Saskatchewan Archives

How Do I Legally Start Homeschooling in Saskatchewan?

To legally start homeschooling in Saskatchewan, you’ll need to follow a few essential steps to meet local regulations. Understanding and completing these requirements will set you on the right path to providing a structured and enriching educational experience for your child.

Legal Requirement #1: Notify your local school division with a Notice of Intent to Homeschool. This letter formally notifies your local school division of your decision to homeschool and states that you are taking responsibility for your child’s education. Click here for a Notice of Intent to Homeschool template.

Legal Requirement #2: Submit an Education Plan to your local school division. This plan can include a description of: learning outcomes, areas of study, assessment strategies, educational activities, learning resources, and instruction methods. Click here for an Education Plan template.

That’s it. Now it’s time for the fun part: create an engaging, personalized educational program that ignites your child’s love of learning! Click here to learn more about Schoolio: The Homeschool Program for Saskatchewan Families.

What Forms Are Needed for Homeschooling in Saskatchewan?

You need two forms for homeschooling in Saskatchewan: A Notice of Intent to Homeschool and An Education Plan. Click here for a Notice of Intent to Homeschool template. Click here for an Education Plan template.

Do I Need to Complete Progress Reports for Homeschooling in Saskatchewan?

Yes, you need to complete an Annual Progress Report for homeschooling in Saskatchewan . Be sure to submit it before the local school division’s deadline. Click here for an Annual Progress Report template.

Are Any Provincial Tests Required For My Homeschooler in Saskatchewan?

No. Provincial tests are not required for students homeschooling in Saskatchewan.

Is Unschooling Legal in Saskatchewan?

Yes. Unschooling is legal in Saskatchewan. Click here to learn more about unschooling in Saskatchewan.

What is a Notice of Intent to Homeschool in Saskatchewan?

A Notice of Intent to Homeschool is a letter that formally notifies your local school division of your decision to homeschool and states that you are taking responsibility for your child’s education.

Click here for a Notice of Intent to Homeschool template for homeschooling in Saskatchewan.

What Qualifications are Needed for Homeschooling in Saskatchewan?

There are no qualifications needed for homeschooling in Saskatchewan. With the right support and resources, you don’t need any formal qualifications to be the teacher your child needs and deserves! Click here to learn more about Schoolio: The Homeschool Program for Saskatchewan Families.

How Would My Child Re-enter Public School if I Change My Mind?

It’s okay to change your mind! For your child to re-enter public school you will need to contact your local school division to organize which school your child will be attending and when they will re-enter the public system. Your child may be assessed to determine their grade level.

Funding and Costs

Is There Funding/Grants/Stipends for Homeschooling in Saskatchewan?

Great news for families homeschooling in Saskatchewan: funding is available! Families homeschooling in Saskatchewan can receive between $300 and $1000 per year per child. To be eligible for this funding, you must notify and be approved by your local school division. This funding can help cover costs associated with educational materials and resources.

Selecting a low-cost educational resource, such as Schoolio, enables families homeschooling in Saskatchewan to provide a rich educational experience without straining their budget. Moreover, Schoolio stands out as an excellent option for parents who want a high-impact program at a lower cost. Click here to learn more about Schoolio.

How Much Does It Cost to Homeschool in Saskatchewan?

Homeschooling is priceless, but at what cost? The cost of homeschooling in Saskatchewan ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars per year based on numerous factors, including subscriptions to online programs, supplies, books, extra-curricular fees, field trips, etc. Some of these costs can be financed by the funding provided to homeschooling families by their local school division.

By choosing a low-cost educational resource like Schoolio, families homeschooling in Saskatchewan can provide a rich educational experience. This allows them to stay within budget without sacrificing quality. Schoolio is a great option for parents looking for a high impact program at a low cost.

Click here to learn more about Schoolio: The Homeschool Program for Saskatchewan Families.

Is There a Tax Credit for Homeschooling in Saskatchewan?

No. There is no tax credit for homeschooling in Saskatchewan.

Where to Find Community, Support, and Encouragement

What Are the Homeschooling Associations in Saskatchewan?

In Saskatchewan, the primary homeschooling association is the Saskatchewan Home Based Educators (SHBE), which offers support, resources, and advocacy for homeschooling families. Click here to visit their website.

Are There Homeschooling Conferences in Saskatchewan?

Yes, there are numerous homeschooling conferences in Saskatchewan, primarily organized by the Saskatchewan Home Based Educators (SHBE). These conferences provide valuable insights on educational resources, teaching strategies, and legal requirements. Click here to learn more.

What Are the Homeschooling Support Groups in Saskatchewan?

In Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Home Based Educators (SHBE), serves as the primary organization offering support, resources, and advocacy for homeschooling families. Click here to learn more.

What Are the Homeschool Boards and Programs in Saskatchewan?

In Saskatchewan, homeschooling families remain under their local school division. This is the same public school board where you submitted your Notice of Intent to Homeschool. Click here for a list of school divisions in Saskatchewan.

Are There Free Homeschooling Options in Saskatchewan?

Are There Free Homeschooling Options in Saskatchewan?

Yes. There are many free homeschooling resources available in Saskatchewan, including online courses, public library programs, and community group activities.

In Saskatchewan, homeschooling families have access to a variety of free educational options and resources that support their children’s learning outside of traditional school settings. Public libraries throughout the province offer extensive collections of educational materials, including books, e-books, audiobooks, and online databases, all accessible at no cost. These resources cater to diverse subjects and interests, providing essential support for homeschooling curricula. Educational websites and apps, such as PBS LearningMedia, National Geographic Kids, and BBC Bitesize, offer free educational videos, games, and activities that enrich homeschooling experiences across different academic disciplines. Local community centres, museums, and cultural institutions also contribute by offering free or discounted educational programs and workshops, allowing homeschooling families to engage in hands-on learning experiences outside the home. The government of Saskatchewan also provides many free academic resources and materials for homeschooling families.

Additionally, there are online educational platforms that offer free trials, click here to learn more about Schoolio’s free 7-day trial! Schoolio provides families with a low cost educational platform for all your homeschooling needs.

These free or low cost resources empower families in Saskatchewan to provide quality education to their children effectively and economically, ensuring an enriching homeschooling experience.

Is Unschooling Legal in Saskatchewan?

Yes, unschooling is legal in Saskatchewan. Parents who opt for unschooling must notify their local school division. Notify the local school division with a Notice of Intent to Homeschool. Unschooling is a recognized and lawful approach to homeschooling in Saskatchewan, offering families the freedom to personalize their children’s educational experiences as they see fit.

Now that you can rest assured that you aren’t breaking any laws, let me tell you what unschooling is all about!

Unschooling allows children to learn through self-directed exploration of their interests and natural curiosity, rather than following a structured curriculum typical of traditional schooling. Unschooling presents numerous benefits for children and families who choose this approach. At its core, unschooling advocates for child-led learning, allowing children to pursue their interests and passions autonomously. This approach nurtures intrinsic motivation and cultivates a genuine love for learning as children engage deeply with subjects that captivate them. The flexibility inherent in unschooling enables learning to occur organically, adapting to individual learning styles and accommodating diverse schedules and environments. By tailoring education to each child’s unique strengths and interests, unschooling promotes a highly personalized educational experience that can be more effective than traditional schooling methods. Schoolio recognizes that the best learning happens when students are deeply engaged and motivated by topics that align with their unique interests, which is why we’ve designed interest-based electives to ignite your child’s passion for learning!

Click here to check out Schoolio’s interest-based electives.

Is Homeschooling Popular in Saskatchewan?

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

Long answer: Yes!

In recent years, homeschooling has gained significant popularity amongst families in Saskatchewan. There are many variables that have contributed to this shift, as homeschooling is quickly becoming 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 personalised educational options during periods of school closures. This experience emphasised 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 Saskatchewan 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 Saskatchewan 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.

Ultimately, the recent surge in homeschooling’s popularity reflects a growing trend towards educational diversity and parental empowerment in Saskatchewan. 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 Saskatchewan with Schoolio.

Back to Homeschool

There’s an office-supply company locally that uses a parody of the Christmas song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to advertise their back-to-school sales every year. And getting ready for starting your homeschool year can be the most wonderful time of the year! To make sure it’s a great year for you and your kids, here are a few things you can do to start off right.

1. Before you start your homeschool:

Plan ahead

Before you start your homeschool year, take a moment to grab a calendar. Things will go a lot smoother this year if you do a little bit of planning, especially if you’re a family that thrives with predictability. So, on your calendar, plan out your school year dates. What day will be the “official first day” of your homeschool year? When is the “last day of school”? And when is your fall vacation break, Christmas break, spring break and any other days off? Mark them all off on your calendar.

Create space

Next, gather up all the resources — books, curriculum, paper, pencils, etc — and put them where you can find them. You don’t necessarily need a dedicated homeschool room, but a dresser, shelf or cupboard where all the supplies and resources live, will help immensely. Give your homeschool a home base, so that you can find stuff when you need it.

Get supplies

Finally, it’s time to go shopping. Just because we homeschool doesn’t mean that we can’t take advantage of all those back-to-school sales! There’s just something about freshly sharpened pencils, brand-new glue sticks and crisp, blank notebooks that excites my kids about getting started. So, take the kids and go back-to-school shopping.

