K-12 refers to the complete span of primary and secondary education in Canada, from Kindergarten through Grade 12. This encompasses approximately 13 years of schooling before post-secondary education. In Canada, K-12 education is primarily provincial responsibility, with provinces setting curriculum, funding schools through property taxes and provincial grants, and establishing graduation requirements. School boards or divisions operate schools within provincial frameworks. While municipalities don't directly control schools, education significantly affects local communities through school locations, busing, property values, and the need for recreation and library services that complement formal education.