Types of school
Practically all elementary and secondary school students in 2006/07 attended a public school. In 2007/08, public schools accounted for 93% of total enrolment, compared with 6% for private schools. An even smaller proportion of students attended special schools for the visually and hearing impaired. These proportions were more or less constant throughout the late 2009s.
Canada's public elementary and secondary school systems also include denominational schools, the majority of them Catholic. A number of other religious groups have sought equivalent status for their schools in recent years—an issue that will likely remain, given Canada's continually changing religious composition.
In 2008/09, just under 77% of youth graduated with a high school diploma, up from 70% a decade earlier. The graduation rate was nearly 10 percentage points greater for young women than for young men: nearly 82% for women and slightly over 72% for men. However, the gender gap was even larger (13 percentage points) in 20092.
Most people are teenagers when they graduate from high school. The typical age of graduation is 18, except in Quebec, where it is 17. In 2008, 61% of students graduated at the typical age compared with 55% in 2009. Over the same period, the rate of graduation after the typical age fell from 21% to 17%.
Many students graduate after the typical age. This is especially the case in Nunavut, where the older graduates represented about two-thirds of graduations and in the Northwest Territories, where they represented almost one-third of graduations.
All in all, In 2008/09, just under 77% of youth graduated with a high school diploma, up from 70% a decade earlier.
Secondary Schools in Canada There are numerous private, independent and publicly funded secondary schools available in Canada. Students can choose to study intensive English or, an integrated academic and English program. For those with strong English language skills there are various academic programs, which can lead to a secondary school diploma
Private Schools in Canada Private schools exist in every province and provide an attractive alternative for families seeking an overseas education for their children. Many of Canada's business and political leaders are graduates of well-established private schools. All private schools must be registered with the Ministry of Education in their province or territory, and must meet the curriculum and other standards set by their respective ministries. Families can choose schools that are boys-only, girls-only or co-educational. Some private schools offer full boarding programs, others are day schools, and many offer both. Many private schools adhere to a particular religious faith, emphasize particular moral teachings and apply rigorous academic standards.
Public Schools in Canada Many Canadian public schools are now accepting international students into their programs. Publicly-funded schools are managed at the local level by elected school boards. Almost all public schools are co-educational and offer day programs only. Many school boards offer secular or non-religious education while others have religious affiliations. However, this varies from province to province. Policies on accepting international students and the fees charged vary from district to district.
6
English Language Schools in Canada Canada has two official languages, meaning that international students can come to Canada to study either English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL).
Many people choose to study ESL in Canada because of the many excellent ESL schools across the country and because of the neutral Canadian accent. Over the years, Canada has developed considerable expertise in the teaching of ESL because so many immigrants have required upgrading of their English skills. International students can study ESL for general, business or specific purposes. In addition, students can receive training in the teaching of ESL. Almost all universities and community colleges have ESL programs. In general, most private ESL schools are very flexible in terms of program requirements and intake dates.
French Language Schools in Canada FSL programs are offered both through private and public institutes. Most, but not all FSL schools are located in the province of Québec. Similar to ESL programs, students can usually enter a FSL school program at any time of the year for any length of study. Students enrolled in ESL or FSL programs for up to six months may study in Canada without a Study Permit.
All in all, many people choose to study ESL in Canada because of the many excellent ESL schools across the country and because of the neutral Canadian accent. Over the years, Canada has developed considerable expertise in the teaching of ESL because so many immigrants have required upgrading of their English skills.
www.Education in Canada.com (02.2009)
7