Quick Summary: How to Home School In Ontario

• In Ontario, families can choose home schooling at any age without needing school board permission.
• Parents design their child’s learning, but accredited online schools like OES help with official OSSD credits.
• The province does not require homeschooling families to submit reports or testing, though many parents choose to keep records for flexibility and smoother transitions back to school.
• Homeschooling costs vary — free resources exist, but accredited courses add per-course tuition.
• OES supports students with certified teachers, 24/7 tutoring, and recognized credits for university, college, or career paths.

For families in Ontario, education doesn’t have to follow the same path for everyone. More and more students and parents are exploring home schooling in Ontario, looking for ways to create flexible, personalized learning that better fits their lives. Some want to move faster toward graduation. Others need a calmer environment to focus. And many adults and international students are returning to education to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and open new doors.

If you’re considering this option, the process may feel complex at first. But Ontario’s laws and support systems actually make it easier than in many other provinces. In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to take, what’s legally required, and how to make the most of your homeschooling journey. By the end, you’ll also see how accredited online schools like Ontario eSecondary School (OES) can help families combine homeschooling flexibility with the recognition of official credits. If you’re ready to explore how OES can support you, keep reading — the resources here will give you clarity and direction.

What Is Home Schooling in Ontario?

At its core, homeschooling means parents or guardians take responsibility for their child’s education outside the traditional school system. In Ontario, families can choose this path without needing approval from their school board. Parents design the learning plan, choose resources, and guide day-to-day education. It’s a model that prioritizes independence, creativity, and customization.

At What Age Can You Start Home Schooling in Ontario?

Parents often ask: can you home school in Ontario from any age? The answer is yes.

Children must be in school from ages 6 to 18, but families can choose homeschooling at any point. For younger children, parents may decide not to register them for kindergarten. For older students, the transition can happen mid-year or even in high school. Adult learners can also return to complete missing credits. This flexibility makes home schooling in Ontario Canada one of the most adaptable education models.

How It Differs From Online Schooling

It’s important to separate homeschooling from online high school programs. Homeschooling in Ontario is parent-directed, while Ministry-inspected online schools like OES provide accredited, teacher-led courses that count toward the OSSD.

This difference becomes especially important when planning for university or college. Post-secondary institutions typically expect to see an official transcript showing grades and performance, particularly in Grade 12. Families who homeschool exclusively may find that their child later needs to enroll in accredited courses to earn the OSSD and meet admission requirements. In fact, many students who homeschooled through earlier grades have come to OES in Grade 12 — and sometimes for equivalent Grade 9–11 credits — to ensure they are fully prepared for graduation and post-secondary applications.

Some families choose a hybrid path: they homeschool certain subjects while enrolling their child in online courses for official credits. This approach combines the independence of homeschooling with the assurance of recognized credentials that keep future pathways to college, university, and careers wide open.

Ontario Home Schooling Laws and Requirements

The Education Act and PPM131 Explained

Ontario’s Education Act allows parents to provide “satisfactory instruction at home.” This is reinforced by PPM131 (Policy/Program Memorandum 131), which guides school boards in their approach. While boards may request a Letter of Intent from parents, they cannot require detailed curriculum plans or proof of teaching.

Do You Need Permission to Home School in Ontario?

No — families do not need permission to homeschool. Parents simply inform the school board if they withdraw a child from public school. Once that’s done, they are free to homeschool using any method they choose. To protect your decision and avoid misunderstandings, it’s best to send a Letter of Intent. Templates are available from organizations like the Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents (OFTP).

How to Start Home Schooling in Ontario Step by Step

Step 1 – Consider the Pros and Cons of Home Schooling

Start by evaluating the lifestyle and academic impact. Pros include flexibility, one-on-one attention, and personalized pacing. Cons may include the parental teaching responsibility, fewer structured social opportunities, and the challenge of re-entering the school system later.

