School Programs and Course Options

Nova Scotia offers 13 grades (primary - 12) taught in English and French. Additional specialized programs are available.

 

Community Based Learning (CareerPathways)

Community Based Learning gives students the opportunity to learn both inside the classroom and out in the community. 

Programs include:

  • Co-operative Education: courses help students plan their education, immersing students in career exploration and on the job experiences while they are still in school.
  • Let's Talk Careers: the update to Parents as Career Coaches.
  • Options and Opportunities (O2): most often referred to as O2, is a program designed to help students work toward a career pathway in a context that responds to their learning needs.
  • Personal Development Credits: these credits are designed to recognize the achievements of students who successfully complete courses or meet all of the assessment standards of organizations that are external to the high school system.
  • Skilled Trades: these courses promote career exploration and skill development in the trades, and cater to a wide variety of learning styles.
  • Technology Education: courses are designed to help develop the students' abilities to solve problems, become independent learners, thinkers, and decision makers. 
  • Youth Apprenticeship: by becoming a youth apprentice participants can begin their career while still in high school or under the age of 20.
For more information, visit the Community Based Learning (CareerPathways) web site.

Distributed Learning

Distributed Learning programs provide online high school courses to students enrolled in public high schools in Nova Scotia through the Nova Scotia Virtual School (NSVS) and the Nova Scotia Independent Online Learning (NSIOL) program.

All Distributed Learning courses use the Nova Scotia Public School Program (PSP) with curriculum and learning outcomes that are identical to those used in a classroom at school.

For more information, visit the Distributed Learning web site.

French Language Programs & Services

Information about French Language education programs, including French First Language, French Immersion, and core French programs.

For more information, visit the French Language Programs & Services web site.

Home Schooling

Under the Education Act, parents may provide a home education program for their child(ren) centered in their home.

For more information, visit the Home Schooling web site.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a comprehensive, two-year program that is delivered using an internationally standardized curriculum in selected high schools throughout Nova Scotia.

For more information, visit the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program web site.

Pre-Primary / Before & After Program

Families across Nova Scotia can access free, universal pre-primary education for their children, the year before they start school. The Nova Scotia Before and After Program is available to families of children ages 4 to 12, who are enrolled in the Nova Scotia Pre-primary Program or the public education system.

For more information, visit the Pre-Primary / Before & After Program web site.

Public School Program

The Public School Program provides direct links to policies, programs, and supporting documents that outline the province’s commitment to supporting student-centred learning environments.

For more information, visit the Public School Program web site.

Tuition Support

This program addresses the specific needs of students with a Learning Disability (as defined by the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada, 2002), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Tuition Support program provides funding which partially covers the tuition costs at designated special education private schools (DSEPS) or registered special education private schools (RSEPS). 

For more information, visit the Tuition Support web site.