C - Elementary and Secondary School (K-12) Education - Canada Course for Education Agents - Online...

Did you

know?

K-12 students

in Canada not

only learn

academics but

also how to be

caring global

citizens.

C - Elementary and Secondary School (K-12)

Education

C1 Overview

As early as elementary school, parents from around the world send their children to attend one of Canada’s

K-12 schools. For good reason: students benefit from a world-class learning environment while living in

supportive, friendly accommodations in safe communities.

It will be very important for the agent to convey to students’ families that they will not only

receive an excellent, standardized education in Canada, but safe and extensive social

supports and lodging as well.

In addition, international students benefit from a full range of extra-curricular activities and

community involvement that produces well-rounded, global citizens. Embracing diversity,

cross-cultural collaboration, respect, and tolerance are highly valued in Canadian society,

and this is fully reflected in the country’s educational programs and within the classroom

experience.

Whether families choose an accredited boarding school or a homestay program with a

caring family, they can rest assured that their child will receive the attention and guidance

needed to succeed in every way.

C1.1- Focus Questions

C2 Understanding the Options

Within the Canadian K-12 education landscape:

Public schools are funded by provincial governments and overseen by a Board of Trustees elected by

the community.

Private schools are typically privately owned but may also receive some government funding.

Independent schools are usually non-profit organizations with their own Boards of Directors.

Courses are taught in English, French, or another language, depending on the school and its location, while

still others offer immersion programs to learn a second language.

Choosing between the options will depend on a variety of factors: cost (which can vary substantially between

the types of school), learning curriculum, and geography (what is available in the area where the family has

chosen to place their child).

Unlike in some other countries, more than 90% of Canadian children choose to attend public schools for an

excellent quality of education. Public schools in Canada:

C - Elementary and Secondary School (K-12) Education - Canada Course... http://ccea.onlinetrainingnow.com/subjects/27/units/120/print

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Are provincially accredited

Follow a provincially approved standard curriculum

Employ government-certified teachers

May offer specialized or faith-based education

Independent and private schools offering a Canadian curriculum often also offer enriched or specialized

programs, such as:

Single-gender education (i.e., all-boys or all-girls schools)

A religious affiliation (e.g., a Catholic school)

A curriculum of the United Kingdom, France, or other international designation

Arts, sports, or other focus

However, they may also be known for such things as small class sizes, enriched teaching resources, or

comprehensive boarding facilities. For reasons like these, they can be more expensive than public schools in

Canada.

Across the public, private, and independent spectrums, students in Canada learn to become global citizens

from a young age. Their education provides an international outlook and students embrace the diversity of

cultures they learn about and see in their own classrooms.

Curriculum

Canada values learning and cares about student success, offering support for language skills development,

special needs, adaptive learning techniques, and manageable class sizes. Core courses required for graduation

ensure standards are met, while elective choices enable students to explore interests and expand their

knowledge in preferred subjects.

Standard core academic courses across all school types include:

English, French, or both

Mathematics

Social studies

Science

Computer studies (not compulsory in all provinces)

Physical education

Art (not compulsory in all provinces)

As students progress through grade levels, they can opt for specialized electives according to their interests,

such as:

Additional foreign languages

History and geography

Chemistry, physics, and biology

Art, music, drama, dance, and photography

Business subjects, such as marketing or accounting

Computer programming, animation, and graphic design

Wood and metal working, and automotive

Home economics, such as cooking and sewing courses


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Courses offered will vary by school, and may include a range of clubs and extra-curricular activities, such as

specialized fine arts and elite athletics programs.

*While the education system in each province is similar to those in the other provinces in many ways, it will

have its own curriculum and guidelines to reflect the culture and history of its region.


C3 Homestay

Homestay, where international students live with a family while studying in Canada, is a crucial part of the

international student’s Canadian K-12 experience (unless he/she is housed in a dormitory with other students,

which is more common with private schools). Being able to answer the questions an international student’s

family will have about their child’s living quarters is as important as knowing about the educational part of

their study abroad experience.

Generally, with homestay, the international student will be:

Living with a host family

Fully immersed in the local culture

Practicing listening and speaking with native English and/or French speakers

Cared for, supervised, and supported in all aspects of school/home life

Having all meals provided for them each week

For specific details on the homestay or dormitory options, the agent will have to liaise closely with the

schools the international student’s family is considering.


