Education in Ontario

Guide your way to a seamless school transition when you relocate your CAF family to Ontario. 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)
French public schools
Separate (Catholic) schools (English and French)
Online school (register through your school)
Home education

Private schools are also an option.

Age groups

Kindergarten to Grade 8 – Elementary School
Grades 9 to 12 – High School

Grade groupings within schools vary from community to community and school board to school board

Special Education Support

Ontario offers Special Education programs and supports to accommodate all learners. Special education resources are provided at the board level.

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 Ontario includes grade 9, 10, 11 and 12, made up of 30 credit courses (18 are required courses and 12 are elective). Students in Ontario are required to complete at least 2 of their credits through an eLearning (online) format. Families can opt out of this requirement through their child's school.

Non-credit requirements include successfully completing a Gr. 10 Literacy test or equivalent course and 40 Community Service Hours.

Students starting Grade 9 in Sept. 2024 will also be required to complete one Technology course during High School to be eligible for a diploma.

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

Virtual Learning Supports

Learn at home offers ideas for ways to support Reading and Writing, Math, French through tips and activities. Includes link to Free Math tutoring for grades 3-12.

Discover more learning supports in the MFS Education Resource Guide.

FAQs about schools in Ontario

How do I find schools in my area when I move to Ontario?
Once you’ve determined the type of school your child will attend, you can consult the school finder for 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 Ontario 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 four in Ontario. You can enroll your child to start ‘Year One’ of Kindergarten in September of the calendar year in which they turn four years old. Children can be enrolled to start ‘Year Two’ of Kindergarten in September of the calendar year in which they turn five years old, regardless of whether they attended Year One of Kindergarten.
Are there pre-kindergarten options?
‘Year One’ is the earliest program offered. Learn about the EarlyON Centres for programs for families and children from birth to six.
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 notify the school board of your intent to homeschool in writing. You can request access to educational supports from the Ministry of Education. Find information, including how to access the Independent Learning Centre.
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]).