Homeschooling in Ontario: Requirements and Guidelines

Homeschooling in Ontario offers parents the opportunity to tailor their children's education to their individual needs and interests. While the province maintains a relatively hands-off approach, it's essential to understand the legal requirements and available resources to ensure a successful homeschooling experience.

Legal Framework for Homeschooling in Ontario

Ontario's Education Act excuses children from compulsory school attendance if they are receiving satisfactory education at home. Unlike some other Canadian provinces, Ontario does not have specific legislation that directly governs homeschooling. Instead, Subsection 21(2) of the Education Act excuses children from compulsory school attendance if the student is receiving a satisfactory education at home. This means that the province places a high degree of trust in parents to provide an adequate education for their children.

Notification of Intent to Homeschool

The primary legal requirement for homeschooling in Ontario is to provide written notice of your intent to homeschool to the local school board. This letter formally notifies your local school board of your decision to homeschool and states that you are taking responsibility for your child’s education. This notification should include the following information for each child being homeschooled:

Name
Gender
Date of birth
Telephone number
Address

A Notice of Intent to Homeschool is a letter that formally notifies your local school board of your decision to homeschool and states that you are taking responsibility for your child’s education. While not mandatory, sending this notice is a crucial step to ensure clear communication with the school board. There is no need to mention homeschooling in your notice of withdrawal.

Withdrawal from School

If your child is already registered in school, you need to “formally” withdraw your child from school. You can withdraw your child by sending in a “formal” notice of withdrawal to the school board, with a copy to the school.

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No Required Qualifications or Assessments

There are no formal qualifications required for homeschooling in Ontario, making it accessible for any parent ready to take on the rewarding role of educating their child. The province does not mandate any specific curriculum, standardized tests, or progress reports for homeschooled children. Provincial tests are not required for students homeschooling in Ontario. There are no EQAO assessments for students in Grades 3, 6, and 9, and/or the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (normally given to students in Grade 10).

This lack of mandated assessments allows for flexibility in tailoring the educational program to the child's individual needs and learning style. However, parents may find progress reports helpful for tracking academic achievements and identifying areas where intervention may be required.

Unschooling

Unschooling is legal in Ontario.

Funding and Costs

Currently, there is no government funding or grants for families homeschooling in Ontario. Homeschooling is priceless, but at what cost? The cost of homeschooling in Ontario ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year based on numerous factors, including subscriptions to online programs, supplies, books, extra-curricular fees, field trips, etc. There is no tax credit for homeschooling in Ontario.

Managing Homeschooling Expenses

While the province does not provide financial support for homeschooling in Ontario, families can take advantage of various resources and strategies to manage their educational expenses. By participating in homeschooling groups, taking advantage of community programs, and choosing low-cost educational resources, families homeschooling in Ontario can provide a rich educational experience without breaking their budget. By choosing a low-cost educational resource, such as Schoolio, families homeschooling in Ontario can provide a rich educational experience without breaking their budget. Schoolio is a great option for parents looking for a high impact program at a low cost.

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Re-entry into Public School

It’s okay to change your mind! For your child to re-enter public school you will need to contact your local school board to organize which school your child will be attending and when they will re-enter the public system. If you decide to re-enroll your child in public school, you will need to contact your local school board to arrange the transition. Your child may be assessed to determine their grade level.

Support and Resources

Ontario has many homeschooling support groups that offer resources, advice, and support.

Homeschooling Associations

The Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents is a prominent homeschooling association in Canada that provides guidance, advocacy, and information for families homeschooling in Ontario.

Homeschooling Boards and Programs

In Ontario, homeschooling families remain under the public school board based on their location. This is the same public school board where you submitted your Notice of Intent to Homeschool. Ontario hosts numerous conferences for families homeschooling in Ontario.

Community and Support Groups

Ontario has many homeschooling support groups that offer resources, advice, and support.

Homeschooling in Canada: A Broader Perspective

Homeschooling in Canada has evolved significantly over time. Initially met with skepticism, it has gradually gained acceptance and recognition as a legitimate educational choice.

Historical Phases of Homeschooling in Canada

The evolution of homeschooling in Canada can be divided into three distinct phases:

The Critic's Phase: This initial phase was driven by critics of traditional schooling who questioned its effectiveness in fostering natural learning approaches.
The Explosion of Adherents: Beginning in the early 1980s, this phase saw a rapid increase in homeschooling families, leading to varying policy responses from provincial boards.
Normalization: The current phase is characterized by increasing acceptance and standardization of homeschooling practices, with many provinces offering support and resources.

Provincial and Territorial Regulations

While Ontario maintains a relatively hands-off approach, other provinces and territories have implemented specific regulations governing homeschooling. These regulations vary widely, ranging from simple notification requirements to more detailed educational plans and assessments.

Alberta: Parents can choose between a supervised or unsupervised home education program.
British Columbia: Parents must enroll their homeschooled child with a public or independent school.
Manitoba: Requires homeschoolers to inform the government and file periodic progress reports.
New Brunswick: Requires submission of an annual "Home Schooling Application Form."
Quebec: Requires notification to the minister and the school board, mid-year and end-of-year reports, and an end-of-year evaluation.
Saskatchewan: Requires registration with the school board and an educational plan.
Yukon Territory: Requires registration with the Aurora Virtual School and submission of a home education plan.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Requires that homeschoolers apply by June for the upcoming school year.
Prince Edward Island: Homeschoolers simply fill out and submit a notice-of-intent form.
Northwest Territories: Asks that you register your children with your local school, where they’ll be classified as students but are exempt from attendance.
Nunavut: Homeschooling involves registering with your local school and working with the leadership there.

Legal Support for Homeschooling in Canada

Canada is one of only three nations that hosts a privately funded organization with full-time lawyers on staff that serves the legal needs of home educators.

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