Elementary and Secondary School

The Ontario school system may be different than you are used to. Learn about elementary and secondary schools, including how to enroll and different programs.

Newcomers' Guides to Education

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General Information

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School Systems in Ontario

  • What are settlement services?

    Settlement services support immigrants and refugees to Canada. They can help you settle and adjust to your new life in Canada.

  • Who does what in Ontario's public education system?

    What is the role of the Ministry of Education, school boards, schools, teachers and school councils? This tip sheet will help you understand who does what in Ontario’s education system. From People for Education. Available in more than 10 languages.

  • Understanding the Safe Schools Act

    Ontario has an official policy about how students must behave in school. This multilingual tip sheet explains the discipline process and what happens if your child is suspended or expelled.
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Enrol Your Child in School

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Evaluation

  • EQAO Testing

    In some grades, all Ontario students write tests in reading, writing and math. This tip sheet will help you understand the purpose of these tests, and how to help your child prepare.
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ESL and Other Languages

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Special Education

  • What kind of supports can my child get through school?

    If you are new to the Ontario school system and you have a child that needs extra help in school, you will be glad to know that there are many supports available.

  • Special Education

    Some students may need extra support from a special education program to help them be successful in school. This tip sheet explains the process for ensuring students get the help they need. From People for Education. Available in more than 10 languages.

  • How can I get my child assessed for school support?

    Every student learns differently. Some students need more support than others.
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Extra Care

  • What counselling services can students get?

    Ontario schools approach students’ overall well-being, both physical and mental; not just academic.

  • Keeping Newcomer Youth Safe

    Newcomer adults face many settlement challenges upon arrival to Canada, such as finding appropriate employment and accommodation, adjusting to a new culture and learning English.

  • Bullying - We Can All Help Stop It

    The effects of bullying go beyond the school yard. For you as a parent, here's what to watch for, what you can do, and where you can go to get help.
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Help Your Child Succeed in School

  • What kind of supports can my child get through school?

    If you are new to the Ontario school system and you have a child that needs extra help in school, you will be glad to know that there are many supports available.

  • Parent-Teacher Interviews

    Discover how to prepare for parent-teacher interviews so that you can find out how your child is doing in school. This guide is available in 10 languages.

  • Solving Problems at School

    When you have a question or a concern about your child’s education, you may not know who to talk to. This multilingual tip sheet provides a clear step-by-step process for solving problems.
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Get Involved in the School Community

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