Starting a new life in British Columbia comes with many exciting firsts — and one of the most important is school registration. If the Canadian school system feels unfamiliar, you’re not alone. Many newcomer parents have questions about how it works and what steps to take.
This guide explains how schools are organized in BC, how to register your child, and where to find helpful resources. We’ve also included free programs at MOSAIC that can support your family as you settle into your new community.
Before School: Child Care and Early Learning
If your child is younger than 5, they won’t start Kindergarten just yet, but there are still many ways to support their early learning.
In some countries, it may be common for young children to stay home alone briefly or be cared for by siblings or neighbours. But in British Columbia, children under 12 years old are not legally allowed to be left home alone, even for a short time. This is part of BC’s child protection laws to ensure children’s safety.
Why Child Care Matters
Child care is more than just supervision. It’s a place where young children can play, learn, and build confidence. Through daily routines, they learn how to communicate, share, and follow instructions — all of which help them adjust more easily when they begin school.
Types of Child Care in BC
There are several types of early learning and child care programs:
- Licensed Group Child Care – Full-day or part-day programs in licensed centres (ages 0–5)
- Licensed Family Child Care – Small group care in a caregiver’s home
- Preschool Programs – Part-day learning programs (ages 3–5)
- StrongStart BC – Free drop-in early learning programs in public elementary schools (ages 0–5, with a caregiver)
To find licensed child care near you, use the BC Child Care Map.
Understanding the BC School System
The government of British Columbia requires all children between the ages of 5 and 16 to receive an education. Most students continue to Grade 12 and graduate around age 17 or 18.
Elementary School: Kindergarten to Grade 7
The first year of elementary school is called Kindergarten. Children can start Kindergarten in September of the year they turn 5. (For example, if your child turns 5 in November 2025, they can start Kindergarten in September 2025.)
In BC, elementary schools generally include Kindergarten through Grade 7. School days start between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. and end around 3:00 p.m. By the end of Grade 7, students are usually 11 or 12 years old.
Middle and Secondary School: Grades 6-12
After elementary school, students transition into middle and/or secondary school. Not every school district has middle schools.
- Middle school: Grades 6 to 8 or 6 to 9 (depending on the district)
- Secondary school (also known as high school): Usually Grades 8 to 12
Upon completing Grade 12, students receive a BC Certificate of Graduation, also known as the Dogwood Diploma. After that, education is no longer mandatory, but students are encouraged to continue learning by attending college, university, or job-specific training programs such as apprenticeships or vocational schools.
What Kind of School Can My Child Attend?
1. Public Schools (English-language)
- Tuition-free and government-funded
- Run by local school districts
- Open to all children living in the district
Each family is assigned a catchment school based on their home address. A catchment is the designated geographic area around a school — students must live within that area to attend the school.
Most school districts have a school locator tool to help you find your catchment school. Click here to find your school board and explore schools near your home.
2. Francophone Public Schools
Some families may be eligible for French-language public education under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These schools:
- Are tuition-free and publicly funded
- Offer full-day instruction in French (not just French classes)
- Are run by the Conseil scolaire francophone (CSF), a province-wide school board
To qualify, at least one parent must speak French as a first language or have attended French school in Canada. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, visit CSF to learn more.
3. Independent (Private) Schools
- Charge tuition
- May be religious, arts-based, or follow a specific philosophy (e.g., Montessori)
- Not government-run, though many follow the BC curriculum
Visit the Federation of Independent School Associations to explore options near you.
Support for English Language Learners
Many newcomer children start school while still learning English. Schools offer English Language Learning (ELL) programs to help them succeed while continuing to develop their English skills.
ELL services may include:
- Extra support in small groups
- Modified classwork or assignments
- Language-rich activities and resources
- Encouragement to maintain their home language alongside English
ELL programs are available from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Your child does not need to speak English to start school.
Support for Children with Disabilities or Special Needs
If your child has a physical or learning-related disability, BC schools can provide customized support. Every child has the right to learn in an inclusive environment.
Schools may work with you to create an Individual Education Plan (IEP) tailored to your child’s needs.
Support may include:
- Education assistants or learning support teachers
- Adjustments to teaching materials and routines
- Collaboration with healthcare or community professionals
- Assessments and referrals (even without a formal diagnosis)
Speak with the school principal or resource teacher to begin the process.
School Registration: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Find Your School District and Catchment School
Visit your school district’s website to find your catchment school using the “school locator” tool. Examples:
Step 2: Documents for School Registration
You’ll need:
- Proof of your child’s age (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents)
- Proof of your address (such as a lease, utility bill, or bank statement)
- Parent/guardian photo ID
- Immunization records
If any of these documents are not in English, contact the school. Many districts can provide translation support or will accept translated versions.
Step 3: Register Online or In Person
Many districts offer online registration throughout the year. For Kindergarten, registration usually opens in January or February for the school year that starts in September.
Some families may need to register in person at the school or a Newcomer Welcome Centre.
Step 4: Orientation and First Day
Many schools offer an orientation before the first day. This is a great way to meet staff, learn about school routines, and help your child feel more confident on their first day.
Free Programs at MOSAIC to Support You
MOSAIC offers programs for newcomer families to help with parenting, early learning, and navigating school in BC.
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)
For newcomer families in New Westminster with school-age children (5–18)
In partnership with New Westminster School District (SD40), SWIS provides in-school settlement support with:
- One-on-one consultations
- Youth programs on life and leadership skills
- Parent workshops and community connections
- Referrals to other services
Building Blocks Vancouver (BBV)
For first-time parents in Vancouver who are pregnant or have a baby under 6 months
BBV supports families who have limited support networks and are experiencing low to moderate risk factors.
- Regular home visits from trained staff
- Culturally sensitive parenting guidance and resources
- Connections to community supports and programs
Community Action Program for Children (CAPC)
For Korean and Vietnamese families with children aged 0–6
CAPC offers culturally specific parenting and early childhood development support through group activities and family education.
- Parenting support in Korean and Vietnamese
- Early learning activities for young children
- Culturally relevant workshops and family programming
More Help Is on the Way
Understanding the school registration process in BC for newcomers is just one part of settling into your new life. That’s why MOSAIC is creating more helpful blog posts just like this one — to guide you through housing, health care, jobs, transportation, and more.
Stay tuned for more newcomer-friendly content, and if you find this guide helpful, feel free to share it with other newcomer families!
