Homeschooling Ontario 2024 -

Ultimate Starters Guide

While summer is full of fun, it is also a time of planning. If you are considering teaching your kids at home this fall, EZ-Teach has provided a full guide for homeschooling in Ontario. Please see the table of contents below and continue reading to learn more or click on the links to jump to the following sections.

Looking for more homeschooling Ontario resources? Contact us at EZ-Teach!

On this page, we’ll explore any legal obligations homeschooling families have in Ontario.

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1. How do I legally homeschool in Ontario?

The good news is that homeschooling in Ontario is legal; however, it involves a few key steps that require some forethought:

a) Notify the School Board: Submit a letter of intent to the local school board to inform them of your decision to homeschool.

b) Develop a Curriculum: Create a comprehensive educational plan that covers the required subjects and meets the Ontario curriculum standards.

c) Keep Records: Maintain a portfolio of your child's work, including lesson plans, assignments, and assessments.

d) Assessment: While not mandatory, some parents choose to have their child’s progress assessed through standardized tests or evaluations by certified teachers.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Ontario Ministry of Education website.

2. Is there a tax credit for homeschooling in Ontario?

Unfortunately, there is no specific tax credit in Ontario for homeschooling expenses. Parents who homeschool their children are responsible for the costs associated with educational materials and resources. However, there are other tax credits that parents may be eligible for, including:

Always check with a tax professional or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the most current information on tax credits and deductions.

Don’t forget to plan for your child’s extra-curricular activities when creating your yearly plans.

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3. What do I need to homeschool my child in Ontario?

While we’ve already covered some of the legal expectations you’ll need to prepare for, we’ll review them again here as well as highlight some practical things you’ll need to homeschool your child in Ontario:

Documentation and Notification

  • Letter of Intent: Notify your local school board by submitting a letter of intent to homeschool.

  • Record Keeping: Maintain records of your child’s progress, including lesson plans, assignments, and assessments.

Educational Materials

  • Curriculum: Develop or purchase a curriculum that covers the necessary subjects (e.g., math, science, language arts, social studies).

  • Textbooks and Workbooks: Obtain educational resources that align with your chosen curriculum.

Learning Resources

Study Space and Supplies

  • Study Area: Set up a dedicated, quiet study space for your child.

  • Supplies: Ensure you have essential supplies like notebooks, pencils, art supplies, a computer, and internet access.

Support and Community

  • Homeschool Groups: Join online or local homeschool groups for support, resources, and socialization opportunities.

  • Extracurricular Activities: Enroll your child in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, or art classes for a well-rounded education.

For more information on what you’ll need to get started with homeschooling, have a look at our other blog post title Homeschooling: Where To Start - 8 Easy Steps Guide.

4. How many students homeschool in Ontario?

While we saw an increase in homeschooling in Ontario during COVID-19, the number of homeschooled students in Ontario was estimated to be around 85,300 In 2023. This represents approximately 3.8% of all school-aged children in the province (CCHE)​​.

As noted, this figure saw a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, where homeschooling peaked due to public school lockdowns; however, it has remained relatively high post-pandemic​ (Fraser Institute)​.

To the right, we’ve provided a video from Forbes on why we are seeing a growing interest in homeschooling (Note: This is from an American perspective, but is applicable to understanding the trends).

It is advantageous to network with other homeschooling Ontario groups for support and advice.

(Photo by Pavel Danilyuk)

5. Homeschooling Organizations in Ontario

Here are some reputable homeschooling organizations in Ontario that provide resources, support, and community for homeschooling families:

Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents (OFTP)

  • Description: OFTP is a non-profit, volunteer-run group that provides information, advocacy, and support for homeschooling families in Ontario.

  • Website: OFTP

Homeschool Legal Defence Association of Canada (HSLDA)

  • Description: HSLDA offers legal support and resources to homeschooling families across Canada, including Ontario. They provide legal representation, educational resources, and community connections.

  • Website: HSLDA Canada

The Canadian Homeschooler

  • Description: This organization offers resources, curriculum guides, and a community for Canadian homeschooling families, with specific information and support for those in Ontario.

  • Website: The Canadian Homeschooler

Peel Homeschooling Network (PHN)

  • Description: PHN is a local support group for homeschooling families in the Peel Region. They provide resources, support, and social activities for homeschooling families.

  • Website: Peel Homeschooling Network

Halton-Peel Homeschooling Association (HPHA)

The Ontario Christian Home Educators' Connection (OCHEC)

  • Description: OCHEC supports Christian homeschooling families in Ontario, offering resources, conferences, and support networks.

  • Website: OCHEC

Kitchener-Waterloo Christian Home Educators' Association (KWCHEA)

  • Description: KWCHEA is a support group for Christian homeschooling families in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. They provide resources, and support, and organize social and educational activities.

  • Website: KWCHEA

These organizations provide a wealth of information and support for homeschooling families in Ontario, from legal assistance and curriculum resources to local support groups and community activities.

Do your research to see if there are any scholarships or contests for homeschool students.

