education plan for child in canada

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Schooling in Canada: A guide for new families in Canada

By Scotiabank

Updated on July 10, 2024

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What you need to know before you arrive | What you need to know after you arrive | Planning ahead for college & university

So, your family is planning a move to Canada?

In this case, you may already be aware that Canada is well-known around the world for the quality of its education and schooling system. Canada relies heavily on taxpayer-funded public programs, including healthcare, social services, and education. Most Canadians and newcomers (that’s you!) agree that the taxes they pay are well-spent in funding the country’s robust education system.

Just how good is Canada’s education system?

Canada has an exceptional education system. According to a 2023 report Canada is viewed as having the second-best education system globally. An in-depth analysis conducted by the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that the Canadian government spends 11.1 percent of total expenditure on education, above the OECD average of 10.6 percent.

As is often the case, money spent on schooling in Canada seems to pay off. According to the 2021 Census, roughly 58 percent of Canada’s working-age population (ages 25 to 64) have graduated from either a university or college—that’s the highest proportion in the G7.

This is not to say that schooling in Canada is perfect. Some schools have large class sizes, with a low ratio of teachers to students. Some schools offer less extracurricular programming, artistic studies, and sports than others. Some schools offer fewer course options and academic programs. For these reasons, it’s important to do some research in advance, because in the end, you will be the strongest advocate for your child’s successful education.

So, ready to go to school? Class is in session.

What do you need to know about schooling in Canada before arriving?

The Canadian system | Preschools & Pre-Kindergarten | Elementary & Secondary Schools | Common Questions | Post-Secondary Schools

Big decisions: Either the place you live will dictate where your child goes to school, or where you want your child to go to school will dictate the place you choose to live. It’s your choice.

When it comes to your child’s education, the research you do before coming to Canada can make a huge impact on their experience.

Education in Canada is largely managed at the provincial/territorial level, meaning that the system in Ontario will differ from the system in British Columbia, and so on. Even inside a province, education can vary dramatically between different types of schools and different school districts.

Navigating your child’s educational opportunities is a bit like navigating the Canadian immigration system: there are a few crucial things you have to learn at the beginning, but as long as you take the time to educate yourself, you’ll be empowered to make the best choice when it comes to educating your child.

Understanding the Canadian education system

The Canadian education system can be divided into three stages: preschool or pre-kindergarten, elementary & secondary education (also called K-12), and post-secondary education. Although there are a few differences between the provinces, there are some distinct features for each of these stages.

Preschool or pre-kindergarten

Preschool, sometimes called pre-kindergarten, refers to an optional learning opportunity for young children, usually between the ages of three to five years old. The decision is yours as to whether or not you want to preschool your child. Preschool and other early childhood education services are available for free in some provinces, but in others (and for some private programs) parents may be required to pay.

Preschool is less rigorously structured than the mandatory stages of elementary and secondary school. This means that there are varied options for types of preschool, curriculums covered, schedules, costs, etc. You’ll have to research the options available in your intended destination and be sure to apply early, as the waitlist for some preschool programs can be long.

An alternative to preschooling is daycares. These are childcare centres where staff will supervise and care for children. Daycares often allow a wider age range of children to join in the fun, as they serve primarily to care for the children of working parents. While daycares are not explicitly educational, many daycares offer educational activities as a part of their services.

Deciding whether or not to enrol your child in preschool or daycare is your decision. While it is generally accepted that the first years of a child’s life are formative in the evolution of personality, social skills, and personal development, a preschool or daycare experience is not necessarily the only means of encouraging this kind of development. Many parents in Canada encourage the early childhood development of their children in less formal environments, like through activities at home and participation in neighbourhood play groups.

Pro-tip: Make sure you research early childhood education in your intended province of residence in Canada. Some provinces offer subsidized access to certain preschooling and childcare services.

Elementary and secondary education

In Canada, it is not just your moral responsibility as a parent to ensure that your child gets an education — it’s a legal requirement (strong education, strong society!). Elementary and secondary education are mandatory parts of a child’s education in Canada.

Elementary and secondary education follows a similar structure across Canada, with some slight provincial variations. Typically, this type of schooling starts at age five or six and begins with one year of kindergarten. This is followed by twelve “grades” of schooling, each lasting one year. After completing Grades 1-12, a child receives their high school diploma and may then be eligible for post-secondary education.

Provincial oddities:

• In Ontario , kindergarten is split into two years, Junior Kindergarten (for four-year-olds) and Senior Kindergarten (for five-year-olds). Neither of these are mandatory.
• In Quebec , the elementary and secondary school system is divided into six grades, followed by five “secondary levels” (Sec I-V), which only adds up to eleven years. However, following completion of Sec V, students are given the opportunity to attend CEGEP ( Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel ). CEGEPs act as a hybrid of high school and college/university learning, often offering a semi-specialized curriculum based on a student’s interests or career-goals.
• In Nova Scotia , kindergarten is referred to as primary.

As elementary and secondary education are mandatory and play a major role in a child’s development, we’re going to focus on this topic a bit longer and answer some of the most common questions:

Types of schools | Cost of schooling | Language of instruction | When does school happen? | Ages for schooling | Elementary—Middle—Junior High—High School | Subjects covered | Extracurriculars & Special Programming | Special Needs & Disabilities | School Boards

What types of schools are available in Canada?

There are three main options for elementary and secondary schooling in Canada.

• Public schools: These are publicly-funded schools available to students in every region across Canada. These schools are free for children to attend (funded through the same tax-payer system which funds healthcare and social services!). About 91 percent of children in Canada attend a public school.
• Private schools: These schools are owned by private entities and typically require parents to pay a tuition fee for their child’s enrolment. About eight percent of children in Canada attend private schools. Tuition fees among private schools can vary significantly.
• Homeschooling: This is an option whereby a parent chooses to keep their child at home and educate them independently. Homeschooling regulations differ between provinces, but parents can often find suggested curriculum and supporting material online. Less than one percent of children in Canada are homeschooled.

Sidebar—Catholic & religious schools: Religious schools, mostly Catholic, exist across Canada in both the private and public systems. At these schools, Catholicism is often integrated into course curriculums. I n Ontario, Catholic school boards receive provincial funding and are attended by a growing number of non-Catholic students. While many Catholic schools offer quality education, the integration of religion into learning may be something you want to consider or avoid, per your preference.

You may be wondering whether public or private school offers the best education for your child. Well, that depends on a number of factors: Do you have income available to afford private tuition fees? What kind of learning environment best suits your child? Which private and public schooling options are available in the place you’re planning to live?

Studies show that students enrolled in private schools typically have a stronger academic performance than their public-school peers. But, researchers question whether this is due to the quality of private education, or whether it is due to the fact that private school attendees often come from families with more financial resources and parents with higher levels of education themselves.

Canada’s public school system is well-regarded around the world. However, you should research the public school options in the place you intend to live and ensure that there are educational offerings that suit the needs of your child. You can begin by looking into the website for the Department of Education for any of the provinces you’re considering to make your home in Canada:

Alberta | British Columbia | Manitoba | New Brunswick | Newfoundland & Labrador | Northwest Territories | Nova Scotia | Nunavut | Ontario | Prince Edward Island | Quebec | Saskatchewan | Yukon

How much does it cost for elementary and secondary schooling in Canada?

Elementary and secondary schooling in Canada is available for free through the public education system. Of course, you should expect some indirect costs for things like school supplies, lunches and snacks, clothing, and field trips.

If you choose to send your child to private school, you will have to pay tuition fees. These vary depending on the school you choose. As an example, let’s examine 2023 tuition fees for Grade 1-5 students at the prestigious Upper Canada College in Toronto. For the academic year, you can expect to pay CAD $40,750-$44,100 in tuition fees as a day student and more than $73,000 if you’re a boarding student. This is at the higher end; other private schools may be more affordable.

If you’re being careful with your money, you may want to consider the affordability of the public school system. Attending a public school may even allow you to save ahead for your child’s college or university studies. You can start by opening a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) with a trusted bank and invest your savings tax-free while benefiting from eligible government grants.

