Homeschool Process

Children between the ages of six and eighteen are required to attend school. Under the authority of the Education Act, the child can be excused from attendance at school if the child receives instruction elsewhere. Normally, the parent(s)/guardian will notify the Board in writing that they will be providing the instruction for their child(ren). 

The Boards have a procedure that outlines the steps that are required and provide the approval for the specified time period ( School Year). The notification for approval will be required to be submitted on a yearly basis.

Please find below some examples of School Boards ( Halton District School Board, Toronto District School Board, Niagara District School Board) that have clear and simple procedures and forms that can be filled out and submitted to the Family of Schools Superintendent of Education.

However, many of the other Boards do not have something easy to find on their website, but will still have procedures in place because this is a Ministry requirement.

STEPS TO REQUEST    “ A NOTIFICATION TO HOME SCHOOL”

1. Contact the Superintendent of the Family of Schools for your child(ren) school. 
2. Request a “Notification of Intent to Home School Form” be emailed to you.
3. The Superintendent may request that you also write a letter. It will depend on the individual Board’s  procedure. The letter should be very brief ( child’s name, birthdate )your intention to home school for the School Year 2021-22. 
4. Expect an approval letter signed by the Superintendent of Education- granting this request. Please ensure to get this approval because it protects you from being harassed by Social Workers and potentially being taken to court for not having your child(ren) attend school.

Here are some sample forms for a few school boards in Ontario. Please use the process above for your own school board and go through the necessary steps:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1K6JEiI3_JSxoAc5No8wLA35eqm4MYOBI?usp=sharing

Free Thinking with Aimee from "Good Food Unearthed": https://goodfoodunearthed.com/freefree-thinking-sessions-and-online-courses-for-kids-parents

Unschool Canada Association: http://unschoolingcanada.ca/

The Canadian Homeschooler: https://thecanadianhomeschooler.com/

We Homeschool: http://wehomeschool.ca/

Make your own Learning Pod: https://www.learningpods-canada.com/

Hop on our Telegram chat and ask for local homeschool connections: https://t.me/joinchat/TmwroztUKYgxHjOm

Homeschool Info PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Ab7s4nb6frrNRoYIFYg2uRHHzLWr813/view?usp=sharing

Facebook Groups for Homeschooling:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/OntarioHomeschoolers

Ontario Unschoolers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/449068978484008

Burlington/Hamilton Unschoolers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/309562122564272

https://www.facebook.com/groups/londonontariocanadahomeschoolers