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Some useful information​ for parents

How to register for elementary school?
  • Children arriving in Quebec during the school year should contact their local school as soon as possible to find out about local registration procedures.

 

Kindergarten

  • You must apply to your local school in January before the start of the next school year.
  • Some schools offer kindergarten from age 4.
  • All elementary school offer kindergarten for 5-year-olds.
  • Although kindergarten is strongly recommended, it is not compulsory.
  • For example, it may be more advantageous to stay in a Centre de la petite enfance (CPE) than to go to 4-year-old kindergarten. The schedule at a CPE is more flexible, and meals are included.

 

Compulsory school attendance

  • School is compulsory for all children aged 6 and over, from the 1st year onwards.
  • Student absences must be justified by a parent.
  • In the event of prolonged or frequent unexcused absences, the school must report possible parental neglect to the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ).

 

School obligations

  • Teach all 6 years and up children.
  • Teachers must communicate regularly with parents to keep them informed of their child’s learning.
  • When a child is experiencing difficulties, school staff must inform and work in collaboration with parents.
  • Grade repetition is allowed only once throughout primary school. However, many researchers are sowing doubts about the positive effects of this practice. If your child is proposed to repeat a grade, the school must demonstrate that no other means will be more effective in promoting his or her success. Your child must also receive support during the year of repetition.
  • Students generally start secondary school at the age of 12. However, looking for the right secondary school should begin as early as the 5th grade.
  • Public elementary school is free. However, fees may apply for daycare, school supplies, activities, etc.
  • School staff has the obligation to report situations in which a child’s security or development is considered to be in danger.

 

Private schools

  • Private schools usually have a student selection process.
  • Registration usually takes place 1 year before the child starts primary school.
  • Private school fees vary from school to school and are usually several thousand dollars a year.
How to get involved?

There are many ways to get involved as a parent at school. Here are some ways to Take action as a parent.

Find out more

Findings and recommendations for more equity​

In preschool and primary school, black children are likely to experience the following situations
  • Classified in a “classe d’accueil”, even if the child speaks French and attended school in French before arriving in Quebec.
  • Excluded from class or suspended from school as a disciplinary measure.
  • Labeled as children with behavioral problems.
  • Labeled as children with learning difficulties.
  • Excluded from selective programs (international, enriched, sport study, arts study, etc.)
  • Reported to the DPJ for parental negligence or violence.
  • Subjects of microaggressions, racial profiling, racism and discrimination by peers and school staff.
Parents can defend their child's rights in some of the following ways:
  • Build relationships with other parents of children in the class.
  • Ask to be informed about academic and behavioral difficulties.
  • Request to be consulted for any decision concerning the addition of a special education rating to the student’s file, an intervention plan or placement in a specialized class.
  • Question the reasons for class exclusion or suspension.
  • Request written records (e-mails, newsletters, action plans) of decisions, information or changes that appear problematic.
How to file a complaint?

Complaint concerning sexual violence

A complaint concerning an act of sexual violence may be made directly to the regional student ombudsman, omitting the first two steps of the process. These complaints are fast-tracked.

The regional student ombudsman forwards the complaint to the educational institution, unless he or she has reasonable grounds to believe that this would hamper the investigation, or the complainant objects to the transmission of the complaint.

Step 1

To file a complaint, you must first contact the person directly concerned or his or her immediate superior.

You can make your complaint verbally first, but make sure it’s also made in writing (e-mail). This will keep a record of the exchanges and make it easier to calculate the time required for processing.

The person receiving the complaint has 10 working days to respond.

Step 2

If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your complaint, or if the 10-working-day time limit has passed, you must contact the person responsible for handling complaints at the school service center, school board or private educational institution.

Keep a record of the steps you’ve taken. Complaints must be processed within 15 working days.

Step 3

If you are still dissatisfied with the way your complaint has been handled, or if the 15-working-day time limit has passed, you should contact the Regional Student Ombudsman in your area. The ombudsman will assist you in formulating your complaint in writing.

  • This is done using an online form.
  • A complaint concerning an act of sexual violence can be made to the student’s regional ombudsman, without having to go through the first two stages of the process. Such complaints are handled as a matter of urgency.

Some community partners​