How many years is primary and secondary education in Canada?

In Canada, primary and secondary education typically lasts for 12 years, beginning with Grade 1 and continuing through Grade 12. The structure and terminology may vary slightly depending on the province or territory, but the general breakdown is consistent across the country.

The Canadian education system is usually divided into the following stages:

1. Elementary or Primary School (Grades 1–6):
   This is the first stage of formal education, where children typically begin around age 6. The elementary level focuses on developing foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. It also introduces students to art, physical education, and sometimes a second language like French or English, depending on the region.

2. Junior High or Middle School (Grades 7–8):
   Some provinces use a middle school model, while others continue elementary school through Grade 8. In either case, students in Grades 7 and 8 experience a more subject-specific curriculum and are introduced to multiple teachers for different subjects. These years are designed to help students transition from the generalist environment of elementary school to the more specialized format of high school.

3. High School or Secondary School (Grades 9–12):
   High school begins in Grade 9, usually when students are around 14 or 15 years old, and continues until Grade 12, when they graduate around age 17 or 18. The high school curriculum becomes more specialized, offering a wider range of subjects and elective courses. Students must meet specific credit requirements to graduate with a high school diploma, which is necessary for entry into post-secondary education or the workforce.

In Quebec, the structure is slightly different. Students complete high school at Grade 11 and then move on to CEGEP (Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel), a two-year pre-university or three-year technical program before entering university.

In most of Canada, kindergarten is offered before Grade 1, typically at ages 4 and 5. While not always mandatory, kindergarten provides an essential foundation for later schooling.

Overall, the standard pathway from Grade 1 through Grade 12 provides 12 years of education. This system is designed to ensure that students develop academically, socially, and emotionally, and are prepared for higher education, vocational training, or employment.