In New Brunswick, there are three levels of public schools for children. Elementary school goes from kindergarten to grade five; middle school goes from grade six to grade eight, and high school goes from grade nine to grade 12. Your child’s school will be assigned based on where you live. School attendance is compulsory until the completion of high school or the age of 18.
The New Brunswick public school system offers education in English and French. There are also private school options available within the Saint John Region.
Francophone schools
Francophone schools are intended for children for whom French is a first language, or who would like French to be a first language. They are available for all grades, from elementary school to high school. Unlike French immersion schools, Francophone schools offer subjects completely in French with select courses in English.
Francophone school in Saint John:
Centre scolaire Samuel-de-Champlain
Francophone school in Quispamsis:
École des Pionniers
French immersion
French immersion is a form of bilingual education in which students who do not speak French as a first language will receive instruction in French. In most French immersion schools, students will learn to speak French and learn most subjects such as history, music, geography, math, art, physical education and science in French. Early immersion begins in grade one and late immersion begins in grade six.
Visit the ASD-S website to see schools offering early French immersion in the Saint John Region.
Private schools
A private school education is often very high level (for example International Baccalaureate or AP Courses for University preparation), and it includes academic extras such as advancing your child to the next levels of Maths and Sciences. You can also expect a variety of well-planned clubs, sports, community service, religion, and leadership opportunities for students. Unlike public schools, private schools do not have their costs covered by the government—rather, parents must pay all the costs associated with education. If you choose to register your children for private school education, be prepared to pay tuition, special trip costs, and uniform costs.
English private schools in the Saint John Region include:
- Divine Mercy Catholic School (Grades K-8)
- Rothesay Netherwood School (Grades 6-12)
- Touchstone Academy (Grades K-5)
- Valley Christian Academy (Grades K-12)
Homeschooling
Some parents choose to homeschool their children and join home school groups. To homeschool children, parents must submit an Annual Home Schooling Application Form which must be approved by the minister of education.
For a full listing of schools in the Saint John Region:
City of Saint John
Town of Rothesay
Town of Quispamsis
Town of Hampton
Town of Grand Bay-Westfield
Fundy-St Martins