How to Register Your Children for School in British Columbia
By WelcomeAide Team
Registering Your Children for School in BC
One of the first things newcomer families need to do after arriving in British Columbia is register their children for school. Education is free and compulsory in BC for children aged 5 to 16. Children can attend school from Kindergarten (age 5) through Grade 12 (age 17 or 18). Understanding how the school system works will help your children settle in and succeed.
WelcomeAide supports newcomer families through the settlement process, including understanding education options. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about registering your children for school in BC.
The BC School System
Public Schools
Public schools in BC are funded by the provincial government and are free for all residents. The BC Ministry of Education and Child Care sets the curriculum, and local school districts manage the schools in their area. There are 60 school districts across BC.
Public schools follow the BC curriculum, which covers core subjects like English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education. Schools also offer elective courses, extracurricular activities, and support programs for students who need extra help.
Private Schools
BC also has private (independent) schools. These schools charge tuition, which can range from $5,000 to over $30,000 CAD per year depending on the school. Some private schools receive partial government funding and must follow the BC curriculum. Others are fully independent and may follow a different curriculum or offer specialized programs such as Montessori, religious education, or International Baccalaureate.
For most newcomer families, public schools are the best option. They are free, welcoming, and offer excellent support for students learning English.
Francophone Schools
If your family speaks French, your children may be eligible to attend a school in the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF). The CSF operates French-language schools across BC for students who have a legal right to French-language education under Section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Catchment Areas
Public schools in BC use a catchment area system. Your catchment school is the school closest to your home address. Your child has a guaranteed spot at their catchment school. If you want your child to attend a different school (called a cross-boundary transfer), you need to apply and approval depends on available space.
To find your catchment school, visit the website of your local school district and use their school locator tool. In Vancouver, for example, you can use the Vancouver School Board school finder.
Documents You Need for Registration
When you register your child at a BC school, you will need to provide several documents. Having these ready will make the process smoother.
Required Documents
- Proof of your child's age and legal name (birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents)
- Proof of immigration status in Canada (permanent resident card, confirmation of permanent residence, refugee claim document, work permit, or study permit)
- Proof of your home address (utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement showing your BC address)
- Your child's immunization records
- Previous school records or report cards from your home country (if available, translated into English)
- Custody or guardianship documents (if applicable)
If you do not have all the documents right away, most schools will still allow your child to start attending while you gather the remaining paperwork. Schools understand that newcomer families may need time to collect documents from their home country.
International Students
If your family is in BC on a temporary visa and your children do not have permanent resident status, they may be classified as international students. International students in public schools typically pay tuition fees, which range from $14,000 to $16,000 CAD per year. However, children of work permit holders and refugee claimants are usually exempt from these fees. Check with your school district to confirm your child's status.
How to Register
The registration process varies slightly by school district, but here are the general steps:
- Find your catchment school using your school district's website.
- Contact the school directly by phone or visit in person to ask about registration.
- Complete the registration form. Many school districts now offer online registration.
- Provide the required documents listed above.
- Meet with school staff to discuss your child's needs, including language support.
Registration for the following September typically opens in January or February. However, newcomers can register their children at any time during the school year. Schools will place your child in the appropriate grade based on their age and previous education.
English Language Learner (ELL) Support
One of the biggest concerns for newcomer parents is how their children will manage in school if they do not speak English fluently. BC public schools have strong English Language Learner (ELL) programs, also known as English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.
How ELL Support Works
When your child registers, the school will assess their English language proficiency. Based on this assessment, your child will receive ELL support. This can include:
- Pull-out programs where your child works with an ELL specialist for part of the day
- In-class support where an ELL teacher works alongside the classroom teacher
- Adapted assignments and additional time for tests
- Bilingual support workers who speak your child's home language (available in some schools)
ELL support is provided at no cost. The BC Ministry of Education provides additional funding to school districts for each ELL student. Your child will continue receiving ELL support for as long as they need it, which is typically one to five years depending on the child.
Tips for Supporting Your Child at Home
- Read with your child every day, in English and in your home language. Research shows that strong skills in a first language support learning a second language.
- Encourage your child to make friends and participate in after-school activities.
- Communicate regularly with your child's teacher. Many schools have interpreters available for parent-teacher meetings.
- Visit your local public library. BC public libraries offer free programs for children, including homework help and reading clubs.
Immunization Requirements
BC requires children to have certain immunizations before attending school. Under the Public Health Act, schools must collect immunization records for all students. Required vaccines include:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
- Polio (IPV)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal C conjugate
If your child is missing any vaccines, your local public health unit can provide them free of charge. You do not need a BC health card or MSP coverage to get your child vaccinated. Contact your local health authority or call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) for information about immunization clinics near you.
Note that immunization is not legally mandatory in BC. Parents can sign a form declining vaccinations for personal or religious reasons. However, in the event of a disease outbreak, unvaccinated children may be excluded from school.
School Supplies and Costs
Public school in BC is free, but there are some costs that families should be aware of:
- School supplies (notebooks, pencils, backpack): approximately $50 to $150 CAD per child
- School fees for elective courses, activities, or technology: typically $25 to $100 CAD per year
- Field trip costs: varies, but usually $5 to $20 per trip
- Lunch: schools do not typically provide free lunch, so children bring food from home or buy from the cafeteria
If you are experiencing financial hardship, speak with the school administration. Many schools have programs to help with supply costs, and some offer breakfast or lunch programs. Community organizations and settlement agencies can also help.
Special Education Services
If your child has a disability, learning difference, or special need, BC public schools are required to provide appropriate support. This can include:
- Individual Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to your child's needs
- Educational assistants in the classroom
- Speech and language therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Behavioural support programs
- Modified or adapted curriculum
If you believe your child needs special education support, talk to their teacher or the school principal. The school will conduct an assessment and work with you to create a plan that meets your child's needs. These services are free.
How WelcomeAide Can Help
Registering your children for school is an exciting step for your family. WelcomeAide's programs help newcomer families navigate the settlement process, including understanding education options in BC.
If you have questions about school registration, ELL programs, or anything else related to settling in Canada, try our multilingual AI chat assistant. You can also visit our about page, explore our impact, or browse more guides on our blog.
Your children deserve the best possible start in their new home. BC schools are welcoming, supportive, and ready to help newcomer students succeed.