Choosing an Elementary School in Quebec

Quebec's school system is divided into school boards serving specific geographic territories. There are two major public networks:

• French-language network — the largest, accessible to all residents
• English-language network — accessible only under specific eligibility conditions (see below)

Elementary school in Quebec spans 6 years (Grades 1–6), for children approximately 6–12 years old. Kindergarten (maternelle 5 ans) has been mandatory since 2018 for 5-year-olds. A 4-year-old kindergarten (maternelle 4 ans) is also available in many schools, optional but strongly recommended.

School is mandatory in Quebec for all children aged 6–16, regardless of immigration status.

Access to public English-language schools in Quebec is governed by the Charter of the French Language (Bill 101). In summary:

An child has the right to English public instruction if at least one parent received their primary education in English in Canada.

This right is personal and transmissible: if one parent is an English-speaking Canadian, the children — and even grandchildren — have this right.

For most immigrants: if neither parent received primary education in English in Canada, children must attend the French-language school network. Private English-language schools are accessible to everyone — but are fee-paying, often several thousand dollars per year.

Certificate of Eligibility: if you believe your child qualifies for English instruction, apply to your school board for a Certificate of Eligibility (*certificat d'admissibilité*) well in advance of the enrolment period.

In the public French-language network, all neighbourhood schools offer the standard general education programme. But many schools also offer special project programmes that allow choosing a school outside your neighbourhood based on the child's interests or talents.

Most common special projects at elementary level: - Enriched English classes - Sports immersion classes - Fine arts or music classes - Computer science classes - International schools and classes

These special project schools are often competitive — there may be selection tests or admission conditions.

For newly arrived families: the neighbourhood school is often the most logical first-year choice — the child integrates into their natural environment, makes friends nearby, and the school has an obligation to offer francization (French language) services to newly arrived non-francophone children.

Enrolment in a public French-language elementary school: generally January–February for the following school year (starting in September).

For the neighbourhood school: - Go to the school or your sector's school board with required documents - Documents needed: child's birth certificate, proof of neighbourhood residence, your own ID

For special project schools: - Deadlines may be stricter - Selection exams can start as early as January

Arriving mid-year? You can enrol your child at any time — the school is obligated to accept them. The school board may assess your child's academic level to place them in the right grade.

Main Montréal French-language school boards: - Centre de services scolaire de Montréal (CSSDM) - Centre de services scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys

These related guides may be useful:

• Activities for babies and toddlers — resources before school age.
• Hockey and organized sports for children — extracurricular sports activities.
• Summer camps for children in Quebec — activities during school holidays.

For the Centre de services scolaire de Montréal and enrolment: csdm.ca. For CSS Marguerite-Bourgeoys: csmb.qc.ca. For English instruction rights in Quebec: the Charter of the French Language at legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca.