High quality programs at every level make Manitoba an excellent choice for education and training. From Kindergarten to Doctorate/PhD, Manitoba’s education system offers a wide range of academic, training and language courses to the over 260,000 students currently in the Manitoba education system.

Manitoba schools teach students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 (Senior 4). High Schools (Secondary) prepare students aged 14 to 19 (Grades 9 to 12/Senior 1 to 4) for post-secondary education and training or employment after graduation.

Public schools are funded and offer high quality courses developed by the Manitoba Government. Independent or private schools receive public and private funds and teach courses approved by the government.

Education is a provincial government responsibility in Canada. In Manitoba, education is governed principally by The Public Schools Act and The Education Administration Act as well as by regulations made under both Acts. Rights and responsibilities of the Minister of Education and the rights and responsibilities of school boards, principals, teachers, parents and students are set out in the legislation.

Right to Attend

Children who are six years of age or older on December 31 in a given year have the right to attend school from the beginning of the fall term of that calendar year until they receive a graduation diploma, or until the last school day of June in the calendar year in which they become 21 years of age.

Compulsory School Age

Children are required to attend school from the time they reach compulsory school age (7 years of age or will be reaching 7 years of age by December 31 in a given calendar year) until they attain the age of 18. Every parent or legal guardian of a child of compulsory school age is responsible for sending his/her child to school.

Schools of Choice

With the provisions of the Schools of Choice initiative, students may apply for admission to any public school in the province, generally without cost. There are certain responsibilities and obligations that parents and students must meet. Acceptance at these schools is based upon the availability of space, program suitability, notification dates, and transportation; and, in some cases, transfer fees.

Independent Schools

The operation of independent schools varies. Some schools are affiliated with a specific religious or denominational group. They have their own governing bodies or boards. Independent schools are eligible for provincial funding if they implement the Manitoba curriculum and meet a number of additional requirements. Non-funded independent schools may not follow provincial curricula but must deliver a standard of education to that provided in a public school. A student who wishes to enter a private school must meet the admission requirements and pay the admission fee set by the specific institution. Only funded independent schools are authorized to issue Senior Years course credits recognized by Manitoba Education. For more information visit: Independent Schools.

For more information, please visit: 

Manitoba Department of Education

Website

Phone: 204-945-3744 or 1-866-MANITOBA (1-866-626-4862)

 

Public Schools

The schools in Portage la Prairie are operated by the Portage la Prairie School Division