Find Schools

York Region has some of the best schools in Ontario. We welcome students from around the world and across Canada.

Elementary & Secondary Schools (age 4-18)

The Ontario Ministry of Education is responsible for the province’s school system. Elementary and secondary public schools are free. Secondary schools are often called high schools.

Elementary schools provide junior kindergarten and kindergarten programs (for children ages four and five) and grades one through eight (for children ages six to thirteen). Secondary schools offer grades nine through twelve.

School Boards

There are four publicly-funded school systems in York Region: 

  • English Public
  • English Catholic
  • French-language Public
  • French-language Catholic

Public elementary and secondary schools, and Catholic secondary schools are open to all students. Catholic elementary schools are open to students who are baptized as Roman Catholic and students who have one or two Roman Catholic parents.

York Region’s school boards are:

Universities and Colleges (age 18+)

Many of the best universities and colleges in Ontario are located close to York Region and are accessible by local transit.

Universities and colleges are sometimes referred to as post-secondary schools. They offer specialized learning for adults and high school graduates. Students attending university or college must pay tuition fees and costs.

Universities are institutions that can award degrees. All Canadian universities offer undergraduate (bachelor's) degrees, and many have graduate (Master's and doctoral) programs. Universities are independent and regulate their own programs, admissions and faculty.

Colleges offer practical, hands-on career training. Ontario colleges offer certificate and diploma programs that can take 1 to 3 years to complete. Some colleges, also called vocational schools, have pre-trades and apprenticeship training, language training and skills upgrading.

Links

For more information about schools in York Region and Ontario:

Facts

Children ages 6 to 16 are legally required to attend school.

Elementary and secondary schools are free.

Students enrolled in college or university must pay tuition fees and costs.

York Region also has private schools. Private schools offer elementary and secondary education. These schools do not receive government funding, so students must pay tuition to attend. Visit  (www.ourkids.net) for more information about private schools.