Kindergarten

Is your child turning 4 in 2025?

Register for Kindergarten at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board!

Our Kindergarten classes are safe, caring and inclusive learning environments where children learn to explore the world, solve problems and make friends. Every child is welcome – regardless of faith, race, language, gender or background. 

The OCDSB is the largest school board in Eastern Ontario, with 115 elementary schools all across Ottawa. Your local school community is excited to welcome your family and start your child's kindergarten journey together.

Our Kindergarten Program Offers:

• A full-day, two-year, fully bilingual program with 50% English instruction and 50% French instruction;
• Dynamic, play-based learning for a fun way to help children learn and discover;
• A caring team of educators, with each class having a teacher and early childhood educators; and
• Extended Day Programs, available before and after school, where your child can participate in activities that support what they learn in school.

What do kids love about Kindergarten? We asked the experts.

Prepare for Kindergarten

Starting Kindergarten is an exciting adventure for children and their families. But beginning something new can also cause big feelings. Your child might be excited, nervous, scared, curious or shy. Some strategies that help prepare you and your child include…

• Talk with your child about their feelings.
• Recognize your own feelings around this milestone and share them with friends and family.
• Attend the “Welcome to Kindergarten” opportunities at your child’s school.
• Visit the school and the playground.
• If your child takes the bus, attend the Ottawa School Transportation Authority (OSTA) orientation day.
• Attend free programs at our EarlyON Child and Family Centres with your child to help introduce them to the school environment.

More Resources