In which language(s) is education offered in Canada?

Schooling in Canada is offered in the country’s two official languages: English and French. English schools offer some French-language studies as a part of their curriculum and vice-versa for French schools. However, the quality of the second-language offerings varies from school to school.

If you want your child to be educated in both languages, you may want to consider finding an English school that offers a robust French immersion program (or vice versa), or sending your child to a French school in an English area. As well, some schools offer courses in other languages beyond English and French.

Notably, French schools exist across Canada, not just in the French-speaking province of Quebec. While there may not be a French school in every community, if you want to prioritize giving your child an education in French, you can likely find a school in your preferred province.

Do you need French to succeed in Canadian society? No. Many Canadians don’t have fluency in the French language, but having French abilities can be a big boost to a person’s employability, especially if they want to live in Quebec, New Brunswick, or work in certain fields, including many government jobs.

When does school take place each year in Canada?

Elementary and secondary schools in Canada typically start in late August or early September. The school year usually ends in late May or June.

The months of July and August are taken as summer vacation each year. Although, sometimes summer vacation starts in late June, with classes beginning again in late August.

On which days of the week does school operate in Canada?

Elementary and secondary schooling takes place five days a week from Monday to Friday, with the exception of statutory holidays and summer vacation.

How long is each school day in Canada?

The typical school day in Canada starts around 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. and lasts until about 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. This changes a bit from school to school, so it’s best to check with your school.

After classes are finished, most schools offer some form of extracurricular activities, including music, art, sports, debating, and other clubs and activities.

At what ages is school mandatory in Canada?

Depending on the province, school is mandatory from the age of five or six, up to the age of 16 or 18. Most students in Canada graduate from high school at the age of 17 or 18.

What is the difference between “elementary,” “middle school,” “junior high,” and “high school” in Canada?

Warning: the terminology for stages of schooling in Canada is not standardized, so you can have differences all across the country.

In Canada, Grades K through 12 are typically divided up into different stages and different schools. So, your child might attend Kindergarten-Grade 5 at one school, then move to another school for Grades 6-9, then complete Grades 10-12 at a third school.

Typically, these stages are defined as:

• Elementary school: For the early grades.
• Middle school and/or junior high school: For the middle grades.
• High school: For the final years of secondary school.

There is no single rule for how grades and schools are organized. Even within a province, the structure will vary between school districts. Sometimes even within a school district there will be different structures.

To exemplify the variance, let’s talk about the town of Truro, Nova Scotia. If your child grows up on the south side of town, they might follow this schooling path:

• Grades K-5 at Cobequid Consolidated Elementary School
• Grades 6-9 at Central Colchester Junior High School
• Grades 10-12 at the Cobequid Educational Centre ( High School )

Meanwhile, if your child grows up on the north side of town, they might follow an entirely separate path, up until they meet in high school:

• Grades K-4 at Bible Hill Elementary School
• Grades 5-7 at Redcliff Middle School
• Grades 8-9 at Bible Hill Junior High School

As you can see, the structure of schools varies pretty widely in this example, and these are two students growing up in the same school district, in the same town! When it comes to planning your child’s educational pathway, don’t get too hung up on the terminology, and instead focus on the reputations, resources, and offerings of the schools you’re considering.

What subjects will my child learn in school in Canada?

Canadian provinces set the curriculum for their schools. These curriculums are constantly being evaluated and modified to adapt to changes in the world. Generally, your child will learn a range of subjects including math, science, English, French, history / social studies, art, and physical education.

As your child progresses through the education system, they’ll have more opportunities for choice in their classes, allowing them to pursue more courses in the subjects that interest them and that they excel at.

What access to specialized programming (music, art, sports, advanced academics) will my child have in Canada?

Based on your child’s interests, you should research the specialized programming available at the schools you’re considering. Certain schools are well-known for their afterschool music or theatre programs, while others might be known for their hockey and football teams.

Another important consideration is in the availability of advanced educational opportunities. How does the school support advanced learners? Some high schools in Canada participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, but not all of them.

If you want your child to have access to a certain type of program, you need to research in advance to ensure that the school you’ve chosen will be a good fit.

My child has special learning needs and/or disabilities. What resources will be available to them in Canada?

Canadian schools offer help for students with special needs, including: physical, cognitive, psychological, emotional, behavioural, and linguistic. However, depending on the needs of your child, you may want to consult with the schools you’re considering to determine which would best serve the needs of your child.

What do I need to know about school boards in Canada?

Schooling in Canada is organized in smaller geographic areas, called school boards or school districts. Each school board is responsible for the schools within a local area. School boards are responsible for things like buildings, administration, staffing, and student enrolment.

School boards are managed by members of the community who are elected by the local public. All school boards have regular public meetings where members of the community can attend to express their views (democracy at its finest!). Newcomers to Canada can have their voice heard through school boards.

Post-secondary education

After completing high school (or Sec V in Quebec), students become eligible for post-secondary education (though Quebec students first have to complete CEGEP). Post-secondary education includes college, university, technical school, and other higher education programs designed to give students advanced learning in a specific topic or skill set.

Canada’s post-secondary colleges and universities are well-respected around the world, with a few universities consistently ranking among the Top 50 worldwide (we’re looking at you, the University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC).

Statistics Canada reports that 65.9 percent of Canadians aged 25-64 have completed some form of post-secondary credential, far above the average in the OECD. And, first-generation immigrants in Canada have an even higher rate of post-secondary education, clocking in at 72 percent . Regardless of your child’s path in life, you can rest assured that in Canada they will have access to a range of quality post-secondary educational options if they choose to pursue them.

Post-secondary education is its own entirely separate informational tidal wave. To deep-dive into post-secondary education in Canada, we suggest consulting our Study Section .

What do you need to know when you arrive in Canada?

Registering for school | School supplies | Getting to school | Eating at School | Grades & Reporting | Getting involved

Oh—you’ve arrived in Canada? We’d wish you congratulations, but we know you might not hear us over the noise of unpacking, applying for essential documents, having your first poutine, trying to meet people in your community, and adjusting to a brand new country!

We don’t want to add too much more to your Canada to-do list, but there are a few things you have to consider when getting your child’s Canadian education started.

How to register your child for school in Canada

Hopefully you’ve already selected the school you want your child to attend. Now it’s time for enrolment. You need to contact the school board in order to find out the process for enrolling your child. It’s a good idea to contact the school to confirm enrolment even before you arrive in Canada, just to ensure you’ll be able to secure a place for your child.

Take note: In order to give your child the best chance of attending the preferred school, make sure you contact the school board as early as possible to understand the number of spaces available and the process for enrolling. Schools do not always have spaces available, so it’s best to act early!

If you’re enrolling your child in Canadian school for the first time, the school board or school will likely do some kind of assessment to understand where your child is at and what level is appropriate for them. This type of assessment also allows schools to determine if your child may want to access any additional resources such as language training.

What supplies do you need to get for your child’s education?

After completing enrolment, your child’s school should give you a list of supplies you need to obtain. Sometimes certain supplies are available for purchase or provided by the school itself, but this should be made clear by the school administrators.

In addition to supplies for classroom learning, you’ll want to consider other important items for your child’s school experience:

• Clothing: Check to see if the school has a uniform policy or dress code that dictates what your child is allowed to wear.
• Athletic clothes: Physical education is a part of most elementary and secondary school curriculums in Canada. As such, your child will likely need proper attire for gym class, including socks, sneakers, athletic bottoms and tops, and undergarments. 
• Living in Vancouver or the B.C. Lower Mainland? You *might* be able to get away with less intense winter attire than the rest of Canada.
• Backpack: Your kid will need a sturdy and reliable (and fashionable!) backpack for carrying around all their textbooks, pencil cases, and binders.
• Electronics: This may be part of a bigger conversation. But, will your child have a cell (mobile) phone? A tablet? Depending on how old your child is and your own views on electronic devices for children, this may be a conversation to have before school.

How will your child get to school in Canada?

