Education in Northwest Territories

Guide your way to a seamless school transition when you relocate your CAF family to Northwest Territories. 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

Government funded schools for children

English public schools (with French Immersion option)
Francophone public schools
Separate religious schools (Catholic)
Online school
Home education

Private schools are also an option.
The Northwest Territories follows the Alberta education program and include in each of the programs the Dene Kede and Inuuqatigiit curriculums.

Age groups

Kindergarten to Grade 6 – Elementary School
Grades 7 to 9 – Junior High School
Grades 10 to 12 – High School

Grade groupings within schools vary from community to community.

Special Education Support

NWT offers an inclusive education environment. Special education resources are provided at the board level. When a student arrives at a new school some transition time and planning will be required, however, the child will be provided with the NWT program type that most closely aligns with their previous programming.

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 NWT includes grade 10, 11 and 12, made up of credit courses, which include career education courses and provincial exams in select grade 12 courses. These Diploma exams are developed in Alberta and make up 30% of the student’s grade in the course.

Read about the high school graduation requirements in NWT depending on your stream.

Virtual Learning Supports

Discover more learning supports in the MFS Education Resource Guide.

FAQs about schools in Northwest Territories

How do I find schools in my area when I move to the Northwest Territories?
Once you’ve determined the type of school your child will attend, find a link to a list of schools and contact the school closest to your area to register.
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 Northwest Territories 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 is available to children at least 4 years old as of December 31st of the school year. The two-year (Junior/Senior Kindergarten) program runs full-day and is optional.
Are there pre-kindergarten options?
Contact an Early Childhood Consultant from your region for more information.
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 register through a public school. The principal or superintendent’s designate of that school are responsible for ensuring that children are progressing through their education programs and have all the support they need.
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]).