Homeschooling offers families an opportunity to provide a personalized, freedom-based education for their kids. However, navigating the homeschooling landscape can be overwhelming.
This guide aims to simplify the process by providing essential information.
So, let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs: can I homeschool in Canada?
Firstly, this is what you’ll find in this Guide to Homeschool In Canada:
Can I homeschool in Canada, you ask? In this article, you’ll find the following to answer your questions and hopefully by the end, you’ll say YES, you can homeschool!
Here’s what you’ll find:
- Homeschool Regulations in Canada: Know the Laws in Your Province/Territory
- Getting Started with Homeschool in Canada: Requirements and Curriculum Planning
- Explore Resources for Canadian Homeschoolers: Platforms, Providers, and Support Groups
- Must-Visit Canadian Homeschool Websites: A Treasure Trove of Information
- Canadian Homeschool Conferences: A Hub of Inspiration and Education
But first, can I homeschool in Canada?
One word: yes! You can homeschool your child in Canada!
So you know, in Canada, education is a provincial responsibility. This means that homeschool laws and regulations vary by province.
To find out about homeschool laws in your specific province, you should check with your provincial education department.
1. Homeschool Regulations in Canada: Know the Laws in Your Province/Territory
Homeschooling in Canada is legal in all provinces and territories. However, each province and territory has its own regulations and guidelines.
Can I homeschool in Canada in a specific province? Here’s the answer for your province.
- How to start homeschooling In British Columbia
- Ontario
- Yukon
- Nova Scotia
- Saskatchewan
- Alberta
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- New Brunswick
- Manitoba
- Quebec
Ultimately, to homeschool in Canada, you will need to research your provincial or territorial regulations and requirements, develop a plan, and (sometimes) keep records of your child’s progress.
2. Explore Resources for Canadian Homeschoolers
There are a variety of resources available for homeschoolers in Canada, including online platforms, curriculum providers, and support groups.
1. Capturing the Charmed Life
Capturing the Charmed Life resources is a treasure trove of inspiration and guidance specifically designed for homeschool moms.
Through practical advice, insightful articles, and creative ideas, these resources empower homeschool moms to create an enriching and fulfilling homeschool experience that nurtures their own personal growth and well-being alongside their children’s education.
- Learn more about the virtual Homeschool Mama Support Group here.
- Learn about the resources designed especially for the homeschool mom.
2. LoveMaplerose
Lovemaplerose.com offers a wide range of wholesome and nature-inspired homeschool resources, fostering a holistic approach to education. From natural art supplies and craft materials to Waldorf-inspired curriculum resources, Lovemaplerose.com provides tools that promote creativity, imagination, and a deep connection to the natural world.
3. The Canadian Homeschooler
The Canadian Homeschooler is a leading curriculum and resource supplier specifically tailored to the unique needs of Canadian homeschooling families.
4. The Good & The Beautiful
The Good and the Beautiful is a homeschool curriculum supplier dedicated to providing families with high-quality materials that foster a love for learning and emphasize character development.
With their engaging literature-based approach and visually appealing resources, they offer an educational experience that nurtures both the minds and hearts of students.
5. HomeschoolOn.com
Homeschool On Homeschool curriculum is a versatile homeschool resource that empowers parents to create a personalized and engaging educational experience for their children. With its diverse range of subjects, interactive materials, and adaptable lesson plans, this curriculum equips families to foster a love for learning and achieve academic success.
6. Learning House
The Learning House is a comprehensive curriculum and resource supplier that offers a wide array of materials designed to meet the diverse needs of homeschool families.
With its carefully crafted curriculum, engaging resources, and supportive materials, The Learning House equips parents with the tools to provide a well-rounded and enriching home education experience.
7. CHER
CHER Homeschool Curriculum Supplier is a trusted provider of homeschooling resources, offering a wide range of curriculum options and support materials. With a focus on Christian values and academic excellence, CHER equips families with the tools they need to provide a holistic and faith-based home education.
8. ACE Canada
ACE Canada Homeschool Suppliers are dedicated providers of the ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) curriculum specifically tailored for homeschool families. Their curriculum offers a Christian-based education, emphasizing character development, mastery learning, and individualized instruction, equipping parents with the resources to guide their children’s academic growth and spiritual formation at home.
