Going to School
There’s nothing more exciting than starting another year of learning. It's a time to imagine the possibilities a new school year can bring.
If you’re new to Edmonton Public Schools or need a refresher on where to find some important information, here’s what you need to know:
BEFORE STARTING SCHOOL
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR
Plan for the year with a list of important back to school dates and holidays. You can also download the 2023–24 school year calendar . If your school has a modified calendar some dates will be different.
REGISTRATION
If you haven’t registered for school yet, you can find your designated school using our Find a School tool. Resident students may also attend any other school in the Division, as long as:
- the school has available space
- the student meets any entrance criteria of that school
Learn about designated schools and resident students.
If you're new to Edmonton Public Schools, you can register for school online. If you're registering for Kindergarten, students must be five years old on or before December 31, 2024 to register for the 2024–25 school year.
If a school or program doesn’t have enough space for all students who wish to attend, schools may use random selection, have closed boundaries or use a lottery process.
HIGH SCHOOL ORIENTATION DAY
In the fall, high school students may be invited to attend an orientation day (some schools call this a registration day) where students pick up their timetable, get textbooks and smile for their student ID photo. Find your child’s senior high school.
STARTING AT A NEW SCHOOL
Going to a different school, learning new routines and meeting new teachers can leave your child feeling excited and nervous. Learn how you can help your child:
HOW WE COMMUNICATE WITH FAMILIES
SIGN IN TO SCHOOLZONE
Once your child is registered to attend a Division school, you’ll receive information about your SchoolZone account. SchoolZone is a secure website with information about:
- your child’s attendance and progress
- school news and events
- yellow bus tracking
Learn more about SchoolZone and how to access your account.
SCHOOLMESSENGER
SchoolMessenger is an urgent message system that can call and text you when there is a major incident, like a fire or evacuation, at your child’s school. Learn more about SchoolMessenger and how to sign up.
FEES, SUPPLIES AND TEXTBOOKS
Find school supply lists and details about school fees on SchoolZone or your child’s school website. Learn more about fees, supplies and textbooks.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
We continue to focus on creating learning environments that support the health and well-being of students, families and staff.
To help us meet this goal, we ask students, families and staff to stay home if they are showing symptoms of illness. This is one of the most effective ways to keep others from getting sick.
Learn about how we’re working to prevent illness in Edmonton Public Schools.
Read back-to-school tips from Alberta Health Services, including:
TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Whether your child is walking, riding or rolling to school, you can help keep our students safe by slowing down and following traffic safety laws. Read our Traffic Safety Tip Sheet for suggestions on how to make your morning drop-off and afternoon pick-ups a little easier.
If your child is taking yellow bus, you will receive information in mid-August about bus routes and schedules.
For more information:
STAYING INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING
Support your child’s learning throughout the year by:
Learn more about how you can stay involved in your child's education.
