Alberta learning standards Archives

Supervised VS Unsupervised Homeschooling in Alberta

Supervised & Unsupervised Homeschooling in Alberta: What’s the Difference?

In Alberta, homeschooling is regulated and can be categorized into two main types: supervised vs. unsupervised homeschooling. These categories differ significantly in terms of educational monitoring, support, and academic requirements.
Summary of Differences:

Aspect	Supervised Homeschooling	Unsupervised Homeschooling
Registration	Registration with a supervising school authority	Notify your supervising school authority with a Home Education Notification Form
Support	Guidance and support from the school authority	Find support yourself
Educational Plan/Curriculum	Must be approved by the school authority	Created independently by parents
Evaluation	Regular evaluations by the school authority	No formal evaluations
Funding	Funding available	No funding provided
Ressources	Access to resources from the school authority	Resources sourced by parents

Supervised homeschooling involves a formal relationship between homeschooling families and a school authority. Parents must register with this authority, which offers guidance and support throughout the homeschooling process. An important aspect of supervised homeschooling is submitting an educational plan that aligns with the Alberta Program of Studies or presents an alternative approach. The supervising authority must approve this plan. The authority evaluates student progress at least twice a year to ensure the student follows the educational plan and measures overall academic progress. Families in supervised homeschooling may receive funding for educational resources, up to $850 per child per year, depending on the authority’s policies. The school authority might also provide access to curriculum materials and other educational resources.

Unsupervised homeschooling, , or notification-only homeschooling, allows parents to educate their children independently without direct monitoring from a school authority. Parents must notify the Minister of Education of their intent to homeschool. This process is less formal than supervised homeschooling and does not involve a supervising authority. Parents create and implement their child’s educational plan without needing external approval. No formal evaluations are conducted by an authority. Families opting for unsupervised homeschooling handle all sourcing and financing of educational materials themselves, without receiving government funding.

In summary, the key differences between supervised and unsupervised homeschooling in Alberta are the following:
1. External student monitoring

2. academic support

3. legislative requirements.

Supervised homeschooling involves registration with a school authority. It requires submission and approval of an educational plan, regular evaluations, and funding for resources. Unsupervised homeschooling requires only a notification to the Minister of Education. Parents will independently managing their child’s educational plan and progress assessments, no financial support, and no formal evaluations. The choice between supervised homeschooling and unsupervised homeschooling depends on the family’s educational preferences and needs.

Deciding between supervised homeschooling and unsupervised homeschooling? There are some important factors to consider when making your decision.

Deciding between supervised VS unsupervised homeschooling in Alberta for your child involves several important considerations. They’re related to your child’s educational needs, your family’s preferences, and your readiness to manage the homeschooling process. Consider your child’s learning style and needs. A child who benefits from structured guidance might thrive with supervised homeschooling, which provides a formalized plan and regular evaluations. However, if your child is more self-directed, has neurodivergence, or has specific learning needs, the flexibility of unsupervised homeschooling, with its customized curriculum and schedule, might be advantageous.

Time commitment, educational philosophy, and financial aspects are also important in this decision. Supervised homeschooling requires regular interaction with the supervising authority and adherence to a structured plan, which can be time-consuming. Unsupervised homeschooling, on the other hand, allows greater freedom but requires you to independently develop and manage your child’s education. Consider the level of support and resources each option provides: supervised homeschooling offers funding and specific academic materials, while with unsupervised homeschooling you source and finance your own curriculum.

Regardless if you choose supervised or unsupervised homeschooling, Schoolio is here to help. Click here to learn more about Schoolio: The Homeschool Program for Alberta Families.

Is Homeschooling Popular in Alberta?

Surge in Homeschooling Popularity in Alberta: Why More Families Are Choosing Homeschooling

Short answer: Yes! There has been a significant surge in homeschooling popularity in Alberta in recent years.

Long answer: Yes!

