- School systems are organized by the provincial and territorial governments, so education is not standardized across Canada.
- Unless the school requires a uniform, students wear casual, conservative clothing. In many schools, sleeveless tops, low cut shirts, and short shorts or skirts for females are prohibited. Generally, high schools (Catholic, public, or otherwise) require uniforms, as well as private schools. The uniform must be worn properly for the entire school day, but many schools offer regularly scheduled "out of uniform" days, when students may wear appropriate, conservative clothing.
- In grades JK-6, grades are expressed by letters (A+, A, A-, B+, ..., D-, R). From grades 7-12, grades are expressed by percentages. The grading system in Ontario is as follows:
50% and lower- the student has not demonstrated the required knowledge and skills. Extensive remediation is required.
Considered a failure, and is expressed by the letter "R", for "remedial".
51-60%: the student has demonstrated some of the required knowledge and skills in limited ways. Achievement falls much below the provincial standard. Expressed by the letters D- (low 60s), D (mid 60s), and D+ (high 60s). Also expressed by the term "Level 1".
61-70%: the student has demonstrated some of the required knowledge and skills. Achievement approaches the provincial standard. Expressed by letters C-, C, and C+, and by the term "Level 2".
71-80%: the student has demonstrated most of the required knowledge and skills. Achievement meets the provincial standard. Expressed by the letters B-, B, and B+, and by the term "Level 3".
81-100%: the student has demonstrated the required knowledge and skills. Achievement exceeds the provincial standard. Expressed by the letters A-, A, and A+, and by the term "Level 4".
- In some provinces, schools give French lessons. In Ontario, French lessons start as early as grade 1 and continue until grade 8. In high school, a grade 9 French credit is required to graduate. French is offered in grades 10, 11, and 12, but they are not mandatory. However, schools in British Columbia don't necessarily provide French education.
- Universities tend to run from mid-September to April. There are two vacations during this period. One is for the Christmas Holidays from late December-early January. The second is Reading Week, which tends to be in February or early March.
- Classes can take a number of formats, though lectures are the most common. Seminars may be popular amongst upper year students. Some classes have tutorials or labs in addition to lecture times.
- Class ettiquette allows socializing prior to the beginning of lectures and during breaks, but it is considered quite rude to speak while the class is ongoing. Cellphones must be turned off during class.
- Punctuality is very important.
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