How to register your children in school

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In Manitoba, all children seven years old and older have to be in school. However, most kids start preschool/nursery at four years old and kindergarten at five years old:

• Early years (Kindergarten to Grade 4) – 5 to 10 years old
• Middle years (Grade 5 to 8) – 10 to 14 years old
• Senior years (Grade 9 to 12) – 14 to 18 years old

Elementary is from Kindergarten to Grade 8, and secondary school (or high school) is from Grade 9 to 12. The school year starts in the first week of September and ends the last week of June.

Public school

Public education is free and the responsibility of the province. There are four publicly funded programs:

• English Program – This is for students who want all K-12 classes taught in English (except for courses on foreign language).
• French Immersion – This is for students in K-12 who are learning French as a second (or third) language. Kindergarten to Grade 8 classes are in French except for English language arts. They can begin the Program in Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 7.
• Français Program – This is for students in K-12 whose first language is French. All classes are in French except English language arts.
• Senior Years Technology Education Program – This is for students in Grade 9-12 who want to develop skills in trade and technology. The Program is available in English, French Immersion, and Français.

Most kids go to a school in the district where they belong. This is determined by where you live (check your district here: Manitoba School Divisions and Districts). Should you need to place your child in a school other than the one in your district, check the rules of the Schools of Choice initiative.

To register, you will need to bring documents such as:

• PR Card
• school reports
• child’s birth certificate/guardianship papers

You may also need a proof of address (for example, a purchase or rental agreement), your child’s immunization records, and Manitoba Health Card. Visitors and Temporary Residents will need to present their passport, visa, and Study Permit. To find out the complete requirements, contact the school or the school division’s office where you belong.

Read Manitoba Education’s Newcomer Parent Guide (How do I register my child in school?) for more tips and information.

Know what your child is learning in school. My Child in School, A Resource for Parents contains information on subjects for K-12. It also answers parents’ basic questions, provides links to other resources, and suggests ways to help your child learn better.

Private schools and homeschooling

Aside from public schools, parents can also choose to send their children to private or independent schools, or homeschool them. However, these types of instruction are not funded by the province.

Private or independent schools can be boarding schools, co-ed, boys’ and girls’ schools, and schools with special education support. They can be funded and non-funded. Funded independent schools have to meet certain standards set by the province. Non- funded independent schools do not follow such standards. However, they must deliver a standard of education that is provided in public schools. You can use the Schools in Manitoba Search to find private schools near you.

Homeschooling is when a parent or a tutor delivers instruction to their children. Parents have more of a hand in creating the type of education their kids receive. They are also responsible for providing progress reports to the Province. While it is not funded by the Province, parents can get help and support from Manitoba Education and Childhood Learning Homeschooling Office. Liaison officers can help them choose and craft their programming, point them to resources and supports, and answer any questions they may have.

To know more about homeschooling, go to the Educating your children at home page and Homeschooling (planning and reporting).You can also read: Thinking about homeschooling your child? Here’s what you need to know.

Other helpful resources:

Winnipeg School Division: Find a school app

Newcomer Parent Guides:

• Overview (What can I expect from Manitoba schools?)
• At School (As a parent, what can I expect for my child at school?)
• Kindergarten (What can my child expect at Kindergarten?)
• Grades 1-12 (What can my child expect in the classroom?)
• Newcomer Parent Guides in French

Check out versions in French, Ukrainian, and Russian on this page: Newcomer Parent Guides.

Source: Manitoba Education, Going to School in Manitoba. Accessed October 27, 2023.