Homeschooling In Ontario
If you’re thinking about homeschooling your child in Ontario, Know that you’re not alone! There is a never ending amount of information, resources and communities to help guide you! There really has never been a better time to homeschool! In this article I’m going to talk about the basics of homeschooling In Ontario and how you can get started!
1. Know the Laws For Homeschooling In Ontario
Homeschooling In Ontario 100% Legal. Here is what you should know:
If you have never enrolled any of your children in school, than there is no need to fill out the following Letter Of Intent To Homeschool.
If you have previously enrolled your children in school, then you must notify the schoolboard of your plan or intent to homeschool. A simple letter of Intent is all that required. You can design your own or download one from a trusted homeschooling website such as this Letter of Intent From The Ontario Federation Of Teaching Parents website.
Important Note: School boards can be sneaky. Putting it short and sweet, when they lose students to homeschool, they lose funding. Most schoolboards are supportive and understanding however, I have heard of many homeschooling parents being asked to provide more information than legally required, I’ve even heard of schoolboards harassing parents to the point of giving up on their journey and sending their kids back to school. They are not allowed to do this. Don’t let them. Know your rights as a homeschooler. In Ontario a child is excused from school as long as they are ” receiving satisfactory instruction at home or elsewhere” (Section 21 (2)(a) of the Ontario Education Act).
For extra peace of mind. Homeschooling Legal Defence Association Canada (HSLD Canada) Offers Expert legal guidance and lawyer representation to keep your family secure and protected for just $19 a month. This is not a paid promotion or an affiliated link, I just want to share with you the option we chose for our homeschool that brings peace of mind, legal advice, support, resources and even more.
2. Homeschooling Styles
Once your briefed on the Ontario Homeschooling laws, you can start having fun with your homeschool and begin to make it your own! Thinking about what homeschool styles there are and what best fits your family is a great way to start! Some of the more popular homeschooling styles include:
- Traditional
- Unschooling
- Monessori
- Charlotte Mason
- Classical
- Wild Schooling
- Eclectic
To pick an approach that fits your family’s values and learning styles check out my blog post on Homeschooling Styles!
3. Create A Learning Space
Creating a friendly learning environment is essential for successful homeschooling! Start by finding a quiet, dedicated space in your home where your child can focus without distractions. Make sure it’s well-lit and comfortable.
Next, organize your homeschooling supplies so everything is easy to find. Use shelves, bins, or a rolling cart to keep books and materials accessible. Involving your child in this setup can help them feel more engaged and responsible for their learning.
If you’re working with a tiny space, consider using multi-functional furniture, such as a desk that doubles as storage or wall-mounted shelves to maximize space. You can also create a mobile learning station with a rolling cart that can be easily moved around as needed within your home.
By designing a thoughtful learning space, you’ll encourage better study habits and inspire curiosity! For more tips on organizing small homeschooling areas, check out this resource on 20 Simple & Creative Homeschool Room Ideas for Small Spaces
4. Find Curriculum
There’s more and more curriculum available everyday! You can find curriculum online, in stores, on amazon, second hand or even at your local library! What curriculum you choose for your homeschooling journey is going to depend on your homeschooling style, the age of your children, your beliefs and values and your overall interests as a homeschooling family. It may take a little time to find what works best for you-and that’s okay!
Some of our favorite curriculum:
- The Good And The Beautiful
- 5 In a Row
- Easy Peasy All-In-One Homeschool
- Exploring Nature With Children
If you’re interested In FREE Curriculum Check out Our FREE HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS for some cost free resources!
5. Connect With Other Homeschoolers
Building a community can make homeschool even more enjoyable, try looking for local meet-ups and events, join co-ops for group learning and plan field trips with other homeschooling families!
We have found a great amount of free learning resources at our local library including, drawing and painting nights, book clubs, sewing classes, science programs, homeschool meet-ups, nature story walks and even some fun hangout nights like Nintendo switch and Lego nights! I encourage you to take a look at what your local library offers!
Commonly Asked Questions For Homeschooling In Ontario
Do I Need To Give Reports?
Ontario does NOT require ANY reporting for homeschooled children, therefore you are not obligated as a homeschooling parent to keep grades and reports for your children, but you certainly can if you want to !
Do I need to give my child any testing ?
In Ontario, homeschooled students are not required to undergo standardized testing. This means you do not have to administer the EQAO assessments for grades 3, 6, and 9, nor the grade 10 literacy test.
If we choose to homeschool, can my child ever go back to school?
You have the flexibility to return your child to school at any time if you choose. In this system, students are placed in grades based on their age rather than their skill level.
Homeschooling In Ontario can be an exciting adventure! By understanding the basics, choosing your learning style and tapping into resources you can create a fun learning experience for both you can your children! With a little bit of planning and support you’ll be well on your way to creating a love of learning that will last a lifetime!
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If you liked this post, I would love it if you left a comment and told me !
While you’re here please check out some of my other homeschooling blogs!
- Simple Easter Crafts For Kids
- Free Valentine’s Day Coloring Pages| PDF Printables
- Family Coloring Pages| Free PDF Printable
- 250 Spelling Words For Your 10th Grade Homeschooler
- Best Homemade Apple Pie Jam Recipe For Canning
Great post!
So interesting. My kids are all grown now but my daughter is thinking about homeschooling. I will definitely be sharing this post. Thank you.
Enjoyed looking through this, very good stuff, regards.