Montreal School Registration Begins

Registration for the 2010-2011 school year is about to begin. If your child is already in school his or her place in the school for next year is generally guaranteed, failing major changes to programs offered or school closure. Re-registration forms will soon be coming home. If you have any questions about changing programs, school transfers or promotion to secondary school, keep up to date with school memos or contact the school office for help.

If you have a child who is just beginning school, or if your family is new to the province, what follows will help you sort out your options.

Age to start school

All children who will be 4 by September 30, 2010 are eligible to attend K4 ("pre-kindergarten") where the program is offered. Attendance is free of charge in the inner city zones, and for children with disabilities; in other areas where the program is offered parents pay a tuition fee. Pre-kindergarten classes may be half-day or full day. Check with your school.

All children who will be 5 by September 30, 2010 can attend kindergarten, free of charge. Kindergarten is not compulsory in Quebec, though as many schools offer full-day classes and students in bilingual or immersion programs benefit from early exposure to French, it is uncommon for children not to attend.

Children who will be 6 by September 30, 2010 must go to school or be provided with an equivalent education at home. These children will be placed in primary Cycle One Year One (grade 1.)

Students enter high school in grade 7 (secondary Cycle One Year One.)

Registration dates

Both the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) and Lester B Pearson School Board (LBPSB) begin registration for new students on February 1, 2010. Registration normally takes place at the school your child will attend. Check will the school for times and locations, and to be sure you arrive with all the necessary documentation.

School in French?

Both the EMSB ("Le Français fait toute la différence!") and LBPSB ("Je veux both!") are going out of their way now, more than ever, to emphasize French in their schools regardless of the program taken by the student. But if you prefer an education in French or your children are not eligible for English education, there are two Francophone school boards on the island.

The Commission scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys, overlapping closely with the LBPSB territory, begins registration at the same time as the English boards. The Commission scolaire de Montréal began registration as of today, and will continue through the first week of February.

For more info:

Click the in-text link for any given school board, to go straight to its registration page.

For information on the English Core, Bilingual and French Immersion programs in Quebec's English schools, read "Choosing an English school in Montreal." This article also gives basic information and links for eligibility to study in English.