In recent years, homeschooling has gained significant popularity amongst families in Alberta. There are many variables that have contributed to this surge in homeschooling popularity in Alberta, as it quickly becomes a highly sought-after educational alternative for forward-thinking families who are invested in bettering their child’s educational experience and reclaiming autonomy over their child’s learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in accelerating interest in homeschooling as families searched for more stable and personalized educational options during periods of school closures. This experience emphasized the appeal of homeschooling’s flexibility and customization, allowing parents to tailor curriculum and learning approaches to accommodate their child’s individual needs, learning styles, and interests more closely than traditional schooling often allows.

Concerns over the quality of education provided in traditional public and private schools have also prompted some Alberta parents to explore homeschooling as a means to ensure their children receive a high-quality education aligned with their values. Advancements in educational resources, online learning platforms such as Schoolio, and support networks have made homeschooling more accessible and achievable for families across the province.

The Alberta government has recognized homeschooling as a valid educational choice and has streamlined processes for families to communicate their homeschooling plans to school boards, further supporting its acceptance and integration into the educational landscape. This further contributes to the surge in homeschooling popularity in Alberta.

Ultimately, the recent surge in homeschooling’s popularity reflects a growing trend toward educational diversity and parental empowerment in Alberta. As more families discover and embrace the benefits of homeschooling, it is becoming increasingly recognized as a valuable and respected educational choice across the province.

Click here to start your Journey Homeschooling in Alberta with Schoolio.

Following Provincial Standards With Your Homeschool

Deciding to homeschool can be such an exciting yet terrifying experience. You may love the idea of educational freedom and making education fun. However, learning standards might scare you, which can make the idea of following provincial standards with your homeschool an overwhelming task.

Canada is considered to be one of the most educated countries in the world. Ranking 2nd out of 16 peer countries. In 2019, 73% of Canadians between the ages of 25 and 34 had obtained postsecondary qualifications, according to Statistics Canada.

Additionally, 15-year-olds in Canada are among the world’s highest educational performers in reading and math. Even though education appears to be solid throughout the country, staff shortages, strikes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and overcrowded classrooms have all played a massive role in parents choosing to homeschool their children across the nation.

Homeschooling is legal across Canada, which is excellent! Because you can offer your child the one-on-one learning they need while still following provincial standards with your homeschool.

What are provincial standards for education?

If you live in Canada, you may be familiar with the term ‘provincial standards for education.’ But you may be unsure of what it means exactly. Canada has a very robust and well-funding public education system. Most aspects of this educational system are managed on a provincial level. Meaning each province manages its educational system.

As a result of each province managing its education system, educational standards and the system itself can vary by province. Furthermore, the federal government still oversees the education system of each province to ensure that education remains consistently high throughout the country.

How can you follow provincial standards?

Each province in Canada follows the same standards for Math and Language Arts. Sometimes a province may have a slight shift in learning standards for Science and Social Studies. Following provincial standards with your homeschool is as simple as finding a Canadian homeschooling curriculum that aligns with provincial standards or looking up those standards for yourself.

Some provinces like Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland have much more strict rules around homeschooling. So, checking in on your local laws around homeschooling before diving into educational standards is best. These provinces have been hyperlinked for your convenience to the homeschooling standards of each province listed.

Math and Language Arts learning standards.

As stated above, Math and Language Arts standards remain consistent throughout Canada. This means regardless of which province you are in, you can follow the same learning standards for their grade. The significant variations by province are in Social Studies and Science.

Ontario learning standards for Science and Social Studies.

The Ontario educational system follows Canadian standards closely. Here is a breakdown by grade.

Grade 1 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 1 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 1 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 2 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 2 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 2 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 3 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 3 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 3 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 4 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 4 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 4 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 5 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 5 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 5 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 6 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 6 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 6 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 7 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 7 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 7 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 8 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 8 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 8 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Nova Scotia learning standards for Science and Social Studies.

The Nova Scotia educational system is similar to Ontario. Here is a breakdown by grade.

Grade 1 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 1 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 1 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 2 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 2 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 2 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 3 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 3 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 3 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Prairies and West Coast Indigenous History
Communities in Canada, 1780-1850
Living and Working in Atlantic Canada (optional)

Grade 4 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 4 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 4 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 5 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 5 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 5 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 6 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 6 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 6 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 7 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 7 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 7 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 8 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 8 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 8 social studies you will need to cover these units:

British Columbia learning standards for Science and Social Studies.