Step 2 – Make the Decision and Commit

Homeschooling requires consistency. Families that treat it as a long-term choice see better results. Setting clear goals — whether finishing high school, preparing for post-secondary, or simply creating a calmer learning environment — will guide your journey.

Step 3 – Withdraw Your Child From School (if enrolled)

If your child is already in a public or private school, you’ll need to send a formal notice of withdrawal. This is typically a short letter to your school board. Some families use the official Notice of Intent to Homeschool form, but it isn’t legally required. A simple letter with your child’s name, a statement that you are withdrawing them to homeschool, and the effective date is enough to meet legal requirements.

Step 4 – Write and Submit a Letter of Intent (Optional but Recommended)

While not mandatory, this letter is strongly encouraged. It officially informs the school board of your decision. The letter should include basic details: child’s name, date of birth, and parent contact information. No curriculum plan is needed. Families often keep the board’s acknowledgment letter as proof for future needs.

Step 5 – Deschooling and Transitioning at Home

Deschooling is the adjustment period after leaving traditional school. It’s about resetting expectations, allowing time to decompress, and gradually shaping a new learning routine. This phase is especially important for children leaving structured classrooms, as it helps them adapt to the independence of home-based education.

Can You Start Home Schooling in the Middle of the Year?

Yes — families can start at any time. If circumstances change or a child isn’t thriving in their current school, homeschooling can begin immediately. OES supports this flexibility by offering rolling enrollment, so students can register for courses year-round without waiting for a semester start date.

Do Parents Need to Submit Reports or Testing in Ontario?

Reporting Requirements

Ontario is considered a “no-report” province. Parents are not required to submit progress reports or detailed records to their school board. However, many families choose to keep records for their own tracking or in case they return to traditional school.

Testing and EQAO Participation

Homeschoolers are not required to participate in EQAO standardized testing or the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. That said, students can request to participate through their local board if they wish. Maintaining some documentation of learning is often useful when transitioning into high school or applying to post-secondary.

Home Schooling in Ontario Curriculum Options

Following the Ontario Curriculum

Families can access the Ministry’s Ontario Curriculum online for free. Some homeschoolers follow it closely to ensure alignment with peers and prepare for re-entry into public school.

Independent Resources and Alternative Approaches

Others prefer eclectic or alternative approaches, such as Montessori, unschooling (a child-led approach focused on curiosity and real-life learning rather than formal lessons), or project-based learning. This flexibility is part of the appeal of homeschooling.

For families who want both freedom and structure, online homeschooling in Ontario through accredited schools like OES bridges the gap. Students gain teacher-led instruction, official credits, and the reassurance that their work counts toward graduation. Explore OES’s full catalog of courses to see what options fit your family’s needs.

Do Homeschoolers Get a Diploma in Ontario?

Parent-Issued Diplomas vs OSSD

Parents can issue a certificate of completion for homeschooled students, but it does not carry the same recognition as the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). For admission to Ontario colleges and universities, the OSSD is the standard pathway. While some institutions in Canada and abroad may consider homeschool portfolios or entrance exams, earning the OSSD — whether through day school or accredited online schools like OES — ensures students have the widest access to post-secondary opportunities.

How OES Helps Students Earn the OSSD

OES is a Ministry-inspected, accredited school. That means credits earned here count toward the OSSD just like in traditional schools. Homeschoolers can maintain their independence while still securing the diploma needed for university, college, or career advancement.

How Much Does It Cost to Homeschool in Ontario?

Curriculum and Resource Costs

Costs vary depending on the approach. Some families spend very little, relying on free online resources, the Ministry’s published Ontario Curriculum, and local libraries. Others choose to invest in curriculum kits, textbooks, online platforms, or enrichment programs such as sports and arts. The total can range widely depending on how structured or resource-heavy a family’s approach is.

Accredited Online Courses

Enrolling in accredited courses comes with per-course tuition fees, since each course is taught and assessed by an Ontario Certified Teacher. These investments pay off with recognized credits that count toward the OSSD, along with professional guidance that homeschooling alone does not provide. Schools like OES also offer additional services, including 24/7 tutoring and application planning services, to help students reach their academic goals.

