Department of Education School Services

The Department of Education is responsible for providing kindergarten to grade 12 education in all communities in Nunavut. The School Services division provides overall direction, coordination and administration for curriculum and program development, production and implementation, and teaching and learning material development.

The program is also responsible for school services, which includes teacher certification, school improvement, District Education Authority (DEA) and Commission scolaire francophone du Nunavut (CSFN) support and coordination of educational leadership programs. This includes meeting the needs of a diverse student population and providing classroom and Nunavut-wide student assessment.

As outlined in the Nunavut Education Act, students must be enrolled into school if the child is:

“at least six years of age or will become six years of age on or before December 31st of the current school year, or is less than eighteen years of age on that date and has not graduated from grade 12.”

Education staff works at all levels to ensure each student receives the best education possible:

• Teachers are responsible for helping students in the classroom. It is important for parents/guardians and teachers maintain good communications to address any issues with students.
• The principal of the school is responsible for managing the school, including its organization, administration and operations. In addition, the principal ensures the school is run in accordance with Inuit Societal Values and the principles and concepts of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. The principal works along side the DEA to ensure education outcomes are met.
• The Regional Director and Supervisor of Schools ensure each school within their jurisdiction follows guidelines provided by the Department of Education and the local DEA. They manage school year calendars, the regional school budgets, monitor delivery of school programs, along with the hiring and supervision of teachers.

To be entitled to attend a school in a particular school year, an individual must be at least five years of age on December 31 of that school year and he/she must be less than 21 years of age on that day.

For more information on schools and student registration, please contact the principal of the school in your community.

Curriculum and School Services
Department of Education
P.O. Box 390
Arviat, NU
X0C 0E0
Ph: (867) 975-5641
Fax: (867) 857-5605

For a list of schools and contact information, click here.

For inquiries about Nunavut curriculum, contact: Diane Iyerak or call 867.975.5640.