School boards in Canada manage school bussing routes enabling students to get to and from school. But, if you’d prefer, you can also take your child to school yourself.

Once your child is old enough, they can also get to school on their own, by walking, bike, car, public transportation, or on one of Canada’s trained transport moose.

Okay, okay, fine. That part about the moose was a joke.

What will your child eat at school in Canada?

Typically, students in Canada eat lunch during the school day with breakfast and supper (dinner, or whatever you may call an evening meal!) occurring before they get to school and after they leave school.

You should ask administrators about your school’s lunch options. Public schools usually host a cafeteria with lunch available for purchase, while some private schools include lunches in the school fees. However, many students opt to bring lunch (so you can buy one of those cute little lunchboxes!). As well, when students get older, many opt to leave the school campus and go for lunch in the surrounding local community.

Some schools also offer breakfast programs, which are often free. These initiatives support families who might not otherwise be able to provide healthy breakfast options. If you’re looking for this type of support, ask the school.

How is your child graded and assessed throughout schooling?

You can understand your child’s progress in school in three big ways.

First, you can check in with your child about their progress and the marks they’re receiving on any homework, tests, and assignments throughout the year.

Second, your child will receive an official report card at predetermined points each year. This will allow you to see the official grades your child receives in each course, along with some feedback from teachers.

Finally, you can attend parent-teacher conferences throughout the school year. This will allow you to speak directly with your child’s teachers and discuss their academic progress and their participation in the classroom and in school life.

How to stay involved in your child’s education

There are many opportunities to get involved with your child’s education. Many schools have Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) where parents can volunteer their time into things like fundraising and event-planning. If you’re looking for a smaller commitment, you may be able to find opportunities to act as a chaperone on field trips or at school events.

If you really want to engage with your child’s schooling system, you can get involved in the school district or school board. School boards hold regular meetings where members of the community can attend and voice their opinions. You might even consider running for a seat on the school board, as positions are open to the public and new members are voted in by the community!

Start banking in Canada with Scotiabank

Scotiabank’s StartRight TM program 1 is designed to help newcomers to Canada get started on establishing their financial security and navigate the Canadian banking system with ease. Scotiabank’s advisors can help you securely transfer your funds into Canada so you can set up your accounts and pay daycare or preschool fees whenever necessary.

Connect with us today to learn how we can help.

Legal disclaimer.

This article is provided for information purposes only. It is not to be relied upon as financial, tax or investment advice or guarantees about the future, nor should it be considered a recommendation to buy or sell. Information contained in this article, including information relating to interest rates, market conditions, tax rules, and other investment factors are subject to change without notice and The Bank of Nova Scotia is not responsible to update this information. All third party sources are believed to be accurate and reliable as of the date of publication and The Bank of Nova Scotia does not guarantee its accuracy or reliability. Readers should consult their own professional advisor for specific financial, investment and/or tax advice tailored to their needs to ensure that individual circumstances are considered properly and action is taken based on the latest available information.

Newcomers can earn up to $2,000 * in value the first year with the Scotiabank StartRight

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How to Save for a Child’s Education

Save today so they can soar tomorrow.

Putting money aside for a child’s education now can help shape their future.

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Tips to Help You Save for a Child’s Post-Secondary Education

Students starting university in 2032 can expect a 4-year education to cost about $115,315. 1 While that’s a big number, don’t be discouraged.

Check out our top savings tips based on when your child will be starting school:

My Child Will Start School in:

• Less than 5 Years

How much are you willing to cover?

If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of saving enough for your child to get a 4-year degree—remember, you don’t have to foot the entire bill.

• Let your child have some “skin in the game” through student loans or by working and saving. This could cover 25-50% of the costs and help your child gain valuable work experience.
• Look into grants, scholarships or bursaries your child is eligible for.
• Explore co-op or internship programs that allow students to earn money and work experience while they study.

Open an RESP now.

Open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) as early as possible, even if you have to start small. Here’s why:

• Your money will have more time to grow—tax-free. And, because it is sheltered from tax, it could grow faster.
• The government will match 20% on the first $2,500 you contribute annually to an RESP ($500 maximum per year) through the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG). Check out RESP grants and bonds .

Turn saving into a habit.

Put your savings on auto-pilot and grow your money faster by setting up regular (weekly, monthly, etc.), automatic contributions into your child’s RESP.

How regular, automatic contributions work

• You decide how much to save and how often—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly—it’s up to you
• Contributions are automatically debited from your bank account (at RBC or another financial institution)
• You can change how much you want to save, how often you contribute, and stop or pause your contributions at any time

Putting just $50 per week in an RESP adds up quickly:

Assumptions used in chart

Calculations are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to reflect future values or returns on investment from any mutual fund investment. Based on 6.26% average annualized and includes Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) payments.

Make saving a team effort.

Instead of another toy, suggest that family and friends give RBC RESP Gift Cheques on birthdays and other special occasions.

Can a child have more than one RESP?

Yes, a child can have multiple RESPs. However, the lifetime limit on total contributions for one beneficiary is $50,000. This limit applies to the total contributions made by all subscribers to all plans in the name of the beneficiary. So, if you contribute to an RESP for your child, and their grandparents also contribute to another RESP for them, you will need to coordinate contributions so you don’t exceed $50,000. (Over-contributions are subject to a penalty of 1% per month.) It’s worth noting that you can contribute to an RESP for up to 31 years and the plan can remain open for a maximum of 35 years.

What if I have more than one child?

A Family RESP lets you name one or more beneficiaries and earmark payments based on what works best for your family.

• Each beneficiary has to be related to you (the RESP subscriber) by blood or adoption, and can include a child, grandchild, step-child or sibling.
• Funds in the RESP do not have to be shared equally among beneficiaries, giving you more flexibility when it comes to making withdrawals.

Get started—and stay on track—with free tools.

If you’re an RBC client, you’ve also got access to free tools that can get you started with saving and help you stay on track:

• A quick way to start saving for a child’s education is with the help of NOMI Find & Save . It’s a digital savings account that learns your transaction patterns, finds extra dollars in your cash flow and automatically moves them to savings. Turn on NOMI Find & Save in the RBC Mobile app.
• MyAdvisor is a digital service that makes the heavy lifting of saving for a child’s education—and other goals—easier.

How MyAdvisor can help you save for a child’s education

MyAdvisor is a digital service that combines interactive planning tools and advice from a live advisor to help you stay on top of your savings goals. It’s exclusive to RBC clients, easy to use and available to you at no extra cost.

• See what you have with more certainty.  MyAdvisor shows you how you’re doing with powerful visuals and forecasts of your goals, net worth and cash flow.
• Link outside accounts for a complete picture.  Have savings and investments outside of RBC? MyAdvisor lets you quickly link them for an up-to-date look at your money.
• Receive personalized advice.  Meet with a live advisor through video chat, by phone or in person to review your savings plan, talk strategy or to simply ask a question.
• Stay on track toward your goal with email alerts.  Progress alerts let you know whether you need to adjust the amount you are saving in order to reach your goal.
• Get started in a few simple, hassle-free steps.  In minutes, you’ll have an idea of where you stand, see recommendations to help you grow your savings, and be able to book a one-on-one with an advisor.

Sign in to RBC Online Banking and try MyAdvisor today.

It may still be worth it to open an RESP.

If you haven’t opened a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for your child yet, you still can, but you have some catching up to do.

• Contribute as much as you want in any given year; however, there is a lifetime limit of $50,000.
• If your child hasn’t turned 18 yet, you still have time to take advantage of the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG). Check out RESP grants and bonds .

Make saving a priority now.

Large RESP contributions are great, but don’t overlook the power of also saving smaller amounts on a weekly or monthly basis to help your savings grow faster. If that approach appeals to you, it’s easy to set up regular, automatic contributions into your child’s RESP.

Tip: Set your automatic contributions to coincide with every paycheque.

Putting just $25 per week in an RESP adds up quickly:

Consider other ways to pay for your child’s education.

