Homeschooling in Canada
Fernanda Munoz - June 16th, 2023
Homeschooling has become Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in Canada. According to the Canadian Homeschooler, the number of homeschooled students in Canada has grown from an estimated 20,000 in 1997 to over 100,000 in 2019.
When diving into the world of homeschooling, it is important to consider the specific requirements to do it successfully in Canada and how to offer your children a competitive edge when it comes to college.
Benefits and Challenges of Homeschooling
Homeschooling through high school offers several advantages, including individualized education, flexible scheduling, and the ability to cater to your child’s strengths and interests. Students can work at their own pace and focus on areas that interest them, resulting in a more personalized and engaging learning experience. Additionally, homeschooling allows for greater flexibility in scheduling, which can be particularly beneficial for students with extracurricular activities or part-time jobs.
Homeschooling through high school can also present some challenges, including socialization, curriculum planning, and preparing for post-secondary education. Homeschooled students may have limited opportunities to socialize with peers, which can impact their social and emotional development. Parents may also struggle with curriculum planning and finding resources to support their child’s education. Finally, preparing for post-secondary education can be challenging, as homeschooled students may face additional requirements or barriers when applying to universities or colleges.
How to Homeschool in Canada
Homeschooling through high school in Canada is legal, but there are specific requirements that must be met to ensure your children get the right education that is correctly recognized.
Parents must register with their provincial or territorial government and provide a detailed education plan that outlines their child’s curriculum and learning objectives. Additionally, parents must keep records of their child’s progress and participate in regular assessments or evaluations.
Provincial Requirements
You need to ensure you are registered in the correct institution in charge of education and following the curriculum approved by the province. Here is a list describing where to go for each province!
- Alberta: Parents must register with the local school board and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the Alberta Home Education Regulation.
- British Columbia: Parents must register with the Ministry of Education and submit a written education plan, along with quarterly or semester progress reports.
- Manitoba: Parents must register with the Department of Education and submit a detailed education plan, along with regular progress reports.
- New Brunswick: Parents must register with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the New Brunswick Home Education Policy.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Parents must register with the Department of Education and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the Newfoundland and Labrador Home Schooling Policy.
- Northwest Territories: Parents must register with the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the Education Act and Regulations.
- Nova Scotia: Parents must register with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the Nova Scotia Homeschooling Policy.
- Nunavut: Parents must register with the Department of Education and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the Nunavut Education Act.
- Ontario: Parents must register with their local school board and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the Education Act and Regulations.
- Prince Edward Island: Parents must register with the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning prince edward and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the Prince Edward Island Homeschooling Policy.
- Quebec: Parents must register with the Ministry of Education and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the Education Act and Regulations.
- Saskatchewan: Parents must register with the Ministry of Education and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the Saskatchewan Home-Based Education Policy.
- Yukon: Parents must register with the Department of Education and submit an education plan that meets the requirements outlined in the Yukon Education Act.
One of the most important things when planning for your child’s education is to ensure your children will have equal or better opportunities when it comes to applying to colleges and universities. This preparation should start as soon as the first year of high school. If you need additional support planning your next steps, make sure to take this quiz to discover how GrantMe can help you and your child through this process.