Please remember this is only from we have observed - I went to school in a number of European countries including the UK (plus the Caribbean). Alan was at school in the UK. Our eldest sons went to school both in the UK and the US and our youngest in the US and now Canada.

Overall schooling here is excellent. I have heard of people thinking it is not 'up to par' with that of their home country and then pay for private schooling but it surprises me.

For further research have a look at the Sympatico Learning Section . this page has links to school and learning websites across Canada and forums where you can ask specific questions that may concern you.

K-12 schooling is free.

In kindergarten through graduation (High School) the system is very similar to the US is class structure - they are in 'grades' and start school at around 6 years old etc. Unlike the UK where classes are referred to as 'forms' or years and usually primary and secondary schools are quite separate. Also school children start school a little younger in the UK. Overall though the kids end up doing the same number of years in total.

The curriculum while similar to the US, has more of a european feel to it. There appears to us to be much more empahasis on the three 'R's than in the US and there are more exams throughout the year and much more homework etc. On the other hand there is less importance attached to school sports. Just as in the UK the extra-curricular activities tend to be less than in the US. There are plusses and minuses to both systems.

In general the standard of education in Canada can probably be ranked as very high.

Higher level education is more similar to European than the US experience. Getting into University or College requires a high educational standard and cannot be and is not influenced by athletic prowess. Nor is there nearly as much scholarship money available for sports etc. On the other hand college and universities fees here are much cheaper than in the US. Not free and of course always going up but certainly more attainable for the bright child from an average family.

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