The process to homeschool in Ontario is very easy. Everything boils down to “Is your children enrolled in a schoolboard?” If they are then you must send the school board a Letter of Intent to homeschool. If they are not, then it’s your choice. It’s that easy! 
I’ve included links to the Ontario Education Act and the Ontario homeschooling policy below.
You can read about the Ontario Education Act here.
You can also read about Ontario’s homeschooling policy here. It explains procedures for parents, school boards and resources you can access as a homeschooling parent.
Ultimately it boils down into two options.
Homeschooling in Ontario Option #1:
If your child has already be enrolled in a school board.
As a parent or guardian, you can choose to withdraw your children from your local school system to homeschool them at any time of the year.
There is one requirement.
You must send the school board notification in writing that you intend to homeschool.
The Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents has a great page with downloadable versions of the Letter of Intent.
The OFTP also suggests, “It is both common sense and common courtesy to also provide written notification to the principal of the school the child has been attending, for example by sending a copy of the letter of intent that was sent to the school board. In this way, the child will not be considered truant but will be understood to be excused from attendance under section 21(2)(a) of the Education Act.”
You should receive a letter back from the school board stating they received your letter. Keep it filed safely. You will need this letter if you wish to access services such as:
- correspondence courses offered by the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) run by TVO
- to gain access to CCAC services
- for the child to be eligible to be included in the benefit unit when the parent is on ODSP or Ontario Works assistance
If they don’t send a letter back and you need one to access these services you can request one. Just ask, they are usually great to respond.
Homeschooling in Ontario Option #2:
If your child has NEVER been enrolled in a school board.
Then it is your decision if you wish to file a Letter of Intent of not. Please refer to PPM #131. However, in the future, if you or your child needs specfic services in the community. For example: ILC, CCAC, ODSP or Ontario Works. Registering your child will be required at that point. You can send in your Letter of Intent at that time.
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