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6. Homeschooling Grants Ontario

In Ontario, there are no specific homeschooling grants provided by the provincial government. However, parents who homeschool their children can explore various options and resources that may help offset some costs:

Local and Community Resources

  • Some local organizations and community groups may offer support or resources for homeschooling families. It's worth exploring options within your local community.

Scholarships and Bursaries

  • Look for scholarships and bursaries that are not specific to homeschooling but can be used for educational purposes. Websites like ScholarshipsCanada offer a database of various opportunities.

Educational Discounts

  • Some educational suppliers and services offer discounts for homeschooling families. Look for companies that provide educational materials and resources at reduced prices. For example, you may even be eligible to order a computer through the Renewed Computer Technology Outreach Program - Click here to learn more.

Public Libraries and Online Resources

  • Utilize public libraries, which often have extensive collections of educational materials available for free. Online resources and open educational resources (OER) can also be valuable.

Support from Homeschooling Organizations

For more detailed and specific advice, contacting local homeschooling support groups and organizations in Ontario can provide additional assistance and information on any available financial support or resources.

Find a variety of online courses for students of different ages from the listings below.

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7. Online Homeschooling Options Ontario

In Ontario, there are several online homeschooling options that cater to different educational needs and preferences. Here are some of the prominent ones:

Ontario Virtual School (OVS)

  • Description: OVS offers fully accredited online high school courses for Ontario students. They provide a flexible learning environment where students can start courses anytime and work at their own pace.

  • Website: Ontario Virtual School

Ontario eSecondary School (OES)

  • Description: OES is an online school offering a variety of high school courses. They focus on providing a personalized learning experience with certified teachers and support for students.

  • Website: Ontario eSecondary School

Virtual High School (VHS)

  • Description: VHS offers Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits through online courses. They provide self-paced learning with access to certified teachers.

  • Website: Virtual High School

Blyth Academy Online

  • Description: Blyth Academy Online provides a comprehensive range of courses for middle and high school students. They offer flexible scheduling and personalized support.

  • Website: Blyth Academy Online

ILC (Independent Learning Centre)

  • Description: The ILC offers self-paced high school courses that lead to the OSSD. They provide a flexible learning model suitable for independent learners.

  • Website: ILC

Waterloo Independent Secondary School (WISS)

  • Description: WISS provides a wide range of online intermediate and high school courses with real-video communication between teachers, students, and their peers. They offer courses that are aligned with the Ontario curriculum.

  • Website: WISS or EZ-Teach

Northstar Academy Canada

  • Description: An online Christian school offering a variety of courses for elementary and high school students. They provide a faith-based curriculum.

  • Website: Northstar Academy Canada

These online schools offer flexible learning schedules, a wide range of courses, and the ability to earn OSSD credits. Depending on your child's needs and educational goals, you can choose the option that best fits your homeschooling plan.

“Education is a marathon not a sprint.” - Author Unknown (Image Source: RUN 4 FFWPU)

8. Tips for Homeschooling in Ontario

Here are some tips based on the video below from Brittany Olga. These tips are particularly designed for those first time homeschoolers, so we think you’ll be encouraged as you start off your journey!

Self-care: Make sure you start the year with your tank full of gas. And along the way, take time for breaks. You may even want to implement a sabbath, a day, a weekend or even a week every so often where you take time away from schooling so that you can recharge. It is always best to lead from a place of fullness and energy.

Prepare Well In Advance: You don't want to begin if feeling overwhelmed - start when you are ready and have a well-planned. It doesn't even have to be September.

Be Confident: Don't over-complicate your curriculum choices. And don't doubt your plan once you've settled on it - unless you really need to pivot.

Re-establish Routines First: Start early by re-establishing your household routines as a family some weeks before you actually start implementing lessons again. Need help with creating a homeschooling schedule? Click here.

Meal Prep: Try to make life easier by planning meals and grocery shopping ahead of time

Start Slow: Don’t try to do everything at once - just take your time as you start off. Try starting with core subjects and then add in elective courses.

Avoid Distractions: Put your phone or electronic devices down during lessons. You might even need to keep it in a separate room. As Olga says, Be present

Celebrate: Document your first day, your journey, and special achievements. Keep it simple and make it fun!

Give Grace: Be gracious towards yourself, your spouse if you have one, and your kid(s). There will be adjustments to make, plans that go awry, maybe even a meltdown or two, etc. Just be gracious and remember that habits take time to form.

We hope these tips help reassure those of you choosing to homeschool, whether it is your first time or you’ve been at it a couple of years. Remember to follow our blog for more tips on homeschooling and education.

Follow Brittany Olga’s tips and start planning now for a successful homeschool year!

Keep Learning With EZ-Teach

Our goal at EZ-Teach is to help make learning easy. Whoever you are (a homeschooling parent, a teacher, someone looking for tutoring or online curriculum and courses, etc), we hope to have something to enhance your life and educational journey. If you have other questions about homeschooling Ontario, please feel free to contact us. Or browse our website to learn more.