EDUCATION
Public Education
Public education is managed by the provincial governments
and paid for by taxes, and is available to every child.
By law, children must attend school until the age of
15 or 16, depending on the province.
Ninety-five percent of all children in Canada attend
public schools. In some provinces there are separate
public school boards reflecting religious and language
preferences.
Generally, the language of instruction is either English
or French. If a student has difficulty with the language,
he or she is usually given extra language training.
In Quebec, almost all newcomers attend French language
schools.
Approximately five percent of students go to private
schools, which charge school fees.
How many levels of instruction are there?
Depending on the individual province, primary education
starts at pre-kindergarten and continues to the end
of grade 6 or 8. This is followed by secondary education
or high school. In some provinces this may be divided
into junior high (grades 7 to 9) and senior high (grades
10 to 12). Normally, students must complete required
academic courses in high school in order to be admitted
to university.
How do you enroll your children in school?
Parents must register children at the local school
or school board office. School boards are listed in
the provincial government section of the telephone book.
When you register your children, you must take with
you:
- Canada Immigration Visa (Record of Landing);
- Birth or Baptismal certificate;
- Vaccination certificate; and
- Any previous school records.
Your children's language and mathematical skills will
be measured, if necessary, and they will be placed in
the program the school thinks is best for them. If you
think that your children may have been incorrectly placed,
talk to their teacher, guidance counselor or school
principal.
How are children taught?
Boys and girls share classrooms and instruction in
almost all public schools. Teachers in all provinces
must be qualified and licensed. All academic teachers
have at least one university degree and advanced qualifications
in education.
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