Hi There, Newbie here! My Hubbie and I have been considering a move to Vancouver for some time and the expected changes to visas later this year should benefit our application even further.

We have 2 small children and although have read some information regarding education in Canada, I would love for some clarification on a few things:

1. What age do children start school?
2. Does Canada & in particular, Vancouver help support families by offering, like the UK, 15 hours or so of free early learning in nurseries for 3 and 4 year olds?
3. If the answer is no to question 2, I'm gathering child care / nursery / kindergarten before school age is chargeable and not free or subsidised.....What typically would be an average weekly fee for a single child full time in nursery in the Vancouver area?
4. How are schools graded? Is there a website I can access to compare schools in different areas (ie UK has Ofstead reports which helps parents to decide if a school is suitable for their childs needs).

Many thanks & hi to all!

You will aften hear people talk of public education being K-12. That is one year of kindergarten plus 12 years of regular schooling. It starts a year later than the UK.

Your child can register for Kindergarten in the year that he or she turns 5 years of age. The Ministry of Education only funds Kindergarten children who are 5 years of age by December 31st of that particular year.

http://www.vsb.bc.ca/school-registration-faqs

No. All schooling/child care/ early learning before Kindergarten is private.

It varies a lot, but it is not cheap. Hopefully others with recent experience can comment.

The only thing I can think of is the Fraser Institute rankings. However, use these with care. The Fraser Institute is not a disinterested observer but a right-wing pressure group that has an agenda to promote all things private over anything in the public sector.

Anyway, Their broad conclusion is that kids in schools in wealthier areas get better academic results than kids from socially deprived areas. Who knew?

Some public (i.e. state) schools have special programs such as French immersion. Others have a reputation in the arts or sports. If either is important you can research these further. However, the vast, vast majority of people send their kids to their local public schools. Schools reflect the area they are in. If you find a neighborhood where you are happy to live the chances are that the local school will suit your children just fine.

Which part of van are you intending to live in . .?

Very true. Don't forget that can just as easily get a crap teacher in a great school and a great teacher in a crap school.

Thanks JonBoyE for the info.

The4BellsLondon: We are still considering areas, depends on what is available to rent when we relocate.
Ultimately wish to live North Vancouver, so looking at Lynn area, but also considering Richmond (closer to Stevenston area) and edge of Burnaby (nearer to city and the shopping mall). Ultimately want to settle in an area that is close to amenities for shopping and public transport etc, but as much 'green' space as possible! Not mega rich tho!! So couldn't afford the best areas in North Van or Burnaby.

Just a safe clean neighborhood close as possible to the city, but far enough away to give us the green space we want.

Hawk13, def agree with you there, but it has to be said that some schools do give off better results yr on yr than others and are well known for it.

Also depends on what your kids excel ay or want to do - we are in E van - kids got to Templeton . .. not the most academic school BUT has a VV Good drama and film department and that's what mine are into .