Education System in Newfoundland

There are three levels in the Canadian Public School System. Students are placed in grades depending on their age:
– Elementary School: Kindergarten to Grade 6 (age 5-12);
– Junior High School: Grades 7 – 9 (age 13-15);
– Senior High School: Grades 10 – 12 (age 16-18).
Some communities have K–12 schools, especially in rural areas.

School time year and Time: The school year for children typically runs from September to June, with children starting school at age 4 or 5, depending on their birth date. Classes usually run from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm.

How to Enroll Your Child in School

1. Determine Eligibility: Children must be 5 years old by December 31 of the school year to enroll in Kindergarten. Visit NL Schools
2. Identify Your Catchment Area: Enrollment is based on your residential address. Use the School Catchment Viewer to find your designated school.
3. Get Acceptance Letter: To enroll your child, you need to contact the NL Schools directly at 709-758-2372 or email nlise@nlschools.ca to obtain a letter of acceptance for your child to attend school. Please provide details on your child (such as full name, date of birth, grade level, start date, local address and school that you anticipate them attending) After you obtain a letter of acceptance from NL Schools for your child, you can contact your child’s school to arrange an interview with the school principal. Please bring the documents listed below with you to your interview.
4. Prepare Required Documents:
● Child’s passport and visa (if applicable)
● Parents’ valid passport and study/work permit
● Child’s birth certificate
● Previous school records
● Immunization records
● Proof of address (e.g., lease agreement, utility bill)
● Letter of acceptance (if available)
● Confirmation letter from Memorial University (for international students)
● Medical information

Complete Registration: Register online through the NLSchools website.
Seek Support if Needed: The Association for New Canadians (ANC) offers assistance with the registration process and can help you navigate the school system.
Guide: An Immigrant Parents’ Guide to the Newfoundland and Labrador School System, prepared by ANC.