Here is a breakdown of the British Columbia learning standards by grade.

Grade 1 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 1 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 1 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 2 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 2 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 2 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 3 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 3 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 3 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Prairies and West Coast Indigenous History
Communities in Canada, 1780-1850
Living and Working in British Columbia (optional)

Grade 4 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 4 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 4 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 5 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 5 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 5 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 6 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 6 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 6 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 7 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 7 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 7 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 8 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 8 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 8 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Alberta learning standards for Science and Social Studies.

Here is a breakdown of the Alberta learning standards by grade.

Grade 1 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 1 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 1 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 2 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 2 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 2 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 3 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 3 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 3 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 4 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 4 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 4 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 5 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 5 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 5 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 6 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 6 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 6 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 7 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 7 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 7 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 8 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 8 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 8 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Saskatchewan learning standards for Science and Social Studies.

Following provincial standards with your homeschool in Saskatchewan will look like this.

Grade 1 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 1 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 1 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 2 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 2 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 2 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 3 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 3 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 3 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 4 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 4 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 4 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 5 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 5 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 5 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 6 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 6 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 6 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 7 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 7 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 7 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 8 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 8 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 8 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Manitoba learning standards for Science and Social Studies.

Following provincial standards with your homeschool for Science and Social Studies in Manitoba will look like this.

Grade 1 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 1 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 1 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 2 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 2 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 2 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 3 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 3 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 3 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 4 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 4 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 4 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 5 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 5 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 5 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 6 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 6 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 6 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 7 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 7 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 7 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Grade 8 Science and Social Studies:

For grade 8 science you will need to cover these units:

For grade 8 social studies you will need to cover these units:

Following provincial standards with your homeschool is easier than you’d think.

You can find all of the units listed for each provincial standard in the Schoolio shop. You can also add in fun electives and interested based learning projects to keep your homeschool fun.

If you are using the Schoolio Digital Platform and aren’t finding the provincial units listed for your child’s grade, know that the Schoolio Digital Platform follows the Ontario learning standards. While some provinces vary, most remain on track with this platform.

When you select your child’s grade and are looking for additional lessons to match your child’s learning standards, search for that unit in another grade using the list above, then add that grade to your child’s courses to cover those topics.

And remember not to stress too much! You’re doing a great job!

About Homeschooling in Alberta

All About Homeschooling in Alberta

How Many Children are Homeschooled in Alberta?

Can you believe that in the 2023/2024 academic school year over 24,000 students were homeschooling in Alberta? The number of families in Alberta choosing to learn at home, instead of opting for traditional schooling, is on the rise. The percent of Alberta children being homeschooled has jumped to 3%, raising an important question: Why has there been such a significant shift from learning at school to learning at home? Maybe it’s the opportunity for student-specific curriculum or the flexibility in location and schedule? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Homeschooling is gaining traction across the province. Interested in joining the thousands of families homeschooling in Alberta? Click here to learn more about Schoolio.

Is Homeschooling Popular in Alberta?

Yes! There has been a surge in the popularity of homeschooling in Alberta in recent years. In the 2023/2024 academic school year over 24,000 students were homeschooling in Alberta. Click here to learn more about homeschooling’s popularity in Alberta.

Interested in joining the thousands of families homeschooling in Alberta? Click here to learn more about Schoolio: The Homeschool Program for Alberta Families.

Is Alberta a Good Place to Homeschool?

Alberta is an excellent place to homeschool for families who value flexibility in education and want to take an active role in their child’s learning. The province provides an adaptable framework for homeschooling, offering a variety of options that cater to different educational philosophies. Parents can homeschool independent of any school authority, granting them full control over their child’s curriculum and their teaching methods. This level of autonomy allows families to create a highly personalized educational experience, tailored specifically to their child’s academic needs and individual interests. Alternatively, Alberta also supports homeschooling through Supervised Programming, which offers resources and funding for those who seek it.

