Starting kindergarten in Toronto
Draft: this guide is waiting for a final check before it is listed in search engines.
Children can start junior kindergarten (JK) in September of the year they turn 4, and senior kindergarten (SK) the year they turn 5. Kindergarten is full-day and optional; school is required from age 6. You register with the board that runs the school, usually in the winter before.
1. Check the start year
A child born in 2023 can start JK in September 2027 and SK in September 2028. A child born in 2022 can start SK in September 2027.
2. Find the schools you can attend
Most children go to the school that serves their home address. Each board has its own address lookup. Schools near me shows the closest schools by walking time.
3. Choose a school system
Toronto has four publicly funded boards: the TDSB (English public), the TCDSB (English Catholic), Viamonde (French public) and MonAvenir (French Catholic). Catholic and French-language boards have their own admission rules, so check with them. Private schools are another option.
4. Decide about French
French-language schools teach in French. French Immersion is a program in English-language schools, and boards set when it starts and how to apply. See French Immersion or French-language.
5. Visit, then register
Go to an open house or ask for a tour, then register with the board. You’ll usually need proof of your child’s age, proof of address and your child’s immunization record. The board’s website lists exactly what it needs.
Questions to ask on a tour
- What does a typical day look like?
- Is there child care before and after school in the building?
- How big are the kindergarten classes?
- How do you support children who are still learning English or French?
Written with help from AI and checked by a person. Last reviewed 2026-11-14. Rules and dates change: check with your school board before you act.