With less than 5 years until your child starts school, it may not be possible to cover the entire expense—and that’s okay. Talk to your child about ways they can also contribute, such as:

• Working a part-time or summer job to stock some money away.
• Borrowing money through student loans or a line of credit. For example, the RBC Student Line of Credit offers a low rate and flexible repayment terms to help your child pay off school expenses over time.
• Co-ops or internship programs that let them earn money and valuable work experience while they study.
• Applying for grants, scholarships and bursaries. If your child is a couple years away from graduating high school, now is the time to start looking.

Get started by checking out the scholarships available through RBC or visit the Government of Canada’s Services for Youth site.

If you’re an RBC client, you’ve also got access to free tools that can not only get you started with saving, but also help keep you on track:

FAQs on Saving for a Child’s Education

With tuition fees and other expenses spiralling upward, it’s predicted that in 2032 a student’s annual average expenses including tuition fees, books, shelter, food and transportation will be $27,951. 1

You can open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) for any “beneficiary”—your child, grandchild, niece, nephew or family friend. Each beneficiary must be a Canadian resident and have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

While you can contribute any amount to an RESP, there is a lifetime limit of $50,000 per beneficiary. Contributions are not tax-deductible (they won’t reduce your taxable income in the year you contribute); however, investment earnings grow tax-free. The Canadian government and some provinces and territories also offer grants, bonds and incentives to help build the savings even faster.

Within an RESP, you can hold Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), savings deposits, stocks and bonds. (Your specific choices depend on where you invest.)

Once a student has enrolled in a qualifying post-secondary education or training program, the investment income, grants and bonds within the RESP can be paid out as Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs). The student must claim these as income in the year that they are taken out. Usually, this results in little or no tax since students tend to be in a very low tax bracket and can claim tax credits. Original contribution amounts to the RESP can be taken out tax-free.

The Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is a tax-sheltered plan that helps you save for a child’s post-secondary education. While contributions to the plan are not tax-deductible (these amounts won’t reduce your taxable income in the year you make the contributions), your investment earnings within the RESP grow tax-free.

When the child takes the money out for their education, the money withdrawn is taxed in the student’s hands, often resulting in little or no tax. Read more about RESP Rules and Contribution Limits .

In addition to the tax benefits of an RESP, government grants, bonds and incentives may also be available to help build the child’s education savings even faster.

Yes! You can use a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) to save for anything, including your child’s post-secondary education.

Just keep in mind that amounts you contribute to a TFSA are not eligible for the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) or other government incentives . However, both earnings and withdrawals in your TFSA are tax-free. You can make withdrawals and pay your child’s school fees directly or give the money to your child.

You can also save for your child’s education in a high interest savings account . It gives you maximum control and flexibility, but any investment income you earn will be taxable in your hands in the year you earn it. This means you could miss out on the benefit of tax-deferred growth.

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How to pay for your child’s education

Are your family and friends invested in your little one’s future? Here’s how they can help by contributing to your child’s registered education savings plan (RESP).

It’s no secret that post-secondary education is expensive. According to Statistics Canada, full-time undergrad tuition averaged a whopping $6,693 for the 2021-2022 school year. And you can expect that number to rise over the coming years. This doesn’t even include expenses like books, clothing, housing, food, and transportation. And the expenses don’t always stop when your child earns a degree or diploma. They may pursue a graduate degree or professional program like law, medicine, or teaching.

You may be wondering if you’ll have enough money to help pay your kids’ way through post-secondary school. Yes, student loans are an option. But, they could become a financial burden your kids will have to carry for years. So where else can you turn?

Do you have close relationships with friends and  relatives who are invested in your child’s future ? If so, there’s ways they can help. 

How much should I save for my child's education?

Find out using our free RESP calculator .

How can you fund your child’s education?

Your friends and relatives may give your kids money on their birthdays. Or perhaps your parents plan to leave their grandkids an inheritance. "These financial gifts provide opportunities to talk to your family about your child’s education savings. And, more importantly, how they can help,” says Blake Griffith, BAFS, CFP, Sun Life advisor. “It’s also a great way to educate them about registered educations savings plans (RESPs) .”

It’s a good idea to let your family and friends know about you child’s RESP early. Why? Because they can contribute to it whenever they want. But they can’t do that if they don’t know it exists.

Griffith advises, “When you’re discussing RESPs with your family and friends, you can tell them how they work. And more importantly how their money can help. You can talk about what kind of colleges or career choices could be available to your kids. This way your loved ones will feel more connected to your goal.”

Do you want to help your loved ones quickly understand what a RESP is? Consider sharing this video with them:  Simply Put: What is an RESP?   In under 2 minutes, they can see how RESPs work.

Want to learn more about RESPs?

Start with understanding what it is and how it works .

Can friends and family contribute to RESPs?

Yes, they can. And Griffith recommends two options to collect their contributions:

1. Collect money directly and put it in a family RESP

The benefit of a family RESP is that you have one plan for multiple children, explains Griffith. So, if one child doesn’t pursue post-secondary education , the other kid(s) could still use the money. Having everything in one, consolidated plan also makes it easier for you to keep track of all the contributions.

Will all your children be eligible for grants under one RESP? “Yes, the government bases the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESGs) on how many beneficiaries exist within a plan. It’s not based on how many plans there are for a beneficiary,” Griffith clarifies. To add children to an existing family RESP:

• they must be under age 21, and 
• step-parents must have adopted their stepchildren.

“The crowdfunding concept doesn’t have to be high-tech or require the latest digital tools,” Griffith says. “For special occasions like birthdays and holidays, family and friends can give cash, cheques or e-transfers directly to you. Then, you can deposit it into a family RESP. It’s as simple as that.”

2. Relatives of friends can set up individual RESPs

If anyone wants to contribute regularly, they can set up an individual RESP for the child. “This allows them to give directly to the RESP without having to go through you each time,” Griffith says. He urges caution with this approach, however.

“With individual RESPs, everyone contributing should always co-ordinate with the parents about how much you’re contributing,” Griffith says. Why? The lifetime contribution limit of $50,000 per child/beneficiary applies to the total of all plans. “If you have multiple plans for the same child, people may end up over-contributing. This can cause an over-contribution penalty without even realizing it.”

What are the best times to crowdfund for an RESP?

Griffith suggests asking for contributions during times where people are likely to give gifts.

• Birthday parties . Add a note to birthday invitations that if guests would like to give a gift, they can add to your child’s RESP.
• Baby showers. If it’s not a surprise, ask the host to suggest that guests consider contributing to your child’s education. After your baby is born, you can deposit the money received into an RESP. Note that you can’t set up a RESP until your child has a social insurance number (SIN). You can apply for a SIN as soon as the child has a name.
• Holidays . Ahead of the festive season, you could send a family email suggesting that cash gifts will go into  your kids’ tuition fund . Or, if someone asks for gift recommendations, that’s a great opportunity to bring up the RESP.
• Graduations. What better way to celebrate this milestone than by investing in their academic future. CESGs are available for kids up until December 31 of the year the child turns 17. However, a child is to be only eligible for the grant at age 16 and 17 if you save in an RESP before they turn 15.

You might feel a little funny about asking. But your family and friends will love knowing that their money is going to a good cause.

How can you encourage family who hesitates to give to RESPs?

Some grandparents or relatives might think RESP contributions are a “boring” gift. Of course, there’s something magical about seeing a child eagerly open a new toy. Compared to toys that break and clothes they outgrow, RESP contributions make a more useful and lasting gift.

In this case, you can suggest they give your child an inexpensive gift AND a RESP contribution. That way, they get to experience the joy of seeing the child’s reaction. And, they can feel good about contributing to their education and future.

How can you get started?

Talk to your advisor or  find a Sun Life advisor  to get your child’s RESP savings started.

Need help figuring out what's right for you?

An advisor can help put together a solid plan that suits your goals.

• Can you use an RESP for an apprenticeship?
• What happens to an RESP if your child doesn’t go to school?
• 4 smart ways to save for your child’s education

This article is meant to only provide general information. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada does not provide legal, accounting, taxation, or other professional advice. Please seek advice from a qualified professional, including a thorough examination of your specific legal, accounting and tax situation.

