Can I enroll my child in school if I do not yet have permanent housing?

Moving to a new city, especially to another country, comes with many challenges, including organizing education for children. One of the most frequently asked questions among newcomers to Calgary is whether it is possible to enroll a child in school if the family does not yet have a permanent home or official address. In this article, we will take a closer look at this question, explaining the specifics of the Canadian education system, document requirements and opportunities for families in this situation.

Basic principles of education in Canada and Calgary

Education in Canada is compulsory for children aged 6 to 18 and is regulated by provincial governments. In Calgary, which is located in the province of Alberta, primary and secondary education is provided free of charge in public schools for all children with legal residence status. Importantly, the law guarantees a child's right to education regardless of the family's living situation. This means that even if you are temporarily homeless, your child has the right to attend school.

Do I need a permanent address for school registration?

Answer: No, having a permanent address is not a prerequisite for enrolling a child in school.

  • Schools recognize that newcomers may not have a permanent home temporarily.
  • Registration may take place at a temporary address (e.g., friends, relatives, temporary housing).
  • School boards assist families in finding a suitable school and can provide advice on temporary accommodation.

What documents do I need to register a child without permanent housing?

To register your child for a Calgary school, you usually need:

  • Child's passport or birth certificate.
  • Passport or other document confirming the status of the parents (visa, residence permit).
  • A document confirming the address of residence (temporary lease agreement, letter from the person with whom you are temporarily staying, or other proof of residence).
  • Documents on the child's previous education (if any).
  • Medical certificate or vaccination records (if possible). If you do not have a permanent address, you can provide a temporary address or contact the school board for assistance in determining a school.

How does the registration process work without a permanent address?

  1. Contact the school board or admissions office.** In Calgary, this may be the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) or the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD).
  2. Provide available documents and explain your housing situation.
  3. Get a recommendation for a school that serves your temporary address or is closest to you.
  4. Filling out registration forms and taking ESL (English as a Second Language) testing, if necessary.
  5. Starting your child's school without delay, even if your permanent housing documents are submitted later.**

Support for newcomer families in Calgary

  • Immigrant information centers and organizations** help you navigate the education system and provide advice on documents and registration.
  • School boards have special support programs for children from immigrant families, including ESL.
  • Opportunity to get help from an interpreter during registration.

Important tips for parents

  • Do not postpone your child's registration due to the lack of permanent housing - the right to education is guaranteed.
  • Gather all available documents and contact the school board or the admission center.
  • If you do not have documents about your child's previous education, this is not an obstacle to registration.
  • Ask for help from local organizations that support newcomers.
  • Remember that education in Calgary public schools is free.

Conclusion

You can enroll your child in a school in Calgary even if you do not have permanent housing. The Canadian education system provides support for newly arrived families and guarantees the right of children to free education regardless of their housing situation. It is important to apply to the school board, provide the available documents and use the help of specialists. This will ensure your child's continuous learning and comfortable adaptation to the new environment.