Getting back to basics

Ontario is going back to basics with what students are learning in school — math, science, literacy and real-life skills — so that kids are ready for whatever career they choose.

We’re also putting more money than ever into schools and classrooms, ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed.

Additionally, we’ve appointed an advisory body to:

  • lead an independent review of our school system
  • help us improve student achievement in reading, writing and math
child in a classroom

Skills now and for the future

Learn about our curriculum updates with a focus on building strong foundational skills, developing practical knowledge and preparing students for success in school and in life.

Foundational skills

Beginning in September 2026, schools implement the new Ontario kindergarten curriculum focused on developing foundational skills in math and literacy.

Math, science and technology

Several curriculum updates were made for:

  • Grades 1 to 8 math programs beginning in September 2020
  • Grades 1 to 8 science and technology programs beginning in September 2022
  • Grade 9 math and science programs beginning in 2021 and 2022, respectively
  • Grades 9 and 10 technological education courses beginning in September 2024

Financial literacy

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, students must meet a financial literacy graduation requirement to earn their high school diploma, completed as part of their compulsory Grade 10 Career Studies course.

History and culture

Beginning in September 2025, we expanded learning about Black history in Canada, the Holocaust and the Holodomor Famine.

Beginning in 2026, educators will have access to guidance on how to support meaningful, age-appropriate learning and reflection each year in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Beginning in 2026, public schools observe Ontario Day each year, giving students opportunities to learn about the province’s history, people and contributions.

Consistent classroom learning

We are strengthening classroom standards across Ontario so parents and educators can have confidence that students are receiving a high-quality and consistent education across Ontario.

We’re setting students up for success and getting them ready for postsecondary pathways through:

We are also equipping teachers with the classroom resources and supplies they need to provide a more consistent way to support students across all 72 school boards. This includes:

  • giving all teachers access to high-quality, curriculum-aligned resources through Nelson Education’s Edwin Platform, with ready-made lesson plans, interactive tools, activities, videos and presentations
  • providing elementary homeroom teachers in publicly funded schools with access to $750 per year in protected funding to buy classroom supplies they would normally have to pay for out of pocket
  • launching a new website where elementary teachers can order supplies for delivery right to their schools
child in a classroom

Putting money in our classrooms

We are supporting educators and classrooms with record investments that help students succeed, including $30.6 billion in core education funding for the 2026–2027 school year that includes:

  • $16.4 billion to support classroom staff, including teachers, early childhood educators and educational assistants
  • $4.9 billion to fund staff outside the classroom who support students, such as librarians, guidance counsellors, mental health workers, math facilitators and school administrators, as well as classroom materials and equipment
  • $3.8 billion for special education to provide access to supports and resources for students with special education needs
  • $3.0 billion for school boards to operate, maintain, renovate and renew school buildings
  • $1.4 billion to fund safe, reliable and efficient transportation services
  • $740 million to fund school board administrative costs
  • $90 million to help school boards adapt to declining student enrolment

Learn how we fund schools and how funding supports student achievement.

Building modern schools

We're building state-of-the-art schools to support student success.

As part of our $30 billion 10-year plan to build and renew schools, we’re addressing critical needs across the province to give students modern learning spaces.

As of July 2026, there are more than 200 active school projects in planning and construction across Ontario.

Learn more about how we’re building, expanding and renewing schools.

Learn more

For parents and guardians

Learn about our school system and your child’s education journey.

More resources:

For educators

Learn about topics such as the curriculum, training and professional growth, Indigenous education and how we oversee publicly funded schools.

For school boards

Find information about publicly funded school board leadership and governance for principals, vice-principals and school board leaders.

For everyone

Find announcements and updates from the Ministry of Education.