Going to school in Canada
In Canada, children start school a few years later, to begin with. There is no compulsory education, but there are public schools everywhere. There are huge differences in the school system from one province to another. Quite a few parents teach their children at home.
Secondary school is, in principle, the same for everyone. There are, however, very few schools with a different than public orientation.
The private schools that exist cost an awful lot and they receive almost no subsidy. The vocational schools and universities also cost a fortune.
For parents coming from other countries, it quickly becomes apparent that the curriculum in Canada often lags far behind
In Canada's public school system, a lot of money is spent on picking up and dropping off children by school bus.
The less time and attention is given to education, at schools the children are kept busy for a few hours. Of language knowledge, world knowledge, social knowledge and so many other subjects they want to know little.
It seems that schools are there to get the children who have the hardest time learning through. Those who can learn better quickly become very bored.
There are significant differences between some schools and especially school districts. Parents often choose not to live somewhere because the school has a bad reputation.
The educational differences between the Canadian provinces are often very large, so that insurmountable problems can arise immediately when moving.
Universities and vocational schools also vary widely. What they do have in common is the habit of charging enormous tuition and fees.
Schools: making something simple difficult
Canada's disjointed school system has many a parent sighing. Can't it be better?
One could say that the school system reflects the conditions in society. Or is it the other way around?
Quite a few immigrants are struggling with the education system in Canada. Because yes, it could indeed be a lot better.