Setting the Stage
Parents understand that education is not a cost — it’s an investment. And school fees, books, extracurriculars, tutoring — it adds up fast. But beyond the dollars, there’s the legal side: the obligations enshrined in laws and policies that determine how parents support their children’s learning from kindergarten to college.
This article delves into the cold water of what is legally expected of parents (and when), how to prepare financially, and why clarity — at every stage — is so important.
Legal Duty: What Does the Law Say?
Compulsory School Attendance
School from age five until 16 (age varies depending on province) is mandatory in Canada. Which means that parents must register kids, make sure they show up, and may even suffer penalties if they don’t.
Reporting Responsibilities
Parents must save some educational records: report cards, immunizations, and the like. Provincial school boards can demand updates on absences or changes of address.
Special-Needs Duty
Children who have disabilities are entitled to have their needs assessed and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) written by the parents and the school board. It’s legally binding, and it guarantees that children are provided with supports and accommodations that are tailored just to them.
Financial Role: What Do Parents Pay For?
Daily School Costs
From uniforms to lunch, school supplies to extracurriculars — the expenses add up quickly. Canadian parents can pay between $800 and $1,500 a year on K-12 basics, such as school supplies and electronics, throughout the country.
Postsecondary Fees
Here, tuition isn’t the only price. Don’t forget textbooks, student fees, housing, travel, and tech. That number varies depending on the program and the location, but total annual costs can easily top $20,000.
Tutoring & Private Education
Many families hire private tutors or rely on supplemental programs. The fees are voluntary, but they become necessary when public choices fail to serve the needs or satisfy the expectations of students.
Support Services
Parents frequently pay for mental health services, for testing, for private assessments for learning disabilities, for counselling, particularly if the public option is inadequate.
Planning Ahead: Strategies and Tools
RESP & Grant Access
RESP is the key. You may contribute up to $50,000 per child, receive government grants, like the Canada Education Savings Grant (20% on $2,500 annual contribution), and grow your investment tax-free. Smart, early contributions maximize returns.
Budgeting & Forecasting
“At the end of the day, the biggest headache for your kid’s college education is not the cost itself, but the surprise attached to it,” Mr. Lee said. Write out your budget, clearly. Be sure to lay out a comprehensive education budget to help avoid surprises — this can include projections for post-secondary tuition, cost of living by city, and savings targets. Use an online calculator to help with a more precise projection.
Saving Vehicles
Some pairs RESPs with TFSAs, high-interest savings accounts, or investment portfolios. Diversifying is a way to protect savings from market volatility.
Planning for Gaps
Planning for shortfalls is smart — line up some part-time work, apply for scholarships and bursaries, and compare student loans with workable repayment terms.
Boundaries & Legal Guidance
Separation or Divorce Situations
Court rulings commonly involve who will pay for school-related costs. To limit disputes, the words education (tutoring, camps, tuition) should be included in separation contracts.
Co-Signing Loans
Student loans are typically co-signed by a parent, a means to increase access to higher education, but also to the financial responsibility. Understand the legal obligations and risks if the borrower falls behind in repayment.
Guardianship & Blended Families
Guardians legally assume educational responsibility. In a blended family, clear agreements prevent confusion about who pays.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Delaying RESP contributions: missing out on valuable grants and compounding.
- Underestimating living costs: dorms, commuting, food, and tech can eclipse tuition.
- Relying solely on loans can burden graduates with excessive debt.
- Not formalizing education support in agreements: later disputes become costly and emotional.
- Assuming public services are enough, private assessments or sessions may still be needed.
Making It Work: Real-Life Examples
Example 1: Early Prep Pays Off
Sara started contributing $100 monthly to an RESP when her daughter was 2. By age 18, with grants and compounding, they had nearly $40,000—not enough to cover full tuition, but a strong base.
Example 2: University without Loans
David’s parents saved modestly, applied for bursaries, and he worked part-time. They used a TFSA for short-term living costs—he graduated debt-free.
Example 3: Separation Clarity
Karen and Tom separated when their son entered high school. Their custody agreement outlines that bereavement, tutoring support, and shared RESP deposits fall on both parents, preventing later disputes.
Wrapping It Up
- Legal obligation begins with early—school attendance, documentation, and collaboration with the IEP.
- Financial responsibility accumulates rapidly: daily expenses, post-secondary tuition, and add-ons.
- Smart planning tools like RESPs and diversified savings can help to offset long-term costs.
In complicated family situations, clear legal agreements are a good idea.
Every family is unique, but with clarity and purposeful planning, both legal and financial, education can be transformed from a burden into an opportunity. Get started early, get organized, and you’ll be able to protect both your child’s future and your peace of mind.
Ready to Plan?
- Check provincial school attendance laws.
- Use RESP grants to your advantage.
- Build a comprehensive budget including hidden costs.
- Document education-related agreements clearly.
- Consider combining savings tools and exploring scholarships.
Education is one of the most transformative investments you can make. Make it intentional.
Learn More: What to Do When You Have Insufficient Or Unused RESP Funds?