Students across Nova Scotia are getting ready to return to classrooms for the 2026-27 school year, with new opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.
"We're looking forward to welcoming Nova Scotia's students and our dedicated teachers, principals and support staff back to school this September," said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. "This is an exciting year as our government has expanded the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program to all grade levels, so every student has the option of a healthy, affordable lunch to fuel their day."
This year, students and families will see several important changes and investments.
The Nova Scotia School Lunch Program is expanding again this school year to include all high schools across the province. This expansion means more students will have access to nutritious, affordable meals during the school day.
The program has continued to grow since its launch, providing students with healthy meals while helping families with the cost of groceries.
A new English language arts curriculum for grades 3 to 6 is rolling out this September. It builds on the strong literacy foundation students develop from primary to Grade 2.
The curriculum places a strong focus on foundational skills and reflects research on the science of reading. It aligns with a structured literacy approach, providing students with clear, direct instruction on how to read and write.
New curriculum resources will support teachers as they implement the updated learning expectations in classrooms this fall.
As students return to school, families are encouraged to connect with their local school or regional centre for education, or Conseil scolaire acadien provincial for information about school schedules, transportation and other back-to-school details.
Quick Facts:
- the 2026-27 school year begins on Thursday, September 3, for students across Nova Scotia
Additional Resources:
- Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development: https://www.novascotia.ca/government/education-and-early-childhood-development
