Education and Schools in Canada

Canada has no nationalised education system, and instead grants the responsibility of implementation and assessment to the 13 individual provinces and territories. The standard of education in Canada is high overall, although the quality of education and the level of funding can vary significantly between the provinces and territories.

Once you’ve decided which province or territory you’d like to settle in, you’ll need to research whether a public or private school will better suit your child’s needs. Both have pros and cons, but cost, curriculum, and school ethos often weigh most heavily in the decision-making process.

With such an assortment of schooling options, you’ll want to get a head start by researching schools as far in advance as possible. A helpful resource in this regard is the Fraser Institute, which issues publicly available annual report cards assessing schools based on academic and overall performance. These reports are easily accessible online and can be a valuable tool for evaluating local schools.

Public schools in Canada

Public school curricula in Canada’s individual provinces are generally reflective of the territory’s population, language, history, and culture. In predominantly French-speaking Quebec, for instance, the primary language of education is French. New Brunswick follows a bilingual language policy, while other provinces use English as the main language of instruction. 

The compulsory education age range is also controlled by individual jurisdictions, but most provinces typically require attendance between the ages of 6 and 16.

If you have a residence permit, your children can attend Canadian public schools for free, while non-residents are liable to pay tuition fees set by their province or territory.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programmes are becoming more available across public schools in Canada. About 200 schools offer the IB programme, and over 500 provide AP courses, particularly in urban areas like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. These programmes provide challenging academic opportunities that can benefit university preparation.

Since students attend public schools based on catchment zones, you might want to choose your residential neighbourhood according to the school you want your children to attend.

School System in Calgary
School System in Montreal
School System in Ottawa
School System in Toronto
School System in Vancouver

Useful links

• CMEC National Education Overview
• Fraser Institute School Report Cards

Private and international schools in Canada

While most Canadian citizens use the free public education system, you may want to consider private or international schools if you can afford it and your child has particular educational needs or preferences. Private institutions are primarily funded through tuition and private donors.

Generally, they offer superior facilities, a more diverse range of extracurricular activities, smaller class sizes, and a higher standard of education. Some have a specific focus, such as bilingual education, arts programmes, or particular teaching philosophies.

Accreditation is key when evaluating a private or international school. Look for recognition from reputable bodies like the Canadian Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) or the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). These accreditations help ensure that schools meet specific standards and provide quality education.

International Schools in Montreal
International Schools in Toronto

Useful links

• Canadian Association of Independent Schools
• International Baccalaureate Organisation

Special-needs education in Canada

As with most education-related matters in Canada, each province is largely responsible for how they handle students whose behavioural, communication, intellectual, or physical needs can’t be met by the standard education system. The overarching principle is to keep children with special needs in mainstream schools whenever possible, offering individualised assistance, accommodations, or special arrangements to support their learning experience.

The definition of special needs varies between provinces, shaping the support systems. British Columbia, for example, broadly defines special needs as intellectual, physical, and emotional challenges. Ontario refers to ‘students with exceptionalities’, while Alberta uses the term ‘diverse learning need’.

Most provinces use a range of support programmes within mainstream schools, such as Individualised Education Plans (IEPs), resource rooms for specialised help, and dedicated teaching assistants. Inclusive classrooms, where students of all abilities learn side-by-side, are also common. For those with more extensive challenges, there are also specialised schools.

Tutors in Canada

Tutoring is widely used throughout Canada, whether for exam preparation or extra help with a particular subject like maths or science. Approximately 30 percent of Canadian families utilise tutoring at some stage, with an uptick during key academic milestones such as exams or school transitions.

Tutors can be particularly helpful if your child requires assistance bridging the gap between their previous schooling abroad and the Canadian education system, especially if they’re adapting to a completely new curriculum. Language tutors are also popular, as they can help children improve their English skills or maintain fluency in their native language.

When selecting a tutor, consider their educational background, experience working with children at the appropriate level, and any specialisations they may have. References or reviews from other parents can also offer valuable insights.

Some of the most popular tutoring services include Kumon, which focuses on maths and reading skills, and Sylvan Learning, which offers personalised tutoring for a range of subjects. Online platforms such as TutorBright and Superprof offer flexible scheduling and access to a broad selection of tutors.

Useful links

• Kumon
• Sylvan Learning
• TutorBright
• Superprof Canada