Top Education programs and classes for kids for 2026

Find an education program near you

Education programs and classes are offered all across Canada. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, you're sure to find one close by.

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Types of education programs

There are many different types of education programs and classes in Canada. In fact, as new areas of inquiry emerge, this list keeps on expanding. Below, we list some of the main after-school and weekend education programs you might consider. Keep in mind, this isn’t even close to an exhaustive list.

• Tutoring centres  are great for kids who need extra support in school, are looking to improve their grades, or seek enrichment. There are numerous tutoring centres in Canada offering both instructor-led tutoring, in both one-on-one and group settings.
• Engineering after-school is mostly for secondary school students, though programs are also offered at the primary school level. They teach kids the basics of engineering, its application, and its relation to other sciences.
• ESL after-school programs are for kids whose first language isn’t English. Courses help kids become competent or fluent in spoken and written English.
• LEGO after-school programs are ideal for younger kids who enjoy hands-on activities and like to build, construct, and design physical structures.
• Math classes are offered at a variety of levels. They provide support for kids struggling in math as well for those looking for more challenging work than they’re getting in school.
• Science programs for kids are provided for many different age-groups and levels of proficiency. Keep in mind that different camps have different teaching approaches: while some are more textbook-based, others offer more hands learning.
• STEM programs allow your child to pursue their passion in science, technology, engineering, and math. They offer interdisciplinary work and activities that engage and stimulate the intellect.
• Reading classes are mostly for younger kids who are struggling with reading or need a little support to keep up with the class. They also, though, provide programming for kids who are excelling in reading.
• Public speaking courses teach the basics of debate and public speaking. Kids get extensive practice in both these skills and engage in competitions. They’re great for kids who want to improve their communication and reasoning abilities.

What education programs have to offer

Education programs can be a great option for many kids and teens. They’re offered at different times, for various age groups, and to meet many different types of learning needs and goals. 

These programs have some obvious academic benefits. Some key ones are listed below:

• Remedial support
• Enrichment
• Teaching study skills
• Improved academic performance
• Nurturing a subject-specific passion
• Exploring broader interests
• Inspiring a love of learning
• Preparation for future studies
• Improving resumes
• Improving university applications

Education programs also have some less obvious perks. These are benefits many kids receive from going to education camp, which you may not anticipate.

• Learning social skills
• Making friends
• Networking
• Boosting confidence
• Opening up job or career opportunities
• Preparing for a job or career

Like other extracurriculars, education programs can teach you some important life skills (source: Top 8 Benefits of Extracurricular Activities for High School Students). These can be invaluable through the school years and well beyond.

• Goal setting
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Prioritization
• Problem-solving
• Analytical thinking
• Leadership
• Public speaking

Choosing an education program

Choosing the right education program is a challenging decision. Another way to check out some of the options available to you is through the Our Kids camp and program expo, held in Toronto each winter. You’ll find many education camps and programs there. You’ll also find numerous other types of camps and programs at the expo, should you decide to go in another direction.

Questions to ask education programs

After doing some initial research, you should narrow down a list of education programs potentially suitable for your child. Having done this, you’ll want to learn more about each of these programs to help you find a good match. Make sure to ask each program some crucial questions:

• What subject(s) do you focus on?
• What is your teaching approach?
• Who are your instructors and what are their credentials?
• How many students are there in the class, and what is your student-to-instructor ratio?
• What learning materials do you use?
• Do you use any equipment or technology?
• What level is the program at (e.g., introductory, intermediate, advanced)?
• What strategies do you use to engage students?
• Do you offer any individualized instruction? If so, how much?
• How do you assess student progress?

You can then dig deeper. Let’s say you’re interested in an after-school math program for your child. Here are some questions you might ask:

• What is your approach to teaching math?
• Do you use a textbook? If so, which one(s)?
• Do you provide lectures?
• Will there be tests or assignments? 
• Do you offer experiential, inquiry-based math learning? If so, what does this look like?
• Do you cover the applications of math?
• Do you cover the intersection between math and other related disciplines?
• How do you make math engaging?
• How will you assess my child’s level of math proficiency at the beginning and end of the program?

And these are just some questions to get you started. What’s most important to ask questions that are most relevant to your child. Thinking about their specific needs and goals should help sharpen your focus:

• Are they struggling in math or excelling?
• Do they like math or not so much?
• What draws them to or away from math?
• What areas of math are they most interested in?
• What educational paths are they trying to prepare for?
• How do they best learn?
• Are they self-motivated or do they need a kick in the pants?
• Do they have a future career in mind?
• In what ways, if any, might this involve math?

For more information about choosing the right education program, consult these other Our Kids resources:

You might also like

In addition to education programs, there are other ways to provide your child with stimulation and engagement outside of school. A few of the main options are outlined below.

Sports programs: athletics can develop the whole child, teaching skills such as discipline, teamwork, communication, and confidence. They’re also a great way to have fun. You might consider these sports programs:

• Soccer
• Tennis
• Golf 
• Baseball
• Basketball 
• Horseback riding

Arts programs: from the performing arts to the visual arts, these after-school programs are ideal for artsy and creative kids. They can also be a great way for your child to broaden their horizons. You might consider these programs:

• Dance 
• Music
• Performing arts
• Arts and crafts
• Painting

Technology programs: if you have a child interested in computers and technology, there is a wide range of options that may suit their needs. After-school technology programs are offered for many different levels and age groups. You might consider the following: 

• Computers
• Robotics
• Web design/development
• STEM

Education camps: there are numerous education camps offered in the summer. This includes day and overnight camps, offering full- and part-time educational programming. You might consider these education camps:

• Engineering
• Debate and public speaking 
• Science
• Math 
• STEM 
• STEAM

Final advice

Motivation is the key to getting the most out of your child’s education program. Choose a class wisely, and allow your child to help you make the decision. Having friends in the same program is another way to increase motivation. Try to keep your child excited and inspired. If they stay motivated and have fun, they're more likely to be successful.

Remember also to balance your child's time. Allow sufficient time for educational responsibilities at school, their education program, and additional extracurriculars. And of course, make sure they have plenty of downtime! You don’t want them to become stressed or burned out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Education programs and classes for kids are there?
There are 8 programs specializing in Writing. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Education programs and classes for kids?
Fees for Education programs and classes for kids range from $450 to $2,100 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Education programs and classes for kids start at?
There are programs available for children aged 8 through 18.

Where can parents meet with Education programs and classes for kids?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.