Structure of schools

How Canadian schools work

Most children attend elementary school (or primary school) and then high school (or secondary school). Usually, children enter high school at about age 13 or 14. Some school systems have middle schools that children attend for two years before they enter high school.

Children between six and 16 must attend school and most of them go to public schools. In elementary and high school, classes usually start in early September and end in late June. There is usually a two-week vacation in December and a one-week vacation in either February or March. Children attend school Monday to Friday, for about six hours a day. They usually bring their lunch to school, but sometimes return home for lunch if they live close to their school.

Elementary school for younger children

Elementary school starts with Kindergarten at age four or five. The purpose of Kindergarten is to help young children become used to school. At age six, children attend Grade 1 and continue through to Grade 6 or 8 before they enter high school.

In most elementary schools, children have one classroom teacher for all general subjects. Other teachers may help for special subjects such as music or physical education.

High school and middle school for teenagers

Some provinces have middle schools for children in grades seven and eight. Middle school is a transition for children aged 12 and 13 between elementary school and high school.

High school, or secondary school as it is sometimes called, is for children in Grades 8 or 9 to Grade 12. These schools usually have teachers who specialize in subject areas.

In the last years of high school, students begin to prepare for getting a job or getting post-secondary education.

Choose the right school

When you look at high schools, ask about the kinds of studies that they offer. Some high schools are academic, aimed at teaching children who plan to attend college or university. Other high schools teach trades such as carpentry, plumbing or auto repair. Many high schools offer both kinds of courses.

Students must complete high school if they wish to attend college or university.

Religious education

Some families in Canada choose to educate their children at faith-based schools. In some provinces, children can receive a Catholic education within the public school system. Across Canada, there are many private schools where you can send your children for a faith-based education. Private schools require a fee.

To find out what faith-based schools operate in your community, contact your local school board.

Post-secondary education

After students graduate from high school, many keep learning and preparing for their careers through post-secondary education. In Canada, there are three general types of post-secondary education:

• Formal training to prepare students for a skilled trade
• Community college or, in Quebec, CEGEP (Collège d’Enseignement Général et Professionnel), which offer one- to three-year diploma programs in technical or academic subjects
• University, which offers multi-year degree programs in arts, sciences, business and other academic and professional fields

All colleges and universities charge tuition fees.

Learn more about:

• Arrive prepared
• Classroom environment
• Choosing a school
• Adjusting to school
• Getting involved
• Adult education