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Learn how to build education savings for your child over time.

Save for a Child's Education

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A post-secondary education can be an important step to one's success. But the cost of higher education is rising, and tuition alone can be quite expensive. The average university tuition in Canada is approximately $6,373 1  a year as of 2016 and that doesn’t include books or living expenses. With the right planning, you can make saving a part of your routine and help your education savings grow.

Start saving for your child today

Start by opening a  Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)  for a child. An RESP is an account registered with the Government of Canada to help you save for a child’s post-secondary education. When you contribute to an RESP, the plan becomes eligible for  government grants  that can amount to thousands of dollars for a child’s future education. The government gives the plan a basic grant of 20% on the first $2,500 of annual contributions to an RESP. That's up to $500 per beneficiary each year to a lifetime limit of $7,200 towards a child's education.

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1  Source :  http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/150909/dq150909b-eng.htm .

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1 CEFI has compared the first Scholarship payments on a per unit basis from the Children's Education Trust of Canada Group Option Plan to the comparable first scholarship payments of other nationally available group scholarship plans through publicly available financial statements and prospectus documents at www.sedar.com. On the basis of this comparison, CEFI has determined that the Children's Education Trust of Canada Group Option Plan has paid the highest first Scholarship payments per unit to beneficiaries from 1997 to 2023 inclusive. Past payments are not a guarantee of future payments.

2 Total 2023 payments to Canadian Families include return of net Contributions at plans' maturity and total Education Assistance Payments paid to beneficiaries as reported in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Attributable to Subscribers and Beneficiaries in our 2023 Annual Audited Financial Statements available here .

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*This RESP calculator is for general information only. It does not take into account any additional grants offered based on adjusted family net income. This illustration is based on the Self-Initiated Option Plan which is an individual plan and takes into account the following fees as they apply to that RESP: sales charge, depository fee and administration fee. Please note that fees vary among our RESPs. Your Dealing Representative will discuss fees with you in detail as part of the plan presentation and you can also refer to our prospectus. Your child could be entitled to different amounts than those projected. These projections are for your information only. These projections are not guarantees of future investment returns. The information presented and projected is hypothetical and only for information purposes.

You can set up an RESP for only $9.90/month.

The calculation tool generates projections for information only and is designed to illustrate the general overall benefits of an RESP. This tool does not specifically apply to group RESPs and is based on our Self-Initiated Option Plan which is an individual plan. The projection assumes that you make monthly contributions at your selected amount until the year your child reaches 18 years of age. Fees vary depending on the RESP that you select. The projected growth of grants and savings defaults to a 4.5% rate of return assumption but you can select a higher or lower rate of return assumption. As they are rate of return assumptions, these projections cannot be considered a guarantee of future performance, nor interpreted as a commitment on our part.

The RESP calculator takes into account the basic 20% Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and in some provinces where they are offered, the basic provincial grants, only offered to residents in certain provinces. The lifetime CESG limit per beneficiary is $7,200.

Certain restrictions apply: The annual CESG limit is $500 and the lifetime RESP contribution limit is $50,000 per child. If your adjusted family net income is modest, your beneficiary could be eligible for the additional CESG.

Your child could also receive the Canada Learning Bond, offering a lifetime amount of up to $2,000 for children born on or after January 1, 2004. Certain conditions apply. Please learn more about the Canada Learning Bond here . You can also refer to our prospectus .

We offer three different RESPs and different contribution options. A minimum subscription amount is usually required. For further details, contact us or refer to our prospectus .

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A Newcomers’ Guide to Education in Canada

Discover the canadian educational system with our in-depth guide. we give newcomers to canada the crucial information they need for a successful educational experience in canada, from the school enrollment procedure in primary and high school to an understanding of post-secondary education options across this country., table of contents, is education free in canada for immigrants, is education in canada public or private, who pays for education in canada, what are the other education options for my child, which province in canada has the best education system.

• How do I enroll my child in school in Canada?

What is the school schedule in Canada?

What languages are taught in canadian schools, how are students graded in canada, what is special education called in canada, what are common school events and activities in canada, how can parents stay involved in their children's education in canada, what is the swis program for settlement workers in schools, contact canadavisa and cohen immigration law for assistance.

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on Canada's educational system. This manual will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the Canadian educational system's framework, from early childhood schooling to high school. It addresses important subjects such as school selection, enrollment procedures, grading systems, and the distinctions between public and private schools. We also explore practical topics like common school events and activities as well as parental involvement in a child’s education and the SWIS program. We'll also go over the assistance available for students with special learning needs and the significance of language classes in the classroom. Dive into this guide to prepare for a rewarding and successful educational journey in Canada for you and your family.

Yes. Getting an education for your child in Canada is free for all newcomers to Canada, including permanent residents, work permit holders and study permit holders.

As a permanent resident in Canada, you will not need to provide any extra documentation to allow your child to receive a free public school education in this country. In Canada, the public school education system covers the costs of school for all children of Canadian citizens and permanent residents from kindergarten to the end of high school. Typically, this means that school is free for children from the ages of 5 or 6 to 18 years old. This is because the Canadian education system is jointly funded through the taxes paid by all residents.

On the other hand, temporary residents (including study permit and work permit holders) may need to supply their local school board with certain documents to verify their child’s eligibility for a free public school education. The required documents may vary based on the province or territory you choose to settle in, as each region in Canada has unique rules that govern its education system.

In other words, for work and study permit holders in Canada with temporary resident status, their child’s eligibility for a no-cost public school education will depend on the rules of the school board in their community .

Example: Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in Ontario

In Toronto, the most populated city in Canada’s most popular immigrant destination province, the TDSB notes that children of work permit holders “may” qualify for “fee-exempt status” under certain conditions.

The same is true for any children of study permit holders under the age of 18. Under a specific set of conditions decided by the TDSB , including but not limited to the following, study permit holders in Canada can have their children educated in Canada’s public school education system for free.

• The parent must have a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution that receives operating grants from the Government of Ontario
• The parent must maintain status as a full-time student
• The student must live with the parent who is studying in Ontario
• The parent must be accepted into a full-time program leading to a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate program. Certificate programs must be at least 2 semesters long and meet the Ministry requirement for total instructional hours (minimum 600+ hours).

According to the TDSB, if the fee-exempt status applies, the student may begin school 1 week before the start date of the parent’s program fees will apply to students who wish to enroll prior to this date.

Government and school board resources in the province and community you settle in will be able to provide policy information specific to your situation.

Note: If newcomers to Canada want to have their children educated outside of the public school system, they will incur out-of-pocket costs to enrol their child in a private school or boarding school (more on private vs public education to follow).

Canada has both public and private education options in most communities across the country, allowing families to decide on their child’s educational path based on their available financial resources and educational preferences.

Public schools are, as the name suggests, institutions funded by taxes collected from the public in each province/territory. These schools offer free education for children from kindergarten until they graduate from high school. Public schools are all governed by the province/territory they are in. This means that the material that their students are taught is chosen by the governments of each region.

Private schools, on the other hand, are owned by private entities that charge parents an annual tuition fee to enrol their children. Tuition fees vary significantly based on the institution. Private schools are not restricted to the curriculum decided by the province in which they are located, allowing them to independently decide what to teach students enrolled at their institution.

Newcomers to Canada can incur costs for their child’s education depending on the type of institution they want their child to attend.

While a public school education is free for most residents of Canada (see above note regarding children of work and study permit holders) from when they begin kindergarten to when they graduate high school, these costs can range from between $15,000 and $30,000 annually for their child to attend a private/independent day school or $63,000 to $83,000 every year to obtain a private/independent boarding school education.

Beyond public and private education options, parents interested in educating their children themselves may partake in homeschooling. Similar to how public schooling systems differ by province or territory, rules and regulations for homeschooling your child also vary based on the region you are living in.

Note: Parents can often find suggested curriculum and supporting material online. Less than one percent of children in Canada are homeschooled.

Generally, Canada has a high quality of education regardless of where you settle across this country.

