Enrolling your children in school

Enrolling your children in Canadian public school is a key step when settling in Canada. The good news: education is free for permanent residents, and most families will qualify for no-cost schooling regardless of immigration status. This guide walks you through how to register, what documents you'll need, and what to expect from the Canadian school system.

Public School is Free and Organized Locally

Canada's public school system is free and funded through provincial and local tax revenue. Each province manages its own education system and curriculum, so rules and timelines differ depending on where you settle. Within each province, school boards (or school districts) oversee groups of schools and handle enrollment directly.

Your children are eligible to attend public school from kindergarten (around age 4–5) through high school. The school system generally follows this structure: elementary school (kindergarten through grade 6 or 8, depending on province), middle school or junior high (grades 7–9), and secondary or high school (grades 9–12, though grade structure varies by province). In Quebec, secondary school begins in grade 7.

Who Qualifies for Free Public Schooling

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, your children automatically qualify for free public school education with no additional requirements. Permanent resident status is confirmed by a PR card or a Confirmation of Permanent Residence document (IMM 5688) issued when you first arrive in Canada.

If you hold temporary resident status—such as a work permit, study permit, or visitor status—your children may still be eligible for free schooling, but eligibility rules vary significantly by province and school board. Generally, children of work permit holders or study permit holders can attend free public school if their parent meets residency and employment requirements in that province. Some provinces require the parent to be employed at least 20 hours per week, while others have additional conditions. Check with your specific school board to confirm eligibility before you enroll.

How to Register: Step by Step

Registration is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. The process begins with contacting your local school board's student registration office.

Step 1: Find Your School Board

Search online for your province's Ministry of Education or your city's school board website. Each area has its own school district with multiple schools. Your residential address determines which school board covers your area and which schools are in your catchment (assigned neighborhood schools).

Step 2: Contact the Registration Office

Call or visit your school board's student registration office. Many school boards now allow online registration, but some still require a visit in person. The staff will tell you which schools your address qualifies for, whether spots are available, and what documents you need to bring.

Step 3: Complete Registration Forms

You'll fill out an enrollment application form with information about your child's age, name, address, family structure, and educational background. Most school boards provide these forms online, though some may require paper forms submitted in person.

Step 4: Submit Required Documents

Once forms are completed, you'll submit supporting documents in person or by email, depending on the board's process. Original documents are reviewed and usually returned to you immediately after being scanned.

Documents You Will Need

Requirements vary by province and school board, but most ask for the following:

• Proof of age: Original birth certificate, passport, or government-issued ID for your child
• Proof of residency: Recent utility bill, lease agreement, or proof of home purchase in your name or a co-resident's name
• Proof of parent/guardian identity: Photocopies of both parents' photo IDs (driver's license, passport, etc.)
• Immigration status: PR card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5688), work permit, study permit, or visitor record—depending on your family's status
• Immunization records: Complete vaccination history (see Immunizations section below)
• Previous school records: Report cards, transcripts, or letters of completion from schools in your home country (translated if necessary)

If documents are in another language, schools often accept originals plus a translated copy in English or French. Some provinces require official notarized translations, while others accept certified copies made by the school or a school board representative.

Immunization Requirements

Every province in Canada requires proof of up-to-date immunizations before children can attend school. Mandatory vaccines vary by province. In Ontario, for example, children must be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Other provinces have similar but slightly different requirements.

You must provide proof of vaccination records at enrollment. The school's public health authority will review your child's immunization records yearly. If records are missing or incomplete, the health unit will contact you and set a deadline for your child to be vaccinated. Children who are not fully immunized may be suspended from attending school during disease outbreaks or if they remain non-compliant past the deadline.

In Ontario and New Brunswick, parents may request exemptions for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons, but exemptions must be formally documented and notarized. During an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, exempt children may be removed from school until the outbreak ends.

Getting Vaccinated in Canada

If your child is missing vaccinations, you can arrange them through your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or provincial public health clinics. Many are provided free by provincial health insurance plans, though some newly arrived families may face brief delays accessing provincial coverage. Contact your local public health unit (search online for your city or province) to find low-cost or free immunization clinics.

After your child receives vaccines in Canada, you must report them to your school or local public health authority so records are updated. Schools can then access and maintain your child's immunization file electronically.

Understanding the School Year

The Canadian school year typically runs from September to June and follows a standard five-day work week (Monday through Friday). Each province sets its own academic calendar, and school boards may adjust dates within provincial guidelines.

In Ontario, for example, the school year normally begins in early September and ends in late June, covering approximately 194 instructional days. Schools close for Christmas (mid-December through early January), and there are also spring breaks. Additional breaks include long weekends around Thanksgiving (October) and Remembrance Day (November). Some provinces offer a fall break. Professional development (PD) days for teachers may also occur, when students do not attend school.

Summer vacation lasts from late June through August. Exact start and end dates vary by school board and change each year. Search your specific school's website or your school board's website to find the official calendar with all holidays, PD days, and the first and last day of school.

Language Support: English and French

In most of Canada, children can attend English-language public schools. The exception is Quebec, where most public school students are required to attend French-language schools through high school. This rule applies to newcomers as well, though private English-language schools exist and some exceptions apply to temporary residents.

If your child's first language is not English or French, the school will assess their language level and place them in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program. These are mainstream classes with additional language support, not separate schools. Assessment happens during enrollment or shortly after your child begins school. Your child will gradually develop proficiency while learning alongside Canadian students in regular classes.

Most Canadian schools have settlement workers or newcomer support staff on hand to help children and families adjust to school culture and overcome any initial language barriers. Do not hesitate to ask your school about these services.

French Immersion Programs

In provinces outside Quebec, many public schools offer French immersion programs where children are taught in French alongside English peers. These are optional programs, not mandatory. If you are interested in French immersion, ask the school board whether spaces are available and when applications are accepted—some boards have specific enrollment windows and waitlists for popular programs.

After Enrollment: What to Expect

Once enrolled, your child will attend school orientation or a meet-the-teacher event, depending on the school. You'll receive information about school hours, lunch policies, school buses (if available), uniforms (public schools generally do not require uniforms), and expectations for parent involvement.

Most schools ask parents to participate in school activities and attend parent-teacher conferences a few times a year. Getting involved helps your child succeed and helps you understand the Canadian school culture. Many schools also have parent councils or associations where you can volunteer.

If your child has previously attended school in another country, the school may ask for transcripts or previous report cards to help place them in the right grade level. In some cases, children are assessed in math and language to ensure appropriate classroom placement, especially if there are large gaps in schooling.

Key Takeaways

1. Public school in Canada is free for permanent residents and usually free for temporary residents (but verify with your school board).
2. Contact your local school board's registration office early—ideally before the school year begins in September.
3. Bring proof of age, address, immunizations, and immigration status. Have documents translated if necessary.
4. Ensure your child's immunizations are up-to-date; schools will not admit children with incomplete vaccination records without an exemption.
5. The school year runs September to June with major breaks in winter and spring; check your board's calendar for exact dates.
6. Most schools offer English or French language support for newcomer students; your child will be assessed and placed in an ESL/FSL program if needed.
7. Attend school events and parent-teacher conferences to support your child's transition and your own understanding of the system.