Homeschooling or Public Education?

Parents often ask about the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling and public education system in Canada.

Today, homeschooling is legal in every province of Canada. The Ontario Education Act, for example, states in Section 21(2)(a) that “A person is excused from attendance at school if […] the person is receiving education elsewhere” [8]. Homeschooling started to become significantly more popular in Canada in the 1970s

Homeschooling and public education are both viable options for families in Canada, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key differences between homeschooling and public education in Canada:

1. Curriculum: In public schools, the curriculum is set by the provincial or territorial government and is designed to meet specific learning objectives. In contrast, homeschooling allows families to design their own curriculum, which can be tailored to the individual needs and interests of their child.
2. Flexibility: Homeschooling offers greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and pacing. Parents can adapt the curriculum to their child’s learning style and can adjust the pace of instruction as needed. Public schools, on the other hand, typically follow a set schedule and pace of instruction.