Children must attend school in the neighbourhood that they live in.
School System
Once you arrive in Peel, you will want to find out about schooling for your children.
Children ages 4 to 17
All children in Canada from ages 4 to 17 are able to attend school free of charge.
Ontario law requires that children from age 6 to 17 attend school but many children begin elementary school in a kindergarten program at age 4 or 5.
The school system has two levels:
- Elementary school - Kindergarten to Grade 8
- Secondary school - Grades 9 to 12
Elementary schools provide kindergarten programs (for children aged 4 and 5) and programs for grades 1 to 8. Junior Kindergarten (JK) and Senior Kindergarten (SK) can be half-day or full-day programs. Some schools and school boards do not have JK programs.
Secondary schools, often called "high schools," provide programs from Grade 9 to Grade 12. To earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students must complete at least 30 credits (normally, 1 course = 1 credit). Students must also do 40 hours of community service and pass the literacy requirement.
Children must attend school in the neighbourhood that they live in. Once you arrive in your new home in Peel, there are several school boards where you can register your child for school.Learn More:
Newcomers' Guides to Education in Ontario - These guides have information and suggestions on how to help your children in school. You can find information about registering your child in school, school policies, what students learn, and how students are graded.