Education in Saskatchewan: A closer look

When relocating to a new country as a family, ensuring your children have access to quality education is just as critical as securing employment and choosing a place to live. Canada is recognized globally as a leader in education, offering numerous opportunities for families. If you’re new to Saskatchewan, here’s a detailed guide to understanding its school system and enrolling your child.

Schooling in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, schooling is mandatory for children aged 7 to 16. The system is divided into elementary (also called primary) and secondary education, covering Kindergarten through Grade 12. Elementary education spans Kindergarten to Grade 8, while secondary school includes Grades 9 to 12. Here’s an overview of the types of schools available in the province:

Public English language schools

Saskatchewan’s public school system offers free education through 18 public school districts. The largest, Saskatoon Public Schools, operates 49 elementary schools and 10 secondary schools, serving over 26,000 students. Public schools follow a curriculum designed to provide foundational skills and knowledge, ensuring students are well-prepared for higher education or the workforce.

Francophone schools

For French-speaking families, Saskatchewan has one dedicated francophone school board managing 15 Fransaskois schools. These schools deliver education primarily in French. To enroll, at least one parent must be a Canadian citizen and meet one of the following criteria:

• Their first language learned and understood is French.
• They attended a French-language school in Canada.
• Their child has received or is receiving education in French in Canada.

Children of landed immigrants or those with francophone heritage may also qualify. Admission requests must be submitted to a committee for review.

If these criteria aren’t met, parents can still apply to a French-language school, though applications will be assessed by the local school board.

French immersion programs

Saskatchewan also offers 85 French Immersion programs, where subjects are taught in both French and English. These programs are open to all students but are highly competitive, often with long waitlists due to their popularity.

Understanding Saskatchewan’s school system will help you make informed decisions and provide your children with a strong start in their new educational journey.

Catholic schools in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan has eight distinct Catholic school boards offering faith-based education. These schools are publicly funded by the provincial government, meaning there are no tuition fees for attendance. Admission is open to students who are baptized Roman Catholics or have at least one Roman Catholic parent or guardian. However, students from other religious backgrounds may also be considered for admission through an application process. Catholic schools incorporate religious teachings into their curriculum while maintaining academic standards set by the province.

Private schools in Saskatchewan

Although most students in Saskatchewan attend public schools, private schools provide an alternative for families seeking specialized education or specific learning approaches. Unlike public or Catholic schools, private schools operate as businesses and charge tuition fees. Annual costs for private education in Saskatchewan vary widely, ranging from $3,000 to $54,000 CAD. To receive partial government funding, private schools must adhere to specific requirements, including:

• Following the provincial curriculum.
• Employing certified teachers.
• Participating in provincial student assessments.

Parents often choose private schools for their distinct teaching methodologies, smaller class sizes, or alignment with particular religious or cultural values.

Homeschooling in Saskatchewan

A smaller number of families in Saskatchewan choose to educate their children at home, a practice known as homeschooling. Parents opting for homeschooling must contact the board of education within their school division and submit a detailed education plan outlining their teaching methods, curriculum, and assessment strategies. Homeschooling allows for personalized learning tailored to a child’s unique needs and interests, but it also requires significant commitment and involvement from parents.

These varied educational options—Catholic schools, private institutions, and homeschooling—ensure families in Saskatchewan can choose the best path to meet their children’s academic and personal needs.

Early childhood education in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, children officially begin school at age five, but early childhood education (ECE) is available for younger children aged three to five. These programs, often held in preschools, provide age-appropriate, play-based learning to foster early development and prepare children for formal schooling.

Prekindergarten programs (Pre-K)

The province offers Prekindergarten (Pre-K) programs in 316 schools for children aged three to four. These programs aim to help children transition into Kindergarten and focus on early learning through structured activities. However, Pre-K enrollment is limited to families who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as:

• Socio-economic challenges.
• Single or teen parent households.
• Families experiencing crisis or isolation.
• Children with language delays or social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Homes where English is not the primary language.

Parents interested in Pre-K programs must apply through their local school division.

Private preschool options

For families not eligible for Pre-K, private preschools are available throughout Saskatchewan. These programs typically run for two to three hours in either morning or afternoon sessions, with monthly fees ranging from $195 to $280 CAD. Families in Saskatoon may also qualify for a tuition subsidy through the Saskatoon Preschool Foundation to offset costs.

Types of preschool programs in Saskatchewan

When selecting a preschool, parents are encouraged to look for institutions staffed by Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) and schedule a visit to observe the environment. Below are the main types of preschool programs in the province:

1. Local Community or Non-Profit Co-Operative Schools: These preschools are often the most affordable. Parents contribute voluntarily as teacher aides, working alongside professional educators.
2. Religious Schools: Operated by religious institutions, these schools may incorporate religious education into the curriculum. Attendance is not restricted to children of the same faith as the institution.
3. Private Schools: Private preschools vary widely in size and structure, from small home-based programs to large purpose-built facilities. These tend to be the most expensive option.
4. Montessori Schools: Montessori education, rooted in the philosophy of Maria Montessori, emphasizes independence and self-directed learning. Montessori schools in Saskatchewan often offer programs for preschool-aged children (2.5 to 6 years) as well as elementary levels (6 to 12 years).

