Education in Newfoundland and Labrador

Guide your way to a seamless school transition when you relocate your CAF family to Newfoundland and Labrador. Start your school search as soon as you receive your posting notice. Prepare to register for school once your House Hunting Trip is complete.

Schools at a glance

Provincially funded schools for children

English public schools (with French immersion option)
Francophone public schools (if your child has rights to first-language French education)
Online school
Home education

Indigenous and private schools are also options.

Age groups

Kindergarten to Grade 3 – Primary Program
Grades 4 to 6 – Elementary Program
Grades 7 to 9 – Intermediate Program
Grades 10 to 12 – High School Program

Grade groupings within schools vary from community to community.

Special Education Support

When parents register their child(ren) who has learning exceptionalities they should share all relevant documentation with school staff to assist in the implementation of a leaning plan within the province’s Inclusive Learning model. In Newfoundland, the development of an IEP may not be required for students receiving accommodations only. Those accommodations will however be documented in the student’s Cumulative File.

Ease your transition from another province or school board by having the right documentation on hand.

Have professional assessments/diagnoses documentation ready
Include information on how the diagnosis directly affects your child’s learning
Provide your child’s existing Individual Education Plan (IEP), Individual Program Plan (IPP), or Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
Share past report cards and samples of school work

See the School Transition Portfolio in the MFS Education Resource Guide for more helpful information.

High School Graduation Requirements

Secondary School in Newfoundland includes grade 10, 11 and 12, made up of 36 credit courses. Students are required to write “Public Exams” as part of the evaluation for a variety of Grade 12 courses.

Read about the high school graduation requirements in Newfoundland depending on your pathway.

Virtual Learning Supports

The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District has curated links to programs and resources for learning activities.

Discover more learning supports in the MFS Education Resource Guide.

FAQs about schools in Newfoundland and Labrador

How do I find schools in my area when I move to Newfoundland and Labrador?
Once you’ve determined the type of school your child will attend, consult the English district school directory or the Francophone district school directory to choose the school closest to you.
How long is the school year?
The traditional school year runs from September to June, with two months of summer vacation in July and August, and a one-week spring break in March or April.
When can I register my child for school?
You can enroll your child in school as soon as you have proof of your Newfoundland and Labrador address, which could be following your House Hunting Trip, if you’ve signed a lease or sale agreement.
How do I register my child for school?
School registration is done through your local school board/authority.
At what age do children start school?

Kindergarten starts at age five in Newfoundland and Labrador. Register your child for kindergarten if they are turning five before December 31st in the current year. Kindergarten is not compulsory.

You can register for KinderStart | programme Bon Départ, a school transition program offered in the year before Kindergarten. It is set up to support children’s adjustment to the school environment.
Are there pre-kindergarten options?
Pre-kindergarten is not offered at every school site. Learn about school-sponsored pre-kindergarten programs and contact information here.
At what age does my child have to start school?
The compulsory school age is six.
What if I want to home school my child?
You must apply to the Director of Education each year that you intend to home school. The English School District home schooling policy outlines the guidelines, supports and resources available to families through the Home Schooling Coordinator.
How can I determine equivalent high school credits when moving from province to province?
Canada eschool offers a chart comparing credit-based courses across provinces. If you’re unsure, reach out to your new school or contact the MFS Education Team ([email protected]).