How the Education System Works in Ontario
Publicly funded education in Ontario is divided into three stages: early childhood education, for children from birth to age 6; elementary school, for students from kindergarten to grade 8; and secondary school, for students from grade 9 to 12.
There are four types of school boards in Ontario. Under section 93 of the Constitution, Roman Catholics have the right to a publicly funded separate denominational school system, and French-speaking families have the right to attend French-language schools. Depending on their language, religious background or choice, students can attend English Public, English Catholic, French Public, or French Catholic schools.
There are four types of school boards in Ontario. Under section 93 of the Constitution, Roman Catholics have the right to a publicly funded separate denominational school system, and French-speaking families have the right to attend French-language schools. Depending on their language, religious background or choice, students can attend English Public, English Catholic, French Public, or French Catholic schools.
Education Law and Policy in Ontario
The Constitution Act of Canada gives the Ontario government, and other Provinces, the power to decide how public schools in Ontario will be run and funded.
The following diagram shows the many levels of law and policy that govern the public education system in Ontario.
The following diagram shows the many levels of law and policy that govern the public education system in Ontario.
The Education Act
The Education Act is the main piece of legislation, or “statute”, governing public education in Ontario. This legislation provides authority for the creation of all of the main features of the education system. The Education Act sets in law the powers and responsibilities of the Minister of Education and School Boards, the authority of principals and teachers, and the rights and responsibilities of parents and students.
The Ministry of Education is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Ontario's public education system and the Minister of Education represents the interests of the Ministry of Education at cabinet and oversees the development of education legislation, regulations, and policies.
The Ministry’s roles and responsibilities fall within four main areas:
The Ministry’s roles and responsibilities fall within four main areas:
- legislation, regulation, and policy development
- funding and fiscal management
- setting policies and guidelines for school system management, including school trustees, Directors of Education, Principals, and other School Board officials
- developing programs and curriculum and setting requirements for student diplomas and certificates, and approving textbooks and other learning materials