These diverse preschool options allow families in Saskatchewan to choose the program best suited to their child’s needs, fostering an engaging and supportive start to their educational journey.

Grade structure and levels of education in Saskatchewan

Education in Saskatchewan is structured into two main levels: elementary schools and secondary schools. Public education in the province is provided free of charge for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary working residents, and refugees.

Elementary education

Elementary schools in Saskatchewan cover grades from Kindergarten through Grade 8. Children are eligible to enroll in Kindergarten the year they turn five, making this the first step in their formal education.

• Age Range: Typically, students in elementary school are aged 5 to 12 or 13 years old.
• Structure: Students progress through foundational subjects, including literacy, numeracy, and basic sciences, alongside extracurricular and social development activities.

Secondary education

Secondary schools, commonly referred to as high schools, serve students from Grade 9 to Grade 12.

• Age Range: Most students begin high school at 13 or 14 years old and graduate by the age of 18.
• Graduation Requirements: To earn a high school diploma, students must meet the provincial high school requirements, which typically include mandatory coursework in core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education, along with optional electives.
• Post-Graduation Pathways: After completing secondary education, students have multiple options.
  They can:
  • Pursue post-secondary education at colleges or universities.
  • Enroll in vocational training programs, such as trade schools.
  • Enter the workforce.

This structured educational system ensures that students in Saskatchewan build a strong foundation during their formative years and have access to diverse opportunities after completing their schooling.

Enrolling your child in a Saskatchewan school

In Saskatchewan, children can start kindergarten in the year they turn five, but attendance becomes mandatory once they reach seven. Each district school board sets school boundaries, and typically, children must attend the school in their designated area. However, if there is space available, some schools may accept students from outside the catchment area, though this requires submitting an exemption application form. Families can register their child at any time during the school year. Newcomers to Canada may need to register through the school board’s Welcome Centre.

Required documentation

To enroll your child, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Proof of age and identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.
• Proof of residency, like a utility bill or lease agreement.
• Proof of immigration status, including a Permanent Resident Card, Confirmation of Permanent Residence, or Record of Landing.
• Official translation of school records, if applicable.
• Baptism certificate, if applying for a Catholic school.

Steps for enrollment

1. Identify Your Catchment School: Locate the local school board that corresponds to your area and follow its directions for online registration.
2. Newcomer Registration: Families who are not Canadian citizens may need to register at the nearest Newcomer Centre.
3. Complete the Application Form: Provide details such as:
   • Child’s name, home address, and medical information.
   • Parent/guardian contact information and emergency contacts.
   • Heritage information (if applicable).
4. Submit Required Documents: Include proof of identity, residency, and your child’s immunization record with your application.
5. Application Submission: Canadian citizens can email or drop off completed applications directly at the school.
6. High School Registration: For high school students, a guidance counselor meeting is arranged to review previous education, discuss career goals, and select appropriate courses.

This straightforward process ensures a smooth transition for families, making Saskatchewan’s education system accessible and welcoming to all.

Newcomer support services

For families new to Saskatchewan, there are newcomer agencies available in most areas to assist with registering children for school. These organizations can also help connect families with interpreters if needed, ensuring a smooth integration into the local education system.

School-related expenses

Although public education in Saskatchewan is free, families should plan for additional expenses related to schooling. These include:

Before and after school programs

Many schools offer programs for children aged 4–12 to accommodate parents’ schedules. These are typically run by third-party organizations, such as the YMCA or Boys & Girls Clubs, directly on school premises.

• Costs: Range from $17–$25 CAD per day.

School supplies

Each school year, children are required to bring basic stationery items like pencils, rulers, glue sticks, and calculators. Schools often provide a detailed supply list.

• Additional items may include backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, and gym shoes.
• Textbooks: Provided by the school for free and must be returned at the end of the term.
• For students with special needs, some schools may supply assistive technology, such as Chromebooks.

School uniforms

While public schools generally do not require uniforms, there may be a dress code.

• Private and Catholic schools, however, typically require uniforms, and parents are responsible for purchasing them. The school will provide guidance on where to buy these.

Transportation

• Elementary Students: Many schools provide bus services for students living in designated transportation zones.
• High School Students: Those in urban areas may need to use public transit, so families should account for transit costs in their budget.

Field trips

Schools organize trips to places like museums, cultural centers, or for outdoor education. Costs can vary depending on the destination.

• Older students may also have opportunities for overnight camps or trips, with costs covering transportation and accommodation.
• Financial Assistance: Schools often provide support to families needing help with these expenses.

School Fundraisers

Fundraising activities, such as bake sales, book fairs, pizza lunches, or holiday gift drives, are common.

• Parents might spend up to $200 CAD annually on these activities.
• Funds raised are used for school resources, technology upgrades, or special programs.

Preparing for success

Understanding Saskatchewan’s education system ahead of time is essential for families planning to settle in the province. By familiarizing yourself with school options, gathering the necessary documentation, and budgeting for school-related expenses, you can set your child on the path to a rewarding educational journey.

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