How is school different in Edmonton?

As a parent, you have a choice in where your child goes to school. There are many different schools offering a wide range of programs to meet your child's needs, abilities and interests.

Learn more about programming and curriculum and factors to consider when choosing a school.

GRADE LEVELS

Students attend elementary, junior high and senior high school based on their age.

Elementary students are:

approximately 4 to 12 years old
enrolled in Kindergarten to Grade 6

Junior high students are:

approximately 12 to 16 years old
enrolled in Grades 7 to 9

Senior high students are:

approximately 16 to 18 years old
enrolled in Grades 10 to 12

For more information about grades, contact your child’s designated school.

REGISTRATION

When you register, you’ll be asked to provide documents to confirm:

your child’s age
their citizenship or immigration status
where they live
any unique learning needs they may have

This information helps the school place your child in the correct grade and provide the best programming for their needs.

Most schools are closed in July and August. If you register over the summer, you may not get confirmation of admission until school staff return in late August.

Learn more about how to register as a new student.

Learn more about how to register as an international student.

SCHOOL FEES

Parents may be asked to pay fees for things like extracurricular activities, field trips and school supplies.

Your school will tell you what your school fees are in September. For more information about fees, contact your child’s school.

SCHOOL DAY

All students are expected to attend school from Monday to Friday, except for holidays. Most schools begin in September and end in June. For a list of important dates, check your school handbook or visit SchoolZone.

In elementary, students have:

short breaks to play outside called recess
one classroom teacher to teach all subjects
early dismissal one day per week
lunch at school or at home

In junior and senior high, students have:

different teachers teaching different subjects
opportunities to choose optional courses
early dismissal one day per week
lunch at school or at home

STUDENT PROGRESS

Schools provide progress reports and host student-led conferences to keep parents informed about how their child is doing in school.

Progress reports include:

letter grades or percentages
comments from the classroom teacher

Progress reports are sent home three times a year in elementary and junior high. In senior high, they are sent home twice a year. They can also be accessed on SchoolZone.

Student-led conferences include:

opportunities for parents to meet their child’s teacher and ask questions
a review of the student’s work and progress

Student-led conferences are generally hosted twice a year. For more information, contact your child’s teacher.

SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Many schools send home newsletters or post updates on SchoolZone to share information about what is happening at school.

You can support your child’s education by reading the school’s information and contacting the teacher if you wish to discuss:

questions about the school
your child’s progress
changes at home that may affect your child’s learning
ways you can support your child’s learning

Teachers may not always be available to speak with parents. The best way is to send an email or to make an appointment to speak in person or on the phone. Find your school's contact information.