Kindergarten to Grade 12

If your child is between the ages of 4 and 18, you can enroll them in school in Durham Region. School years range from kindergarten to Grade 12. Children are legally required to attend school in Ontario.

Registering for school

Learn more about finding a school for your child and what you need to register your child in school.

Grades 1 to 8

Elementary schools teach children in Grades 1 to 8.

Your child's age is used to determine in which grade your student should be enrolled. Six-year-old children are enrolled in Grade 1. The protocol for age and grade continues to go up one number per grade by the age of the child until Grade 8. For example, seven-year-old children are enrolled in Grade 2, and so on.

Grades 9 to 12

Secondary schools teach children from Grades 9 to 12 (ages 14 to 18). Secondary school is commonly referred to as high school.

For secondary school entry, newcomers usually take an initial assessment before registering. This helps ensure that children are placed in the correct grade for their learning ability.

Learn more about which grade your child should be in.

Special education

There are special education programs available for students who have needs that may not be met in a regular classroom. These needs include learning difficulties and health issues. There is also special education for students who require enrollment in a gifted program.

Languages

French Immersion programs and International Languages programs are available in some schools.

Parent-teacher interviews

When the school year starts, you will receive notices for parent-teacher interviews. These are held at all student grade levels. They are an opportunity for you to meet your child's teachers and talk to them about your child's education and learning progress.

Learn more about what to expect at parent-teacher interviews.

School Community Councils

You can join a School Community Council (SCC). SCCs are made up of parents, school staff, students and community members. SCCs discuss creating positive learning environments for students.

Find out about how you can get involved with SCCs.