The Many Different Types of Schools in Canada
How many different types are schools are there in Canada? I was asked this question the other day and although I came up with a pretty good list, I was certain I had missed some. And I had.
Several of these types of schools, it can be argued, are not mutually exclusive and can be found mixed in with other types, but for the sake of this article, the idea is to broaden one’s scope of school options when considering coming to study in Canada.
The Canadian school system, for the most part, looks a lot like the American system in terms of levels. We have pre-kindergarten, K-12, and Adult Education for those 19 years and older wanting to return to complete their high school diploma or needing an extra course or two but are now over the age of 19 and no longer allowed to continue studying in a regular high school. For the sake of this article, we will not compare the differences between provinces, which may or may not have the same Adult Education requirements.
Within each of the categories/levels above, there are different types of schools or schools offering a mix of both. A school could be private and public, and both offer the Montessori curriculum. Some types of schools only apply to high school (i.e., IB Diploma), others only to K-6 (i.e., Reggio Emilia Schools), but most types of schools are found at all levels under the same roof.
Below is a listing of the types of schools found in Canada. If I forgot one, please do let me know.
For the most part, international students coming to study K-12 in Canada are pretty much evenly distributed over public and private schools. They are either in a private boarding school or in a public homestay program. If attending private schools, you could also stay in a homestay, but in a public school, 99.9% of students either stay with a homestay, a family friend, or a relative. Golden Hill School Division in Strathmore, Alberta is the only public school I know of that offers boarding, but it only has fewer than 100
You are probably familiar with most of these types of schools, but a description of a few might help clarify some distinctions.
Alternative schools deal with students who have been excluded from mainstream schools. These schools aim to prepare the students to return to mainstream education.
Specialty schools, on the other hand, offer education for students with social, emotional and mental health issues. These students will likely never return to the mainstream. They will aim to complete high school and hopefully carry on to a post-secondary institution, usually a college first, before transferring to a university. Children with autism would fall in this category.
Oh…I just remembered another type of school not mentioned above, which is a school working with students with learning differences. One such school is LandMark East School in Wolfville Nova Scotia. These schools employ individualized teaching methods, small class sizes, and specialized interventions to accommodate various learning styles. They prioritize personalized attention, therapeutic support, and assistive technology to help students succeed academically and socially. Emphasis is placed on building confidence, self-awareness, and academic progress in a supportive and understanding environment.
Reggio Emilia Schools. Reggio Emilia schools are educational institutions that prioritize child-led learning and creativity. Originating in Italy, they emphasize hands-on experiences, collaboration, and respect for each child’s unique abilities. Teachers act as facilitators, encouraging exploration and expression through various materials and projects. The approach values the environment as the “third teacher,” fostering a sense of community and appreciation for diversity among students.
Montessori Schools. Montessori schools follow an educational approach developed by Maria Montessori, emphasizing self-directed learning and independence. Students work at their own pace with specially designed materials, fostering a sense of autonomy and responsibility. The curriculum encompasses diverse subjects, including practical life skills, mathematics, language, and cultural studies. Teachers observe and guide students, creating an environment that supports holistic development and a love for learning.
Military Cadet School. Military cadet schools provide structured education with a focus on discipline, leadership, and physical fitness. Students undergo rigorous training in military drills, academics, and character development. The curriculum often includes subjects like military history, strategy, and teamwork. Cadets learn respect for authority, integrity, and teamwork through hands-on experiences and leadership opportunities. The goal is to prepare students for military service or civilian leadership roles with strong values and skills.
Waldorf Schools. Waldorf schools follow an educational philosophy that emphasizes holistic development, creativity, and imagination. Students engage in experiential learning through arts, music, movement, and hands-on activities. The curriculum integrates academics with practical skills and emphasizes the importance of nurturing each child’s unique talents and abilities. Teachers strive to create a nurturing environment that fosters a love for learning and a sense of social responsibility, preparing students for a well-rounded and balanced life.
Whatever your school needs for your son or daughter, or for yourself (some parents like private boarding schools so they can sleep better at night), Canada will likely have something to meet those needs.
Rene is a Canadian education consulting and student recruiter based out of Bangkok with over 20 years of experience in the S.E. Asian market. He can be reached at info@gostudycanada.net and followed at GoStudyCanada (FB & IG)
