FAQ: Academics and Schools

Q: Which schools can international students attend?

A: International students may attend a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools within Winnipeg School Division, depending on the student’s grade level, program goals, English language needs, school suitability, and available space. 

Applicants may select two preferred schools in their application. However, placement at a preferred school is not guaranteed.

WSD International carefully reviews each application and considers the student's academic background, program goals, school suitability, and available space when determining placement.

Applicants may learn more about WSD Schools here: WSD International Schools

Q: Can I choose which school I will attend?

A: Applicants may indicate up to two preferred schools during the application process. WSD International will consider these preferences when reviewing the application.

However, a preferred school cannot be guaranteed. Final school placement depends on factors such as grade level, academic program, English language needs, school suitability, and available space at the time of placement.

Q: What programs are available?

A: WSD International offers a variety of academic opportunities for international students, including:

• Elementary programs
• Middle years program
• Full-year high school programs
• Semester high school programs
• Arts and music opportunities
• Extracurricular and school-based activities
• Graduation pathway programs leading to a Manitoba High School Diploma

Programs and course availability may vary depending on the student’s grade level, academic goals, prerequisites, and available space.

Q: Can international students graduate with a Manitoba High School Diploma?

A: Yes. International students may have the opportunity to earn a Manitoba High School Diploma if they meet Manitoba's graduation requirements.

Students should discuss their academic background and graduation goals with WSD International during the application process. Course selection and the number of credits required will depend on the student's previous education, grade placement, and remaining graduation requirements.

Graduation cannot be guaranteed at the time of application because it depends on the student's academic progress and successful completion of all required courses and credits.

Q: Can international students take Advanced Placement (AP) or other advanced courses?

A: Yes. Some Winnipeg School Division high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and other advanced academic opportunities.

Course availability varies by school and may depend on the student's grade level, previous academic background, prerequisites, and timetable.

Students interested in advanced academic pathways should discuss their goals with WSD International during the application process.

Q: How is a student's grade level determined?

A: WSD International provides a Grade Placement Chart as part of the application process to help families understand the expected grade placement based on the student's age and previous schooling.

WSD International reviews the student's academic records and educational background to determine the appropriate grade placement within the Manitoba education system.

The grade a student is currently attending in their home country may not always correspond directly to the equivalent grade in Manitoba. Final grade placement is determined by WSD International based on the student's individual academic background and Manitoba's grade-level requirements.

Applicants are encouraged to review the Grade Placement Chart provided in the application before submitting their application.

Q: Will my previous courses and credits be recognized?

A: Previous courses and academic credits may be reviewed to determine how they apply toward the student's academic program and, where applicable, Manitoba high school graduation requirements.

Students should provide complete and accurate academic records from their previous schools.

The recognition of previous credits is determined based on Manitoba requirements and the student's individual academic history. Providing transcripts does not automatically guarantee that all previous credits will be transferred.

Q: What happens if my previous courses do not match Manitoba courses?

A: WSD International and the student's school will review the student's previous academic background to determine appropriate course placement.

Students may be required to take additional courses or complete specific requirements depending on their academic history and goals.

This is particularly important for students planning to graduate with a Manitoba High School Diploma.

Q: How are international students supported academically?

A: Students have access to the academic supports available at their WSD school. Depending on the student's needs, support may include assistance from teachers, English language support staff, student services, guidance counsellors, and other school-based staff.

Students are encouraged to communicate with their teachers and school support staff when they need help with their coursework or adjustment to a new learning environment.

Q: What is the school year like in Manitoba?

A: The Manitoba school year generally runs from September to June, with scheduled breaks throughout the school year.

International students may also have opportunities to begin their studies during a mid-year intake, depending on their program, grade level, and school placement.

For specific dates, including school breaks, holidays, professional development days, and other important dates, families may refer to the official Winnipeg School Division school calendar.

School schedules may vary by school and grade level. Students should follow the calendar and schedule provided by their school.

Q: What is a typical school day like?

A: A typical school day includes scheduled classes, breaks, and a lunch period. The exact daily schedule varies depending on the school, grade level, and courses.

For international students, the WSD International Support Teacher will provide the student's timetable and class schedule and help them understand their schedule before or at the beginning of their studies.

High school students may have different schedules depending on their course selections and timetable.

Q: Can students change their courses after arriving?

A: Course changes may be possible depending on the student's circumstances, school timetable, available space, prerequisites, and graduation requirements.

Students who believe they need to change a course should first speak with the WSD International Support Teacher.

Q: Can students participate in sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities?

A: Yes. International students are encouraged to participate in school activities, clubs, sports, arts, music, leadership opportunities, and other extracurricular activities available at their school.

Activities vary by school, season, grade level, and availability.

Participation is a great way for students to become involved in school life and meet other students.

Q: What happens if a student is struggling academically?

A: Students who are having difficulty with their coursework should communicate with their WSD International Support Teacher right away. The International Support Teacher will work with the student and school staff to understand the concern, provide guidance, and advocate for the student's needs within the school.

Students may also speak directly with their classroom teacher, guidance counsellor, or other school support staff. Depending on the student's needs, additional academic support may be available.

Students are encouraged to ask for help as soon as they experience difficulty rather than waiting until the end of a term. The earlier a concern is communicated, the sooner the WSD International Support Teacher can help.

Q: Can international students receive academic counselling?

A: Yes. International students have access to academic guidance and support through their school and the WSD International Support Teacher assigned to support international students.

The WSD International Support Teacher plays an important role in helping students understand their academic options, course selection, graduation requirements, and post-secondary pathways. They also advocate for international students and work closely with school staff to help address academic concerns and support student success.

High school students can also access their school's guidance counsellor for course selection, graduation planning, post-secondary planning, and other academic questions.

Students are encouraged to communicate with their WSD International Support Teacher whenever they have questions or need support with their academic goals.

Q: How can I learn more about WSD schools?

A: Information about schools available to international students, including school profiles and program information, is available on the WSD International Schools page.

School information can help applicants understand the different academic and extracurricular opportunities available within Winnipeg School Division.

For questions about a student's individual academic goals or school placement, please get in touch with WSD International at international@wsd1.org.

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions about academics or school placement?

A: For questions about academic programs, school placement, graduation planning, or other academic matters related to WSD International, please contact:

Phone: 204-789-8086
Email: international@wsd1.org