Students First Nova Scotia is an independent education reform movement seeking to transform Nova Scotia's public schools.
On March 28, 2011, concerned parents and citizens from across Nova Scotia gathered at a Public Forum in Halifax to hear Michael Zwaagstra, author of What’s Wrong with our Schools (2010) and to discuss the formation of a new school reform organization, Students First Nova Scotia.

The Forum was moderated by Dr. Paul W. Bennett, Director of the Schoolhouse Institute. Manitoba high school teacher Michael Zwaagstra was the featured speaker and he shared the platform with a reaction panel of prominent citizens and parent activists, including Doretta Wilson (Society for Quality Education, Toronto), Charles Cirtwill (President of AIMS), and Denise Delorey (Save Community Schools, Antigonish)

Following introductory talks, the audience participated in a frank, open discussion of the state of public education. It ended with the unveiling of a bold Statement of Principles, entitled "Students First Nova Scotia."

Drafted by a group of 16 Nova Scotians, the Statement proclaims that "students should come first" in education, "not adults in the system." It calls upon concerned citizens to rally behind a reform agenda exhorting education authorities to "elevate teaching, empower parents, raise standards, and spend wisely."

We call upon Nova Scotians concerned about the state of public education to join us.