2. Get ready:

Clean out

Now that you have a plan and supplies, it’s time to get ready for school. Start with cleaning out the shelves from last year, if you haven’t already. Get rid of the old worn-out pencil sharpeners, the crinkled and torn papers, and the tiny bits-and-pieces of eraser lying around. Straighten up the books, sweep out the pencil shavings, and tidy up the paints and math manipulatives. Then you can put all those fresh new supplies away, ready for that first day.

Plan ahead

Next, do yourself a favour and plan out your first month of meals, at least. Starting a new school year can be busy, because it’s not just our studies that begin again, but all the extra activities do too! So, if you’ve got kids who will be doing swimming lessons, soccer, and Spanish classes this fall, you’ll probably be busy driving on top of everything else. Who has time to figure out what’s for dinner? Plan ahead.

Stock up

And stock up on snacks for the new school year, as well. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ve been used to raiding the fridge anytime they like over the summer, while fresh fruit and veggies are in ample supply. Keep up the good habits by stocking up on healthy snacks now, so that they (and you) aren’t tempted by more convenience foods later.

Make a note

Speaking of all those extracurricular activities, pull out your calendar again, and note down when those start dates are. Do you need to get new shoes for soccer? Are fees due for Scouting or piano lessons? Make a note to yourself of the extra costs and supplies you need to get. And you’ll also want to check for potential field trips or special events you want to attend with your homeschool community.

Adjust your routines.

And finally, it’s time to start adjusting your routines to accommodate a less casual day. If you’ve slipped into later bedtimes, less frequent baths (because they’ve been out at the splash pad or pool anyway!) and meals have been more “grazing” and less “sit-down”, you may want to start those habits again with your family. If you have a “school year” routine and a “summer” routine, take the time to adjust yourself and the kids from one to the other.

3. “Not Back to School”

In many homeschool support groups and communities, homeschooling families will celebrate with a “Not Back to School” party, potluck or picnic. These are awesome ways to connect with your community and celebrate homeschooling! And because we aren’t sending our kids to school, we have the flexibility to enjoy the last days of summer at parks, playgrounds, splash pads and trails without the same crowds.

Check with your local support group for dates and locations!

4. It’s the First Day of homeschool!

Homeschooling doesn’t mean you can’t do those cute “first day” traditions that public school parents do. Make your first day just as memorable and fun! Maybe you spend the day in pajamas? Or maybe there’s a special “first day” breakfast you make? Grab a fun sign and take pictures with the kids! Create your own special traditions to mark that first day.

5. Keep going.

Maybe your first day isn’t as fun as you hoped. Or maybe those first few weeks are a little rough. Homeschooling is all about the flexibility. So, keep going with your homeschooling, even if your first few days and weeks don’t go according to plan.

Don’t rush

There’s no need to rush on getting things done. So, it’s ok to take your time, and let the kids adjust to a new routine. Whether it’s your first year, third year or 18th year of homeschooling, not everything goes well the first time you do something. That’s normal. Take a deep breath, remind yourself why you chose to homeschool, and keep going.

Stay consistent

Follow the kids’ lead here. Sometimes it’s not going well because something isn’t working. But sometimes, it’s just a transition issue! It helps if you can stick to a routine as much as possible, and keep the house rules and expectations as clear as you can. When things change, sometimes kids start testing our patience again, just to see where the boundaries are. Stay consistent, and keep going.

Play with them

Take time out for play too! Public schooled kids get recess, and our kids can have much more. Homeschooling doesn’t have to be an all-day thing. So, go outside, break out the board games, or grab the craft supplies and have fun with your kids too. If the day has been hard, maybe a snuggle and a movie will lighten the mood.

Throw it out and start again

If your first days have a few bumps along the way, that’s ok. It should smooth out soon. But what if it doesn’t?

Well… homeschooling is about flexibility! Don’t be afraid to throw it all out, regroup and try again. Reach out to your support group, or favourite blogger, and get encouraged. Keep going!

Guest Blog - Sarah Wall

Sarah Wall is a pro at teaching her older kids and homeschooling teens. She also helps homeschool mamas do the same. After leaving an abusive marriage with 5 young children, launching a successful business, and creating a support community with several hundred members, Sarah believes there’s always a way to achieve your goals. It’s just about finding the right support. So, if you’re contemplating homeschooling teens, or middle schoolers, she believes that you can accomplish it.

Click here to learn more about Sarah Wall

Curious about how to start homeschooling in Canada?

Click here to read ‘How do I start Homeschooling in Canada?’