School & Holidays - North of 60

Yellowknife schools are very different than what most parents are used to in other locations. 

• Yellowknife Catholic Schools and École Alain St-Cyr dismiss students at noon, every Thursday.
• You or your children do not have to be Catholic to attend one of the Catholic schools.
• Children can attend any school, despite where you live.
• It is very easy to change schools the following year if you decide that another school offers something different than the school you originally chose.
• It is highly recommended that you visit all of the applicable schools while you're here on your HHT. The schools are very open to meeting parents, and students, as well as providing tours.
• For individualized questions or assistance regarding the Yellowknife school environment, please contact 
• It is very rare for schools to shut down due to snow or cold temperatures. Snow days are not a thing in Yellowknife.
• MAIN STREAMING is the preferred venue for special needs children, special education teachers, resource teachers and teachers' aides are utilized.
• Mildred Hall has a program for gifted children whereby they are withdrawn from normal classes for a certain period each day for advanced classes (starting at Grade 3).
• There are several Strengthening Teacher Instructional Practices (STIP) days throughout the school year, generally one or more per month for schools within the YK1 school board.

You should note that CAF members are required to work on National Aboriginal Day which occurs each year on June 21^st.  Although Canada Day and Remembrance Day are both statutory holidays CAF members are often required to parade on one or both of these days.  Daycare centres and day homes are closed during these holidays therefore making alternate arrangements are sometimes necessary.  Also note that the NWT does not observe Family Day.    

March break is scheduled for 2 weeks, during this time schools are closed in Yellowknife.  There are several March Break camps offered throughout the city. For a comprehensive list please contact ir.nof60@cfmws.com.

There are several summer camps offered throughout the summer however almost all camps are offered to children starting at 5 years of age.  There are very few camps offering services to children under 5 years of age however they book up very quickly.  Also be aware that some daycare/home providers follow the school calendar and also close for a week or two during the March break and during the summer therefore planning ahead will make your life less stressful.  

Military Family Resource Centre - Contact the MFRC, info.nof60@cfmws.com, for a list of up-coming Summer camps or keep an eye on our Facebook page and weekly newsletter. 

Registration for school bus passes is held in the months of May and June. Keep an eye on the MFRC Facebook page, for details on when the passes will be available. 

School and city bus services are managed through Transdev. Contact Transdev at (867) 873-4693 or https://transdevyk.com/contact/ for information and pricing.

• Note: Pre-K children are not eligible to ride the bus, even if accompanied by an older sibling.
• Note: Students attending high school do not have access to school busses, however, must rely on the city bus system. A student bus pass must be purchased. As busses fill up, it is not uncommon for them to drive right by waiting passengers.