The Canadian School System
The educational system in Ontario includes:
- Early Years Centres
- Public funded elementary and secondary schools,
- Private elementary and secondary schools,
- Universities,
- Colleges of applied arts and technology, and
- Private career colleges.
Children’s Education
Education at elementary and secondary schools is free and available to every child in Ontario and Canada. Private schools charge school fees.
Ontario’s public schools offer education in English or French.
Children start attending elementary school when they are about 4 or 5 years old until they are 13. By law, youth must attend school until the age of 18.
Preschool programs, like those offered by Early Years Centres in Waterloo Region or other community organizations, offer activities for children up to age 6.
Visit the Children’s Information Portal by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to find out more about child and youth services and programs, and child care services. Early learning and child care lists local child care options.
The publicly funded school system in Waterloo Region is like other school systems around the world, but is also different in some ways. Parents take an active role in their children’s education. They often meet with teachers and principals. Teachers think about the student’s needs and what will work best for them. They get students involved in the classroom. They feel it is important for students to work together, as well as work on their own.
Parents have a number of responsibilities and obligations for their children’s education.
Schools offer different programs and classroom settings to suit children’s needs and abilities. Many schools also offer language training and programs for newcomer students.
Teachers and staff are committed to making sure students fell safe and welcome. They keep the learning environment positive. There are many rules, responsibilities, and obligations for teachers and school staff. Check with the school principal, teachers, or the local district school board to find our more about the programs offered at different schools.
For more information about what your children learn in school, how to register your child, how to get involved as a parent, forms and applications, report cards, and important school calendar dates, visit:
Home schooling and private schools are other choices for educating your children. Check the home schooling regulations and requirements if you plan to teach your children at home.
The Ontario Ministry of Education governs publicly funded education in Ontario. Elementary and secondary public schools in Waterloo Region belong to one of four district school boards. School boards in Waterloo Region include:
Most public and catholic schools have settlement workers in schools through the Settlement and Educational Partnerships in Waterloo Region (SEPWR) program. The workers help newcomer students and their families adjust to Canadian society and schools. Contact the YMCA Cross-Cultural and Community Services for more information about SEPWR.
Adult Education
Adult education helps you in many areas, including:
- Job skills training
- Adult literacy and basic skills training
- Flexible learning
- Bridging programs
- Apprenticeship programs
- Professional training
- Aniversity or college level programs of study.
See the Adult and Continuing Education or the Universities and Colleges page to learn more.
The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities runs Ontario’s universities, colleges of applied arts and technology, and private career colleges.