Education in Nunavut

Guide your way to a seamless school transition when you relocate your CAF family to Nunavut Territories. 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 option)
Francophone public schools (if your child has rights to first-language French education)
Online school
Home education

Age groups

Kindergarten to Grade 5 – Elementary School
Grades 6 to 8 – Middle School
Grades 9 to 12 – High School

Grade groupings within schools vary from community to community.

Special Education Support

Nunavut offers an inclusive education environment. Special education resources are provided at the board level.

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 Nunavut includes grade 10, 11 and 12, made up of credit courses, many of which mirror the Alberta curriculum.

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

Virtual Learning Supports

Nunavut incorporates parts of the curriculum from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and NWT. You can review available supports on the regional pages for these Provinces/Territories and speak to your school for resources to support learning.

Discover more learning supports in the MFS Education Resource Guide.

FAQs about schools in Nunavut Territories

How do I find schools in my area when I move to Nunavut Territories?
Once you’ve determined the type of school your child will attend, visit School Information | Government of Nunavut and click on ‘School Calendars’ to find the school in your area.
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 Nunavut 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?
School registration is done through your local school board/authority.
At what age do children start school?

Kindergarten starts at age five in Nunavut. Register your child for kindergarten if they are turning five before December 31st in the current year.
Are there pre-kindergarten options?
The Early Learning and Child Care Division outlines programs available to families.
At what age does my child have to start school?
The compulsory school age is six.
What if I want to home school my child?
You must register your child with the school in your area if your child is at least 6 years old on or before December 31st of the school year. You can speak to the District Education Authority about possible reimbursements for education program costs that are incurred during a registered home schooling program.
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.