Determining which province has the “best” education system, however, is a matter of understanding your family’s needs and preferences. Educational curriculums for the public school system are decided at the provincial/territorial level, meaning that each region makes its own choices about what students learn.

For instance, while French is mandatory in the Ontario education system's curriculum for students in grades 4 through 8, learning French is only a recommendation in Alberta. Meanwhile, French is the predominant language of educational instruction in Quebec, as it is the first language of the province.

To the extent possible, it may be worth using the internet to assess the different curriculums across Canada before picking the province or territory you would like to settle your family in.

How do I enrol my child in school in Canada?

In Canada, the school enrollment process will vary depending on the level of school you’re interested in for your child and where you live. In any case, however, parents require the following four documents to enrol their children in primary (elementary) or secondary (high) schools across Canada:

• birth certificate
• proof of guardianship or custody
• proof of residency
• record of immunizations (to prove that your child’s vaccines are up to date)

The first step in the enrolment process for both elementary and high school in Canada is to contact your local school board.

Since a school board usually manages a number of schools in the community, you will often have more than one school to choose from in your region.

When a child is first enrolled in school across Canada, either the school board or the school they will be attending will assess their level of education and decide the level they should be placed at as well as whether they require free support (ex. English or French classes).

Schools operate between September and June every year, minus weekends and holidays such as Christmas or March Break.

Although this can vary at every school in Canada, elementary and high schools across this country typically begin their day between 8 and 9 am. The school day usually ends between 3 and 4 pm. In the case of universities and colleges across Canada, times tend to vary because they typically offer flexibility through evening and night classes for students that need such options.

Summer break in Canada is between the end of one school year (late June) and the start of the next (early September).

Students in Canada can study in either English or French. Some educational institutions offer instruction in both languages, but students are not required to be fluent in both languages to attend school at any level in Canada.

Across most of the country, the main language of education is English, but French language education is also widely available. Regardless of the main language of instruction, some level of French or English as a second language is generally taught from an early age.

In Quebec, however, students are usually required to be educated in French until the end of secondary school. This includes newcomers to Canada, although some private education options may be available for Quebec-bound newcomers who would like their child to be taught in English. In addition, temporary residents in Quebec (ex. on a study permit, work permit etc.) may enrol their child in school with English-language instruction.

In addition to standard class instruction in English and French, many institutions across Canada offer English as a Second Language (ESL) and French as a Second Language (FSL) classes to students of all ages. These classes are designed to aid newcomer students in Canada, whose first language is not English or French, with learning how to write, read and speak in one of Canada’s two official languages.

Especially for newcomers to Canada, specially designed and focused language classes are an integral part of the Canadian education system due to the advantages they provide children as they go through life, from when they begin learning French and English to when they become self-sufficient working adults. Knowledge of Canada’s official languages has been shown to be correlated with greater economic and career success in this country, meaning that your child could benefit greatly from receiving an education in both languages.

Although there are variations based on the province/territory of education, the following table includes the general grading system used in Canadian schools.

It is important for parents of children with disabilities/special needs to understand that Canada values the inclusion of all children within the education system. For that reason, many Canadian schools offer one or both of the following education options for students with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. The placement of your child in one of these situations will typically depend on the extent of their needs.

Note: Other resources available for children with special learning needs include resource workers inside a school who are trained to aid students with disabilities throughout their learning experience.

Immersion in standard classes with the help of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or similar aid

For students with mild physical disabilities as well as some less severe intellectual disabilities, many of Canada’s schools will try to immerse them into standard classes with their classmates. Recognizing that they still may need special attention, many provinces and territories use Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to improve the learning experience of students with special needs. These plans outline how a school board will assist a student - through accommodations, services and special programs - to make sure that they are able to learn optimally and get the most out of their education.

Specialized classroom settings for students requiring extra help and attention

In the case of students with more advanced special needs, many Canadian schools offer special education classes where your child will be grouped alongside other students with special needs for a uniquely designed educational experience. In these classes, students will typically be taught different content than in standard classes, usually at a different pace that is more suitable for their needs.

Across Canada, schools often organize field trips that allow students to explore and learn while away from the classroom. Several examples of common field trip locations in Ontario, the top province for newcomer settlement, include the Ontario Science Centre and Black Creek Pioneer Village. These trips, which are typically organized to span a full school day, give children the opportunity to have fun and learn in a new environment.

Other common activities run by Canadian schools include extracurricular sports teams and clubs for children to interact with one another outside of school hours. Always involving the guidance of an adult (typically a teacher at the school), clubs may operate for such things as chess or student government in high school as well as art, math or photography. Available clubs and teams will depend on the school board where your child is enrolled.

Finally, many Canadian schools host annual events and spirit days that allow children to get involved with different parts of this country’s history. For instance, some communities across Canada celebrate Canadian icon Terry Fox with an annual Terry Fox Run. Likewise, it is common for schools in many areas of Canada to hold a moment of silence and a “ceremony” (often referred to as an “assembly”) on Remembrance Day in honour of Canada’s military.

In Canada, many schools have Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) that allow parents the opportunity to involve themselves at their child’s school through fundraising and event planning, as well as volunteering their time to chaperone events such as school dances or field trips.

A less time-consuming way to get involved in your child’s education is to attend their parent-teacher conferences, which give you the chance to get to know your child’s educators as well as get a better understanding of what they are learning, their strengths and weaknesses as a student and what you can do at home to help them succeed in the classroom.

Finally, one way to get very involved in your child’s education is by participating in events and meetings with the school board or school district. School boards across Canada hold regular meetings throughout the school year, as well as the summer months, to give parents and community members the opportunity to voice their opinion and influence the school board’s direction and decisions (curriculum etc.). There may even be opportunities for parents to obtain a seat on the school board committee, as positions open throughout the year and spots are voted on by the members of the community served by the board.

Talk to your child’s school and their teachers to get an even greater idea of how you can get involved with their educational experience in Canada.

The Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program is an initiative from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that operates in many provinces across Canada. This program provides newcomer students and their families with settlement services and information through a SWIS worker assigned to your child’s school.

Through this program, SWIS workers assist students and their families with their transition to life in Canada by giving them information to help them get more comfortable in a new country while also referring them to resources provided by other entities (schools, agencies, community programs) that also assist them in this goal.

Please contact your school or the SWIS office directly (after enrolling your child at a school) to find out more about SWIS services available in your area.

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Canada's express entry draw results from august 14, 2024.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a second Express Entry draw this week, issuing 3,200 more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Canadian immigration candidates. Here are the results from IRCC's August 14 Express Entry draw.

Canada's Express Entry Draw Results from July 31, 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a second Express Entry draw this week. Read on for the results from the department's July 31st Express Entry draw.

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Schooling in Canada|A look at the Education System

by Corinna Frattini | Sep 17, 2021 | Living in Canada , Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease

Moving to Canada with young children? Then you’ll want to read this overview of schooling in Canada to help your children adapt to school smoothly. Canada has one of the best school systems in the world to help your children grow and prosper. This is important for newcomers who often want to provide their children with more opportunities and access to education in Canada. Learn more about schooling in Canada including the systems, education levels, and process to register your children in school.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  Nelson Mandela

Schooling in Canada is Ranked in the Top 5

The Best Countries for Education global survey shows that Canada ranks #4. The survey measured the following three country attributes:

• Is the public education system well-developed
• Do people consider attending university
• Does the country provide top-quality education.

Top Five Countries:

#1 United States

#2 United Kingdom

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As the report identifies “Today’s young people will, in the coming years, be governing the world. Their thoughts and actions will be shaped by what they know and experience, making education, in many ways, one of the best predictors of a nation’s future success.”

An Overview of Schooling in Canada

Each province and territory in Canada develops curriculum and policy. And, because of this, both may be slightly different across the country. Still, schooling in Canada has many common elements such as the school systems, levels of education, and enrollment process.

In Canada, there are three school systems:

• Public schools

2. Private schools

3. Homeschooling.

You can choose which school system your child will attend. To learn more about the provincial school systems follow the links in the Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Education section below.

