High School in Canada

In much of Canada high school children aged 14-15 (grade 9) and educates them until the age of 17-18 (grade 12). In Quebec the structure is slightly different in that children attend high school between the ages of 12/13 – 16/17.

In much of Canada high school is also referred to as secondary school. In Quebec they call it école secondaire which literally translates as secondary school.

Types of Canadian High School

As in many other countries the school system is basically the same throughout Canada and every child learns more or less the same thing regardless of where they go to school. However, each school has some flexibility and puts emphasis on certain subjects.

Every school has a slightly different ethos. This is influenced by many factors including the religion and background of children attending that particular school. Which school you went to was largely dependent on the religion of your family. Now this is less common, however in some parts of Canada such as the Northwest Territories and some areas of Saskatchewan your family’s religion has a significant influence on which school you are likely to attend. It is also common in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta.

In Quebec language is what decides which school you go to. You will be educated in French until High school if you live there. However, if one of your parents attended an English speaking school in Canada you can be educated in English.

Private high schools are becoming more popular in Canada as parents seek either a higher standard of education or a school with a different ethos. Currently around 8% of children in Canada attend private schools.

Finding a Private Canadian High School

By far the best way of finding a private Canadian High School is to use the internet. This is especially the case if you are being relocated to Canada on a work placement or are lucky enough to be emigrating there permanently.

The Trinity College private school is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected. They are a co-educational, independent boarding school who also accept day students, the school is located in Port Hope, Ontario.