Quebec’s school system is extremely important for the newcomers in the province or for those who seek to immigrate here with their families. Interestingly, Canada leads the education system with its international ranking and even offers ample job opportunities to those bringing their families to the country.
Quebec school system- types of schools
Children between the age group of six to sixteen years are required to go to school. The schooling system comprises three levels elementary, secondary, and college.
The Quebec school system involves the following school types:
Quebec- public school
The medium of instruction in Quebec’s public school system is the French language. Although the use of the English language is also prevalent, its use is somewhat limited. Moreover, the students can attend public schools without any fee. The existing number of public Francophone schools in the province accounts for at least 64 of them.
Existing English language schools in the province
The number of existing school boards with the English language is 9, whereas preschool to college students can access the education available in these schools.
For children to get admission to any of the English language schools, they need to fulfill the following conditions:
- A majority of their elementary education or secondary schooling must be in English in Canada.
- The student’s sibling must have completed their elementary education in the country in the English language only.
- The candidate’s parents must have obtained their school education in Canada in the English language.
- Their parents completed their formal education under Quebec’s school system after August 26, 1977. Additionally, they had gained eligibility for instructions in the English language at that point in time.
Children with Quebec permanent residency qualifying for an eligibility certificate might also apply. However, parents must make sure that their child passes the eligibility criteria to acquire education in English. Additionally, children must hold a declaration of learning in the English language. Several English schools program related to French immersion.
Quebec’s private schooling system
The maximum number of students in Quebec attend public schools, but there are still several of them who acquire education at private schools. Partially, it is because the Quebec government provides subsidies to children who meet the provincial criteria and attend private schools too. Although you might have the right to the government’s subsidy, you will still have to pay at least thirty percent of the total expenditure. Private school education is pretty expensive here in Quebec. The main reasons for parents sending their children to Quebec are due to the religious belief systems, to fulfill the educational requirements of the child, and due to the school’s approach toward learning. Parents might also have to pay between $5000 and $69,000 CAD annually.
Concept of Homeschooling
The concept of Homeschooling is also prevalent among many parents. Several parents drop the idea of private or public schooling for their children. Conversely, they try to educate their children at home. However, Homeschooling does come with certain government regulations. These regulations are related to the subjects taught as well as the curriculum. Apart from this, an annual evaluation is also required. Essentially, the parents also send a written notice annually before July 1 to the minister and school education board.
The prevalence of Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education is available to children who are younger than the age of five because schooling in the province begins only when the child turns five years old.
Children under five years are eligible for this kind of school, where they learn in a playful environment. The preschool setting confers on students who are between the age group of three to five years.
Additionally, four-year-old children can access the Preschool Education Program as it is specifically developed for the children to step up to the schooling system once they turn five years old. Parents can connect with the local school board to register for this Kindergarten program if their child is already four years old as of September 30.
Besides this, the availability of private preschool programs is also prevalent for children aged two or above. Several Early Childhood centers in the province function based on non-profit. These centers create space for children at lower costs, estimated to be around $8.35 CAD each day.
Alternatively, parents will need to pay approximately an amount of $35-$56 CAD each day if they choose to register at a private preschool.
Quebec’s preschool program types
While planning for a preschool program, you will have to search for a Registered Early Childhood Educator.
The following types of Quebec preschools exist:
- Co-operative schools (local community or non-profit)– The most expensive schools because parents volunteer to work here as assistants to professional teachers.
- Religious schools or religious education institutions– These kinds of schools comprise religious education, although children don’t necessarily have to follow the same religion taught in these institutions.
- Private schools– Private schools happen to be highly expensive and could range from small to large schools.
- Montessori schools– Montessori schools comprise more of life’s philosophies than the method of teaching.
Quebec’s education level and grade structure
Quebec’s public education is classified into three levels: elementary, secondary, and college.
Elementary education
Elementary education in Quebec starts with Kindergarten, usually when the child turns five years old. The elementary education process ends with Grade 6. However, children don’t necessarily have to attend Kindergarten. Although, parents do have a choice to enroll their child if he is five years old on September 30 in that particular year. Usually, students are supposed to graduate from school when they turn eleven years old.
Secondary education
Secondary schools function from grades 7 to 11. The province doesn’t include a Grade 12 in its secondary school system. The schooling usually begins when the child is either 11 or 12 years old, and he completes the education with Grade 11 when he turns 16 years old. After completing Grade 11, students will receive a Secondary Studies Diploma.