9. Schoolio
Schoolio homeschool curriculum is an engaging educational resource that offers a flexible and well-structured approach to homeschooling.
With its carefully designed lesson plans, interactive materials, and diverse subject offerings, Schoolio provides parents with a user-friendly platform to create a customized learning experience that meets the unique needs and interests of their children.
You can listen to a podcast conversation between Schoolio founder, Lindsey Casselman & me here.
10. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is a publication that serves as a valuable resource for homeschool parents. Packed with informative articles, practical tips, curriculum reviews, and inspiring stories, it provides a wealth of knowledge and support, equipping parents with the tools and encouragement they need to navigate their homeschooling journey with confidence.
Naturally, I share just ten resources here but if you want to make sure that your favourite supplier is included, add your favourite below.
So you ask, can I homeschool in Canada and find resources sourced in Canada? Why yes you can!
3. Must-Visit Canadian Homeschool Websites
Before I give you resources that will send you down deep dives into everything homeschooling, as you’re researching for your first year of homeschooling, can I give you a little advice?
Therefore, be realistic about how much time you have to plan for your upcoming homeschool.
You could spend the entire summer planning for your homeschool: there are so many options, ideas, resources, bloggers, social media influencers, books, and podcasts.
I share about homeschool books that could help you research your homeschool plans, but here are a few podcasts that might help you too.
(FYI you can access my Homeschool Mama Reading List to get you started. So many books.)
Firstly, these websites offer a variety of resources and support for Canadian homeschool families.
1. This website, Capturing the Charmed Life
Teresa Wiedrick, Homeschool Life Coach at Capturing the Charmed Life, offers personalized support and guidance to homeschool parents.
Through one-on-one coaching sessions or group coaching programs, Teresa helps parents overcome common homeschool life challenges, develop effective strategies, and create a homeschool environment that aligns with their family’s unique values and goals.
Teresa provides practical advice, encouragement, and accountability to empower homeschool parents to thrive in their homeschooling journey as they become more authentically and purposefully themselves.
Hey, and she also shares a book of homeschool encouragement, Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer, and also offers self-directed courses and journaling workbooks for homeschool mamas that are challenged with addressing their big emotions, overwhelm, and building boundaries.
She offers a support group & customized workshops for 1st-year Homeschool Moms. And a virtual Support Group for homeschool moms in their 2nd year and beyond.
Teresa offers coaching programs to Deschool your Homeschool and Reimagine your Homeschool too!
Also, if you’d like to read about these common homeschool challenges, find a few resources here:
- How to Handle Homeschool Overwhelm
- What to do when I was fed up homeschooling?
- how to manage impatience in your homeschool: 14 strategies to freedom
- How to Address Homeschool Mama’s Big Emotions
- How my story of deschooling brought more freedom & purpose
- Finding quiet, building boundaries & handling overwhelm
- Get Started Homeschooling in 2023/2024
- Navigate the 2nd to 5th Homeschool Years: Challenges and Insights
2. The Canadian Homeschooler with Lisa-Marie Fletcher
To help Canadian homeschooling families connect with each other and also with companies and resources that will help them on their learning journey from start to finish. I want them to be able to find curriculum, materials, and resources that are relevant to them, their experiences, and their history.
Can I homeschool in Canada and access useful online resources too? Why yes, you can do that too!
Can I homeschool in Canada and access Canadian Homeschool Publishers that know my unique cultural context? You betcha.
Shopping local provides the advantage of accessing curriculum and resources specifically designed to align with the Canadian cultural context, sometimes meeting provincial requirements (if that’s important to you), and ensuring a tailored and comprehensive learning experience for Canadian homeschooling families.
(And it usually supports Canadian homeschool families as they are often the creators of these homeschool companies).
You’ll find some Canadian homeschool publishers include:
- The Learning House
- Canadian Homeschooler
- Tree of Life School and Book Service
- Portage and Main Press
- S&S Learning Materials
Additionally, if you don’t notice your favourite Canadian homeschool publisher, please add your favourite below.
