Cost of home schooling in Ontario

Affordable home schooling in Ontario- Apply Now

Are you having thought of home schooling your kid(s) in Ontario, and you are desperate to know about the budget or yourself searching round internet if it is efficient and affordable.

All your questions would be answered on this short blog post as i run you through the cost of homeschooling, the benefits, challenges and lots more. Let’s find out!

Homeschooling in Ontario, Canada, is legal and regulated by the Ministry of Education. Parents or guardians can educate their children at home instead of sending them to a publicly funded school.

Here we will look at the key points to consider regarding homeschooling in Ontario:

Can You Homeschool Your Child/Ward in Ontario?

Yes, you can homeschool your child or ward in Ontario. Before commencing the homeschool program, you must notify the local school board of your intent to homeschool your kids or wards. 

Homeschooling parents are responsible for providing a curriculum that meets the requirements of the Ontario curriculum for the child’s age and grade level.

However, there is flexibility in how the curriculum is delivered and adapted to the child’s learning style and pace.

Also, homeschooled students may be required to participate in standardized tests or assessments to gauge their academic progress to ensure they are meeting the necessary educational standards.

Additionally, they can participate in extracurricular activities, sports, and other social events offered within their communities to promote peer socialization.

For high school students, parents can choose to have their child take the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) examinations at a registered school, an independent learning center, or through a school board’s Continuing Education department to get certified. 

Furthermore, the Ministry of Education provides resources and support to homeschooling families through various organizations and homeschooling networks.

Costs of Homeschooling:

Homeschooling is actually far less expensive than you may imagine. You do not need to be a millionaire before thinking of erolling your child.

You can get a general idea of the usual homeschool prices by performing a fast Google search for “Costs of Homeschooling.”

According to our findings the cost of homeschooling ranges from $700 to $1,800 per child, per year. The cost covers school supplies, field trips, and any additional activities the child might choose to participate in are typically included in this sum.

*Note:  This price is subject to change. Every homeschooling family is unique, and activities and curricula differ from one another.

Some families choose to pay substantially less than the average amount to homeschool, while others would rather pay more.

Really, it just depends on your family, circumstances, and the wants and needs of both you and your kids.

How Do Homeschooled High School Kids Get A Diploma in Ontario 

Homeschooled high school students in Ontario can obtain a diploma by following a process that involves meeting certain academic requirements.

Here’s how homeschooling high school kids can get a diploma in Ontario:

Firstly, homeschooled students should follow a curriculum that aligns with the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum (OSSC). This includes subjects like English, Math, Science, History, and others required for graduation.

Additionally, they must complete the required credits for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The students need to earn a total of 30 credits, which consist of 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits.

The compulsory credits typically include English, Math, Science, Canadian Geography, Canadian History, and Career Studies.

Also, homeschooled students and their parents must maintain accurate and detailed records of all completed coursework, assignments, projects, and assessments.

When applying for a diploma, homeschooled students must provide a portfolio or transcripts outlining the courses taken, the grades received, and any extracurricular activities or achievements.

Some school boards may require homeschooled students to take standardized tests or assessments to meet provincial education standards.

As such, you can contact the local school board’s Continuing Education department to inquire about the requirements and processes for obtaining a diploma.

Must Homeschoolers in Ontario Follow the Government Credit Requirements?

Homeschoolers in Ontario are not required to follow the exact government credit requirements outlined for publicly funded schools.

However, they do need to ensure that their homeschooling program meets the educational standards set by the Ontario Ministry of Education.

While homeschooled students are not mandated to follow the specific number of credits required for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), many families align their curriculum with the government credit system to provide their children with a recognized diploma.

The Ontario Ministry of Education provides flexibility for homeschooling families to tailor their educational approach, allowing them to adapt the curriculum to their children’s individual interests, needs, and learning styles.

Homeschoolers can focus on areas of strength, provide additional support for areas that need improvement, and explore subjects not typically covered in the standard school curriculum.

