In Canada, enrollment in public schools is usually based on the student's place of residence. This
system is that students are enrolled in a school that is located near where
they live (zoned). This process is designed to ensure that students are reasonably
distributed in schools and that appropriate educational services are provided.
Details of the relationship between the residence and the
school
- School Catchment Area:
- Each
public school is dedicated to a specific geographic area, which is called
the Catchment Area.
- Students
residing in this area usually have the right of priority to enroll in
that school.
- These
areas are designated by school boards .
- Proof
of residential address:
- When
registering, it is required to provide proof of address (such as a
utility bill, lease, or title deed).
- The
address of the residence must be within the boundaries of the school in
question.
- Special
or Specialized Schools:
- For
private schools, specialty schools (such as arts or sciences), or charter
schools, there may be no zoning restrictions.
- These
schools typically have a different enrollment process and may require a
separate test or application.
Is it possible to choose a school outside of the area of
residence?
- Out-of-Catchment Schools:
- In
some circumstances, parents can request that their child be enrolled in a
school outside of the residential area.
- The
acceptance of this application depends on the school's capacity and
regional prioritization.
- Reasons
for Transfer:
- There
may be specific reasons for choosing a school outside the region, such as
specific educational programs (such as French-speaking or visual arts).
- These
applications usually need to be submitted and approved to the school
board.
How to Check School Zoning
- School
Boards Website:
- Most
school boards offer tools to search for a school by address.
- Examples:
- Toronto District
School Board (TDSB): Find Your School
- Vancouver School
Board (VSB): School Locator
- Ottawa-Carleton
District School Board (OCDSB): School Locator
- School
Board Contact:
- You
can contact your local school board and get detailed information about
schools in your area.
What to know for newcomers?
- Newcomers
must first determine where they live and then find the right school
through the district school board.
- Second
Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) programs are commonly available and can
influence school choice in some cases
