These local school authorities operate under different names - school boards, school districts, school divisions, or, in the case of New Brunswick, District Education Councils. The powers and duties of these school authorities are defined in provincial or territorial statutes and are generally consistent throughout Canada. The governing body of these school authorities consists of school trustees who are elected to office in public elections. Kindergarten programs are offered in elementary schools in all provinces and territories. Elementary education in most provinces and territories covers the first 6-8 years of compulsory schooling.
Most school systems have an intermediate level of school - junior high school or middle school.
Curriculum at the secondary level includes both academic and vocational programs. The academic program provides students with the credits necessary to meet the entrance requirements of colleges and universities. The vocational program prepares students for the job market following graduation, or continued vocational education at a postsecondary institution. Secondary school diplomas are granted to students who pass the compulsory and optional courses of their programs. The ministries provide most of the funding for their public postsecondary institutions.