Education

A man writing at a desk

Hamilton has free public schools from kindergarten to grade 12. Many schools provide extra supports to help newcomer children adapt to schooling in Canada. Some public schools, postsecondary institutions and newcomer serving organizations provide language classes to learn English or French.

Publicly-funded schools are managed by district school boards. Hamilton has two English language public school boards: Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB). 

For registration with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB), follow these steps:

Step 1: Contact Assessment Clerk at 905-525-2930 Ext 2006 

Step 2: Complete the online HWCDSB Registration Form 

Step 3: Have the registration documents ready to bring with you to the school 

Step 4: Connect with the school to arrange an appointment to bring the documentation and complete the registration process. The following are documents required for registration, but if you are missing any of these documents, HWCDSB will ensure there is no delay in the process:  1. Status Documentation (i.e. Permanent Resident card, Electronic Travel Authorization, etc.); 2. Student(s) passport and/or birth certificate; 3. Proof of residency in the City of Hamilton; and  4. Previous school report card (secondary only, if available). 

For registration with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB), follow these steps:

Step 1: Contact the HWDSB WELCOME CENTRE at 905-521-2554 to arrange a time for children to meet with a teacher for an English language assessment.  

Step 2: Complete online HWDSB Registration Form 

Step 3: Prepare these documents for school registration: parent and child’s passport, immigration documents (work permit or visitor record), proof of address, such as a lease, and child’s transcript (secondary only, if available. Even if you do not have all the required documents, continue with the registration process.

Step 4: Connect with the school to arrange an appointment to bring the documentation and complete the registration process. Online registration forms can be found below: 

Junior and senior kindergarten https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/kindergarten/ 

Elementary grade 1-8 https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/elementary/plan-for-school/

Secondary grade 9-12 https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/secondary/plan-for-high-school/ 

If you would like to pursue postsecondary education in a university or college in Ontario, you may be eligible for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to cover the cost of your education as well as living expenses while studying.

Programs

Aboriginal Alternative Secondary School Program (Strengthening Hamilton Aboriginal Education)

Hamilton Regional Indian Centre
905-548-9593, shae@hwdsb.on.ca
 
34 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Y7, Canada

Alternative education program for Aboriginal students wishing to continue their education, but not currently attending a secondary school, in a culturally appropriate learning environment. Aims to shorten the gap of Aboriginal student dropout rates within the mainstream school system.

This program is a partnership between the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board and the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre. 

Catholic Elementary Schools in Hamilton

Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board
905-525-1724, 905-525-2930
 
90 Mulberry St, Hamilton, ON L8R 2C8, Canada

Catholic elementary schools for the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. They offer education using a standard curriculum set by the Ministry of Education from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.

  • Annunciation of Our Lord
  • Blessed Sacrament
  • Canadian Martyrs
  • Corpus Christi
  • Guardian Angels
  • Holy Name of Jesus
  • Holy Name of Mary
  • Immaculate Conception
  • Immaculate Heart of Mary
  • Our Lady of Hope
  • Our Lady of Lourdes
  • Our Lady of Mount Carmel
  • Our Lady of Peace
  • Our Lady of the Assumption
  • Regina Mundi
  • Sacred Heart of Jesus
  • St. Agnes
  • St. Ann (Ancaster)
  • St. Ann (Hamilton)
  • St. Anthony Daniel
  • St. Augustine
  • St. Bernadette
  • St. Clare of Assisi
  • St. David
  • St. Eugene
  • St. Francis Xavier
  • St. Gabriel
  • St. James the Apostle
  • St. Joachim
  • St. John Paul II
  • St. John the Baptist
  • St. Joseph
  • St. Kateri Tekakwitha
  • St. Lawrence
  • St. Luke
  • St. Margaret Mary
  • St. Marguerite d’Youville
  • St. Mark
  • St. Martin of Tours
  • St. Matthew
  • St. Michael
  • St. Patrick
  • St. Paul
  • St. Teresa of Avila
  • St. Teresa of Calcutta
  • St. Thérèse of Lisieux
  • St. Thomas the Apostle
  • St. Vincent de Paul
  • Sts. Peter and Paul

McMaster University Student Services

McMaster University
905-525-9140 ext. 24796 (Office of the Registrar)
 
1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada

Offers post-secondary education in faculties of Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science, Social Science, the DeGroote School of Business, and the School of Graduate Studies.

McMaster University is partnered with Mohawk College and Conestoga College to offer collaborative combined degree and diploma programs.

Also offers secondary services for international students, indigenous students, accessibility, special needs services, and the student wellness centre.

Individuals age 65 or older can receive free tuition. Anyone can apply to enroll as a listener or auditor to attend classes without receiving grades or credit.

Student Services provides services such as:

  • Program enrolment assistance
  • Timetable information
  • University/College transfers
  • Payment of program fees
  • Aid and award forms
  • Student card replacement 
  • Diploma requests

Student Services Office is located at the Office of the Registrar in Gilmour Hall, 108.   

Mohawk College City School

Mohawk College
 
460 Wentworth St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 5W8, Canada
55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1, Canada

Tuition-free college programming offered in community spaces. Programs include credit courses, workshops, speaker series, and college services. Maximum of two City School College credits per person. Visit website for details.

School Board Trustees, Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board

Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board
905-525-1724, 905-525-2930
 
90 Mulberry St, Hamilton, ON L8R 2C8, Canada

Hamilton residents elect a board of 15 trustees who establish policies and direction of the school board. A list of current trustees is available on the HWCDSB website.

School Board Trustees, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board
905-527-5092, info@hwdsb.on.ca
 
20 Education Ct, Hamilton, ON L9A 0B9, Canada

Hamilton residents elect a board of 15 trustees who establish policies and direction of the school board. A list of current trustees is available on the HWDSB website.