Welcome to Kingston!
As you move between provinces it is not always easy for families to know the criteria that each province has for education. To support you with your transition from out of province please find enclosed some information about education in Ontario.
In Ontario children may start school in September if they turn four years old (Year 1 Kindergarten) or five years old (Year 2 Kindergarten) by December 31st. Full-day kindergarten remains optional for children aged 4 and 5 years.
Ontario school grade equivalency
| Age 3 |
Year 1 Kindergarten if they turn four by December 31 |
| Age 4 |
Year 1 Kindergarten |
| Age 5 |
Year 2 Kindergarten |
| Age 6 |
1st Grade |
| Age 7 |
2nd Grade |
| Age 8 |
3rd Grade |
| Age 9 |
4th Grade |
| Age 10 |
5th Grade |
| Age 11 |
6th Grade |
| Age 12 |
7th Grade |
| Age 13 |
8th Grade |
| Age 14 |
9th Grade |
| Age 15 |
10th Grade |
| Age 16 |
11th Grade |
| Age 17 |
12th Grade |
| Age 18 |
College – University |
| Age 19 |
College – University |
| Age 20 |
College – University |
Public & Catholic school
Kingston is home to two English and two French school boards offering Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.
https://possiblemadehere.org/learn/school-system
Due to COVID-19 all School Boards are taking online student registration. It is important to register your child as soon as you have a permanent address. If you don't have a permanent address, but you know which school your child will attend, please contact the school to let them know ASAP.
Due to COVID-19 families can choose if they want in-person instruction or remote learning instruction for their children. Please take a moment to look to the school’s reopening plan. This document is available online on the school board’s website(s).
School Information Finder
The Ontario Ministry of Education offers a School Information Finder to search for publicly funded schools in Ontario and learn more about them. Search by town/city, school board, postal code or school name. After your search, click on a school's name to view information about the school itself, its students and their achievement.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/sift
Private Schools:
There are numerous private schools in Kingston that cater to various spiritual and educational needs. Many of these facilities are able to offer smaller classroom sizes and specialized programs. Private schools are not-funded by the government, they are independent schools with varying tuition fees.
French Education:
Children whose parents are French-language rights holders are automatically admitted to a French-language school if they submit an application. Although, individuals who do not meet the criteria may still submit an application for admission to a French-language school. The application is reviewed by the admission committee at the local school board.
Éducation en langue française en Ontario:
Ensuring the success and well-being of its children and students, French-language schools are dedicated to conveying and promoting the French language and Francophone culture. http://www.elfontario.ca/en/a-propos
Click here for more information about French education
Help with homework
• Kumon has programs to help children with learning disabilities. They offer help with math and reading. They have their own education plans and continued education for children and staff.
• The Reading Clinic is a place that helps with reading, math and written assignments. They focus on dyslexia and the problems that arise from this learning disability.
• Voilà Learning, in partnership with Military Family Services, offers free online homework support in French, English, and Math to military children. Virtual services are available to military children from grade 1 to grade 12, regardless of location.
Special Needs:
If you have a child/children with special needs, it is very important to let the school know right away. Schools have to ask for educational assistance support in April for next year!
Kingston Military Family Resource Centre: The KMFRC’s Special Needs inclusion team can help with any questions you may have. They also have a lending library with items that you can borrow for your child to help them at school. You can reach them at: 613-541-5010 ext. 5195.
South East Health-Line: This site has many links and resources for those that may need to know what is offered to their children that have special needs. There are many links on the page and it has a place to have it all in French as well.
Post-secondary education
Each year, many students come to pursue their post-secondary studies at one of the three schools located in Kingston.
• Queen's University
• St. Lawrence College
• Royal Military College of Canada
Extra information
All children attending school between the ages of 4 to 17 need to be immunized according to Ontario’s immunization schedule. Parents and guardians are responsible for reporting their child's immunizations to KFL&A Public Health to keep records up-to-date. For more information about the updated immunization requirements for school attendance, please see the following document:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/immunization/docs/immuniz_school_chklist_en.pdf
For more information, please contact Reception
613-541-5010 ext. 5195
KMFRC@forces.gc.ca
Disclaimer
To the best of our knowledge, the information above is accurate and reliable as of the date of publication. However, we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or quality of services. We distribute the above information with the sole purpose of guiding community members towards the help they seek.