STUDYING

CHILDREN

Ontario has publicly funded school systems throughout the province. Elementary schools provide junior kindergarten and kindergarten programs (for children aged 4 and 5) and programs for grades 1 through 8 (for children from 6-13). 

Secondary schools offer programs from grade 9 through to grade 12. All children between the ages of six and 18 must attend school. 

In this section you can find information about the school system in Ontario and how to enrol your children. You can also learn about English as a Second Language programs for children. This section also covers: pre-school and child-care programs and general information on children and youth services.

Preschool and Child Care

Child Care and Home Care:

• Information and resources about child care and home care options in Ontario
• Child care options: child care centres
• Introducing your child to child care
• Frequently asked questions about child care in Ontario
• Child care options: home child care
• Ontario’s Early Years Centres offer programs and activities for children up to age six
• Ontario Child Care Supplement (OCCS) for Working Families

Elementary and Secondary Schools

General Information:

• Finding a school or school board in Ontario
• High school diploma requirements
• School forms and applications
• A guide to the education system in Ontario for immigrants

 English as a Second Language (ESL) for Children:

• Information for children in elementary school
• Information for children in secondary school (PDF)

Report Cards:

• Understanding the public elementary school report cards
• Understanding the public secondary school report cards

Calendar with important dates for the public elementary and secondary school systems

Children and Youth Services

Programs and services for children and youth provided by the Ontario Government

The Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services

Government of Canada’s website about programs and services for children

Canadian Child Care Federation