Homeschooling empowers families to actively engage in their children’s educational journey, fostering strong parent-child relationships and providing a comprehensive education that prepares children for future endeavours. While homeschooling requires commitment and planning, its growing popularity and supportive infrastructure in Alberta make it a favourable choice for many families seeking an alternative approach to education.

Click here to start your journey in homeschooling with Schoolio.

How Easy or Strict is Alberta for Homeschooling?

Homeschooling in Alberta is relatively easy, offering significant flexibility. Parents can choose Unsupervised Homeschooling, giving them full autonomy over curriculum and teaching methods. With this option the only requirement is for parents to notify their local school authority with a Home Education Notification Form. Alternatively, parents can choose Supervised Homeschooling, which provides support and funding for those who seek additional resources. This option has additional requirements, such as a submission of an educational plan and biannual assessments. Click here to learn how to legally start homeschooling.

Curriculum, Programs, and Other Learning Options

What Age Should You Start Homeschooling in Alberta?

Your child’s homeschooling journey can start at any age. Many parents begin homeschooling in Alberta from Kindergarten, while others transition to homeschooling in later years. Schoolio provides the support and resources you need to begin homeschooling in Alberta at any age!

Click here to learn more about Schoolio.

How to Homeschool Without a Curriculum in Alberta?

To homeschool without a curriculum in Alberta, first submit a Home Education Notification Form to your supervising school authority. This form formally notifies your supervising school authority that you are selecting the unsupervised or notification only homeschooling option. Next, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive in! Click here to learn more about homeschooling without a curriculum, otherwise known as unschooling.

What is the Best Homeschooling Method in Alberta?

The best homeschooling method looks different for every family homeschooling in Alberta. The homeschooling method you choose should include academic materials that ignite curiosity and a love for learning in your child. Schoolio provides educational materials that are child-centred, interest-based, and levelled; encouraging the freedom of choice and celebrating neurodivergence.

Click here to learn more about Schoolio.

Are There Free Homeschooling Options in Alberta?

Yes. There are many free options and resources available for families homeschooling in Alberta. Click here to learn more about free homeschooling options.

What is the Best Homeschooling Curriculum in Alberta?

Choosing the best homeschooling curriculum in Alberta for your family involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your educational goals and your child’s learning style. Start by assessing your child’s individual needs including their learning preferences, areas of need, and interests. Next, research different homeschooling curriculums available in Alberta, considering factors such as educational philosophies, format, and the scope of subjects covered. Evaluate the cost, including any additional materials or resources required, and consider your budget for homeschooling materials. Take advantage of free trials or sample lessons to assess how well the curriculum fits with your child’s learning style and your teaching approach. Click here to learn more about Schoolio’s 7-Day FREE trial.

There are numerous homeschooling curriculums to choose from, but there is only one Canadian homeschooling curriculum that offers an all-in-one program specifically designed for Alberta students. Click here to learn more about Schoolio.

What Are the Online Homeschooling Options in Alberta?

There are many online options for families homeschooling in Alberta, including Schoolio, Alberta Distance Learning Centre, and Time4learning to name a few. Can’t decide? Schoolio has made the choice simple, as the only Canadian homeschooling curriculum to offer Alberta-aligned courses and interest-based electives Schoolio is the curriculum for families homeschooling in Alberta. Click here to learn more about Schoolio.

What Are the Homeschooling Subject Requirements in Alberta?

There are no subject requirements for families who select Unsupervised Homeschooling in Alberta. This autonomy in subject selection allows for the exploration of topic areas not typically covered in traditional schools, such as financial literacy and emerging technologies. To explore Schoolio’s courses click here.

There are subject requirements for families who select Supervised Homeschooling in Alberta. Parents must submit a Home Education Program Plan to a supervising school authority. This Home Education Program Plan should include the following subjects: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health and Life Skills, and the Arts. To explore Schoolio’s courses click here.

Can You Switch to Homeschooling in the Middle of the Year in Alberta?

Yes. You can switch to homeschooling at any time during the academic school year. Note that you will not receive funding if the Home Education Program is accepted after September 29th.

Schoolio is here to make the transition from learning at school to learning at home seamless. Click here to learn more about Schoolio.