Moreover, these Canadian Homeschool Podcasters are inspiring support from your (North of 60) backyard.
Podcasts provide homeschool moms with a convenient and enriching way to gain insights, inspiration, practical tips, and a sense of community to enhance their homeschooling journey.
1. Teresa at Homeschool Mama Self-Care Podcast
Homeschool Mama Self-Care podcast is a nurturing resource that offers guidance and support to homeschooling mothers, covering essential topics such as deschooling, building boundaries, addressing big emotions, dealing with overwhelm, and providing coaching for both new and established homeschool moms. With a focus on self-care and holistic well-being, the podcast equips homeschooling moms with practical strategies and encouragement to navigate these challenges and cultivate a fulfilling homeschooling experience.
Check out her season dedicated to new homeschool mamas here.
2. Bonnie at Making Joy Normal Podcast
Bonnie Landry’s Catholic homeschool podcast is a valuable resource that provides insightful and practical advice for homeschooling parents, covering topics such as homeschooling methods, organization, time management, and nurturing a peaceful and thriving homeschool environment.
You can listen to our conversation here.
3. Robyn at Honey, I’m Homeschooling the Kids Podcast
Robyn Robertson’s podcast is a thought-provoking platform that explores the intersection of homeschooling, alternative education, and parenting, offering in-depth discussions, interviews, and perspectives to inspire and inform listeners on their educational journeys.
Listen to our first discussion on the podcast here. And here we chat about unschooling too.
4. Erin at Virtual Kitchen Table Podcast
The Virtual Kitchen Table podcast is a warm and inviting space where homeschooling families gather to share stories, insights, and practical tips, fostering a sense of community and providing support for parents navigating the homeschooling adventure.
And you can listen to our discussion on the podcast here.
5. Pam at The Exploring Unschooling Podcast
Pam’s Exploring Unschooling Podcast is a captivating and informative resource that delves into the world of unschooling, providing valuable insights, personal stories, and practical tips to support and inspire families on their unschooling journeys.
Additionally, there are many Canadian homeschool YouTubers out there too!
Watching YouTube channels as a homeschool mom offers the benefits of accessing a wide range of educational content, practical demonstrations, homeschooling tips, and a sense of community, all in a visual and engaging format.
Guess what? There are some popular Canadian homeschooling channels:
1. Homeschool Mom Wellness & Mindset Coach
The Homeschool Mom Wellness & Mindset Coach YouTube channel is a valuable resource that focuses on supporting homeschool moms to prioritize their well-being and cultivate a positive mindset throughout their homeschooling journey.
You’ll find a focus on the following topics:
- Big Emotions of the Homeschool Mom
- Homeschool Overwhelm
- the Homeschool Mama Book Club
- Homeschool Mom Podcast
- Self-Compassion for the Homeschool Mama
- Homeschool Mama Retreat
- How to Homeschool
- Homeschool Mama Self-Care
- Homeschool Mom Support Group
- Deschool your Homeschool
- Homeschool Life Coaching
- Homeschool Boundaries
Through insightful videos, Teresa offers practical strategies, self-care tips, and empowering mindset tools to help you live your life on purpose, authentically, and confidently.
2. The Canadian Homeschooler
Here you’ll find a wide range of resources and inspiration for Canadian homeschooling families. With curriculum reviews, educational tips, activity ideas, and insights specific to the Canadian homeschooling context, parents can confidently navigate their homeschooling journey and achieve success.
3. Mama to 5
The Mama to 5 YouTube channel offers an engaging and relatable glimpse into the homeschooling journey of a mother with five children. Through practical tips, homeschool routines, and family adventures, Mama to 5 provides inspiration and encouragement to homeschooling families, fostering a sense of community and solidarity in the homeschooling community.
4. Raising A to Z
On this YouTube channel, you’ll gain a delightful and informative resource that chronicles the journey of a parent raising a child from infancy to adulthood. With engaging videos, you’ll access practical parenting tips, developmental milestones, educational activities, and personal anecdotes, offering support and inspiration.
5. Life with Gina B
This channel is an authentic and relatable resource that showcases the life and experiences of Gina B. With a focus on homeschooling, motherhood, organization, and family adventures, Gina B shares practical tips, personal stories, and creative ideas, offering viewers a glimpse into her life and providing inspiration and support for others.