Even though there is flexibility, many homeschooling families find it beneficial to keep track of their child’s progress and accomplishments, as this documentation may be required for various purposes, such as applying to colleges or universities.

Benefits of Homeschooling

Here are proven benefit of Homeschooling:

• Personalized learning:

Personalized learning is one of the main benefits a child will enjoy in homeschooling since it allows you to modify the curriculum to fit the learning preferences, pace, and interests of each individual student.

A deeper comprehension of the subjects and a joy of learning are frequently the outcomes of this individualized approach.

• Flexibility:

Families can make flexible schedules for homeschooling that can accommodate a variety of activities, field trips, or travel opportunities.

This adaptability can improve a child’s overall educational experience and expand their horizons beyond the confines of the classroom.

• Stronger Family relationships:

Homeschooling encourages a close-knit family atmosphere, strengthening the relationships between parents and children.

The family unit’s communication and understanding may improve because to the shared learning experiences.

• Safe Learning Environment:

By choosing to homeschool their children, parents may give them a secure and nurturing environment devoid of any potentially harmful influences that might be present in some traditional school environments.

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• Supporting Autonomy and Critical Thinking:

As they actively take part in creating their own education and decision-making process, homeschooled students frequently develop a strong feeling of autonomy and critical thinking abilities.

Challenges of Homeschooling

Despite its advantages, homeschooling has drawbacks as well:

• Time Commitment:

Most importantly, Parents who choose to homeschool their children must make a major time commitment to developing and implementing a curriculum and being actively involved in their child’s education.

• Socialization:

Homeschoolers may not have as many opportunities for social engagement as their counterparts in traditional schools, according to critics of the method.

To address this issue, many homeschooling communities arrange social events, outings, and co-op possibilities.

• Availability of Resources:

Some families may find it difficult to invest the necessary funds in extracurricular activities, educational resources, and learning materials when homeschooling.

How do I find a homeschool group?

Having trouble locating other homeschoolers? Not to worry! They are all around us! Recently, especially in the wake of the epidemic, homeschooling has grown so widely.

There are so many top-notch groups for homeschoolers. Depending on where you live, there is probably one nearby. Still unclear of their location?

Visit other homeschooling Facebook groups; the kind people there will point you in the direction of your folks.

Examples Of The Best Homeschool High School Programs in Ontario

Ontario has no single “best” homeschool high school program that fits all students’ needs. The effectiveness of a homeschool program can vary depending on the individual student’s learning style, interests, and goals.

However, families can consider several well-regarded homeschooling programs and resources in Ontario. Here are some examples:

1. Independent Learning Centre (ILC): The ILC is operated by the Ontario Ministry of Education and offers accredited online courses for high school students. Homeschooled students can take advantage of their comprehensive course offerings and receive official credits.
2. Virtual High School (VHS): VHS is an online private school that offers a wide range of high school courses, including advanced placement (AP) courses. While it’s a private school, students across Ontario can enroll in their courses for a fee.
3. Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents (OFTP): The OFTP supports homeschooling families in Ontario. They provide resources, curriculum advice, and information on legal requirements.
4. Canadian Online Homeschool Conference: This is an annual online conference for homeschooling parents that features speakers, workshops, and resources related to homeschooling in Canada, including Ontario.
5. Online Homeschooling Curriculum Providers: Various online curriculum providers offer comprehensive homeschooling programs, including Time4Learning, Khan Academy, and Oak Meadow. These programs offer flexibility and a wide range of subjects for high school students.
6. Dual Enrollment with Local Colleges: Homeschooled high school students can utilize dual enrollment opportunities, allowing them to enroll in college-level courses while still in high school, gaining both high school and college credits simultaneously.

When choosing a homeschooling program, parents and students need to consider the student’s learning style, academic goals, and interests.

Additionally, checking for accreditation, reviews, and success stories from other homeschooling families can help make an informed decision.