Schooling for youth in Ontario is divided into Grades based on the child’s age. School is free to attend until graduation from secondary school at 18 years old.
Elementary schools (sometimes referred as primary or grade schools) are for students aged 4 to 13 years old, which includes kindergarten to grade 8.
Secondary schools (also called high schools) are for students aged 14 to 18 years old, which includes grade 9 to grade 12. Some high schools have specialized programs. Based on your child’s interests, you may be able to choose a high school within the Specialist High Skills Majors program.
A school board is a collection of schools in a specific area and/or a group of a specific type of schools. School boards are further divided into public (all children regardless of background) and Catholic (for students who identify as following the Catholic religion).
Each school board offers schools at both the elementary and secondary level. Typically, students will attend whichever school is closest to their home but may choose a different school depending on their academic preferences or interests.
English Public Schools and English Programs
Thames Valley District School Board
Education in English available to students at the elementary and secondary level. Adult education and English as a Second Language programs are offered as well. Newcomers and international students are registered through the One World Thames Valley International Welcome Centre.
English Language Learners Program
This program offers English language and literacy development options, for new or less experienced speakers. English as a Second Language (ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD) teachers work with elementary students in their classrooms and on an individual basis to develop programs that work with the child’s specific needs and experience. In secondary school, ESL/ELD Programs are available to students after their initial language assessment at:
- AB Lucas Secondary School
- Clarke Road Secondary School
- HB Beal Secondary School
- London South Collegiate Institute
- Medway High School
- Montcalm Secondary School
- Oakridge Secondary School
- Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School
- Saunders Secondary School
- Westminster Secondary School
English Catholic School and English Programs
London District Catholic District School Board
The Catholic School Board offers education to elementary and secondary students in English. French Immersion is also available. Students are required to take religion courses. In addition, Adult education and English as a Second Language programs are offered. Learn more about Catholic education here.
English as a Second Language Program
Language support is provided in schools for international students and newcomers to Canada, with a full ESL Program offered at Catholic Central High School. Please visit the website for more information regarding language assistance.
French Public School and French Immersion Programs
Education in French first language programs are available to students in both elementary and secondary schools. Their website has a French for newcomers section that explains how their system works and how it is different from a French Immersion program at English-speaking schools. All subjects except English and Spanish are taught entirely in French, and all extra-curricular activities and after school programs are provided in French only as well.
Thames Valley District School Board - French Immersion Program
French Immersion education is available within the Thames Valley District School Board, in addition to Core French courses that are part of the curriculum. Please visit the website for more information about eligibility requirements, registration and a list of schools that provide French Immersion programs.
French Catholic School and French Immersion Programs
Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence
Education in French first language is available to elementary and secondary students. Students are required to take religion courses.
Garderie Francophone London French Day Care Centre
Child care programs for toddlers and preschool-aged children in a French-speaking environment.
London District Catholic School Board - French Immersion Program
French Immersion education is available within the Catholic School Board, in addition to Core French courses that are part of the curriculum. Please visit the website for more information about eligibility requirements, registration, a list of schools that provide French Immersion programs, and French opportunities outside of school.
Private Education and Cultural Schools
For private schools, please visit Information London under the Education tab to view the private schools listings.
London is a diverse city filled with a variety of cultures and language-speakers from all over the world. Typically outside of regular day schools for children and youth, cultural schools offer additional education after school and/or on weekends. You can view the list of London’s cultural schools here.
Arts Schools
Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts
Pearson offers an enriched Arts program in dance, drama, visual arts and music in addition to the complete academic curriculum offered in all our elementary schools. Students are able to audition in grade 3 to be accepted at Pearson beginning in grade 4. Pearson also offers a summer arts camp for a fee.
Known across the country for its specialization and excellence in the Arts, Beal is a particularly great school for youth who are arts or musical theatre-focused. Students from Beal have been handpicked by arts organizations around the world for fine art, theatre, and dance. Arts programs at Beal are portfolio and/or audition-based and there is no guarantee that applicants will be accepted. Their grade 12 program can extend into a two-year post-graduate program that immerses students in various fine arts disciplines, and can act as a bridging program to university art programs and/or professional practice in the arts. Learn more about the BealArt program.
Supports for Newcomer Children and Youth - Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) is a program provided by a number of Settlement Service Agencies in partnership with School Boards. This service assists newcomers and their families with support and information on common settlement needs, including learning English and finding a job. They can also help students connect with their community.
Below are a list of SWIS directed by the School Boards.
Thames Valley District School Board - Settlement Workers in Schools
London District Catholic School Board - Settlement Workers in Schools