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
Arts education in Ontario’s schools 2016
Arts education plays a vital role in student engagement, achievement, and well-being. It also helps students develop a range of skills and competencies – not just in creativity, but also in citizenship, social-emotional learning, and…
The geography of opportunity: What’s needed for broader student success
People for Education's Annual report on Ontario’s publicly-funded schools is an audit of the education system – a way of keeping track of the impact of funding and policy choices in schools across the province.
School libraries 2016
This report is an excerpt from our 2016 annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools, and examines the staffing and resources in school libraries.
Special education report 2016
This report is an excerpt from our 2016 annual report on Ontario's publicly funded schools.
Arts report 2016
This report is an excerpt from People for Education’s 2016 annual report on Ontario’s publicly funded schools.
Northern, rural schools at a disadvantage
Results from People for Education’s 19th Annual School Survey raise significant questions about the impact of geography on students’ equitable access to education.
Ready, Set, Go! Building Healthy Schools in Ontario
When schools support comprehensive health programs and resources—integrating all aspects of health and well-being, including mental, physical, social, sexual and relational health—the impacts on students are positive and lasting.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit education: Overcoming gaps in provincially funded schools
This report uses data from our annual Ontario School Survey to identify and address some of the gaps in Indigenous education in provincially funded schools.
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.