More money to build schools and improve education

For the coming school year (2023–24) base public education funding is $693 million more than 2022–23. In total, funding is projected to be $27.6 billion in 2023–24. This is the largest investment in Ontario’s history.

We’re investing in students and classrooms.

Review the detailed funding we give to school boards.

2,000

more teachers

$180 million

toward math and reading this year

$16 billion

over 10 years to expand and renew schools

Historic investments

To help your child succeed, students will have supports funded by historic investments such as:

  • additional staff supports in grades 7 to 10 to help transition into high school and carry out fully de-streamed grade 9 courses — $100 million
  • foundational learning supports in reading and math — $180 million
  • mental health investment — $114 million

Learn about how schools are funded, how funding decisions are made and how those decisions support your child's achievement.

School staff

More staff in classrooms

For the 2023–24 school year, nearly 2,000 front-line educators will be hired to work in schools across the province:

  • nearly 1,000 educators who specialize in math and literacy
  • more than 940 educators to support students in grades 7 to 10 with a seamless transition into high school and in de-streamed courses

Total staff has increased by approximately 49,000 people between 2002–03 and our projections for 2023–24. For roles in your child’s school this means:

  • 18,000 more teachers
  • 20,000 more education workers (not including early childhood educators)
  • 10,000 more early childhood educators (ECEs)
  • 800 more principals and vice-principals 

Some of Canada’s highest paid teachers

Ontario teachers are some of the best paid in Canada. Of all provinces, Ontario teachers have the highest salary at the top of the pay scale for teachers with the level of qualification that is most common in each province.

Review the data for teacher salary by province (Statistics Canada).

Funded teacher salaries have increased by 43% between 2002–03 and 2023–24 projections. During the same time period student enrolment increased by 2%.

School buildings

Over the next 10 years we’re funding school boards $16 billion to support school construction, expand, repair and renew schools.

Find out what’s happening near you.

New projects

Since 2018, the Ontario government has invested more than $3.6 billion in capital construction projects in education, including:

  • 139 new schools (91 with child care)
  • 109 additions and renovations to existing facilities (52 with child care)
  • over 8,000 new licensed child care spaces

Repair and renewal

For the current school year (2023–24), approximately $1.4 billion has been allocated for school repair and renewal.

Funding per student

Per student funding is projected to be $13,125 for 2023–24.

This is $264 per student more than 2022–23 and $1,047 per student more than 2018–19.

Review the board-by-board funding projections that we calculated based on enrollment and other data school boards give to us.

Special education funding

This year special education funding is the highest it has ever been. It’s projected to be over $3.4 billion.

Learn about the Special Education Grant.

Preparing for the jobs of tomorrow

The school curriculum is teaching students the skills they need to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.

Skilled trades

Did you know that by 2025, one out of every five jobs will be in the skilled trades? We will continue to update the curriculum so that students have the opportunity to learn the skills they need for rewarding careers in the trades.

Learn about school programs that can help students explore the skilled trades.

Coding

With our updated curriculum, students learn and apply coding skills in Grades 1 to 8 math curriculum, Grade 9 math course, Grade 1 to 8 science and technology curriculum and Grade 9 science course. Students can use these skills to improve problem solving skills and become more comfortable with technology.

Science, technology, engineering and math

We’re putting more focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This year students in Grades 1 to 8 learn the revised science and technology curriculum and Grade 9 students start the de-streamed science course. Students will learn and use real-life skills for jobs in growing areas of the economy.

Mental health supports

Mental health workers are in schools to help students with their mental well-being. Contact your child’s principal to learn about mental health services at your child’s school.

2023–24 public school funding includes an historic investment in mental health, $114 million.

Programs and services for students and youth

Free helplines for students

Students can call a helpline to speak with a professional counsellor. These helplines are free, anonymous, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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