Education in Canada consists of ten provincial and three territorial systems, including public schools, 'separate' (i.e., denominational) schools, and private schools. Children are required by law to attend school from the age of six or seven until they are 15 or 16. All non-private education through secondary (or 'high') school is publicly funded.

In Quebec, general and vocational colleges (CEGEPs, or Collèges d'enseignement general et professionnel) are also publicly funded and require only a minimal registration fee. Most other post-secondary schools, however, charge tuition fees.

Provincial responsibility

Unlike many other industrialised countries, Canada has no federal educational system; the constitution vested the responsibility for education in the provinces.

Each provincial system, while similar to the others, reflects its particular region, history and culture. The provincial departments of education - headed by an elected minister - set standards, draw up curricula, and give grants to educational institutions.

Responsibility for the administration of elementary and secondary schools is delegated to local elected school boards or commissions. The boards set budgets, hire and negotiate with teachers, and shape school curricula within provincial guidelines.