Victoria

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School Enrolment Process

Guidance on how to enroll children in schools and the documents required to begin their education.

Sections

1. Eligibility for School Enrolment in Victoria, Canada

Victoria, located in British Columbia (BC), follows the provincial education system. Eligibility for school enrolment depends on the following factors:

Age Requirements

  • Kindergarten: Children must be 5 years old by December 31 of the school year they are enrolling in.
  • Grades 1-12: Students aged 6 to 18 are eligible for public schooling.

Residency Requirements

  • Students must reside in British Columbia. Residency can be established by:
    • Parents/guardians living in Victoria or nearby areas.
    • International students with a valid study permit or visitor visa (additional steps apply).

Immigration Status

  • Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugees, and children of individuals with valid work or study permits are eligible for free public education.
  • International students can also enroll but may need to pay tuition fees (see Costs section).

2. Required Documents for School Enrolment

When enrolling your child in a school in Victoria, you will need to provide the following documents:

Proof of Age

  • Birth certificate
  • Passport
  • Permanent resident card (if applicable)

Proof of Residency

  • Utility bill, rental agreement, or property tax statement showing your address in Victoria.
  • If you are new to Canada, a lease agreement or proof of home purchase may suffice.

Proof of Immigration Status (if applicable)

  • Canadian citizenship certificate
  • Permanent resident card
  • Work or study permit for parents/guardians
  • Refugee documentation

Immunization Records

  • A copy of your childโ€™s immunization history is required. Ensure it is up to date according to BCโ€™s vaccination schedule.

Previous School Records

  • Report cards or transcripts from the previous school (if transferring from another school or country).
  • English translations may be required for documents in other languages.

Additional Documents for International Students

  • Study permit or visitor visa for the student.
  • Custodianship declaration (if the student is under 19 and not living with a parent).

3. Costs of Schooling

Public Schools

  • Canadian Residents: Public education is free for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and children of individuals with valid work or study permits.
  • International Students: Tuition fees apply, typically ranging from $13,000 to $15,000 CAD per year for K-12 students. Additional fees may include application fees and medical insurance.

Private Schools

  • Tuition fees for private schools in Victoria vary widely, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 CAD per year. These schools may offer specialized programs, smaller class sizes, or religious education.

Other Costs

  • School supplies, uniforms (if required), and extracurricular activities may incur additional costs.
  • Transportation: Public schools may charge a small fee for bus services, depending on the district.

4. Registration Procedures

The school enrolment process in Victoria typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: Determine Your School District

Victoria is part of School District 61 (Greater Victoria), which includes Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, and parts of Saanich and View Royal. Other nearby districts include:

  • School District 62 (Sooke): Covers Langford, Colwood, and Sooke.
  • School District 63 (Saanich): Covers Central Saanich, North Saanich, and Sidney.

You must register your child in the school district where you reside.

Step 2: Find Your Catchment School

  • Public schools in BC operate on a catchment system, meaning your child will attend the school assigned to your residential area.
  • Use the School Locator Tool on the districtโ€™s website to find your catchment school.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

  • Gather all required documents (see Section 2 above).
  • Ensure all documents are complete and translated into English if necessary.

Step 4: Register Online or In-Person

  • Most school districts, including SD61, offer online registration portals. Alternatively, you can register in person at the school or district office.
  • For kindergarten, registration typically begins in January for the following school year. For other grades, registration is ongoing but subject to space availability.

Step 5: Attend an Orientation (if applicable)

  • Some schools may require an orientation or assessment for new students, especially if they are transferring from another country or province.

Step 6: Confirm Placement

  • Once your application is processed, you will receive confirmation of your childโ€™s placement. If the catchment school is full, your child may be placed in a nearby school.

5. Local School Options in Victoria

Victoria offers a variety of schooling options to suit different needs:

Public Schools

  • Operated by School District 61 (Greater Victoria).
  • Examples include Oak Bay High School, Victoria High School, and Central Middle School.
  • Offer programs such as French Immersion, Indigenous Education, and Advanced Placement (AP).

Private Schools

  • Examples include St. Michaels University School, Glenlyon Norfolk School, and Pacific Christian School.
  • Often provide specialized curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Alternative and Specialty Schools

  • South Park Family School: Focuses on alternative education methods.
  • Artemis Place Secondary School: Supports young women and gender-diverse students.
  • Island Montessori School: Offers Montessori education.

Homeschooling

  • Parents can register their child for homeschooling through a local school district or independent school.

6. Unique Considerations for Victoria

French Immersion Programs

  • French Immersion is a popular option in Victoria, with many schools offering early and late immersion programs. These programs are ideal for families seeking bilingual education.

Indigenous Education

  • Schools in Victoria incorporate Indigenous perspectives and offer programs to support Indigenous students, including cultural activities and language classes.

International Students

  • Victoria is a popular destination for international students due to its safe environment and high-quality education system. The Greater Victoria School District International Program provides support for international students, including homestay arrangements.

Transportation

  • Many students walk or bike to school, as Victoria is a compact and bike-friendly city.
  • Public transit is also widely used, and BC Transit offers discounted student passes.

School Calendar

  • The school year typically runs from September to June, with breaks in December (winter break), March (spring break), and July-August (summer vacation).

7. Additional Resources

By following this guide, you should have a clear understanding of the school enrolment process in Victoria, Canada. If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!