At Remitly, we know that immigrating to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. If you’re moving to Canada with children, finding a school that’s right for them is essential for their continued growth.
With so many options available, choosing a school can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. But with the right information, you can make a streamlined and informed decision. Here’s everything you need to know about the school system in Canada.
Canada’s education system
The Canadian education system comprises primary and secondary schools, as well as preschool and post-secondary options. It covers K-12 education.
- Elementary school: Also called primary school by locals, it starts at age 5 or 6 and constitutes the first eight years of schooling.
- Secondary school: Or high school, and covers years 9 to 12 of schooling. In Quebec, secondary school starts in year 7.
- Post-secondary education: After Grade 12, Canadian students receive a high school diploma. This makes them eligible for university, college, or vocational training.
Schools in Canada are run by provincial and territorial authorities. Find more information about your region here.
Education policy in Canada
According to Canadian law, every child in the country must receive an education. In most jurisdictions, attending school is compulsory for children between 6 and 18. However, this age range can vary slightly depending on the province or territory.
Public schools are funded by the government and are free for children until 18. Before age 6, it is common for families in Canada to send children to preschool or daycare. These programs often have components to prepare young learners educationally and socially for school.
Parents of young children who work or have other commitments might also consider a babysitter or a nanny. Although these options are not free, you could be eligible for financial support through the Canada Child Benefit.
Education is a priority to the Canadian government. However, it is the responsibility of parents and primary caretakers to ensure that children are enrolled and attending school.
Importance of choosing the right school for immigrant children
Attending school is especially important for children in immigrant families. It provides an opportunity to learn the local language, culture, and social norms. For these kids, school becomes a place where they can integrate into a new environment, practice their social skills, and start forming friendships. It also helps build the academic foundations for future success.
Here are some key reasons why school is particularly important for the children of newcomers to Canada:
- Language acquisition: Canada’s official languages are English and French. If you’re coming from a country that speaks neither as the native language, school gives your child a chance to gain proficiency. They will be fully immersed in the local languages and familiarize themselves with the local dialect, accents, and slang.
- Cultural integration: Going to school exposes children to the cultures and values of other people. This cultural exchange can be integral to immigrant children feeling included in and connected to their new community.
- Social and emotional learning: Besides academic learning, school offers a space where students learn to properly socialize and express themselves. By making new friends, children who have recently arrived in Canada can reduce the chances of isolation for both themselves and their families.
- Academic development: School will provide your child with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance their academic career. Eventually, they’ll be able to attend post-secondary institutions and be well-prepared for their future.
- Access to support systems and resources: Schools offer more than academic education. Most have resources and support programs for immigrant families, like language classes, counselling, and free or affordable meals. Taking advantage of all schools have to offer can make settling in much smoother.
- Long-term security: By preparing your child for their future, attending school can help make their life in a new country more secure. Educated young people increase their future earning potential and maximize their contributions to Canadian society.
Types of schools in Canada
Children have diverse skills, interests, and abilities, so Canada offers schools that can meet any student’s needs.
Public versus private schools
The first decision you’ll have to make is whether to enroll your child in a public or private school.
Public schools are government-funded and free to attend. They are required to follow a curriculum designed by the provincial or territorial government. This standardized educational pathway is a great way to ensure your child is prepared for university or college.
If you decide to enroll your children in public school, you must choose a school that is within a designated distance from your residence and has openings for new students. In Canada, this is called a catchment area. Explore some of the most affordable Canadian cities to help you find the best area for your family.
On the other hand, private schools can be either for-profit or non-profit businesses that offer education. This means that you’ll pay tuition for your child to attend a private school. They also have differentiated curriculums, which are not governed by regional authorities. Instead, school administrators have more freedom in deciding what your child learns day-to-day.
Despite this flexibility, private schools must still meet the requirements of Canada’s Education Act and be licensed to meet local standards. Many private schools also have intended learning outcomes or learning contexts. For example, private schools might have student bodies made up of all girls or all boys.
International and charter schools
International schools and charter schools could be a great option if your child is incredibly motivated and ambitious. Alternatively, you might just want your kids to have a particular experience. Many of these schools prioritize different goals, like bilingual education, religious or values-driven education, or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.
- International Baccalaureate schools: Instead of offering a curriculum designed locally, IB schools in Canada align themselves with an internationally recognized study program. The IB curriculum is rigorous and inquiry-based, preparing students to be more collaborative and open-minded. Because you can find IB schools in many countries, they can be a smart choice for families that frequently move internationally. In general, these schools charge tuition.
- Charter schools: These are government-funded schools that are free to attend, but they are allowed to have different curriculums and learning goals. Charter schools are not very common in Canada: Alberta is the only province that currently permits charter schools.
If you’re thinking about sending your child to a bilingual school, consider institutions that are recognized by CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools). These schools meet a national quality standard, despite having a differentiated curriculum that is not governed by provincial or territorial officials.
