Choosing the right elementary school is one of the most important decisions families make. Ontario elementary schools play a foundational role in shaping children’s academic abilities, social skills, and lifelong attitudes toward learning. Understanding what children learn during these formative years helps parents support their child’s growth and choose a school that aligns with their values and expectations.
This guide explains what children learn in Ontario elementary schools, how the Ontario elementary school curriculum is structured, and how a holistic approach prepares students for success in secondary school and beyond. It also highlights how Queens Grove School brings the curriculum to life through enriched learning and student-centred education.
Understanding the Ontario Elementary School Curriculum
The Ontario elementary school curriculum is developed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and is followed by publicly funded and many private schools across the province. It covers Kindergarten to Grade 8 and emphasizes both academic achievement and whole-child development.
The curriculum is designed to ensure students:
- Build strong literacy and numeracy skills
- Develop critical and creative thinking
- Learn to collaborate and communicate effectively
- Grow socially and emotionally
- Become responsible, informed citizens
Elementary education in Ontario balances structured learning with inquiry-based exploration, ensuring students gain knowledge while learning how to learn.
Key Goals of Elementary Education in Ontario
Elementary schools in Ontario aim to prepare students not only for academic success, but also for life beyond the classroom. The Ontario elementary school curriculum focuses on:
| Goal | What It Means for Students |
| Academic Foundations | Strong reading, writing, math, and problem-solving skills |
| Social Development | Teamwork, empathy, and respectful communication |
| Critical Thinking | Analyzing information and forming reasoned opinions |
| Creativity | Expressing ideas through arts, writing, and projects |
| Citizenship | Understanding Canadian values and global perspectives |
These goals guide how subjects are taught and assessed throughout elementary school.
Subjects Taught in Ontario Elementary Schools
Mathematics
Mathematics is a core component of the Ontario elementary school curriculum. Students develop number sense, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities that are essential for daily life and future learning.
The math curriculum is organized into five key areas:
- Number and algebra
- Data literacy
- Spatial sense
- Financial literacy
- Mathematical processes and social emotional learning skills
Students learn through hands-on activities, real-world examples, and collaborative problem solving. Financial literacy is introduced early to help students understand money, budgeting, and responsible decision-making.
Science
Science education in Ontario elementary schools focuses on curiosity, inquiry, and hands-on learning. Students explore scientific concepts through observation, experimentation, and discussion.
- Key features of the science curriculum include:
- Safe, practical, experiential learning
- Understanding scientific and technological concepts
- Developing critical thinking and ethical awareness
- Applying science to everyday situations
By engaging in experiments and projects, students become scientifically and technologically literate individuals who can think critically about the world around them.
English Language Arts
English is central to student success across all subjects. The English curriculum in Ontario elementary schools is organized into four strands:
- Oral Communication
- Reading
- Writing
- Media Literacy
Students learn to express ideas clearly, analyze texts, write for different purposes, and evaluate digital and media content. These skills support academic success and responsible participation in a media-rich world.
French as a Second Language
French as a Second Language is a key part of elementary education in Ontario. Students gradually learn to read, write, and communicate in French with increasing confidence.
French instruction helps students:
- Develop language and communication skills
- Understand Canada’s bilingual identity
- Build cultural awareness
- Strengthen cognitive flexibility
French learning supports students in becoming engaged citizens in Canada and globally.
Social Studies
Social studies is an interdisciplinary subject that draws from economics, geography, history, law, and politics. It helps students understand how societies function and how individuals contribute to communities.
Students explore topics such as:
- Local and global communities
- Citizenship and governance
- Geography and environment
- Economic systems
Through inquiry-based learning, students develop informed perspectives and civic responsibility.
History and Geography
In Grades 7 and 8, history and geography become more specialized. History focuses on developing critical thinking through the study of significant events and people.
Students analyze:
- The impact of colonialism in Canada
- The Indian Act and residential school system
- Treaties and systemic racism
- Moral and ethical dimensions of historical events
Geography helps students understand physical and human environments, encouraging awareness of sustainability, land use, and global connections.
The Arts
The arts are an essential part of the Ontario elementary school curriculum. Learning through the arts integrates sensory, cognitive, emotional, and motor development.
