The cost of homeschooling varies across Canada. It depends on factors like parents’ financial situation and willingness to give up their job. Some provinces are more supportive than others and offer funding for homeschooling. However, there are certain things to keep in mind to make the process as affordable as possible.
Prices vary by province
When you homeschool your child in Canada, you will want to be aware of the costs of the various educational programs. While some provinces offer free programs, others require that you pay to use their services. In these cases, homeschooling in Canada may not be an option. If you’re not sure whether homeschooling is right for you, contact your local homeschool association and get the costs for homeschooling in your province.
The process in Alberta involves registration with a willing board and submitting a written educational plan. There are three options for homeschooling in Alberta: traditional, blended, and aligned homeschooling. In traditional homeschooling, you follow your own curriculum; in blended or aligned homeschooling, you follow the curriculum outlined by the government or a public school. In both options, a facilitator will visit your home throughout the year. Funding from the government and school boards for homeschooling varies by province and is dependent on the type of curriculum you follow. It can be up to $1000 for a full year of education.
Funding options vary by province
In Alberta, parents can choose to homeschool their children with the approval of the school board. They are required to submit documents stating their intention to homeschool, as well as a learning project and status report. Although this option is not funded, parents can get professional services and certain school facilities for free. However, Quebec does not provide any funding for homeschooling.
In Nova Scotia, homeschoolers must submit a letter explaining their intentions and curriculum, as well as submit a progress report at the end of June. There are also different requirements for PEI. Homeschoolers on PEI must first register to homeschool and submit a written educational plan. There are also different funding options available, and the amount of funding varies.
Parent’s willingness to quit their job
In Canada, the cost of homeschooling varies greatly, depending on the parent’s willingness to give up their job. According to a 2021 Education Next survey, nearly a third of parents reduced their working hours or rearrange their work schedules to accommodate homeschooling. Meanwhile, nine percent of homeschooling parents said they do not plan to continue the practice.
Choice of the schooling approach
School choice in Canada has several benefits for students. It increases the diversity of educational experiences. It also offers greater opportunities for teachers and school leaders. It encourages higher standards of professionalism. In addition, school choice reduces costs. Tax dollars can help cover part of the cost of independent schools. But ensuring appropriate standards will still cost extra.
While public schools serve approximately 93 percent of the population in Canada, some jurisdictions provide partial funding for private schools, although the criteria for eligibility vary. In other jurisdictions, private schools are regulated. Parents can choose whether or not a private school is the best option for their children.
The flexibility of homeschooling
In Canada, homeschooling has long been allowed, and some provinces have embraced the flexibility of this educational approach. Among these provinces are Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. These provinces have relatively mild regulations and no government funding, but strong support from Christian homeschooling associations.
One of the challenges in tracking the number of homeschooled students is the lack of uniform regulations. Some families do not register their children when they switch from homeschooling to public or private schooling. Others supplement homeschooling with online courses or other alternative methods.