School and Grade Placement for the PEI International School Program

If you are making your own accommodation arrangements, school placement is based on the address where the student is going to live on PEI. Proof of address is required before the student is enrolled in a school.

Your Education Experience

All parents want their children to attend the best school in a new place, but in PEI, this isn’t a concern because all schools are equally as good. All schools in our public school system are safe, inclusive, and follow the same curriculum.

There are 62 public schools across the Island for children, from kindergarten through grade twelve - six of those are French, and 29 offer a combination of English and French-immersion. The school year in Prince Edward Island goes from early September through late June, with students enjoying a summer break when the weather is at its best, in July and August.

School Placement

International students are placed in schools where there is space and program availability and for those using Study Abroad Canada, homestay availability. You may request three schools in the application, and we will make every attempt to accommodate your request. However, the Prince Edward Island International Student Program (PEIISP) has the right to make the final placement decision.

Grade Placement

Grade placement is generally determined by age. Final placement is determined by the School Authorities (The Public Schools Branch and La Commission scolaire de langue française). 

For high school students, the school transcript is important to determine course selection. The high school will evaluate the transcript and, if the courses you completed are equivalent to high school courses here, grant credit for those that are required for a PEI Senior High School Graduation Certificate. 

Students who have already graduated from their home country are not eligible to apply to the PEIISP. 

Graduation Requirements

Graduating with a PEI Graduation Diploma usually takes more than one year.

• Most international students need at least two years.
• Some may need longer, depending on English language proficiency.

Why it takes time:

• Grade 12 courses in Prince Edward Island are highly language‑intensive.
• A strong level of English fluency is required to succeed.

One‑year completion is possible, but rare:

• You might complete only Grade 12 and go directly to university if your English skills are exceptionally strong.
• However, most students need to complete:
  • The required EAL (English as an Additional Language) levels
  • English courses from Grade 10 to Grade 12
• This ensures the language proficiency needed for future postsecondary success.

Assessment upon arrival:

• When you arrive in PEI, the EAL/FAL Reception Centre will assess your language skills will determine the appropriate grade level and EAL placement for you.

PEI High School Curriculum

• All high schools in Prince Edward Island follow the mandated provincial curriculum, which outlines clear expectations and teaching standards.
• Each school offers the same compulsory courses at every grade level, including:
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Sciences
  • English

Elective Courses

• While the core curriculum is consistent across the province, schools may offer different elective courses depending on student interest and school population.
• Electives may include:
  • Arts
  • Technology
  • Humanities
  • Social sciences

School Quality and Placement

• All PEI high schools have had students graduate and continue on to world‑ranked universities.
• PEI does not rank schools.
• School registration is based on the zone where the student will reside while in PEI.

High School Schedule

• PEI high schools operate on a two‑semester system:
  • Semester 1: September to January
  • Semester 2: February to June
• Students take four courses per semester.
• The school day includes:
  • Four 76‑minute class periods
  • A 60‑minute lunch break
• Typical hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

English Language Support (EAL/FAL)

• Full support for English Language Learners (ELLs) is provided to international students at no additional cost.
• PEI offers one of Canada’s most comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) programs.

Support by Grade Level

• Kindergarten–Grade 9:
  • Services are provided mainly by itinerant EAL teachers.
  • Support focuses on language development in small groups or one‑to‑one sessions.
• Grades 10–12:
  • Students are often recommended to register for EAL curriculum courses to help develop academic English skills.

School Calendar

Please visit our school calendar for more information.

1. Westile Composite High School
2. Three Oaks Senior High School
3. Kensington Intermediate Senior High School
4. Kinkora Regional High School
5. Bluefield High School
6. Colonel Gray High School
7. Charlottetown Rural High School
8. Montague Regional High School
9. Morell Regional High School
10. Souris Regional School

Extra-Curricular Activities for International Students

• International students are strongly encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.
• Getting involved is an excellent way to:
  • Meet Canadian friends
  • Build confidence
  • Explore new interests
  • Become part of the school community

School-Based Extracurricular Options

Schools offer a wide range of activities to suit many interests, including:

• Athletics: Competitive and recreational sports
• Healthy Living Programs
• Performing Arts: Theatre and music
• Visual Arts
• Technology and Innovation Clubs
• Outdoor Pursuits
• Leadership Opportunities
• Community and Social Engagement Activities

PEIISP Events

• The PEI International Student Program (PEIISP) also organizes regular social events.
• These events include recreational and cultural activities, providing:
  • Opportunities to meet other international students
  • Fun ways to experience life on Prince Edward Island
  • A supportive environment for cultural learning and connection

Accommodation Self-Placement

If you are making your own accommodation arrangements, school placement is based on the address where the student is going to live on PEI. Proof of address is required before the student is enrolled in a school.