The school year extends from September to June. Families can choose from elementary schools across the region, and students have the option to study for either the full academic year or just one term. A student’s grade level is always assigned based on year of birth. 

Our teachers are certified by the Ontario College of Teachers, and follow the Ontario Curriculum established by the province’s Ministry of Education. YCDSB elementary schools have consistently performed above the provincial average in standardized testing, according to EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office) results. Notably, our board has shown significant strength in reading and writing, particularly in Grade 6, where nearly 9 out of 10 students meet or exceed provincial expectations. 

We strive to place students in schools that offer strong ESL (English as a Second Language) programs to ensure they receive the language support they need to succeed. These programs provide targeted instruction to help students build English proficiency while keeping up with their academic studies. By placing students in environments where ESL resources are available, we aim to create a foundation for both language development and long-term educational achievement.

Our International Education Program students are not required to be baptized Catholics, but they should expect our schools to emphasize Catholic values, incorporating religious education and moral development into daily learning. Should an elementary-aged international student’s legal status change (i.e. permanent resident, refugee status), then the student must comply with the board’s Catholicity requirement and must receive the sacrament of baptism in a Roman Catholic church prior to commencing school on a non fee-paying basis.

FULL YEAR

This program is for both Elementary students (Kindergarten – Grade 8) and Secondary School students (Grades 9 – 12) who wish to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

CUSTOMIZED SHORT-TERM STAYS

The purpose of short-term programs is to develop language skills and foster cultural awareness. Students take part in the daily life of a school, with a particular focus on language immersion. The minimum requirement for short-terms stays is 2 weeks, with a maximum stay of 6 weeks.