EQAO Grade 3 results 2026: what Ontario’s new scores mean for children aged 4–6
EQAO Grade 3 results 2026 are out. On September 25, 2026, Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) reported that in English-language schools 75% of Grade 3 students met the provincial standard in reading, 67% in writing and 65% in math for the 2025–26 school year. All three rose compared with 2024–25, yet about one Grade 3 student in four is still below the reading standard and about one in three is below it in writing and math. The skills behind these numbers start forming at ages 4 to 6.
Preparation for school in Kanata, ages 4–8. Writing and counting readiness, attention and emotions, in groups of up to 15 children or one-to-one.
Book a place in Preparation for school or call +1 613-867-7786
What the EQAO Grade 3 results 2026 show
The EQAO Grade 3 assessment measures the reading, writing and math skills students should have by the end of Grade 3 under the Ontario Curriculum. Students wrote it online from early May to early June 2026; the provincial standard means Level 3 or 4.
| Area | 2023–24 | 2024–25 | 2025–26 | Students fully participating, 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 71% | 74% | 75% | 115,095 |
| Writing | 64% | 65% | 67% | 115,266 |
| Math | 61% | 64% | 65% | 120,823 |
Three more figures matter for families with young children:
- English-language learners (12,056 students): 63% met the standard in reading, 55% in writing and 53% in math.
- Students with special education needs, excluding gifted (14,371 students): 51% in reading, 40% in writing, 36% in math.
- Math “almost there”: 27% of students (32,417) reached Level 2 in math, and more than half of them (16,417) were close to the standard.
Full data: EQAO Grade 3 provincial highlights, 2025–2026 (PDF).
What Ontario’s Minister of Education said
Minister of Education Paul Calandra called the results encouraging and said they “make clear that there is more work to do.” One line of his statement applies directly to the preschool years:
“The earlier we identify a student who needs additional support, the sooner we can take action.”
He directed the Ministry to work with every school board to review its Student Achievement Plan and directed EQAO leadership to investigate a significant increase in students exempted from the assessments in some boards. Source: Ontario Newsroom, statement of September 25, 2026.
Why Grade 3 results depend on ages 4 to 6
Grade 3 reading, writing and math rest on skills children build in kindergarten and before it: speaking in full sentences, hearing the sounds in words, counting objects one by one and holding a pencil with control. Kindergarten in Ontario is a free two-year program for 4- and 5-year-olds, and from September 2026 schools use a new kindergarten curriculum focused on foundational skills in math and literacy (ontario.ca).
Across our programs, KIDSUP teachers work on these foundations:
- Speech and communication: group classes where children talk, play and understand each other.
- Early math: math and logic games adapted to each age; counting preparation at 5–6.
- Hand skills for writing: construction sets for fine motor skills; writing preparation at 5–6.
- Attention: each lesson has one theme to stay with.
- Emotions and group rules: the teacher helps children manage emotions, follow rules and give way to others.
Ages 3–6 can start in Early development (Montessori and Reggio Emilia); for a one-to-one pace choose individual sessions. Classes run in English. One parent wrote: “KIDSUP is the best thing that has happened to our son since moving to Canada.”
For a practical list of skills to build at 4 and 5, read our kindergarten readiness checklist for Ontario parents.
FAQ: EQAO Grade 3 results 2026
When were the 2026 EQAO Grade 3 results released?
EQAO released the 2025–26 Grade 3 results on September 25, 2026. Students wrote the assessment from early May to early June 2026.
What percentage of Ontario Grade 3 students met the reading standard?
75% of fully participating Grade 3 students in English-language schools met the provincial standard in reading, up from 74% in 2024–25 and 71% in 2023–24.
What does “provincial standard” mean on EQAO?
The provincial standard is Level 3 or Level 4. EQAO notes that students with a high Level 2 in math showed most of the skills required for later grades.
Where can I see my child’s school EQAO results?
EQAO publishes school, board and provincial results on eqao.com.
How can I prepare my 4–5-year-old for school in Kanata?
Practise speech, counting, hand skills and independence in daily play, and add a structured program for a teacher’s view of progress. KIDSUP runs Preparation for school for ages 4–8 at 150 Katimavik Rd, unit 101, Kanata, 9AM–1PM.
Give your child a strong start before Grade 3. Preparation for school: ages 4–8, groups up to 15 or one-to-one, 9AM–1PM, in English.
