Education in Nova Scotia

Guide your way to a seamless school transition when you relocate your CAF family to Nova Scotia. Start your school search as soon as you receive your posting notice. Prepare to register for school once your House Hunting Trip is complete.

Schools at a glance

Provincially funded schools for children

English public schools (with French Immersion, Integrated French, Intensive French and Core French options)
Francophone public schools (if your child meets the criteria)
Online school
Home education

Private schools are also an option.

Age groups

Primary (Kindergarten) to Grade 3 – Early Elementary
Grades 4 to 8 – Elementary
Grades 9 to 12 – High School

Grade groupings within schools vary from community to community.

Special Education Support

Schools follow a program planning process, which is a team approach. Schools establish Student Planning Teams (SPTs) as needed, to support the identified learning strengths of individual students. The SPT reviews the programming and documentation from previous schools/districts. The student (if appropriate) and the parents/guardians are valued members of the SPT and will be supported and involved in decisions around additional programming and/or supports for the student.

Families also have access to Parent Navigators, who build strong relationships with community agencies throughout the various regions, and support families with the tools and resources available to them. These contacts can be found on the websites of each Regional Centre for Education/School Board.

Ease your transition from another province or school board by having the right documentation on hand.

Have professional assessments/diagnoses documentation ready
Include information on how the diagnosis directly affects your child’s learning
Provide your child’s existing Individual Education Plan (IEP), Individual Program Plan (IPP), or Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
Share past report cards and samples of school work

See the School Transition Portfolio in the MFS Education Resource Guide for more helpful information.

High School Graduation Requirements

Secondary School in Nova Scotia includes grade 10, 11 and 12. Students complete provincial exams for Level 10 (Grade 10) English and Math. These exams will make up 20% of their grade in these courses.

Read about the high school graduation requirements in Nova Scotia depending on your pathway.

Virtual Learning Supports

Nova Scotia offers resources and ideas to support Reading and Writing, Math, French through tips and activities suggestions through the Parent/Family Information page.

Discover more learning supports in the MFS Education Resource Guide.

FAQs about schools in Nova Scotia

How do I find schools in my area when I move to Nova Scotia?
Once you’ve determined the type of school your child will attend you can consult Regional Centres for Education for your chosen school board to find the school closest to you.
How long is the school year?
The traditional school year runs from September to June, with two months of summer vacation in July and August, and a one-week spring break in March or April.
When can I register my child for school?
You can enroll your child in school as soon as you have proof of your Nova Scotia address, which could be following your House Hunting Trip, if you’ve signed a lease or sale agreement.
How do I register my child for school?
You can register your child at the local school they will attend, or at your regional or district Regional Centre for Education office.
At what age do children start school?

Primary (Kindergarten) starts at age five in Nova Scotia. Register your child in Primary if they are turning five before December 31st in the current year.
Are there pre-kindergarten options?
You can access free, universal pre-primary education for your child the year before they start school.
At what age does my child have to start school?
The compulsory school age is five years old by December 31st.
What if I want to home school my child?
You must advise the Department of Education and Early Learning of your intent to homeschool. Visit Education and Early Childhood Development (ednet.ns.ca) for registrations forms and resources.
How can I determine equivalent high school credits when moving from province to province?
Ontario eschool offers a chart comparing credit-based courses across provinces. If you’re unsure, reach out to your new school.