Did you get an offer to work in Canada? Do you have school-aged kids? If you answered “yes” to both of these questions, this article is for you. We are going to explore the Canadian education system and how it works for newcomers to Canada.
Canada is actively seeking top global talent, including professionals from the US and beyond. The country has just launched an all-new Tech Talent Strategy, looking to bring innovative, skilled workers to Canada.
With an increasingly diverse tech ecosystem, robust universal healthcare and employee benefits, and high quality of life, Canada is an excellent destination for expats. But what about their kids? Let’s take a look at the quality, format, costs, and other details about education in Canada.
What Is the Quality of Education in Canada?
Canada is well-known for its high quality of education, ranking 7th of the 41 countries on the OECD Better Life Index for the education indicator. This makes it one of the best education systems in the world. Around 92% of Canada’s adults successfully complete high school. The country’s students also outperform other OECD countries in literacy, math, and sciences.
There are a few reasons for the success of education in Canada. First of all, all citizens and permanent residents attend school without paying tuition fees. This enhances participation and encourages higher attainment rates.
The country is also extremely diverse, with multiculturalism ingrained in Canada’s constitution. As such, the Canadian education system benefits from various cultural perspectives and different points of view.
Of course, like most public systems, Canada has its own downsides. Some schools face large class sizes and lack of resources. Even so, most children in Canada have access to a high-quality, free education system.
Are There Both Public and Private Schools in Canada?
Canada has a school system that includes both publicly funded schools and private educational institutions. Both of these offer high-quality education, but public education comes at no out-of-pocket costs for the kids or their parents(beyond taxes, of course). Usually, students attend school within their school district. Their residential address determines this. For higher grades, there are also some specialized schools and lottery options that students can apply to.
These rules are set by provincial governments or even municipalities, as is the curriculum. While the curricula across the country are relatively similar, each region determines their systems and processes. As such, what your kids learn in different parts of Canada may vary.
Most areas in Canada also have private schools. The tuition fees vary significantly and can reach tens of thousands of dollars per year. Private schools in Canada don’t need to follow provincial or municipal curricula. Instead, they set their own programs and expectations.
Is Education in Canada Expensive?
As noted above, the cost of education in Canada really depends on whether your child goes to a public or private school. If they go to a public school, there are no tuition fees. However, those working in Canada do pay hefty taxes for this privilege.
That said, kids only receive public education in Canada from age five or six. While there are subsidized preschool programs in some areas, they usually have long waitlists. As such, parents looking for daycare and preschool programs should plan their financial resources accordingly. Programs can cost anywhere between CAD 400 and CAD 2000 a month, depending on the location and service provided.
It’s hard to estimate the cost of private education in Canada. Starting from a few thousand dollars annually, some of the most expensive schools can go up to 70, 80, and even 90K in annual tuition fees. Parents in Canada should also consider the cost of extended hours for primary school children and additional recreational programs. After-school programs often cost a few hundred dollars for enrollment.
For extra-curricular activities, there are both subsidized and private programs. This includes programs during the year and camps during breaks and in the summertime. Most cities in Canada offer recreational programs for kids at affordable rates. Anything private, including tutors and specialized offerings, will cost parents much more.
Are Newcomers to Canada Eligible to Enroll in Public Schools?
All Canadian citizens and permanent residents can enroll their children in public schools. However, holders of temporary worker permits, including certain groups of expats, may or may not be eligible to send their kids to publicly-funded schools in Canada. The specific rules for who qualifies and who doesn’t vary by province and even local school board. As such, you’ll need to check the specifics depending on where you plan to move in Canada.
Here are some of the popular expat locations in Canada and their rules regarding public school enrollment eligibility.
British Columbia
On the West Coast in Vancouver, work permit holders can typically send their kids to a public Canadian school. For this, the Vancouver School Board requires that they fulfill certain eligibility criteria. The child's parent/legal guardian:
- Has a valid work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for a term of one year or more.
- Is or will be employed for at least 20 hours per week, AND
- Must be residing in British Columbia.
Note that your child will not need their own study permit.
Ontario
In Toronto, Canada’s largest city and likely expat destination, children of work permit holders may be eligible for fee-exempt status. The parent who holds the work permit must physically reside full-time in Ontario and have proof of said residence.
The Toronto District School Board will also require the following documents:
- Parent’s valid work permit and passport
- Student’s passport and birth certificate with English translation
- Proof of residence in the City of Toronto (a rental agreement plus a support document, e.g., utility bill).
Quebec
In Canada’s French-speaking province of Quebec, for example, in Montreal, the eligibility is similar, but the application process is a bit more complex. The English Montreal School Board will need translated and certified documentation from their Law 101 Office.
The work permit holder will need to provide at least the following documents:
- Valid work permit authorization of one or both parents or legal guardians, including the name of the employer
- For an open work permit, the parent or legal guardian must be actively employed and provide a special form attesting to this fact.
- The child's long version birth certificate showing both parents' names.
- The child's valid visitor's visa or study permit.
- Child’s most recent original report card and its certified translation in English or French.
Note that schools in Montreal that offer education in French as the primary language may have a different set of requirements.
What Are the Different Levels in the Canadian Education System?
Canada’s education system follows similar standards to the United States. There are four main basic education levels — preschool and kindergarten, primary school, middle school, and high school. The school year is also similar, starting in September and finishing in June.
Different school boards will choose exactly how to manage the various grades and levels. There may also be specialized schools or alternative formats in some cases. Generally speaking, though, kids will start primary education at the age of six or seven and finish secondary education when they turn 17 or 18.
