What age does Kindergarten start in Ontario?
In Ontario, a child starts Junior Kindergarten in the September of the calendar year they turn four, and Senior Kindergarten the year they turn five. Because eligibility runs to December 31, a JK class in September contains children who are still three.
School is compulsory from age six. Everything before that's available rather than required.
Why the three-year-olds matter for private schools
A private school in Ontario is exempt from child care licensing only if it cares exclusively for children four and older. Enrol one child who is still three and the exemption is gone, and the school falls under the Child Care and Early Years Act: licensing, prescribed ratios, a building inspection and a different staffing model.
That's why some private schools take Kindergarten and others start at Grade 1, and it's worth asking any school you're considering which side of that line it sits on.
Where we draw it
Admission at The Galt Academy starts at four years old on the first day of school, running through to Grade 6. A child who turns four in the October after term begins cannot start that year.
It's a legal line rather than a preference, and we would rather explain it now than have a family plan a year around a place we cannot offer.
Is Kindergarten worth paying for
A fair question, given the public option is free and full-day. Our answer is that Kindergarten is where a child decides whether school is a place they want to be, and that a small group outdoors most of the day is a good way to make that answer yes.
If you would rather use the public system for those two years and join us later, that's a perfectly sensible plan and we will keep your place on the list either way.
Questions about Straight answer
Can my child start Kindergarten at three in Ontario?
In a licensed child care setting or a public JK class, potentially yes, if they turn four that calendar year. At a private school relying on the licensing exemption, no.
Is Kindergarten mandatory in Ontario?
No. School attendance is compulsory from age six. JK and SK are available and widely used, but not required.