Summer Courses in Quebec 2026: What Parents Actually Need to Know

Your child might fail a course this year. Or maybe the grades are fine, but you’d like them to strengthen their skills before September. Either way, summer courses in Quebec can help — but the system isn’t always straightforward.

This guide covers the essentials: who’s eligible, what it costs, when to register, and what alternatives exist if summer school isn’t the right fit.

How Summer Courses Work in Quebec

Summer courses aren’t tutoring. They’re an official program, recognized by the centres de services scolaires (CSS — the school service centres), that allows students who failed a course to retake the material and sit for a makeup exam. If the student passes, they move on to the next grade without repeating the full school year.

At the elementary level (Grades 4 and 6), summer courses focus mainly on French and Mathematics — the two subjects evaluated by ministerial exams. In secondary school (Sec. 1 through 5), most subjects are eligible: Math, French, English, Science, History.

Courses are typically offered online, in small groups, with a qualified teacher. The length varies by provider, but expect roughly 30 to 45 hours spread over 3 to 5 weeks between late June and early August.

Dates and Registration for Summer 2026

Quebec’s 2026 summer session generally begins in late June, after final report cards are released, and wraps up before the official makeup exams scheduled between July 27 and August 4, 2026.

Here’s the typical timeline:

• Mid-May to mid-June: Registration opens with most private providers
• Late June: Final report cards and ministry exam results published
• Early July: Summer courses begin
• Late July / early August: Official makeup exams administered by the CSS
• Mid-August: Makeup exam results

Don’t wait to register. Groups fill up fast, especially in Math and French at the secondary level. Even if your child hasn’t officially failed yet, most providers allow you to reserve a spot preemptively.

The Centre de services scolaire de Montréal (CSSDM) typically publishes details about its own summer courses and makeup exams in May.

How Much Do Summer Courses Cost?

Prices vary widely depending on the provider and format.

Private summer courses (online, group format): Between $300 and $600 depending on the subject and program length. The main providers in Quebec include Tutorax, Succès Scolaire, SOSprof, and ÉtudeSecours.

CSS summer courses: Some school service centres offer makeup courses for free or at low cost, but spots are limited and the format is sometimes less flexible.

Individual summer tutoring: For families who prefer personalized support over a group class, private tutoring is an alternative. At TutorAide, sessions start at $33/h — which can work out comparable to the cost of a group summer course if your child needs fewer hours.

One important note: private tutoring fees, including summer course fees from some providers, may be eligible for Quebec’s tuition and examination fees tax credit.

Summer Courses vs. Summer Tutoring: What’s the Difference?

This is a question many parents ask, and the answer depends on your child’s situation.

Summer courses are right if your child failed a course and needs to pass an official makeup exam. The program is structured to cover the year’s material and specifically prepare for the makeup exam. It’s required to move to the next level.

Summer tutoring is right if your child didn’t fail but you want to strengthen skills, fill accumulated gaps, or get ahead for next year. It’s also a great complement to group summer courses — a tutor can target the specific weaknesses that a group class can’t address individually.

For many families, the ideal is a combination: the group summer course for structure and material coverage, plus a few individual tutoring sessions for the hardest concepts. At TutorAide, our tutors are familiar with makeup exam content and can tailor sessions accordingly. Request a tutor for the summer →

By Subject: What to Expect

Mathematics

This is the most in-demand summer course subject across all grade levels. At the elementary level, students usually struggle with fractions, problem-solving, and geometry. In secondary, functions (Sec. 3-4) and probability/statistics cause the most trouble.

If your child needs to retake Math, don’t underestimate how much material needs to be covered in just a few weeks. A math tutor can make the difference between “understanding just enough to pass” and actually understanding the material.

French

In Secondary 5, the ministerial French exam (writing) is the most feared exam — and for good reason. The summer makeup doesn’t change the evaluation criteria. Students need to work on argumentative essay structure, vocabulary richness, and grammar mastery.

For elementary, makeup exams cover reading comprehension and writing. Reading skills respond well to regular practice, even 30 minutes a day with a tutor or a parent.

Science and History

These subjects are often easier to make up in summer because they rely more on memorization and concept understanding. A good summer course covers the essential material efficiently. A tutor can help with more abstract scientific concepts — Secondary 4-5 chemistry is often a sticking point.

5 Tips to Maximize Your Child’s Chances

1. Register early. The best groups fill up first, especially in Math and French. Don’t wait for the final report card if you suspect a failing grade.

2. Keep a study rhythm even before the course starts. Summer is tempting for a total disconnect, but showing up to summer school without having touched a notebook since June makes everything harder.

3. Identify specific gaps. A summer course covers the entire curriculum, but your child may only struggle with certain chapters. A tutor can diagnose these gaps and focus the work where it matters.

4. Don’t skip practice exams. Several providers offer mock exams. Do at least two before the official makeup exam.

5. Be realistic about expectations. A 30-hour summer course doesn’t replace a full school year of 100+ hours. The goal is passing the makeup exam, not perfect mastery of the material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child move on to the next grade without summer school?

It depends. If the failure involves a subject with a ministerial exam (French, Math in Grades 4 and 6; French, Math, Science, History in secondary), the student must pass the makeup exam. Summer school itself isn’t technically mandatory — the makeup exam is. But without preparation, the chances of success are low.

Are summer courses offered in person?

Most private providers offer courses online, live with a teacher. Some school service centres still have in-person sessions, but it’s become less common since the pandemic. Check directly with your regional CSS.

My child didn’t fail but has weak grades. Is summer school worth it?

Not summer school per se — those programs are designed for exam retakes. However, summer tutoring is often a better fit for building skills, filling gaps, or getting ahead. Summer provides time without the pressure of daily homework, which makes learning more effective.

How long does it take to prepare for a makeup exam?

Most summer course programs run 3 to 5 weeks, about 1.5 to 2 hours per day. That’s a minimum. For subjects where your child has significant gaps, add a few individual tutoring sessions to target the weak spots.

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Does your child need a boost this summer? Our tutors are available for summer tutoring — in person or online — tailored to your child’s specific needs.

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