Frequently Asked Questions

Does Winnipeg School Division offer a nursery program?

Yes. Winnipeg School Division offers a no-fee nursery program for children who live in the division and are four years old on or before December 31 of the current school year. If you move outside of Winnipeg School Division during the school year, you are considered a non-resident, and the Nursery program costs $580 per child per month. Nursery is optional. 

At what age can my child register for Kindergarten?

Your child must be five years old on or before December 31 of the current school year. 

Can I provide a copy or photo of my required registration documents when registering?

No. Please bring original versions of the required registration documents when you register. Your documents will be photocopied and returned to you right away. Failure to bring original documents will delay the registration process.

Why is it important for my child to attend a designated catchment school?

Attending a designated catchment school is beneficial because:

• Children can walk or bike to school and stay with neighbourhood peers.
• It supports small class sizes for better learning environments. 
• It ensures all WSD schools maintain healthy programs and diverse offerings.
• It avoids extra expenses and resource strain. 
• Schools receive funding based on their catchment area.

How are School of Choice applications reviewed?

School of Choice applications are reviewed by the Superintendents' Department. They consider various factors such as a school’s population, available resources, and more. Application of School of Choice does not mean your child is enrolled at the school. According to provincial guidelines, students are accepted in the following order of priority: catchment area students, within-division students, and non-resident students.

How are we informed if my child is enrolled in a School of Choice?

Once you have submitted your School of Choice application, a member of the Superintendents' Department will review it. Application for School of Choice does not mean your child is enrolled at the school. The school will contact you to let you know if your child is enrolled. The school will also contact you if they need any clarification on the documents submitted.

Does WSD aid newcomer families during the registration process?

Yes. An interpreter can be requested from WSD’s Newcomer Services program to assist families during the registration process free of charge.

Can my child take the school bus?

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6, who attend their designated catchment school and live over 1.6 km away, are eligible for transportation. Nursery students who attend a French Milieu school, Niji Mahkwa, and Isaac Brock (for Indigenous language programs only), and live over 1.6 km away, are eligible for transportation. Requests for transportation must be made at the school where the child is registered. Students must be registered first before requesting transportation. Transportation is not provided for students in Grade 7 or higher.

What vocational schools are available in Winnipeg School Division?

The division has two vocational senior years schools:

• Tec Voc High School: For Grades 9 to 12
• R.B. Russell Vocational High School: For Grades 9 to 12

What alternative senior years programs are available in Winnipeg School Division?

The division has two alternative learning senior years schools:

• Argyle Alternative High School: For Grades 10 to 12 with a personalized, project-based approach, supported by Big Picture Learning principles. 
• Children of the Earth High School: A school for Grades 9 to 12, focusing on Indigenous ways of being and supported by Big Picture Learning principles.

Are there any specialized language programs (other than French) for early and middle-year students?

Yes, WSD offers language programs at:

• Brock Corydon School: Hebrew Bilingual (Kindergarten to Grade 6)
• Earl Grey School: Spanish bilingual (Kindergarten to Grade 8)
• École Stanley Knowles School: Punjabi bilingual (Nursery to Grade 8)
• Isaac Brock School: Cree and Anishinaabemowin language (Nursery to Grade 8)
• Niji Mahkwa School: Indigenous cultural and language school (Nursery to Grade 8)
• Meadows West School: Filipino bilingual (Nursery to Grade 8)
• Ralph Brown School: Ukrainian bilingual (Kindergarten to Grade 8)

What enriched academic and athletic programs are available for middle and senior-year students?

WSD offers enriched academic and athletic programs at:

• École Secondaire Kelvin High School: International Baccalaureate (IB) Program for Grades 10 to 12.
• Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute: Advanced Placement (AP) Program for Grades 9 to 12.
• Grant Park High School: Advanced Placement (AP) Program for Grades 9 to 12.
• École Secondaire Sisler High School: Advanced Placement (AP) Program for Grades 9 to 12.
• Collège Churchill High School: Hockey and Softball Academies at Grades 7 to 12.

Are entrance exams required for my child to join specialized programs?

No, entrance exams are not required for any program. All learners are welcome to register for the program of their choice, such as French Immersion, Vocational, International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), or other language programs. Families are encouraged to review and understand the program's expectations before enrolling.