(Article is current as of August 2021 - please check your school district and Ministry of Education websites for the most current information.)
How do I register a student for public school? What options are there for my child? What if my student has taken these courses in another country or jurisdiction?
I get asked these questions on a weekly basis by concerned parents who want the best for their child as they start kindergarten, and move through school to graduation.
How does your student start in school?
Whether your child is starting kindergarten or entering at a later grade, check your school district website as soon as possible for information on how to register.
For Kindergarten, children need to be five years old by December 31st of the year in which they enter kindergarten.
British Columbia’s PISA test scores are amongst some of the highest in the OECD, and students can achieve high academic success in any public school they choose to attend. In addition to regular stream programs, families can apply for their student to attend Programs of Choice.
Kindergarten
In the Coquitlam School District, schools are divided in to elementary (Kindergarten – Grade 5), middle (Grade 6 – 8) and secondary programs (Grades 9 -12). Other districts may divide up the grades differently. Every district will provide different options. SD43’s programs of choice also start at the middle school level and secondary level, with a wide choice of option available to meet the interests and talents of your child.
Challenging and Course Equivalency
Students may also apply to challenge courses – including language courses, or to apply for equivalency for credits achieved outside of the BC educational system. There is no limit to the number of credits that can be transferred, but in order to be eligible, 80% + of the course must match the BC curriculum.
Course credits may also be obtained by taking online learning courses – many students may pursue this option if an elective is not available in their district, or if they want to complete a course independently to make more room in the regular school schedule.
If you are ever unsure about the options or have questions about your specific student, please call your local school, and they will be able to best direct your questions. With older students, they will be assigned to a school counsellor who will be able to help guide them through their choices and meet their post-secondary goals. Your family is always welcome to make an appointment to speak to teachers and administration, and if needed, bring an intermediary to translate or assist.
How do I register a student for public school? What options are there for my child? What if my student has taken these courses in another country or jurisdiction?
I get asked these questions on a weekly basis by concerned parents who want the best for their child as they start kindergarten, and move through school to graduation.
How does your student start in school?
Whether your child is starting kindergarten or entering at a later grade, check your school district website as soon as possible for information on how to register.
For Kindergarten, children need to be five years old by December 31st of the year in which they enter kindergarten.
- For Coquitlam School District only:
- Registration for entering kindergarten and registering an older new student can start by identifying your local school for the Coquitlam School District here.
- Registration for kindergarten starts in January/February of the year your child turns five, but you can download the registration package now to ensure that you have all the documents you need before the registration period starts. Any child who is ordinarily resident in BC is eligible to attend public school free of charge - check the Funding Eligibility Checklist here.
- Registration for entering kindergarten and registering an older new student can start by identifying your local school for the Coquitlam School District here.
- If you move into the district later than the registration period, register at your school as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to accommodate your child into their local school, even if you arrive part-way through the year.
British Columbia’s PISA test scores are amongst some of the highest in the OECD, and students can achieve high academic success in any public school they choose to attend. In addition to regular stream programs, families can apply for their student to attend Programs of Choice.
Kindergarten
- In Kindergarten, you may also choose to apply for your child to a Program of Choice – such as Montessori, Reggio Influenced, French Immersion or Mandarin Immersion programs – there is a very helpful video here talking about the process and the options for SD43.
- Application does not guarantee placement – there are a limited number of spaces for programs of choice, and they are deliberately placed in locations with lower enrollment. If there are more applicants than spaces, spaces will be assigned on a lottery system. You may also choose to make a cross-catchment application for your child if you wish them to attend a school other than your local school – but acceptance is dependent factors such as space at the school.
In the Coquitlam School District, schools are divided in to elementary (Kindergarten – Grade 5), middle (Grade 6 – 8) and secondary programs (Grades 9 -12). Other districts may divide up the grades differently. Every district will provide different options. SD43’s programs of choice also start at the middle school level and secondary level, with a wide choice of option available to meet the interests and talents of your child.
- Families will need to apply for these programs as well, and there will be information nights and presentations available about the middle school programs when your child reaches Grade 5
- Secondary schools may have different options – for example, Port Moody Senior Secondary provides the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Centennial Secondary runs the Hockey Academy and Environmental Studies Academy and Gleneagle Secondary has the TALONS and COAST programs. Not all programs or course offerings will be available at all schools.
- The Youth Work in Trades Program allows students who already have employment in the trades to use that experience to get high school credits (up to 16) that count towards graduation, while also earning trade certification hours.
Challenging and Course Equivalency
Students may also apply to challenge courses – including language courses, or to apply for equivalency for credits achieved outside of the BC educational system. There is no limit to the number of credits that can be transferred, but in order to be eligible, 80% + of the course must match the BC curriculum.
Course credits may also be obtained by taking online learning courses – many students may pursue this option if an elective is not available in their district, or if they want to complete a course independently to make more room in the regular school schedule.
If you are ever unsure about the options or have questions about your specific student, please call your local school, and they will be able to best direct your questions. With older students, they will be assigned to a school counsellor who will be able to help guide them through their choices and meet their post-secondary goals. Your family is always welcome to make an appointment to speak to teachers and administration, and if needed, bring an intermediary to translate or assist.