Students explore:
- Visual arts
- Music
- Drama
- Dance
Arts education supports creativity, confidence, collaboration, and emotional expression, enhancing learning across all subjects.
Beyond Academics: Social and Emotional Learning
Elementary education in Ontario recognizes that academic success is closely linked to social and emotional well-being. Schools integrate social emotional learning into daily instruction to help students:
- Manage emotions
- Build resilience
- Develop empathy
- Strengthen relationships
- Make responsible choices
These skills support mental health and positive school experiences.
Assessment and Progress Tracking
Assessment in Ontario elementary schools is ongoing and varied. Teachers use:
- Observations
- Projects and presentations
- Tests and quizzes
- Class participation
Progress is reported through provincial report cards, which focus on learning skills, work habits, and academic achievement. This approach ensures a clear understanding of student growth.
How the Ontario Curriculum Prepares Students for the Future
The Ontario elementary school curriculum builds a strong foundation for:
- Secondary school success
- Postsecondary pathways
- Career readiness
- Lifelong learning
Students leave elementary school with strong literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and collaboration skills that prepare them for future challenges.
Queens Grove Elementary School: Igniting Lifelong Learning and Success
At Queens Grove School, the Ontario elementary school curriculum is enriched to create a dynamic and personalized learning experience.
Queens Grove Elementary School lays the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and success by:
- Inspiring curiosity and creativity
- Fostering a love for knowledge
- Supporting each student’s unique learning needs
Our experienced faculty is dedicated to nurturing essential skills and building a positive attitude toward education.
Enriched Curriculum at Queens Grove
Queens Grove School follows the Ontario Elementary School Curriculum with extended enrichment in:
- Science
- Mathematics
- Social Science
- English
- French
- The Arts
This enriched approach ensures academic excellence while supporting holistic development.
A Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment
Queens Grove Elementary School offers:
- Interactive and engaging lessons
- Hands-on experiential learning
- A safe, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere
Here, academic excellence meets personal growth, setting students on a lifelong journey of educational exploration and achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ontario Elementary Schools
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What grades are included in Ontario elementary schools?
Ontario elementary schools include Kindergarten through Grade 8, focusing on foundational academic, social, and emotional development for children across early and middle childhood.
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Is the Ontario elementary school curriculum the same for all schools?
Yes, the provincial curriculum sets learning expectations, but schools may offer enrichment, additional programs, or specialized approaches while meeting ministry standards.
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How is math taught in Ontario elementary schools?
Math is taught through problem solving, real-world applications, and hands-on activities covering number, algebra, data, spatial sense, and financial literacy.
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When do students start learning French in Ontario?
French as a Second Language typically begins in elementary school and continues through secondary education, building communication and cultural understanding skills.
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What is social emotional learning in elementary school?
Social emotional learning helps students manage emotions, build relationships, develop empathy, and make responsible decisions alongside academic learning.
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How are students assessed in Ontario elementary schools?
Assessment includes observations, projects, tests, and class participation, with progress reported through provincial report cards focused on growth and achievement.
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Why is hands-on learning important in elementary school?
Hands-on learning helps students understand concepts more deeply, encourages curiosity, and supports critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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What role do the arts play in elementary education?
The arts support creativity, emotional expression, collaboration, and confidence, enhancing learning across academic subjects.
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How does elementary education prepare students for high school?
Elementary education builds literacy, numeracy, organization, and thinking skills that help students transition successfully to secondary school.
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Are history and Indigenous studies included in the curriculum?
Yes, students learn about Canadian history, Indigenous perspectives, colonialism, treaties, and social justice issues, especially in Grades 7 and 8.
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What makes an enriched elementary program different?
An enriched program extends the standard curriculum with deeper exploration, advanced learning opportunities, and personalized instruction.
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How can parents support learning at home?
Parents can encourage reading, ask questions about school, support homework routines, and maintain open communication with teachers.
Learn More About Queens Grove School
For more information about Queens Grove School and our Elementary Program:
Call Us: +1 416-479-3893
Email: admissions@queensgroveschool.com
Visit Us: 200 Ronson Dr Suite 200, Etobicoke, ON M9W 5Z9