Education in Quebec

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

Francophone public schools (French language instruction is the most common language of instruction in Quebec)
English public schools (if your child is eligible - CAF members are eligible to apply for English instruction if this is their preferred language of instruction, as CAF members are often temporary residents. Learn more HERE).
Online schools
Home education

Private schools are also an option

Many Private (independent) schools in Quebec are subsidized by the provincial Government. This can reduce tuition fees by up to 60%. Find out more about private schools in parts of Quebec HERE.

Age groups

Kindergarten – Preschool
Grades 1 to 6 (Cycle 1 to Cycle 3) – Elementary School
Grades 7 to 11 (Secondary I to Secondary V) – High School

Grade groupings within schools vary from community to community.

Special Education Support

When registering your child, indicate on the School Board registration form whether your child has any suspected or known special learning needs. If a particular need is indicated, you will be asked to complete forms prepared by the Student Services Department, which may include a Parental Consent for Release of Information or the Registration for Kindergarten Current Services Form.

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

Secondaire (Secondary School) in Quebec includes grade 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Students must successfully complete specific ministerial exams in Secondary IV (Grade 10) and Secondary V (Grade 11) to be eligible for a diploma.

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

N.B. The transition into Quebec's 11-grade system from a 12-grade system can be difficult for students arriving after having completed Gr. 10 or 11 in another country or province. Families are encouraged to connect with our staff ([email protected]) as early as possible in the posting process to discuss this transition.

Virtual Learning Supports

Open School (L'École ouverte) shares links to resources for families to access while at home.

Alloprof offers access to homework help, activities organized by grade and subject, and exam prep resources to students in Quebec.

English tutoring and learning resources are available through LEARN.

Discover more learning supports in the MFS Education Resource Guide.

FAQs about schools in Quebec

How do I find schools in my area when I move to Quebec?
Once you’ve determined the type of school your child will attend, you can consult this map and this site to find available schools in your area.
How long is the school year?
The traditional school year runs from September to June, with a one-week spring break in March or April and two months of summer vacation in July and August. Many school boards begin the school year in late August.
When can I register my child for school?
You can enroll your child in school as soon as you have proof of your Quebec 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?

The Preschool Cycle Program is available to children four years of age by September 30th of the school year in question. Full-time kindergarten for 4-year-olds is being phased in gradually in schools across Quebec. It is not compulsory.
Are there pre-kindergarten options?
There are no publically funded preschool programs in Quebec for children under 4 years of age.
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 provincial Minister of Education and your community school before July 1st each year you intent to homeschool. Quebec has very specific learning project and assessment reporting requirements that homeschool families must follow.
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.

If you are moving into the Quebec system and your child is secondary school-aged, you are encouraged to reach out to the MFS Education Team early in the posting process to discuss potential compatibility issues.