Helping Newcomers to Canada Navigate The Ontario School System

New to Ontario? The transition to a new school in a new city can be scary and overwhelming for children. But with the right information and support, it can be a fun and exciting opportunity for your kids. A new school offers a fresh start and a chance to make new friends, learn new skills and explore a different environment.

As a Career and Education Consultant with decades of experience in the Ontario school system, I have helped hundreds of children successfully adjust to their new school. My job is to make the transition as smooth as possible! So if you’re a newcomer to Canada or are considering a move to Ontario from another province, this information will help you get started.

ONTARIO SCHOOL SYSTEM BASICS:

The Ontario school year runs from September to June. Class times for both types of schools are usually between 8:30am and 3:30pm (this may vary), Monday to Friday. (Some schools have extracurricular activities after school such as sports, music or drama lessons or events).

In Ontario, you can choose to send your child to a public or private school. Both follow the same Ontario curriculum, but the way it is delivered can vary school to school.

Public Schools

Public schools are publicly funded; meaning elementary and secondary education is free for Ontario residents. There are four types of public schools each managed by its own school board: English Public, English Catholic, French-immersion Public, French-immersion Catholic. Catholic schools are for students baptized as Roman Catholic and where either one both parents are Roman Catholic (though some schools accept non-Catholic students). Your choice of school depends on where you live. Search public schools by postal code here.

Private or Independent Schools

Private schools don’t receive funding from the government, so parents pay tuition fees, which vary depending on the school. Private schools are run like a business or non-profit organization, and the Ontario Ministry of Education does not regulate them. So, do plenty of research, and read what to consider before enrolling in a private school. Download list of private schools here.

WHICH GRADE SHOULD MY CHILD BE IN?

Deciding which grade your child should be in typically depends on their age. The age cutoff in Ontario is Dec 31^st. Levels of schooling include:

Preschool Daycare (optional): For children under 4 years of age.

Junior Kindergarten (optional): For children who will turn 4 years old by Dec 31.

Kindergarten (optional): For children who will turn 5 years old by Dec 31. (Kindergarten is optional, but research shows that kindergarten gives children a solid foundation for future learning.)

Elementary (Grades 1-8): Enrol in Grade 1 if your child will be 6 years old by Dec 31st.

Secondary/High School (Grades 9-12):  Enrol in Grade 9 if your child will be 14 years old by Dec 31st.

Your personal situation may vary, but you can use this table as a guide:

ONTARIO SCHOOL SYSTEM RESOURCES FOR PARENTS:

 The following resources can give newcomers to Ontario, Canada an idea of what to expect when enrolling your child in a kindergarten or school in Ontario:

• Ontario Ministry of Education website covers topics such as: how the Ontario school system works, costs of schooling, applying for grants, searching for publicly-funded schools, frequently asked questions and more.
• The Newcomers’ Guide to Elementary School and The Newcomers’ Guide to Secondary School are detailed step-by-step guides on the school system. They cover subjects such as: teaching styles in Canada, dealing with bullying and discipline at school, preparing for university, college or apprenticeships, learning English as a second language and special education programs.
• What you need to enrol your child in school.

Other ways to help your child transition to life in Ontario include joining your local library and visiting your nearest community centre. Besides having access to free books for your child, libraries often hold fun educational activities for children. Community centres also run many free and inexpensive events for families.

Are you a newcomer to Ontario, Canada? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the information and choices facing you, contact Educational Consultant Marlene Kaiman for personalized advice on your family’s situation. Marlene has helped hundreds of families and newcomers to Canada navigate the Ontario school system. Book an appointment today to ensure the transition to a new school in Ontario is as smooth as possible for your child.