Income differences affect public school options: report

An education advocacy group says there’s a major difference between what’s being offered to students in Ontario at wealthier public schools, compared to poorer schools.

The annual report by People For Education says this gap means some students who attend less wealthy schools may not have access to the full range of courses and programs available.

It says the average family income at an elementary school or high school influences a student’s access to gifted and french immersion programs as well as extra-curricular activities and even some academic courses.

The group says schools can’t charge for core classes. But the reliance on fees and fundraising for other activities increases the gap between so-called “have” and “have-not” schools.

The report, titled <i>Mind the Gap</i> is based on a survey from the last school year of more than 1100 elementary and high school principals across the province. That represents about a quarter of Ontario’s public schools.

The report has provided recommendations to the provincial government to close this gap in education. They include policy and funding that gives students equal access to extracurriculars, arts and music programs at no charge. The report also calls for a special education ombudsman office.