To give you a general idea, the primary school covers grades one to six, seven or eight. Then, you have middle school as a transitional phase, anywhere between grades six to nine. High school begins in grade nine and runs until grade twelve.
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
This is the level children start their education journey in Canada. This level focuses on early childhood development and education, normally for kids aged three to five years.
ECE may include nursery schools, pre-kindergarten programs, and kindergarten. This level will have specially certified teachers.
Note that the public school system usually only includes kindergarten programs.
Elementary School
Elementary education encompasses grades one to six, seven, or eight (ages 6 to 13). Students take several different subjects, although they usually spend most of the time in the same classroom besides gym and assemblies.
Since English and French are both Canada’s official languages, most schools will have compulsory language courses — French in English-speaking Canada and English in francophone areas.
Middle School and Junior High School
Some provinces have a distinct middle or junior high school level, typically spanning grades six to eight (ages 11 to 14). This level acts as a transitional phase between elementary and high school, preparing students for more specialized subjects.
High School
High school education, also called secondary school, covers grades nine to twelve (ages 14 to 18). This level provides a more diverse and in-depth curriculum than the preceding ones and grants students a high school diploma which gives them access to higher education.
Students in Canadian high schools tend to have many options for elective courses, allowing them to explore their interests and potential career paths. For example, those looking to pursue studies in sciences will take subjects like physics and biology. Meanwhile, those looking at liberal arts can focus on English and humanities.
Subjects Covered in Canadian Schools
Depending on the school level, Canadian students learn a variety of subjects every school year. Here are some examples of what your kids may learn in a typical Canadian school.
Elementary School and Middle School
Students in primary education and intermediate education will cover the following subjects:
- Mathematics
- Reading
- Language arts
- Social studies
- History
- Geography
- Science
- Music
- Art
- Physical education
They are also likely to learn Canada's two official languages - English and French.
Secondary School
In secondary education, Canadian students take on a wide range of subjects. There are certain compulsory courses they need to complete to receive their high school diploma. Typically, these include:
- 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)
- 3 credits in mathematics (at least 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
- 3 credits for designated groups of courses
- 2 credits in science
- 1 credit in Canadian history (Grade 10)
- 1 credit in Canadian geography (Grade 9)
- 1 credit in the arts
The rest of the classes are electives, covering everything from general knowledge courses to advance science or even culinary arts. These are meant to prepare students for their next steps, which is usually higher education.
Students going on to Canadian universities will need to keep in mind the academic credentials they'll need to be accepted into their desired program. Undergraduate education programs in Canada will specify the list of courses students should complete during their secondary education. For example, students looking to attend engineering courses must take maths and physics in high school.
Special Notes About Education in Canada
While the education system in Canada is similar to the one in the US, there are several peculiarities that newcomers to Canada should be aware of.
Students will be exposed to other languages as a bilingual (and in some provinces trilingual) country. There are also many programs for kids who need additional help in learning.
In addition, Canada permits homeschooling and offers other alternative educational paths like vocational and art schools.
Bilingual Schooling
Since Canada has two official languages, most Canadian schools offer some degree of bilingualism in their curricula. This means that students benefit from expanding their language skills and students learn about other cultures.
In some provinces in English-speaking Canada, teaching French is suggested but optional. In others, the government requires schools to provide French lessons. This is also true for schools located in francophone areas.
The number of years schools require students to French or English courses will vary by school board. That said, most schools continue offering these languages as electives even if these are not mandatory.
In English-speaking Canada, there are also French immersion schools. These public schools use French or both French and English as the primary languages to deliver subjects.
Programs for Children with Special Needs
Canadian public schools offer various programs and support services for students with special needs to ensure inclusive education. Teachers develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for each student who needs one, outlining personalized learning goals and strategies.
There are also resource rooms and special education classes that provide targeted instruction and support. Plus, many Canadian public schools will have integration and inclusion programs. This help students with special needs integrate with their peers while educational assistants provide individual support as necessary.
Additional services may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral support, and assistive technology.
When students change school levels, there can be transition programs in place. This includes transitioning into post-secondary education or employment.
Not all schools will have these programs or resources. Their availability depends on funding and prioritization by local authorities. Generally, though, the Canadian education system does emphasize creating an inclusive environment.
Homeschooling in Canada
Parents or guardians in Canada can opt to homeschool their children. This means that instead of sending them to a traditional school, they can provide education at home. All provinces and territories in Canada legally allow homeschooling and have regulations to support the process.
Generally speaking, parents or guardians who choose to homeschool their kids will need to report this to local education authorities. There are also several guidelines they’ll need to follow. For example, they might need to report their children’s progress and keep records that reflect this.
Sometimes, the person who provides homeschooling will need certain qualifications.
Post-Secondary Education in Canada
If you have older kids, who are about to transition into post-secondary education, you’ll be happy to know that Canada offers excellent post-secondary education. The country is home to several top-ranking schools, like the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and McGill University in Montreal.
An important advantage of Canadian post-secondary education is the cost. Even international students pay relatively low tuition fees for a post-secondary degree compared to the US — an average of CAD $36,000 per year in 2022. This figure is significantly lower for residents, averaging at just under CAD $7,000 per year in 2022.
For Master's degrees, there are many research grants and a wealth of certificate programs. There is also a lot of specialised training and many schools offer partnership and internship opportunities. Students can then continue to expand their academic knowledge through doctoral programs.
Besides universities, Canada also offers a range of apprenticeships, vocational schools, and more hands-on colleges. Students can choose to attend college, receive vocational training, or opt directly for job training. The programs these offer, and their respective costs vary significantly across the country.
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