General Information

How can I get my child assessed for school support?
Every student learns differently. Some students need more support than others.
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.
At what age do children attend school?
The Education Act is the law that governs public schools in Ontario. It says that children aged 6-18 must attend school. Most children begin kindergarten programs at age 4.

When do children begin and end school each day?
Generally, students attend school Monday to Friday, and the school day lasts about 6 hours.
Does it cost anything for my child to attend school in Ontario?
There is no tuition cost to attend publicly-funded schools in Ontario. Generally, you have to pay to send your child to a private school.
How can I contact a school, school board or trustee in my area?
Here are some ways to contact your local school, school board or trustee.

How important is it for my child to learn French in school?
French and English are Canada’s official languages. All English-language schools in Canada teach French as a second language. It allows your children to learn about francophone culture and it may benefit them in the future.
What transportation do students use to get to school?
Depending on where you live and on how far away the school is, there are different forms of transportation available.
What are my child's schooling options?
Ontario’s public schools offer a variety of programs. You may want to research the options available to you in your neighbourhood.

What are alternative schools?
Alternative schools offer different approaches to childhood development and education. They often focus on different subject areas or teaching methods. Typically, private alternative schools are costly while public ones are free or low-cost.
Full-Day Kindergarten: A Question and Answer Guide for Parents
This document describes what full day kindergarten is, how your child may benefit, who will support your child’s learning and how you can be involved.
When are the school holidays?
In Ontario, there are four publicly-funded school systems and private schools. Generally, there is a short break in December and March; both July and August are off for summer vacation.

What does a student need to graduate from high school?
Students need to complete a certain number of courses, do community service hours, and pass a literacy test.
When should I keep my child home from daycare or school?
You should keep your child home from daycare or school if they are feeling unwell and are not able to participate in normal activities. Especially if they have a fever, diarrhea or are vomiting.
What is a “snow day”?
A snow day is when students or workers are allowed to stay home. A snow day is announced by schools and other institutions when there are unusually severe weather conditions that make it unsafe to travel.

Dressing for Winter
This fun video provides a short demonstration of how to dress young children in the winter. It also includes a 1-page summary.
What is a SWIS worker?
The SWIS program is a school-based settlement service for immigrants, refugees, and other eligible clients to meet their immediate settlement or ongoing needs after they arrive in Canada. This program is funded by IRCC.

How can I get my child assessed for school support?