Language instruction in Canadian schools
Most public schools offer students and their families the option of learning in English or French. However, this is dependent on the region and school availability.
Generally, much of Canada uses English as the primary language of instruction, except for Quebec, where French is the norm. Many public schools offer English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) courses to supplement students’ learning.
Within the public school system, students start learning foreign languages at the secondary school level or Grade 9. This means that your child could learn Latin, Italian, Spanish, German, or other languages at school.
Canadian public schools enroll students regardless of their language proficiency. If your child is still learning any of Canada’s official languages, they will likely be enrolled in supplemental ESL or FSL classes.
Factors to consider when choosing a school
There are a lot of different factors to consider when you’re choosing a school for your child. When you’re navigating this process, consider the following:
Academic programs and curriculum offerings
Do you want your child to have the standardized education that a public school offers? Or would you like them to explore some specific learning goals in a private school? Whichever option you choose, look into the curriculum set by different institutions. For instance, public schools have to meet government requirements, but their offerings may differ. Consider schools whose curricula align with your values and educational goals.
Support services for immigrant families
Canada is known for its diversity. You can find schools specifically focused on offering a culturally responsive curriculum. This could mean that students read books written by diverse authors in literature class, for example.
Also, search for schools that offer tailored support for immigrant students and their families. The presence of vibrant ESL or FSL programs could be a good indicator. You can also enquire about guidance counsellors and cultural integration programs.
Extracurricular activities
In Canada, many extracurricular activities are tied to school. It is common for Canadian students to participate in sports and clubs that supplement their in-school learning. Extracurriculars also provide meaningful, safe spaces for students between the end of the school day and when their parents or families finish work.
If your child has a hobby or special interest, try to find schools offering extracurricular activities that could foster their passion. These activities are typically free for students, although you might need to provide equipment, supplies, and transportation for your child.
How to research and evaluate schools
Online resources
- Public school: If you’re interested in finding out which public schools are located in your catchment area, contact your local school board. You can find more information about schools by province here.
- Private school: If you’re looking for a private school, explore your options on the official CAIS website. This organization ensures that private schools meet a national standard.
- IB school: Use the tool to find information about the IB schools in your area.
In-person research
Almost anyone can tour a public or private school in Canada, but you may be required to make your visit known in advance. Contact the schools you’re interested in to see if you can visit the campus in person or even shadow a class.
If you’d like to meet educators directly, there are several ways to do so. Regular parent-teacher conferences are a normal occurrence in Canadian schools. If your student is not yet enrolled in the school, consider reaching out by phone or email to set up a meeting. You could also attend school events that are open to the public, like sports games or theatre productions.
Another great source of information is local immigrant groups or community organizations. Parents who have already enrolled their children in a Canadian school will likely be excited and interested in sharing their experiences—both the good and the bad.
Enrolling your child in a Canadian school
The enrollment process
The enrollment process for Canadian public schools is fairly straightforward. Simply contact your local school board and register your child at school. If there is more than one school in your catchment area, you’ll want to contact your school board as soon as possible to increase your child’s chances of getting a place in your preferred option.
If it is your first time enrolling your child in a Canadian public school, the process will start off with an assessment of their academic progress. This assessment determines which grade level your child should be placed in. It also indicates whether or not your child will need additional support, like ESL or FSL classes.
If you’ve decided to pursue private education, reach out directly to the school to understand the application or enrollment process.
Required documents
Each school will have its own list of required documents. However, in general, you should be ready to provide the originals, physical copies, and, if necessary, translations of the following:
- Your child’s birth certificate
- Proof of residency
- Proof of guardianship or custody
- Your child’s immunization records
- Your child’s previous school records and transcripts
Help your child reach their potential
Canada is the land of opportunity, especially for those seeking a quality education. Its well-organized education system will nurture your child’s development, helping them grow into skilled, high-potential professionals. Additionally, the best schools for immigrant families will provide extra resources and support to help ease your entry into this new world.
FAQs
Is education free for immigrant children in Canada?
Canada’s education system is publicly funded and accessible to all children under the age of 18, including immigrants. Children of asylum seekers can also access free public schooling. In Ontario, all children under the age of 18 are permitted to attend school for free regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
At what ages is schooling mandatory in Canada?
Generally, all children in Canada between ages 6 and 16 must attend school. But the age range varies in some provinces and territories. For example, students in British Columbia must attend school from the age of 5. Students in Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Ontario must attend school until they reach 18.
What resources are available for children with special needs?
Public schools in Canada offer Special Education Programs to support students with unique learning needs. Students can also be assigned an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which is a legally binding document that tracks the special services and supports a student is mandated to receive. An IEP can include accommodations like extended time to complete assignments, transcriptions of listening activities, differentiated instruction, and more.