10 fun facts about school in Canada

Today, in honor of our Canadian Outschoolers, let's talk about what makes going to school special in Canada. What are some of the traditions that come with the Canadian school experience, and how does Canadian education differ from American?

While school systems in both Canada and the United States have similarities such as helping children grow academically and culturally, there are some differences you may not be aware of.

Here are some fun facts about the Canadian education system, and how you can learn more about this wonderful country through Outschool.

10 fun facts about school in Canada

1. In British Columbia, students don't get letter grades until High School. Instead, they get report cards that say: Emerging, Developing, Proficient, or Extending.
   
   
2. Students learn to use the metric system rather than the Imperial system used in the U.S., and Celsius or Centigrade as opposed to Fahrenheit in the U.S.
   
   
3. Elementary kids are usually taught by just one teacher throughout the school year, with the possible exception of music and physical education. Specialty subject teachers must have additional training or degrees pertinent to the subject.
   
   
4. In high school, students are often referenced by their grade instead of using Freshman, Sophmore, Junior, or Senior like their American counterparts.
   
   
5. There’s still usually a photo of the queen in schools but never of a prime minister since the Queen is the official head of state.
   
   
6. In Canada, colleges are the equivalent of community colleges in the United States: they grant certificates and diplomas, while universities award degrees.
   
   
7. Canada is a world leader in language education.
   
   
8. Since 1969, Canada has been a bilingual country where core French and English are both taught to children for at least a few of their school years.
   
   
9. The Canadian schooling system is flexible, allowing schools to develop curricula in line with their regional Minister of Education's guidelines rather than having to follow a rigid nationwide curriculum. This allows teachers to develop programs that best suit the needs of a specific community.
   
   
10. The Canadian government spends 6% of its GDP on education – much more than several other countries.
    

Outschool Canada-specific classes

If you are a Canadian parent looking to supplement your homeschooling journey, or you just want your child to learn more about Canada, you’ll want a well-rounded program of classes that aligns your child with the educational needs typical of the Canadian system and adds a more fun dimension to the learning experience.

For example, you can help immerse your kids in Canadian culture with our Outschool Canadian classes.

Try this Canada Is Cool class to learn about “this vast and wondrous country from a passionate Canadian.

Or take this Welcome to Canada Class where 8-10-year-old learners can learn about the Canadian flag, animals, sports, and other fun information about Canada.

Your kids can even dig into the Provinces and Territories of Canada.

Or take a Virtual Road Trip Across Canada!

And if you are going down the bilingual route, there are plenty of opportunities to help them brush up on their French or join a conversation club!

Canada is an excellent place to go to school. The country has a thoughtfully developed schooling system from which other countries can learn a lot. The schooling curriculum is diverse and varied, offering a great balance of academic excellence and emphasis on culture and the arts and vocations.

Whether you are Canadian or simply want your child to learn more about Canada, taking Canada-specific classes is the way to go.

We hope your kids start this next back-to-school season inspired to learn and excited to explore their passions – wherever it may lead them.