1. Public Schools in Canada:

The government funds public schools in Canada, and most children attend public schools. So you don’t have to pay for your child to attend public school. However, you pay for school supplies and extracurricular activities such as field trips.

District school boards manage how public schools operate and are responsible for activities such as hiring teachers and opening new schools.

Over 95% of Canadians choose public school education for their children. CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS – INTERNATIONAL

2. Private Schools in Canada:

If you choose to send your children to a private school you will have to pay tuition and other fees. The government usually does not fund private schools, so these schools can be costly to attend. However, private schools may provide a focus that public schools don’t provide and that you are willing to pay for.  For example, private schools in Canada may focus on a specific area such as:

• a specialized or challenging academic program
• faith-based learning
• cultural-based learning, or
• elite sports academies.

3. Homeschooling in Canada:

Homeschooling is acceptable in every province in Canada. If you want to teach your children at home, you will have to meet certain legal requirements. Each province has requirements, so you have to research laws to ensure you meet the regulations.

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Settle in Canada with Confidence and Ease

Schooling in Canada: Education Levels

Four levels within the school system follow this structure:

• Pre-school (or nursery school)
• Kindergarten
• Elementary school (or primary school)
• High school (or secondary school)

Pre-school:

Pre-school programs are like daycare programs for children aged two to four. You don’t have to send your children to preschool. However, preschool can help your child build language skills if they don’t speak English or French (Canada’s official languages). As well, preschool can help young children develop social and emotional skills to help them adjust to schooling in Canada. Most preschools in Canada are private, so you will have to pay a cost.

Each school has a catchment area, (an area that defines which school your child will attend). Usually, children attend a school closest to their home and within the school’s catchment area.

Kindergarten:

Most children attend kindergarten at age five. You can register your child at the school closest to your home. Children must attend kindergarten in most provinces. Kindergarten is free.

Elementary Schools in Canada: Grade One to Eight

Children attend elementary school (also known as primary school) in September the year they turn five. But, if you arrive after September you must enroll your child as soon as you arrive. For example, if you arrive in Canada in October, you must register your child in October. You can contact the School Board (see links below for provincial ministries of education) when you arrive.

Children attend elementary school from grades one to eight. Some school districts may have a middle school for grades six to eight. But, that depends on the structure of the school district.

Generally, school curriculums cover these subjects:

• French (may be required in some schools)
• Physical education

High Schools in Canada: Grade Nine to Twelve

After children complete elementary school, they attend high school from grades nine to twelve. The high school system prepares students to attend either:

• vocational school (typically two-year programs that focus on fields such as plumbing, welding, or esthetics. Vocational schools are also called trade schools)
• Community College (typically two-year programs that combine academic and industry opportunities), or
• University (typically four-year programs with a focus on academic or professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, law, and engineering).

The government does not fund post-secondary schooling in Canada. And, many parents save for years so that their children can attend post-secondary education. Investing in a  Registered Education Savings Plan  is a common way for parents to save for higher education in Canada. In high school, students can meet with Guidance Counsellors who can help your child: 

• make career choices
• achieve better grades, and 
• handle personal or social issues.

How to Register Your Child for Schooling in Canada:

Settlement agencies can help you to register your children in school. And you can read more about free services in Canada to help newcomers settle .

You’ll need these documents to register your child in a school in Canada:

• Your child’s birth certificate or passport to show proof of age
• Proof of address: copy of a bank statement, phone or electric bill, or apartment lease with your name and address
• Proof of guardianship: you need this if your child is under 18 years of age and does not live with a parent
• Immunization record
• Permanent Resident Card
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM5292) or Record of Landing (IMM 1000).

When to Register Your Child in School

You have to enroll your children in school as soon as you arrive in Canada.  The school year starts in September and ends in June. But, if you arrive in Canada after the school year begins, your child can still attend school.

Canada guarantees an education to all children, including those with disabilities. Depending on the child’s needs, children with disabilities will either attend:

• regular classrooms and receive additional help, or 
• special classes or schools. 

Assessing Math and English Language Skills

Newcomer students may have to complete a math and English language skills assessment. The assessment will identify:

• what level your child is at, and
• what support your child may need to achieve success in school.

The results will help teachers understand what your child already knows. And if you have questions about your child’s placement level, you can talk to their teacher about their results. It’s helpful if you can provide your child’s previous report card or other school information for the assessment.

English as a Second Language (ESL) in Schools

Children who don’t have strong language skills that match the grade level can access programs to help them learn English. ESL classes are often regularly scheduled courses, or in place of English taught to those who already speak the language.

Provincial and Territory Ministries of Education

For more information, check out the Ministry of Education for the province where you plan to settle.

Alberta Ministry of Education

British Columbia Ministry of Education

Manitoba Ministry of Education

New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development

Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education

Northwest Territories Department of Education, Culture and Employment

Nova Scotia Department of Education

Nunavut Department of Education

Ontario Ministry of Education

Prince Edward Island Department of Education and Early Childhood Developmen t

Quebec Éducation, Loisir et Sport Québe c

Saskatchewan Ministry of Education

Yukon Department of Education

For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our  Settling in Canada resource page.  We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!

Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada and contributes articles related to working in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.

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Individual education plans

Learn how individual education plans ( IEP ) set out special education instruction, supports and services for your child.

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There are many students who have educational needs that cannot be met through regular instruction and assessment practices at schools.

Special education needs can be met through:

• accommodations
• educational programs that modify specific course expectations to be above or below age-appropriate, grade-level expectations
• alternative expectations that help students acquire knowledge and skills that are not part of the curriculum

An individual education plan ( IEP ) is a written plan that describes special education programs, accommodations and services that a school board will provide for a student. IEP s are based on a thorough assessment of a student’s strengths, needs and ability to learn and demonstrate learning.

Learn more about how school boards identify and place students in special education programs.

The IEP process

Your child can have an IEP for one of two reasons:

• An IEP must be developed for every student who has been identified as an “exceptional pupil” by an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee ( IPRC ). Learn about Identification, Placement and Review Committees and how they identify a student as an exceptional pupil .
• attend school
• achieve curriculum expectations
• demonstrate learning

A student’s provincial report card must link directly to the programs and expectations set out in their  IEP .

Your child is formally identified as an “exceptional pupil”

School boards must provide special education programs and services to students who are formally identified as “exceptional pupils.”

An exceptional pupil is a student who has been identified by a committee as having behavioural, communicational, intellectual, physical or multiple exceptionalities that requires them to have a special education program.

• a specific procedures on how school board committees will identify students requiring special education
• a requirement for regular reviews of a student’s identification and placement in a special education program
• a process for parents or guardians to appeal a school’s identification and placement of their child in a special education program

School board committees who identify and place students in special education programs are called identification, placement and review committees ( IPRC ). Learn more about identification, placement and review committees , including how your child’s principal can make a referral or you can request one for your child.

If an IPRC identifies your child as exceptional, the principal of your child’s school must ensure that:

• your child has an individual learning plan, called the Individual Education Plan ( IEP ) in place within 30 days
• you receive a copy of the IEP If you believe your child will benefit from special education programs or services and the school board does not agree, you have the right to request that the IPRC meet to review your child’s strengths and needs.)

If you believe your child will benefit from special education programs or services and the school board does not agree, you have the right to request that the IPRC meet to review your child’s strengths and needs.

Your child is not formally identified as an “exceptional pupil”

An IEP may be developed for students who have not been formally identified as exceptional by an IPRC , but who require a special education program or services to attend school, achieve curriculum expectations or demonstrate learning.

If you think your child requires an IEP and your child has not been formally identified as exceptional, talk to your child’s teacher or the school’s special education teacher about the process to create an IEP and the possibility of doing so.

What an IEP must include

A school must develop your child’s IEP in consultation with you or, if your child is 16 years or older, with your child.

The IEP must include:

• a description of your child’s strengths and needs and specific educational expectations
• an outline of the special education program and services that will be received
• a statement about the methods by which your child’s progress will be reviewed
• a transition plan that includes the specific goals, actions required, person(s) responsible for actions, and timelines for each educational transition where your child requires support

IEP s must be reviewed regularly

Schools should review your child’s IEP at least once every reporting period and update it based on their progress.