College
Quebec students directly walk up the ladder to college instead of Grade 12. The concept of college Education is brought forth to reduce the gap between completing Grade 11 and going to university.
Students have the chance to study either in a pre-university education or technical college. The course duration at pre-university accounts for two years, whereas the technical course duration accounts for three years. Overall, colleges working on public funding bring together pre-university and technical programs in a single school. Conversely, colleges run on private terms might provide separate and unique programs. After acquiring an education at a college, they can proceed with a university education or complete vocational training or work.
Admission of children in Quebec schools
Children can get admission at the Kindergarten level, referred to as preschool, once they turn five years old in that particular year.
Numerous and distinct district school boards hold the responsibility to form strict school boundaries. Usually, students attend schools near their living regions. However, parents usually have an option to ask for a cross-boundary.
It is mandatory to incorporate the following details concerning your child’s registration at the school:
- An authentic long-form birth certificate with the names of both parents.
- Relevant documents concerning Canadian citizenship and permanent residency status.
- Quebec residency proof, including a driver’s license, utility bill, and rental agreement.
- The latest report card.
To get your child admitted to a Quebec school, follow the given steps:
- Visit the local school board and also check the child’s home school.
- Consider the instructions given for the child’s online registration.
- Fill out the application form with all the relevant information concerning your child, residential address, information associated with your parents and guardians, medical information, and emergency contacts.
- Document proof related to your child’s ID, residential proof, and report card copies.
- In the case of your child’s registration in Quebec’s English school, make sure the child fulfills all eligibility conditions for a certificate of eligibility.
- Make your child meet a guidance counselor for high school education. The counselor will guide the previous schooling experience and also their career ambitions. Apart from this, counselors also help a great deal in helping these children make a choice in their career courses.
Expenditure related to schools in the province
Public schooling is free for children in Quebec; however, they will still have to manage their budget for the following expenses:
Quebec government’s before and after school programs
Quebec’s school boards have before and after-school programs for children between four and twelve years. Subsidized child care worth $8.50 CAD is available for school-going children. This childcare cost is reduced for the feasibility of the families. Elementary and preschool children can access child care at the rate of $8.50 CAD each day.
Additionally, a Before and After School Enriched program comes under the English Montreal School Board and it’s an initiative by the government. Elementary and preschool students received care through this program at only $8.50 CAD each day.
Stationary school supplies
Children begin a new year at school and their journey to the new grade with new essential stationary stuff supplied by the school. The stationary stuff usually includes calculators, pencil crayons, rulers, glue sticks, pencils, and sharpeners. These children will also require a new lunchbox, water bottle, bag, and sports shoes. Those families who qualify for the Financial Allowance receive an annual amount of $105 CAD per child within the age group between four to sixteen. The school provides textbooks to these children without any fee. They return these books to the school toward the end of the school year. Students who need extra help also get the chance to access technological tools such as Chromebook.
School uniforms
Many Canadian provinces do not have a mandatory uniform system. However, Quebec is not one of those provinces because the maximum number of schools in the province do require students to wear school uniforms. Elementary and high schools (English-based system) mostly have a mandatory uniform system. Schools usually provide essential information about purchasing school uniforms from specific places.
The transportation system in Quebec
Quebec provides a school bus as part of its transportation system without charging any fee. This facility applies to Kindergarten students living at a distance of 0.08 km, and also to elementary school students living at a distance of 1.6 km away, and high school students living at least 2 km away. Older students without the bus system can access public transport to commute on a daily basis. Additionally, parents will have to consider the transport cost while planning for the budget.
Educational trips for students
Schools also organize educational trips for students to experience and gain knowledge from places relevant to their subjects. The places often include museums, cultural institutions, and other outdoor events. Visiting these places on behalf of the school will require additional costs given by the parents. Older students will also get a chance to participate in overnight trips or camp visits. Older students will also get the opportunity to participate in overnight trips or camp visits. However, parents who are unable to cover such expenses might also get help from the schools.
School fundraising activities
Fundraising activities are extremely common in Quebec’s school system. These activities consist of pizza lunches, bake sales, holiday gift sales, and book fairs. Children’s participation in these events will determine the number of money parents will have to spend on such fundraising activities.
Whatever amount of money the school receives is spent on the purchase of new technology, learning resources, and funding school trips.
Conclusion
Before a family decides to settle permanently in Quebec, they must ensure that they are aware of all the essential details of Quebec’s school system and its education. Knowing all about the appropriate school options for your child will help you in preparing all the paperwork and also prepare the child to lead a successful life ahead.
