Kindergarten (JK / SK) | Ontario Mathematics Curriculum

JK + SK · TWO-YEAR PROGRAM

Kindergarten (Junior & Senior)

Revised Sep 2026

REFORM DATE

Effective September 2026, replacing the 2016 Kindergarten Program. Both JK and SK are covered.

MATH EXPECTATIONS

Play- and inquiry-based number sense, counting, relationships, patterns, sorting, measurement, shapes, spatial thinking and explaining strategies. The 2026 strand is called “Foundations of Language and Mathematics”; other strands support problem-solving, self-regulation and belonging.

Before → After

2016 emphasized integrated play-based learning and mathematical behaviours. The 2026 revision retains play and inquiry but clarifies foundation skills and introduces a more explicit “Foundations of Language and Mathematics” strand. The increased structure does not justify claiming a measurable percentage rise in difficulty.

PARENT TIP

Use blocks, counting games, sorting, calendar talk and shape hunts; invite children to explain rather than drill formal exams.

2026 K curriculum index 2026 four strands 2016 predecessor

Assessment and exam policies

Exams, marks & test writers

JK / SK

No conventional mandatory mathematics final exam or numerical mathematics course mark. Educators document learning through the Kindergarten Communication of Learning.

GRADES 1–8

No province-wide prescribed percentage for a school mathematics final exam. Classroom teachers evaluate achievement. Grades 3 and 6 take provincial EQAO math assessments; these are not a 20% or 25% math final-exam rule.

GRADE 9 — MTH1W

65% classroom work + 20% EQAO Grade 9 mathematics assessment as the written final exam + 15% attendance and participation (2026–27).

GRADE 10 MATH

65% classroom work + 20% written final exam + 15% attendance and participation (2026–27).

GRADES 11–12 MATH

65% classroom work + 25% written final exam + 10% attendance and participation (2026–27).

WHO WRITES THE QUESTIONS?

EQAO is a provincial testing agency: it develops/operates Grade 3, 6 and 9 provincial assessments. For regular Grade 10–12 math exams, the province sets the rules and weight, but does not prescribe one identical province-wide final exam paper; school/board educators prepare or administer local exams.

Before 2026–27: the longstanding general secondary assessment framework was approximately 70% work completed during the course and 30% final evaluation, which could include an exam, culminating task or other suitable activity. Since 2026–27, Grade 9/10 math uses 65/20/15, and Grade 11/12 math uses 65/25/10. A larger required written exam does not mean a higher mathematical syllabus level.

Attendance safeguard: excused absences are not penalized. Written final exams ordinarily occur in designated exam periods; Grade 9 EQAO mathematics is the stated exception. For Grade 9, the EQAO share was 10–30% in 2025–26 and becomes 20% in 2026–27.

Other new graduation rule: for students who entered Grade 9 in 2025–26 or later, a financial-literacy requirement takes effect in 2026–27. It is normally completed in Grade 10 Career Studies (GLC2O): at least 70% is required, and its result counts for 5% of that course. It is not an additional Grade 10 mathematics final exam.

Official full 2026 breakdown EQAO & report cards Financial-literacy graduation rule

Official reference directory

Official curriculum & policy sources

The links below point to government curriculum pages and policy documents. Grade-level course details are in each grade card. A link to a historical PDF is retained to show the still-used 2005/2007 course documents; Grade 9 material in the older Grades 9–10 PDF is superseded by MTH1W (2021).

Scope and interpretation: This is an independent bilingual summary as of October 12, 2026, for Ontario’s English-language curriculum. It is not a ministry publication or a substitute for reading a complete specific-expectations page, school-board guidance or accommodations. Dates are effective school-year dates unless a more exact date is stated.

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