Principals should encourage relevant school board personnel and community personnel, who have previously worked on or are currently working with your child, to provide input and participate in the IEP process.

More information on IEP s and transition plans can be found in the Special Education in Ontario Kindergarten to Grade 12 Policy and Resource Guide .

Achieving expectations

With special education programs and services, many students with special needs — whether formally identified or not — will be able to achieve the grade-level learning expectations of the provincial curriculum.

Some students may require modifications. Modifications are changes made in the grade–level expectations for a subject or course in order to meet a student's learning needs.

Some students may require alternative expectations to succeed. Alternative expectations are those that are not derived from the expectations set out in ministry curriculum documents.

Further guidance for educators on curriculum modification and alternative expectations can be found in Special Education in Ontario, Kindergarten to Grade 12, Policy and Resource Guide (2017) .

• Children with special needs
• Identifying students with special education needs
• LD at school
• Policy Program Memorandum 140: Incorporating methods of applied behaviour analysis ( ABA ) into programs for students with autism spectrum disorders ( ASD )

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Elementary and high school in Canada

If you are a minor child applying to study in a primary or secondary school (kindergarten to grade 12), you do  not  need a provincial attestation letter (PAL) when applying for a study permit.

Learn more about which international students must include a provincial attestation letter .

Why pursue K-12 studies in Canada

As a parent, choosing a Canadian elementary or high school (kindergarten through grade 12) is an investment in your child’s future. Canada is known for its world-class education and spends more on education than on average across OECD countries. Canadian schools have highly educated teachers, modern technology and aim for low student-teacher ratios.

As a student, choosing to study abroad in Canada means you’ll get to learn alongside other students from around the world and from here in Canada. You’ll get the chance to make friendships that will last a lifetime while exploring a beautiful and welcoming country.

Get information now

In general, elementary school in Canada runs from kindergarten to grade 6, junior high or middle school runs from grades 7-8, and high school runs from grades 9-12. This varies from province to province. Kindergarten starts as early as four years old. Most high school graduates turn 18 the year they graduate, except in Quebec where graduates would turn 17.

To arrange for your child to be placed in the appropriate school and grade, contact the ministry of education for the province or territory where you plan to live.

Study and accommodations options

There are a variety of short and long term study options available in Canada based on your needs. Whether you choose a summer camp, one semester or a full academic year, something in-between or longer, studying in Canada will be a life-changing experience!

Types of schools

Public Schools: Publicly-funded schools are managed at the local level by elected school boards. Students will learn the standard provincial curriculum and some specialized study programs. Almost all public schools have male and female students in the same classes. They offer day programs only.

Independent/Private Schools: These schools charge tuition and they must deliver the same curriculum as public schools in that province or territory. The legal status of independent schools varies across Canada. Most provinces and territories require independent schools to register with their ministries of education and follow the curriculum and other standards.

Note: For both public and independent schools, international students must pay annual tuition fees. For more details about studying in the Canadian province you are interested in, please visit:

• Canadian Association of Public Schools - International (CAPS-I) (no scholarship opportunities available)
• Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS)

Lengths of study

• Summer camps (1-6 weeks)
• Short term integration programs (1-3 months)
• One semester (5 months)
• Full academic year (10 months)

Accommodations

International students who do not have a parent, relative or family friend who will be residing with them while they study in Canada can either stay with a host family or in a boarding school environment.

Canadian host family: Homestay programs allow international students over the age of 12 to live with a carefully selected and well-matched Canadian host family. Your child will get:

• a furnished private bedroom
• three meals per day and snacks
• ‘parental’ support
• introduction to the local community
• access to recreational activities

Boarding school environment: At boarding school, your child will live and learn on campus with the support of devoted staff who supervise and guide students in a safe environment. Your child will get:

• a place to stay
• meals and snacks
• guidance with schoolwork from teachers

After your studies

As an international student, graduating from a Canadian high school can also be your first step to eventually stay and work in Canada. Canada has many pathway programs to help you pursue post-secondary education in Canada and to stay and work after graduating from a Canadian college or university.

Learn more about options for staying in Canada after completing your high school education:

• Continue your studies by attending university or a college and vocational school
• Stay and work in Canada after your studies

Get free information

Inquire now! Interested in elementary and high school studies in Canada? Fill out this form to get more information.

Child Plan™

Child Plan™ “Participating” Whole Life provides your child with an annual tax-free dividend every year for life, which they can use towards:

• Any education program around the world
• A down payment on their first home
• Funding their first start-up (if that’s their dream)
• Any financial need in their lifetime

Create a Child Plan™ illustration to see the cash and insurance values for your child’s future.

How Child Plan™ Will Grow For Their Education

• Child Plan™ “Participating” Whole Life plan cash value can be used for any education program or university around the world without restrictions.
• Child Plan™ cash values are guaranteed and grow tax-free from the day you open it.
• Your Child Plan™ receives a tax-free annual dividend for life.
• You can transfer Child Plan™ to your child tax-free when they turn 18 for their education.
• Your child can access their Child Plan™  cash value tax-free for their education.
• Child Plan™ also includes whole life insurance for your child’s life for future generations.

How Child Plan™ Will Grow For Their Education & For Life

• You can open a Child Plan™ “Participating” While life insurance plan for your child as early as 14 days after birth.
• You can transfer the Child Plan™ tax-free to your child anytime after they turn 18.
• Cash values can be used for any university or vocational program around the world, not only those on the RESP Designated Educational Institution life.
• You can use your Child Plan™ annual dividends towards your annual deposits.
• Cash values can be used by your child for any financial need in their lifetime including education, down payment on a home, starting a business, even to provide financial security for their future family.
• Child Plan™ can be opened by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles or legal guardians.
• Your child can use their Child Plan™ cash values for any financial need in life.
• Because Child Plan™ is a Whole Life insurance plan, your child will be permanently covered.
• As a parent, you can control the use of Child Plan™ cash values even after transferring it to your child.
• Child Plan™ is permanently funded after 20 years. No further deposits will be required.

Sample Child Plan™ Cash and Insurance Value Illustration

Sample illustration is for a child under age 1 based on a monthly deposit of $250 for twenty years. There will be no further contributions required after year twenty. The cash and insurance values are based on a dividend interest rate of 6% from a Canadian life insurance company.

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A Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan

From: Department of Finance Canada

Backgrounder

The Government of Canada is focused on making life more affordable for Canadians. Since the spring budget, the federal government has signed Canada-wide early learning and child care agreements with 9 provinces and 1 territory — to help a majority of young Canadian families save thousands of dollars per year, starting next month.

The Government of Canada is focused on making life more affordable for Canadians. Since the spring budget, the federal government has signed Canada-wide early learning and child care agreements with 9 provinces and 1 territory — to help a majority of young Canadian families save thousands of dollars per year, starting next month. 

In Budget 2021, the government laid out a plan to provide Canadian parents with, on average, $10-a-day regulated child care spaces for children under six years old, within the next five years, including a 50 per cent reduction in average fees by the end of 2022.

The government’s significant $30 billion investment, over five years, in early learning and child care will help Canadian families afford the cost of living, and ensure every child has the best start in life. This includes $2.5 billion for Indigenous early learning and child care.

This is an economic issue as much as it is a social issue. The government’s plan to build a Canada-wide, community-based early learning and child care system will create new jobs and growth, and get parents — especially mothers — into the workforce. Affordable child care is estimated to raise real GDP by as much as 1.2 per cent over the next two decades.

As of the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021, the government has entered into agreements with 9 provinces and 1 territory.

As part of these agreements, the Canada-wide early learning and child care transfer payments from the federal government to the provinces and territories will increase from $3.0 billion in 2021-22 to $7.7 billion in 2025-26.

Early Learning and Child Care Investments to Make Life More Affordable

Update The Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories also announced an agreement shortly after the Economic and Fiscal Update 2021.

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