Education in Prince Edward Island

Guide your way to a seamless school transition when you relocate your CAF family to Prince Edward Island. 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-Language schools (if your child has rights to first-language French education)
Home education

Private schools are also an option.

Age groups

Kindergarten to Grade 6 – Elementary
Grades 7 to 9 – Intermediate
Grades 10 to 12 – Senior High

Grade groupings within schools vary from community to community.

Special Education Support

PEI offers an inclusive education environment. 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 PEI includes grade 10, 11 and 12, made up of a selection of credit courses and includes a provincial exam for grade 11 Math. This exam makes up 25% of the student’s mark in the course.

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

Virtual Learning Supports

Through an inter-provincial agreement, students in Prince Edward Island are funded to take online courses from the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. Each semester Grade 11-12 students can access more than 30 distance learning English language courses and 20 French language courses.

Discover more learning supports in the MFS Education Resource Guide.

FAQs about schools in Prince Edward Island

How do I find schools in my area when I move to Prince Edward Island?
Once you’ve determined the type of school your child will attend, register your child in 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 Prince Edward Island 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 PEI. You can wait one year if you think your child is not ready to go to kindergarten at the minimum age of entry. Register your child for kindergarten if they are turning five before December 31st in the current year.

Welcome to Kindergarten sessions for new students and parents are organized by schools in the spring before the next school year. Contact the school board or your child’s school directly for the session dates.
Are there pre-kindergarten options?
The universal pre-kindergarten program is an optional play-based program for all Island four-year-old children.
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 Department of Education and Lifelong Learning that you intend to home educate your child before the school year starts. Find forms and access to resources.
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]).