Keeping track of the essential resources and programs in Ontario’s schools, and how they are affected by changes to provincial policy and funding.
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95%
of secondary schools have Indigenous education opportunities
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46%
of elementary schools have a vice-principal
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26%
of elementary schools report fundraising $20,000 or more
Reports on publicly funded education
Every year, over 1200 Ontario principals respond to the Annual Ontario School Survey.
The information from the surveys provides an evidence-based perspective on the impact of policy and funding changes on vital areas of public education.
Thank you to all of the survey participants for supporting this unique research project.
The story behind the survey
For over 20 years, People for Education has been using our annual school surveys to keep track of the effects of policy and funding changes in Ontario’s publicly funded schools.
In 1997, we asked parents and teachers across the province to send us their stories, because we wanted to know if the funding cuts that were being imposed at the time had an impact on students and schools. We were overwhelmed with the response. Stories came in from across the province, and revealed shared concerns about the impact of funding cuts on things like special education, libraries, music, and physical education programs.
In order to see the impact of policy and funding changes over time, we developed a survey to track the key staff and programs in elementary schools across Ontario. In 1998, the first Tracking Report was published, based on the results of the survey. It formed the baseline to monitor changes to funding and programs across the province.
In 2000, we developed a similar survey for secondary schools.
Our school survey reports have become a trusted source of information about Ontario’s schools, and have had an impact on policy and funding decisions.
Highlights from the 2019 Annual Ontario School Survey
Our Annual Ontario School Survey (AOSS) provides an evidence-based perspective on the impact of policy and funding changes on vital areas of public education.
The 2019 report on Ontario schools points to evidence that the school environment—and all of the adults in it—are key drivers for students’ overall success.
Read the 2019 report Read the quick factsAnnual Ontario School Survey research
Province to fund mental health workers in schools
By 2020, most high schools will have their own mental health worker.
More guidance counsellors for grades 7 and 8
The province has announced increases in per pupil funding for guidance counsellors for grades 7 and 8.
Fundraising and fees in Ontario’s schools
This report, based on the results from our annual survey of schools, identifies equity issues related to fundraising and fees in Ontario’s publicly funded schools. Over 1200 schools across Ontario participated in the survey, and…
The fundraising advantage
A new report from People for Education reveals that Ontario elementary schools with low poverty rates raise twice the amount raised by schools with higher poverty rates.
Guidance 2018: Expanding roles limited access
This report shows a disconnect between the roles that guidance counsellors are expected to fill and the amount of time they are available to fill those roles.
Annual Ontario school survey
Keeping track of the essential resources and programs in Ontario’s schools, and how they are affected by changes to provincial policy and funding.
Health and physical education 2017
This is an excerpt from our annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools, based on surveys from over 1000 school principals across Ontario.
Language support 2017
This is an excerpt from our annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools. It looks at the state of language support in Ontario's English and French public schools.
The Learning Opportunities Grant 2017
This report looks at changes to the province's Learning Opportunities Grant, and whether it is meeting its original purpose of supporting students deemed 'at-risk' of academic failure or disengagement.
Fundraising and fees 2017
This report is an excerpt from our annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools. It examines school-based fundraising and fees, and the growing gap between schools in terms of the amount of money raised.
Annual Ontario School Survey in the news
CP24: Ontario schools relying on fundraising creates inequities for students: report
People for Education's report finds that schools in richer areas fundraise twice as much as schools in poorer areas, reproducing patterns of advantage and disadvantage.
CBC News: Ford government shouldn’t try to modernize education while cutting funding, new report warns
People for Education supports push to 'modernize' school system, if resources are in place.
The Toronto Star: Cutting teachers no way to modernize education system, says People for Education
Cutting teachers and other resources is no way to improve student learning or update the public school system, says a new report from advocacy and research group People for Education.