school system in Canada
In 2015, 90 % of people in Canada aged 25 to 64 completed their high school, and 66 % obtained post-secondary education.
Canada has a strong, largely managed and well-organized public education system. Because of this, some aspects of the Canadian education system may differ between provinces. However, while the education system is overseen by the federal government of Canada, the standard of education remains high throughout the country. The whole School system and education in Canada is good and affordable.
The school system in Canada
The Canadian government subsidizes education from kindergarten to the post-secondary level, and spends on average about 6% of its GDP on education. This means that Canada spends more proportionally on education than the average among OECD countries.
Mainly
Second
Secondary
Private education and other learning systems - for example, religious schools - are also available at all three levels.
Education in Canada is available to children the year they are five (except in Ontario and Quebec, where children can start a year earlier). The table below shows, generally speaking, the ages at which children are required to attend school (note that requirements may differ for home schooling, which is legal across Canada).
Province Age of compulsory education
Alberta Six to 16
British Columbia Six to 16
Manitoba Seven to 18
New Brunswick Five to 18
Newfoundland Six to 16
Northwest Territories Five to 18
Nova Scotia Five to 16
Ontario Six to 18
Prince Edward Island Five to 16
Quebec Six to 16
Saskatchewan Seven to 16
Yukon Six to 16
Basic Education
Also known as elementary school, this level runs from Kindergarten or grade 1 (ages six to seven) and continues through grade 8 (ages 13 to 14).
Secondary Education
Secondary Education tooknown as high school, this level runs from grade 9 (ages 14 to 15) to Grade 12 (ages 17 to 18). Ontario has grades 12+. A publicly funded two-year course where students can pursue a university preparatory diploma.
Secondary Education
Canada has an extensive network of colleges and universities, offering the best secondary education system in the world.
Canada has many university programs in Canada located in both urban and rural areas across the country. Degrees awarded from Canadian universities are recognized as equivalent to those from other universities around the world.
The university year runs mainly from September to April or May and consists of two semesters or terms. Post-secondary institutions may offer the option of taking courses in a third semester during the summer months.
Education in English and French
Many international students may choose to study in either of Canada's two official languages. Some institutions may offer instruction in two or more languages, although students are not required to be fluent in both languages to attend school at any level in Canada.
Across most of Canada, the primary language of education at the school level is English. . The main language of instruction, French or English as a second language is usually taught from an early age.
There are exceptions where a child can obtain a certificate of eligibility to receive language (English) instruction:
A mother or father of a child pursued elementary education in English in Canada;
If your siblings, received the main part of their elementary or secondary education in English in Canada (if the child's mother or father is a Canadian citizen);
A student whose mother or father attended school in Québec after August 26, 1977, and may have been declared eligible for instruction in English at that time (if the child's mother or father is a Canadian citizen ).
In addition, children whose parents are temporarily in Quebec (for example, on a work or study permit), can attend school in English.
However, when new Canadians live in Quebec, their children are required to attend public school in French. so this is about the school system and education in canada.
Other forms of Canadian education
1. Vocational Schools
Students are often given the opportunity to learn a career or vocation at technical schools spread across Canada, in addition to community colleges that provide vocational training. Years ago, such services did not require students to hold a high school diploma, but in recent years, things have changed significantly.
Vocational schools encourage Canadian students under a competent and experienced supervisor to learn the specific trade they are interested in and gain real-life experience.
How do school years work in Canada?
For at least 10 years, schooling in all Canadian provinces is compulsory. Compulsory schooling begins at age 5 or 6 in Grade 1, and ends in high school at some point. Students must attend school until age 16 in most provinces (around Grade 10).
In Canada, is school education free?
In Canada's public school system, education is free for all students. Depending on the province or territory, children must attend school until age 16 or 18.
In Canada, how does the university system work?
The Canadian education system offers three degrees: bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. You are welcome, as an international student, to complete all or part of your education in Canada. There are also public and private universities, just like other countries.
Independent Academies
In Canada, private schools are often open, meaning they are schools that are not funded by the government, and sometimes come with hefty price tags. It is up to the parent and student to decide if this is a worthy investment for them to make or not.
Some parents feel as if, for personal reasons, their children need smaller classes, more special attention, or want to send them to a particular school. Those who do not wish to study in French and can afford it should always opt for a private school in Quebec.
Religious Colleges
Many who wish to send their children to Canadian religious schools must, for the most part, send them to private institutions with the exception of a few Catholic schools. Both standard school curriculum and religious studies aligned with the school's unique faith are taught by these schools.