6. Bethany Fontaine
Here you will find a discussion about authentic motherhood. With a focus on homeschooling, and sharing the raw, real, and amazing moments being a Mom brings. Her channel is a community of Moms (and parents) who are just figuring out life together.
7. LoeppkysLife
This YouTube channel is a vlog-style channel that documents the lives of the Loeppky family. With a focus on homeschooling, sustainable living, family adventures, and community-building, viewers get a glimpse into their daily routines, educational activities, travel experiences, and practical tips for intentional living.
A Canadian Homeschool Coach to walk alongside you in your real homeschool life.
A homeschool life coach provides invaluable support and guidance to homeschool parents, helping them navigate challenges, clarify their goals, and develop personalized strategies for success.
By offering accountability, motivation, and a fresh perspective, a homeschool life coach empowers parents to overcome obstacles, maintain intention in their values and vision, and create a fulfilling homeschooling experience for their family.
1. Teresa Wiedrick (me), a Life Coach & Homeschool Mentor for the homeschool community.
I am a Life Coach and Homeschool Mentor who walks alongside homeschool parents to create fulfilling and purpose-driven lives, while also offering guidance and expertise in homeschooling.
I help homeschool parents create a plan for their big emotions, deschool their homeschools, build boundaries and grow themselves, and cultivate meaningful connections within their homeschooling journey.
This is who I work with…
- I walk alongside the new homeschool mama who doesn’t know if she can do this thing: she’s looking for confidence.
- I walk alongside the new homeschool mama who wants to learn how to put together a routine, know what to purchase for curriculum, which homeschool method to choose, how to homeschool with a toddler, a teen, or more than one kiddo, and how to homeschool with just one kiddo,
- As well as the mom who wants to instill boundaries in her relationships, get clear on who she is outside the expectations of others, and wants to find her place and purpose in the world,
- I’ve worked with the overwhelmed mom who barely knew how to make space to retreat with me, but did and uncovered her reasons for overwhelm and made steps toward an intentional homeschool life,
- And the mom of 2 who wants to get out of her way to enable education for her two brilliant kiddos without as much structure and unrealistic expectation, but still able to give them what they need,
- And the mom who wanted assistance creating a plan & strategies to address her big emotions with her two creative kiddos.
- I’ve worked with homeschool moms with kids on the spectrum, ADHD, or had ADHD themselves, depression, and anxiety issues themselves, while trying to homeschool and not lose their minds.
Also, here are a few common concerns I see other homeschool families ask:
- Can you give me a Beginner’s Guide to Your First Year of Homeschool?
- Should I Homeschool My Child?
- What is the surprising transition from school to homeschool
- What about gaps in my child’s home education?
- Teach Your Own: Can I Homeschool Confidently Without Being a Certified Teacher?
- What do homeschoolers want to deschool from: let’s get specific.
- How to Handle Homeschool Overwhelm?
- What Does Homeschool Cost: What I Wish I Knew Before I Homeschooled
- What are the Three Things you Wish you Knew Before You Homeschooled?
- Tell me about the homeschool philosophies: why you don’t need to care
- How to homeschool with confidence in 5 (not-so-easy) steps
- If you want to learn how to get started homeschooling, you can learn more here.
Finally, if you have any questions as you get started homeschooling, you’re welcome to book an appointment with me…
2. Stephanie Sewell, an Alternative Education Consultant, and Mentor
Stephanie is an experienced Alternative Education Consultant who provides guidance and support to individuals seeking alternative educational paths. With her expertise, she helps clients explore non-traditional educational options, design customized learning plans, and navigate the challenges and opportunities of alternative education.
3. Kelly Briggs, a Simple Home Management Coach
Kelly is a Simple Home Management Coach who specializes in helping individuals and families establish effective systems and routines for managing their homes with ease. With her practical approach and personalized guidance, Kelly empowers her clients to create organized and harmonious living spaces, reduce stress, and find more time for the things they love.
Listen to our conversation about how to simplify your homeschool life.
