Hi all

My hubby and I are planning a move for 2008 but I just wonder if there is anyone out there who could shed some light on education etc. My daughter will be 16, finished GCSEs by then, my son 13. I've heard different states have different school leaving ages and I'm really confused about what the situation would be for my daughter particularly. If there is anyone out there who has moved to Canada with children of similar ages to mine I'd really appreciate your help.

Thanks

Sally

Have you looked in the wiki threads? Try this http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Canadian_Schooling

Students can leave school after grade 10 (16) however if they don't graduate (grade 12) then it makes it quite hard finding good jobs. Grade 12 is a bit like 'A' levels, but not to quite the same standard.

My daughter is 16 (and we know it!) She has done her own education plan, she is at school this semester, with some extra classes in an Ed centre of the evening. Next year she is doing all her classes at home and at the ed centre, as well as doing some apprenticeship hours, which count toward graduation credits. She reckons she is doing her apprenticeship with us - only if she smartens up!
In her class at the ed centre there is a lady doing her high school equivalence, GED at age 40 as she did not graduate and wants get a better job. It is worth staying on to Grade 12.

In Canada, we have Provinces and Territories not states.

Ok, sorry for the phopa! I have spent alot of time in the US so get a bit muddled, also new to this!

Thanks for the info, very, very helpful. I just wonder where we'd stand pitching up with a 16 year old who's already done her GCSEs. Someone even told me that after 16 we'd have to pay for her to finish her schooling and graduate? She wants to go into hairdressing but we are very keen for her to complete the Canadian school system and graduate so that she has better job opportunities.

Anyone know any different

Thanks again

Sally

No problem. Other members of this forum have done it.

Whoever told you that was dead wrong.

Have you read the BE Wiki article on Canadian schooling to which antrim4 provided a link?

As Judy said, students under 18 do not have to pay for their education. The high school may assess her when she gets there and depending on academic standard may place her in grade 11 or 12. It is possible to skip a year here if a students academics are up to snuff. Post secondary education is down to the student or parents to fund, bursary's do exist as well to help with the cost. Whether one qualifies depends on the requirements of the bursary.

If there is an apprenticeship opportunity in hairdressing, the new apprenticeship program allows high school students to do this and gain credit toward graduation. As mentioned my daughter wants to work for us under this program from Jan to June and do her academics online and at the local ed centre. Doing this is very much dependent on the abilities of the student. She did some of this last year and it worked fine.

Where are you planning on moving to? A visit to meet with schools might not be a bad idea. Would help introduce the kids to what life is like here as well.