Canadian/Ontario vs US Elementary Education

We moved down to Virginia, and surprised that they started a year later... not sure how that relates, but I notice you mention 'affluent neighborhood' as if that should mean better schools.  In the U.S - that is absolutely true, the more money the area has, the better the school, teachers, equipment...etc
Not quite the same in Canada where it's pretty much equal at most schools.
We were not all that impressed with the 'U.S' curriculum during our stay in VA - maths/sciences were pretty much the same, but social studies, history...etc where the focus was solely on the U.S, almost completely ignoring the rest of the world was more than disappointing.
I'm sure you have your reasons, but I don't want the rest of the readers to be allowed to believe that the Canadian system is somehow inferior...

I understand your concern but feel it is important to provide this fact-based curricular information for American ex-pats.  Our post was to help US expats who have been transferred to Canada to understand that the Ontario elementary CURRICULUM as stated by the province is behind the stated MICHIGAN elementary CURRICULUM. This is important for US ex-pats coming to Canada from the US and then anticipating returning to the US as they will find their children behind upon their return to the US. This will not be as true if the children attend private schools in Canada, and most companies (approx. 70%) posting Americans in Canada pay for private education.

The complete analysis specifically showing the CURRICULAR differences can be found on the website for the American Women's Club of Oakville.  www.awco.ca. In conversations with 2 Canadian educational consultants, one who runs an organization focussed on helping ex-pats find the right academic match, my information was validated. THese are not easy discussions to have but important in providing ex-pats the necessary planning tools in their move.

I have already responded to a longer post in regards to this issue. But, as a current administrator and educator in Ontario schools, I challenge the assertion that the Ontario curriculum is behind the Michigan curriculum. I would agree that both the content and emphasis are different, but to imply or suggest that means it is somehow inferior is naive in the extreme.
Part of moving somewhere is the understanding that there will be difference and that in some ways, this difference will be a good thing, and in others, it may not be so positive. What matters is how we deal with, accept, and in some cases overcome those things that we struggle with. And that, I would argue, is a much better lesson to teach our children and a much more relevent one in our world today than any formula out of a book.
The writer of the posts is correct, however, is indicating that for American ex-pats who are only here for a short stay and who want to minimize the potential impact of our different public curriculum - the best choice may be a system that offers the closest model to what they are used to. She is also correct in suggesting that there are a variety of private schools who cater to parents who share her concern.
The point to get across, I guess, is that the choice is there for those who want the choice. Once again, the key is to do your own homework and be a good advocate for your child's needs.

Regards,

M.S.