C4 Associations Involved in K-12 International Activity

CAPS-I (the Canadian Association of Public Schools—International) focuses specifically on international

students. Its member schools believe:

International students provide a complementary, enriching experience to the Canadian multicultural

mosaic.

The presence of international programs assist Canadian staff and students in preparing for life in the

global community of the future.

The multinational relationships developed through international programs will result in long-term


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benefits for Canada.

Investment in international education programs in public schools is beneficial for sustainability and

growth of international programs in a competitive, worldwide market.

There are currently 87 public school boards across Canada that are members of CAPS-I, and they enroll

about 20,000 international students in K-12 long-term studies each year and as many in short-term studies at

the same level. CAPS-I schools:

Provide an extensive selection of both academic and optional courses, clubs, and extra- curricular

activities.

Boast a great mix of Canadian students and international students.

Hire knowledgeable and supportive staff to assist international students and ensure they are registered

for appropriate courses suited to their language ability, interests, and goals.

Are provincially accredited, follow a government-approved curriculum, and employ only government-

certified teachers.

Rank at or near the top in the world on standardized tests in English, math, and science.

Offer competitively priced fees for tuition, accommodation, and health insurance.

Are located in communities that offer a high standard of living and host families that provide an

opportunity for students to develop conversational English skills and experience life as part of a typical

Canadian family.

Provide carefully screened and selected host families—welcoming, caring, and supportive.

In some cases, CAPS-I schools:

Provide an opportunity to learn in English and/or French

Offer faith-based educational opportunities

Offer specialized fine arts and elite athletics programs

Offer International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses for qualified students

Offer dormitory instead of homestay accommodation

Annual tuition and homestay fees combined range from C$15,500 to C$23,000 depending on the institution.

Agents specializing in Canada as a destination country should be very familiar with CAPS-I schools and

details about enrolment.


C5 Private and Independent Schools

Agents will deal with students and families who are interested in private/independent schooling in Canada. In


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this case, the agent will want to consult the association CAIS (Canadian Accredited Independent Schools).

For private/independent schools, tuition and boarding fees range from C$10,500 to C$23,000 per year

depending on the institution.

The Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) is a membership association of not-for-profit

independent schools that specialize in university preparation. Member schools are provincially licensed,

board-governed, and are not driven by commercial interests (thus not-for-profit). Of particular interest, each

school must meet high standards of excellence established by an independent accreditation commission.

In Canada, education is provincially mandated, and CAIS Schools are required to meet Ministry

requirements.

However, all schools undergo an additional, rigorous CAIS National Standards accreditation process. This

process is recognized by the NAIS Commission on Accreditation and ensures that all accredited schools are

pursuing best practices in every major area of program and operation. In fact, out of the thousands of private

and independent schools in Canada, only 93 schools meet the 12 CAIS National Standards and have earned

accreditation.

Boarding Schools

The Association of Boarding Schools is a select group of Canadian Accredited Independent Schools

that specialize in boarding services for international students. They offer helpful resources from CAIS

member schools, including definitions and links to types of boarding schools, information for

international families, and application advice.

The Western Boarding Schools Association represents more than three dozen college-preparatory

schools in Canada and the western United States.

These regional associations offer region-specific guidance and information that may be of use to those

attending schools in BC, Ontario, or Quebec.

Independent School Association of British Columbia (ISABC)

Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CIS)

Quebec Association of Independent Schools (QAIS)


C6 Canadian K-12 Learning Environment

Generally, it can be said that in elementary and secondary (K-12) schools in Canada:

Teachers use various teaching methods depending on their training, personality, and students. These

methods may include role playing, field trips outside of the classroom to let students learn via nature or

in another hands-on way, group work, and art or drama to emphasize creativity as well as skills

acquisition.


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Teachers appreciate students’ creativity, individual personalities, and opinions so long as these enhance

the overall classroom experience and do not disrupt it.

Lecture and memorization styles are very much offset by other styles (see bullet point #1; students are

encouraged to think for themselves and creatively as well as to absorb rote information).

Teachers will integrate multimedia (e.g., making short films) and/or other digital technologies and

computer-based learning into the classroom to prepare students for our increasingly computer-reliant

world. The extent to which this happens will be dependent on the school and teacher.

Testing and evaluation occurs throughout the year; students’ grades are never fully dependent on one

year-end final examination.

Classrooms are made up of students from all different ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds, and

students are encouraged to be global citizens and to value tolerance and respect for differences.



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