Benefits and Challenges of Home Schooling in Ontario (and How OES Supports Students)

Benefits: Flexibility, Personalization, and Family Involvement

Homeschooling allows families to build education around their child’s needs. Students can accelerate, slow down, or explore unique subjects. Family involvement fosters stronger connections and individualized attention.

Challenges: Recognition, Parental Teaching Responsibility, Transition Back to School

The biggest challenges include lack of formal recognition without OSSD, the heavy teaching responsibility parents take on, and the hurdles students face when re-entering public school.

How OES Helps Solve These Challenges

OES addresses these concerns directly. With certified teachers grading and supporting students, the parental teaching burden is reduced. OES credits are recognized across Ontario and beyond, and progress reports and official transcripts simplify transitions to universities or day schools.

Home Schooling in Ontario for High School Students

Fast-Tracking Credits

High school students often homeschool to move ahead of schedule. With OES, students can complete a course in as little as four weeks, making it possible to fast-track the OSSD and stay competitive for university or college deadlines through OUAC/OCAS.

Upgrading and Retaking Courses

Competitive post-secondary programs demand strong grades. OES enables students to upgrade or retake courses flexibly, helping them secure admission requirements.

Home Schooling in Ontario for Adult Learners

Completing High School Later in Life

Adult learners return to homeschooling for many reasons: finishing an interrupted education, advancing careers, or meeting personal goals.

Meeting College and Career Prerequisites

OES provides year-round enrollment and self-paced completion, allowing adults to earn the OSSD while balancing work and family. 

Home Schooling in Ontario for International Students

Earning the OSSD From Abroad

International students can complete Ontario credits entirely online. This option allows them to earn an OSSD without moving to Canada until post-secondary.

Preparing for Canadian University or College

An OSSD is recognized by Canadian post-secondary institutions. With OES’s guidance and academic planning support, international students are well-positioned for admissions success.

Resources and Support for Home Schooling Families

Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents (OFTP)

The OFTP provides resources, sample letters of intent, and guidance on homeschooling laws.

HSLDA Canada and Other Associations

The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) offers legal protection and support for homeschooling families, especially those seeking additional advocacy.

How OES Provides 24/7 Academic Support

Unlike traditional homeschooling, OES offers certified teachers, official credits, and 24/7 tutoring. This unique support system ensures that students never feel alone in their journey.

FAQs About Home Schooling in Ontario

Can You Home School and Still Get Into University?

Yes. With OSSD credits from an accredited online school like OES, homeschooled students can meet all admission requirements.

How to Start Homeschooling in Ontario Online?

Families can combine traditional homeschooling with accredited courses. Enrolling in OES is one of the simplest ways to do this, as registration is fast and courses begin anytime.

Can My Child Go Back to Public School After Being Homeschooled?

Yes. Placement is usually by age or grade level. Having transcripts or official records from OES makes the process smoother.

Do Homeschooled Students in Ontario Need to Follow the Ontario Curriculum?

No, but many families use it as a guideline. It helps if a student returns to the public system or plans for post-secondary.

Is Online Homeschooling Recognized the Same as In-School Learning?

Yes — if it’s through a Ministry-inspected school like OES. Credits earned online are equal in value to those from brick-and-mortar schools.

Start Your Home Schooling Journey in Ontario With OES

Book a Free 15-Minute Academic Guidance Meeting

Ready to take the next step? Book a 15-minute Academic Guidance Meeting. We invite you to ask any questions and receive personalized advice from OES’s guidance team.

Register for Flexible Ontario Online High School Courses Today

Homeschooling online doesn’t have to mean going it alone. With Ontario eSecondary School, you can combine flexibility with the credibility of accredited credits. Explore our courses or contact us directly to get started. Your pathway to success begins here!

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ or browse the OES blog for more helpful resources and guidance.