Classroom environment

Typical classroom environment

Most children in Canada attend public schools, although some attend private schools. Public schools do not charge school fees for children to attend and private schools do charge fees.

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

Language

The language of instruction in Canada is either English or French. If a student has difficulty in these languages, additional language training is usually available. In Quebec, almost all children must attend French-language schools.

Religion

A large number of religions are practised in Canada. For this reason, religion does not play an active role in most regular public schools. Public schools usually teach children about the different religions of the world instead of providing instruction in one religion.

However, in some provinces, faith-based schools are available within the public school system. And there are many faith-based private school across Canada. For more information about sending your child to a faith-based school, contact your local school board.

Subjects

In Canada, all provinces and territories teach a curriculum developed by that province or territory. A school curriculum gives detailed information on what students need to know at the end of every school year.

Children with special needs

All children in Canada have a right to free public education. Children with special needs may have one or more of the following difficulties: physical, intellectual, emotional, behavioural, speech, vision, hearing or language.

Even children who are intellectually gifted can have special needs. Special education programs may be provided for these students.

Classes for special needs students are often held within the regular schools. However, some schools are designed specially for students with special needs.

Textbooks and school supplies

Children will be given textbooks to use for the school year. These books are the property of the school and must be returned in good condition.

Parents must purchase some school supplies for children. Teachers will tell their students what they need to buy.

School buses

Children often take school buses (provided by the school at little or no cost to parents) or public transportation to get them from home to school and back. The distance from your home to your child’s school is something to consider when you choose a school or a place to live.

Dress code

Each school has a dress code that describes the clothes that children may wear to school. Some schools require children to wear a uniform.

If you have any questions about clothing for religion or modesty, contact the school or a teacher to talk about your concerns.

Absence from school

In Canada, children are expected to attend school every day the school is open. If your child will be absent from school because of illness or personal family reasons, such as a death in the family, you must inform the school.

Bad weather

If the weather is too dangerous for children and teachers to travel to school safely, schools will be closed. This can happen during winter snowstorms or periods of severe cold. In these cases, schools communicate with parents and teachers by putting an announcement out to radio and television stations.

Report cards

Report cards tell you how your child is performing in school. Depending on the province or territory in which you live, your child will receive a report card three to four times a year.

Extra-curricular activities

Extra-curricular activities are activities that take place outside of school hours—before school, after school or during lunch. These activities may include sports, hobbies, travel, leadership, arts or volunteer work.

Each school has different extra-curricular activities for students. Taking part in these activities will help your child make friends, adjust to being in a Canadian school and develop new interests.

Field trips

Field trips allow children to visit places outside of the school. Trips can include visits to museums, parks or the zoo, attendance at a theatre to see a play and many other pleasant activities. A field trip is an important part of your child’s learning experience. Before and after the field trip, teachers will work with students on school curriculum connected to the trip.

School boards

School boards govern the work of public schools from nursery school to high school. Each public school in Canada belongs to a school board. Each private school decides on its own how it will run.

School board trustees are people elected to set policies about how public schools will operate. Trustees hold meetings with the public to tell them of any plans that concern the schools. At these meetings, community members are welcome to voice their concerns about the school, the public school system or anything else about their children’s education.

When your child starts school

Many students find the transition to a new school difficult. Plan to make time to talk with your child about the new school daily. It will help you learn about the school and gives you a chance to offer support and advice. Teachers can help too. Plan to visit the school on parent’s night if the school has one. It often takes place in the first few weeks of the school year. Once or twice a year, parents can meet with their child’s teacher(s) to discuss their child’s school work and how they can help their child at home.

Learn more about:

• Arrive prepared
• Structure of schools
• Choosing a school
• Adjusting to school
• Getting involved
• Adult education