Education

In Ontario, there are two publicly funded education systems available to students in Kindergarten through grade 12 – the Public system and the Separate, or Catholic, system. Most children in Ontario receive their education through Public or Catholic school boards that are governed by some of the highest standards in the world. The AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD and the HURON PERTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD govern education in Stratford as well as Perth and Huron Counties.

These publicly-funded school systems are financed entirely by provincial grant. The government funds are derived from the education portion of property taxes and from general income tax revenues collected by the province. Parents and students may also receive their education through private schools or home schooling, neither of which is eligible for funding from the provincial government.

Elections are held every four years and successful candidates represent their region as a school board trustee. As elected members of the board, trustees represent the local community to provide a link between electors and the education system. All publicly funded school systems must work within the framework of the provincial Education Act and its regulations. School Board Trustees develop policy and planning based on local circumstances.

Public education is available for all children from four years of age with Junior Kindergarten. Elementary schools offer junior kindergarten and kindergarten programs for children aged 4 and 5, and school grades 1 through 8. Secondary schools offer grades 9 through 12.

Educational Attainment (FP Markets Canadian Demographics 2011 Estimates)

High Schools

Ontario residents can also register for secondary school courses through on-line distance education, either for diploma credit or personal interest. Contact the Avon Maitland District School Board for further information.

To receive an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), students need to successfully complete at least 30 credits in secondary school (one credit is normally one course).

Ontario offers a wide range of post-secondary options for those wanting to study in this province. There are 17 accredited universities; 25 colleges of applied arts and technology, agriculture, art, health sciences and a military college; privately funded degree-granting institutions, registered private vocational schools and many other options. Continuing Education, sometimes called Adult Education, is also available through the Avon Maitland District School Board.

School Boards

AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
62 Chalk Street North
Seaforth, Ontario N0K 1W0
www.amdsb.ca
Tel: 519-527-0111 / 1-800-592-5437
Fax: 519-527-0222

HURON-PERTH CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
87 Mill Street, P.O. Box 70
Dublin, Ontario N0K 1E0
www.hpcdsb.edu.on.ca
Tel: 519-345-2440
Fax: 519-345-2449

Public Schools

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS:

• Anne Hathaway Public School
• Avon Public School
• Bedford Public School
• Hamlet Public School
• Romeo Public School
• Shakespeare Public School
• Stratford Central Public School
• Stratford Northwestern Public
• Jeanne Sauvé Catholic School
• St. Ambrose School
• St. Joseph's School
• St. Aloysius School

HIGH SCHOOLS:

• St. Michael Catholic Secondary School
• Stratford Central Secondary School
• Stratford Northwestern Secondary School

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS:

• Stratford & District Christian School
• Sunshine Montessori School
  

POST SECONDARY SCHOOLS:

• University of Waterloo Stratford Campus
• Conestoga College
• Stratford Chef School
• Festival School of Hairstyling
• Laurel College Stratford
• Summit Learning Centres Inc.
• Technical Training Group
• Contact North