Hello,
My family and I are moving to Toronto for my husband’s fellowship in August 2023 for 1 year. I am not sure if our eldest boy (who will be 5 1/2 y.o. when we arrive) should be going to elementary school or to kindergarten? He would be enrolled in primary school in Australia from Feb-July 2023 just before we come to Toronto. Could someone please confirm for me as I am receiving conflicting reports about starting elementary school at 5 or 6 years old. Our second boy will be 3 1/2 y.o. when we arrive so I presume he needs to go to daycare or kindergarten.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much.
Hello There,
Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.
Children aged 4-5 years old are typically enrolled in Kindergarten. If your child is turning 6 this year, he may be enrolled in first grade instead since Ontario does not hold children back for having late birthdays. Which means if he is 5 and a 1/2 years old, and born in December he can enter first grade in September at 5 and 1/2 years old and celebrate his 6th birthday that December in first grade with his classmates. Your second child would also be welcome in a Kindergarten classroom the year he turns 4 as well.
You may want to connect with your local school board for information about enrolling your kids in school, and might find the following article helpful: How do I enrol my child in school?
You may also find some great resources in The Newcomer’s Guide to Elementary School in Ontario.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to post them here.
Sincerely,
Your Settlement.Org Team