When should you enroll your child in kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year?

Joséphine Vigouroux

Are you wondering when and how to enroll your child in preschool for the 2026 school year? This is a key moment for their future, and it is essential to be well prepared. If you are aiming for the 2026-2027 school year, particularly in a bilingual preschool for children aged 2 and up, this article will guide you through the steps for a smooth and efficient enrollment process.

1. Why start early for the 2026-27 enrollment?

Enrollment for 2026–27 generally begins in fall 2025. It is crucial not to wait until the last minute, especially if you want to enroll your child in a bilingual preschool. These schools, which offer early immersion in two languages, attract many families, and places can fill up quickly.

Anticipating allows you to :

  • Book a place at a school of your choice, especially if it's in high demand.
  • Visit several schools, compare their teaching methods and assess whether they meet your expectations.
  • Attend an information session, often organized at the beginning of the pre-registration period.

2. What are the key dates for enrollment for 2026-27?

The registration dates for the 2026 school year vary from school to school, but most institutions open applications between October 2025 and January 2026.

If you are interested in a bilingual preschool for children aged 2 and up, such as those offered byÉcole M, it is important to note that pre-registration begins in the fall.

Some schools offer a multi-stage admission process: pre-registration, interview or visit, then final registration. Make sure you follow this timetable so you don't miss any dates.

3. The importance of school visits

Before finalizing enrollment, it is recommended that you visit the schools you are interested in for the 2026 school year. This step allows you to observe the atmosphere of the school, understand the interactions between teachers and children, and assess whether the teaching methods offered are suitable for your child.

For families interested in a bilingual preschool, visiting a bilingual school will also give you a better understanding of how the teaching of both languages is structured on a daily basis.

At école M, for example, children are continuously exposed to French and English, facilitating the acquisition of both languages (see our article on how French and English are taught at école M).

4. Choosing the right school for the start of the 2026 school year

When the 2026 school year begins, your child will embark on an educational journey that will shape their overall development. It is therefore essential to choose the right school to support them in their early learning. In addition to practical considerations, such as the school's location and hours, trust your instincts and assess whether the school's educational values are in line with your child's needs.

A bilingual preschool from the age of 2 can provide an enriching environment, both linguistically and socially. Early immersion in two languages stimulates children's cognitive, social and emotional development, while opening them up to the world.

In a nutshell

To prepare for the 2026-27 school year enrollment, plan ahead by finding out about the dates and procedures early on. Whether you choose a traditional school or a bilingual preschool for children aged 2 and up, each step is crucial to ensuring a smooth start to the school year for your child.

École M nowÉcole M pre-registrations and visits, so you can discover our unique educational approach for the 2026 school year. For more information, please fill out an information request form.

Maximizing the chances of finding the right school means offering your child a stimulating environment for his or her first years of learning.