Quebec's school system consists of a network of public education which includes preschool education (preschoolers) up to university education. Schooling is free for all residents of Quebec from preschool to high school.
There are also private schools recognized by the Ministry of Education of Quebec

The MEQ also provides the official curriculum of the province, however, in the case of private schools, fees apply and students must meet entrance conditions of the institution.

School attendance is mandatory for all children 6 to 16 years of age. The school year starts at the end of August or at the beginning of September and ends usually before June 24. The approximate duration of classes is 180 days.

Preschool education

Preschool education (children 5 and under) prepares children for elementary school. This preparation allows them to develop and become progressively familiar within a stimulating learning environment and allows them to acquire the tools needed to ensure their learning success. Even though preschool education is not mandatory, more than 98% of children are enrolled. In both public and private schools, preschool education starts at the age of four and attend school for half day, while the five year olds attend full time during the whole school year.

Elementary education

If your child has not attended preschool, he must be enrolled by the age of six in an elementary school. In the case that your child is five years old, he can be registered if his sixth birthday is before October 1st of his first school year.
Challenged children, with learning and adaptation problems, can receive special classes.

Secondary education

After elementary school, children must continue their schooling at the secondary level. This is achieved in two ways: general schooling for the duration of five years which prepares the student for higher education and which entitles the student to a secondary degree (DES) or training programs which prepare the student for the work market and which entitles the student to a trade's degree (DEP).

If your child speaks no French it will be difficult for him to understand classes given in this language. Preschool, elementary and high school students who don't speak French can take advantage of the programs for the study of French offered by the Ministry of Education. The learning of the French language will allow them to better integrate and assimilate in the regular French schools.

These measures may vary from school to school, however, each school is responsible for providing students with the right help.

Collegial studies

Secondary schooling is a prerequisite for the collegial level - the first level of higher schooling. It is considered a general and professional (cégep) collegial schooling. Other private institutions offer students two choices: pre-university study programs of two year duration - these are for university preparation - or the choice of programs that offer technical studies of three year duration, which prepare the student directly for the work force or for university.

Whichever the choice, students follow general study curriculum in both programs. There are a wide variety of pre-university study programs: natural sciences, social sciences, arts, music, fine art, literature, history and civilization
There are a variety of possible technical studies and are divided in five areas: biological techniques, physical techniques, human techniques, administrative techniques and the arts.
Students who successfully complete their collegial studies receive a collegial studies diploma (DEC).

University education

University education represents the second level of higher education. The duration of these studies varies according to the career and the cycles elected.

The universities offer their own study programs, develop their own study and research programs. They also set admission standards and student registration, as well as issuing their own degrees.

Undergraduate university studies are obtained once the student obtains a bachelor degree (three or four years of study). Postgraduate students must possess a university degree - duration varies according to program - (A Master's degree is two years long and certificates and diplomas are one year long)
PHD studies lead to the doctorate degree and has a three year study duration.