Parental Powers and Responsibilities

Parents and guardians have the right and freedom to home school their children in all Canadian provinces. It is a home schooler's responsibility to prepare a curriculum outline and gather necessary materials for instruction (independently or thorough a packaged home school program curriculum). It is also a home schooler’s responsibility to teach, maintain any necessary ties with a public school, and ensure that their children meet all standards listed under the provincial Education Act.

Relationship with the Public Education System: Accountability

Upon deciding to home school, parents in New Brunswick must inform the Minister of Education of their intent. The Minister must approve a New Brunswick home schooling program. In New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island it may be necessary to submit progress reports for home schooled children to a Regional Inspector or Superintendent. A ministerial representative or a certified teacher may inspect a home school to ensure that provincial regulations are being met. In Nova Scotia home schooled children must pass examinations equivalent to those of the public school system.³⁰

The requirements that must be met by all educators under a provincial Education Act are generally designed to ensure that children develop necessary understanding and abilities in communication, mathematics, problem solving, personal and social studies, critical and creative thinking, technology, and independent learning.