Is homeschooling even legal? What are the rules? Do you have to tell someone about all this?
First off, homeschooling is completely legal all across Canada.
Secondly, the rules for homeschooling vary greatly from province to province. Each province has it’s own set of rules, regulations and requirements. Some provinces have very strict rules like Quebec.
But Ontario is one of the more relaxed provinces when it comes to homeschooling. There are no rules about what curriculum you use, what subjects you teach or even how you teach. You are basically allowed to educate your kids on what ever you like.
But there are a few things that you need to do to start homeschooling. Basically, you just need to remove your child from the school system. There are 3 basic situations and how you handle each is slightly different, but really simple.
Disclaimer: We are not lawyers. This is just for information. If you have a need for legal advice, please contact HSLDA or Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents.
1. Your Kid’s Never Been to School
If your child has never been registered with a school board, then you don’t have to do anything. You aren’t required to report or tell anyone that you are homeschooling. You are legal entitled to keep your kids home and educate them as you see fit at home. Unless, of course, your local school board submits a request for information about your child and homeschooling. In that case, just submit a letter of intent and you are on you way.
2.You’re Child is Currently in School
If your child attended school and you are now pulling them out, it is highly recommended that you send a letter of intent to their school board. It’s also considered polite to also send one to the principal. You are not required to send the letter annually. You only have to send it the one time, despite what some school boards will try to make you think. They will send you a letter of acknowledgement in return. It’s suggested that you send a letter of intent every year before September 1st. But many people don’t. There is a big difference from board to board and area to area with how involved they will be in their records and requests.
3.You Have a Special Case
There are some specific circumstances where you might need a letter of acknowledgement every year even if your child has never attended school. These vary from family to family. A few examples would be if you have a child that requires some kind of therapy that would be covered if they were in school. Issues with CAS or a divorce where homeschooling is an issue may also benefit from an annual letter or acknowledgement. In these cases, you can send a letter of intent every year. The letter of acknowledgement that the school board returns is often what people use for these situations as proof that the child is being educated at home and not just truant.
That’s it.
If you need a template for a letter of intent, you can find one from OFTP right here.
Now if you are pulling your child from school, you might be asked by the school board to provide additional information like, your curriculum, your reasons for homeschooling or other questions. You are not required, and really shouldn’t respond. They are over-stepping their boundaries. Simply submit your letter of intent and move on with your life.
Homeschooling in Ontario is an open and freeing experience. If you follow these simple rules, then you can happily start homeschooling your kids!
