In most of Canada, children aged 6 – 18 must attend school.

Since 1867, there have not been any federal intervention when it comes to education, instead everything is done provincially or handled by the territories. In each of the provinces/territories there is almost always an Education Act or something equivalent that governs public schools in the province/territory. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, The Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Nunavut each have their own legislation regarding educations and you can read the specific one that affect you personally.

Each has its minor differences but most require children aged 6-18 must attend school. Many children can begin full day kindergarten program at age 4. For example if you live in Ontario specifically the following applies according to the Ontario education act of 1990:

Elementary schools provide full day kindergarten programs for children aged 4 and 5. They also provide instruction from grades 1 – 8. Generally, students begin elementary school at 6 years of age and graduate at 13.

Secondary schools, often called “high schools,” provide instruction from grades 9 – 12. Generally, students begin high school at 14 years of age and graduate at 18.

If you live somewhere else in Canada, the education system my work differently. There are schools the focus on English or French, but more importantly structure the grades differently from Ontario. According to the Canadian government website, elementary is defined as grades 1 – 6 while secondary school begins from grades 7 – 12.