, grades 1 to 6 |
| Secondary | 12 to 18 | Usually grades 7 to 12 |
| Post-secondary | After grade 12 | Colleges, institutes, universities |
According to CMEC, most provinces require attendance from age 6 to 16; some start at 5 or extend to 18.
Public schools
- Free for those meeting age and residence requirements.
- Run by elected school boards; about 14,600 public schools nationwide (CMEC, 2020).
- The province sets the curriculum; students get report cards and must meet it to move up.
Private schools
They charge tuition; some are religious or single-sex. Most schools in Canada are co-ed.
French-language education
- Every province has French-language school boards; minority-language education rights are protected by the Charter under conditions.
- Many English schools offer French immersion.
Student support
- Programs for students with special needs (physical, cognitive, psychological, behavioural, linguistic).
- English support for newcomer students.
- Bullying isn't tolerated; talk to the teacher or principal if your child is bullied.
Note Contact the school board where you live to enrol. Public schools are usually assigned by address.
Early childhood and school years
Colleges and universities