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Adult Education, Elementary and Secondary School...

Enroll Kids in Kindergarten 

ClariceJubé
ClariceJubé
Posts: 1


Posted On: 4/3/2019
ClariceJubé
ClariceJubé
Posts: 1
I have tourist visa and I´m going to stay in Ottawa for 3 months because I´ll be attending a English course in Sprachcaffe.
I would like to enroll my 4 year old in kindergarten.

Is it possible?

What documents do I have to gather?
Thanks.
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Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4127


Posted On: 5/31/2019
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4127
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.

It is best that you contact the school board in Ottawa that you are interested in directly to see if this will be possible.

Please note that if your child is also on a tourist visa, they may need to pay fees in order to attend school.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CRS, CRS-DC
Settlement.Org
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Israt
Israt
Posts: 1


Posted On: 3/16/2020
Israt
Israt
Posts: 1
Hello,
I will come to Windsor, Ontario as a student, and my 4 year old daughter will accompany me. I would like to enroll her in a kindergarten.

1. Does she need a student visa too?

2.Will she be able to get admission in a public school in Windsor, Ontario?

3. will her education be free of cost?
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Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4127


Posted On: 3/27/2020
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4127
Hello There,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

Ontario has 4 free public schooling systems, English Public schools, English Catholic schools, French-language Public schools, and French-language Catholic schools. Attendance in public school will be determined by home address.

In Ontario, children aged 6 - 18 must attend school. You may find the Settlement.org article, At what age do children attend school? Useful.

Here is an excerpt:
The Education Act is the law that governs public schools in Ontario. It says that children aged 6-18 must attend school. Many children can begin full day kindergarten program at age 4.

It is important to know that all children aged 6-18 can attend school, regardless of their immigration status or the immigration status of their parents. This is outlined in the Education Act, the law that governs public schools in Ontario.


Since your child is 4 years old, they are eligible for Kindergarten. You can find some additional information regarding enrolling children in school here: How do I enrol my child in school?

You may also find the resources, The Newcomer's Guide to Elementary School in Ontario helpful.


If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.

We hope this information is helpful.

Settlement.Org Team
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EZaki50
EZaki50
Posts: 1


Posted On: 4/29/2022
EZaki50
EZaki50
Posts: 1
Hello.

Hope this message finds you well.

I am trying to a answer of my inquiry but has been unsucessfull.

I have a child who will be 3 years and 5 months in September , 2022. I wanted to enroll him to Juniror Kindergarden. After some research, I learned that he has to be at least 3 years and 8 months old to be eligible for JK in the public school.

However, if I wanted to enroll him in a JK class in a private school, is there such a restriction? I really wanted to start school from school this year because he is ready. But, I am not sure why. Can you help in providing some information in this regard?

Thank you.
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Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4127


Posted On: 4/30/2022
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4127
EZaki50 wrote:
Hello.

Hope this message finds you well.

I am trying to a answer of my inquiry but has been unsucessfull.

I have a child who will be 3 years and 5 months in September , 2022. I wanted to enroll him to Juniror Kindergarden. After some research, I learned that he has to be at least 3 years and 8 months old to be eligible for JK in the public school.

However, if I wanted to enroll him in a JK class in a private school, is there such a restriction? I really wanted to start school from school this year because he is ready. But, I am not sure why. Can you help in providing some information in this regard?

Thank you.



Hi there,

The answer may vary depending on the private school you contact, you may also want to explore montessory and pre-school options for your child this year. It may also help to connect with a community resource navigator at 211 to narrow your search. 211 Ontario is a free, confidential service.

Their phone service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here is a link to their live chat if you prefer to communicate online. Their live chat service is available Monday to Friday from 7am-9pm ET.

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.


Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team
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KelvinN
KelvinN
Posts: 7


Posted On: 2/5/2024
KelvinN
KelvinN
Posts: 7
Enrolling your 4-year-old in kindergarten in Ottawa while on a tourist visa for a short-term English course can be difficult. Public schools typically require residency, but private schools may have different policies. Essential documents usually include your child's birth certificate, immunization records, and potentially proof of your residency status. Check with specific schools for their requirements and consider consulting with immigration experts for advice on your visa conditions and eligibility.
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alexcray
alexcray
Posts: 68


Posted On: 2/29/2024
alexcray
alexcray
Posts: 68
ClariceJubé wrote:
I have tourist visa and I´m going to stay in Ottawa for 3 months because I´ll be attending a English course in Sprachcaffe.
I would like to enroll my 4 year old in kindergarten.

Is it possible?

What documents do I have to gather?
Thanks.



The minimum age for kindergarten in Ottawa is typically 4 years old by December 31st of the year they enter. Since you'll be in Ottawa for only 3 months, your child wouldn't meet the age requirement for the current school year, even if it were possible on a tourist visa.
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Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4127


Posted On: 3/1/2024
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 4127
Hi there,

Thank you for sharing, at 4 years old your child would meet the age requirement for Kindergarten, although it may be a good idea to call the school board and confirm.

It is also important to note that the Ontario Education Act explicitly states that no child can be denied access to schools because they, or their parent(s), lack immigration status in Canada.


This means that immigration status will not be considered a factor to their enrolment in public schools.

Many settlement agencies can help you with registering your child for school. If you need assistance enrolling your child, you can ask your settlement worker or the school's settlement worker for help. They can also help you find an interpreter if you need one.


Please follow up with us if you have any further questions.


Sincerely,


Your Settlement.Org team
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