Much of Canada’s success as a prosperous, modern, and industrialized nation can be attributed to the country’s strong tradition of high-quality schools, which remain among the most respected in the world. Canada has a strong and well-funded public a course in miracles system, largely administered by the province. As a result, some aspects of the education system may vary from province to province. However, as education is overseen by the federal government, the level of education remains consistently high across the country.
Canada has a private and public education system. The Canadian government heavily subsidizes education from kindergarten to post-secondary level, spending on average nearly 6% of its GDP on education. Canada has spent proportionately more on education than in comparison to the average of OECD countries.
Private education and other school systems – for example, religious schools – are also available at all three levels. Canada offers education to children as they turn 5 years old (except in Quebec and Ontario). Depending on the province, kindergarten may be optional. The table below shows, in general terms, the ages between which children must attend school (note that the requirements may differ for homeschooling, which is legal across Canada):
Also known as elementary school, this level ranges from Kindergarten or Grade 1 (ages six to seven) to Grade 8 (ages 13 to 14). The school year starts from September to the following year’s June.
Also known as high school, this level runs from Grade 9 (14-15) to 12 (17-18). Ontario has a grade 12 and up. Students in the high school of Quebec province attend the school until the age of 16 years. They can then continue their studies at CEGEP, a two-year public college where students can pursue either a college preparation diploma or a professional diploma.
