Quebec City

1. Structure of Education in Quebec City

The education system in Quebec is divided into the following levels:

• Preschool (Éducation préscolaire): Optional for children aged 4-5.
• Primary Education (École primaire): Mandatory for children aged 6-12 (grades 1-6).
• Secondary Education (École secondaire): Mandatory for students aged 12-17 (grades 7-11, or Secondary I-V).
• Post-Secondary Education: After secondary school, students typically attend a CEGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel) for two years before university or vocational training.

Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16.

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2. Types of Schools Available

Quebec City offers a variety of school options to suit different needs and preferences:

A. Public Schools (Écoles publiques)

• Funded by the government and free for residents.
• Administered by school service centers (centres de services scolaires), which replaced school boards in 2020.
• Most public schools in Quebec City operate in French, as French is the official language of the province.
• English-language public schools are available but are limited to children who meet specific eligibility criteria (see Language Considerations below).

B. Private Schools (Écoles privées)

• Offer a mix of secular, religious, and specialized programs.
• Tuition fees are required, but many private schools receive partial government funding, which helps reduce costs.
• Private schools may offer instruction in French, English, or both.
• Often known for smaller class sizes, extracurricular programs, and academic rigor.

C. Religious Schools

• Both public and private schools may have religious affiliations, though public schools are officially secular.
• Catholic and other Christian private schools are common, but there are also schools for other faiths (e.g., Jewish or Muslim schools).

D. Specialized Schools

• Some schools focus on specific areas such as arts, sports, or science.
• These may be public or private and often require additional admission steps, such as auditions or entrance exams.

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3. Language Considerations

Language is a critical factor in Quebec’s education system, as the province prioritizes the preservation of French. Here’s what you need to know:

A. French-Language Education

• The majority of schools in Quebec City are French-language schools.
• French is the primary language of instruction, and students are expected to become proficient in it.
• Newcomers to Quebec who do not speak French may be eligible for free French-language support programs (e.g., "classes d'accueil" or welcome classes) to help children integrate into the school system.

B. English-Language Education

• Access to English-language public schools is restricted by Quebec’s Charter of the French Language (Bill 101).
• To attend an English public school, at least one parent must have received the majority of their own primary education in English in Canada, or the child must have previously attended an English school in another Canadian province.
• Private English schools are not subject to these restrictions, so families who do not meet the criteria can consider private options.

C. Bilingual and Immersion Programs

• Some private schools and a few public schools offer bilingual or immersion programs, where students are taught in both French and English.

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4. Admission Procedures

The admission process varies depending on the type of school:

A. Public Schools

1. Eligibility: Families must live within the school’s designated catchment area.
2. Documents Required:
   • Proof of residency (e.g., lease agreement, utility bill).
   • Child’s birth certificate.
   • Immunization records.
   • For English schools: Proof of eligibility under Bill 101.
3. Registration: Contact the local school service center to determine your designated school and register your child.

B. Private Schools

1. Application Process:
   • Submit an application directly to the school.
   • Some schools may require entrance exams, interviews, or additional documentation.
2. Documents Required:
   • Similar to public schools, plus any additional forms requested by the school.
3. Deadlines: Private schools often have earlier application deadlines than public schools.

C. Specialized Schools

• Additional steps, such as auditions, portfolio submissions, or entrance exams, may be required.

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5. Costs

A. Public Schools

• Free for residents, including newcomers with permanent residency or work permits.
• Additional costs may include:
  • School supplies.
  • Extracurricular activities.
  • Lunch programs (if applicable).

B. Private Schools

• Tuition fees range from CAD 3,000 to CAD 20,000 per year, depending on the school.
• Additional costs may include uniforms, textbooks, and extracurricular activities.
• Scholarships or financial aid may be available for eligible families.

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6. Local Factors and Requirements

A. French Integration for Newcomers

• Quebec places a strong emphasis on integrating newcomers into the French-speaking community.
• Free French-language classes for children and adults are available through government programs.
• Children who are not proficient in French may be placed in welcome classes to help them transition into the regular curriculum.

B. School Calendar

• The school year typically runs from late August to late June, with breaks in December (winter holidays) and March (spring break).
• Public schools follow a standardized calendar, while private schools may have slight variations.

C. Transportation

• Public schools often provide free or low-cost school bus services for students living beyond a certain distance from the school.
• Private schools may offer transportation services for an additional fee.

D. Extracurricular Activities

• Schools in Quebec City offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and academic clubs.
• Participation in these activities can help children integrate socially and culturally.

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7. Tips for Families New to Quebec City

• Start Early: Begin researching schools and admission requirements as soon as possible, especially for private or specialized schools.
• Learn French: Encourage your child to start learning French before arriving in Quebec City to ease their transition.
• Visit Schools: If possible, visit schools to get a sense of their environment, facilities, and programs.
• Connect with the Community: Join local parent groups or newcomer organizations to get advice and support.
• Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with Quebec’s education laws, especially regarding language and eligibility for English schools.

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By understanding the structure, options, and requirements of Quebec City’s education system, families can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth transition for their children. If you need further assistance or specific recommendations, feel free to ask!