4. Confident Kids Academy
Shari Jensen is a multi-talented professional, serving as a reading interventionist, consultant, and founder of Creatively Breaking Free. Additionally, she co-founded Confident Kids Academy, where she utilizes her expertise to empower children, instill confidence, and provide effective interventions for reading and learning difficulties.
Shari and I have a conversation about homeschool kids learning to read.
5. Geerlinks Educational Therapy
Geerlinks Educational Therapy is a specialized approach to addressing learning challenges and supporting academic progress. Led by Diane Geerlinks, an experienced educational therapist, the therapy focuses on identifying individual learning needs, developing targeted interventions, and providing personalized support to help individuals overcome barriers, develop essential skills, and achieve academic success.
Diane and I discus how to address learning challenges in our homeschool kiddos.
6. Stacey Piercey
Stacey Piercey is the parent of three unschooled teen/adult men and a serial entrepreneur. For the last 7 years, she has taught children as young as six how to take an interest and turn it into a business. Her program “How to Start Your Own Business” has been experienced by over 700 children around the world in person, in learning cohorts, at private schools, for online schools, and even Outschool.
7. Jen MacKinnon, Working Homeschool Mom Coach
Jen MacKinnon, the Working Homeschool Mom Coach, is a skilled and supportive coach who specializes in guiding and empowering working homeschool moms. Through her coaching services, she helps these moms navigate the unique challenges of balancing work and homeschooling, offering practical strategies, personalized guidance, and encouragement to create a successful and fulfilling lifestyle that integrates both roles seamlessly.
Jen and I have a conversation about the working homeschool mom life here. And how to successfully balance your working homeschool mom life here.
8. Jennifer Miller Gehman
Jennifer Miller Gehman (BA, BEd) is a veteran homeschooling mother of five children – one has completed her post-secondary education, three are currently attending university, and the youngest is still learning in the living room. She is a co-founder of Wildwood Curriculum and a certified facilitator and course supporter at the Neufeld Institute.
9. Jenn Dean
Jenn Dean is a dedicated family coach who provides guidance and support to families seeking to improve their relationships and overcome challenges. With her compassionate approach and expertise, she empowers families to foster stronger connections, effective communication, and harmonious family life.
Jenn Dean and I discuss how to deal with our stuff so we can help our kids deal with theirs here.
Canadian Homeschooling Conferences: A Hub of Inspiration and Education
Several Canadian homeschool conferences offer online options and/or in-person opportunities.
- Canadian Homeschool Conference
- Redefining Education
- Saskatchewan Home-Based Educators
- Manitoba Association of Christian Homeschools
- Wisdom High School and Beyond Conference
- Homeschool Parents Symposium
- Ontario Christina Home Educators Connection
- The Homeschool Journey in Nova Scotia
- Rideau Valley Home Education
- Alberta Home Education Association
- Home Educators of New Brunswick
- TEACH New and Used Curriculum
Homeschool conferences provide valuable opportunities for homeschooling families to gain knowledge, insights, and resources, connect with like-minded individuals, and find support and community.
In conclusion, homeschooling in Canada offers families the opportunity to provide personalized education, but the process can be overwhelming.
I hope this guide has simplified the journey through essential information on regulations, curriculum planning, and valuable resources, empowering you to make informed decisions and begin your homeschool journey!
Can I homeschool in Canada? Oh yes, you can. And a big welcome to homeschooling!
Wellness Guide: Homeschool Help for Moms
Introducing Your Ultimate Wellness Guide, an ideal guidebook for homeschool moms seeking effective strategies to maintain physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips, actionable steps, and easy-to-follow instructions to help you prioritize self-care, manage stress, and enhance your overall homeschool experience. Get your copy now and take the first step towards a healthier and happier homeschool mom life!
People also ask:
- How do I get started homeschooling?
- Do you have specific knowledge about how to get started homeschooling in British Columbia?
- How do I homeschool without losing my mind?
- How do I plan for my upcoming homeschool year?
- Can you guide me to begin my new homeschool?
Teresa Wiedrick
I help overwhelmed homeschool mamas shed what’s not working in their homeschool & life, so they can show up authentically, purposefully, and confidently in their homeschool & life.
