Are you are questioning the idea of your children returning to public school this fall?
Perhaps there is another option to suit your family. Included in this post you can find links providing information about the various types of education available in Alberta. It is my hope that these sources will answer the questions many have been seeking, or point you in the direction of those who may help.
I recommend connecting with PARENTS FOR CHOICE IN EDUCATION, a not-for-profit parent choice advocacy organization. On their website you will find key information while navigating the educational environment in Alberta as a parent. PCE is a great place to find a break down of EDUCATION OPTIONS ALBERTA K-12 help in understanding them as you begin exploring options, as well as information about curriculum, rights, policies, and funding.
A popular topic among parents has been the idea of starting learning pods, co-ops, or independent schools. TRAILBLAZER ACADEMY EDUCATION CO-OP is a great example of these ideas coming to fruition in our province. If you are interested in registering your child, or would like to learn more I suggest reaching out through their website. Also, you could attend their Family Campout Aug 18-20th. The campout is a fundraiser for the school and an opportunity to meet other like minded families.
If you are motivated to START AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL, this website outlines the steps and requirements. With September fast approaching, it important to come together and put ideas in motion as soon as possible.
HOME SCHOOLING can manifest in various ways.
Some choose to use an established home school authority or supervising school authority (local public or catholic school). This route will require a SCHOOL SUPERVISED HOME EDUCATION FORM to be submitted. When registering your child for this option, the form may be provided by the school, otherwise print the form in the link.
SCHOOL OF HOPE is one example of many established home school authorities in Alberta. SOH is christian based, but not all are. My own child was registered registered with SOH, and we found it to be a good choice for our family. When home schooling your children, with or without an established school there are additional choices to make. I chose PARENT DIRECTED HOME EDUCATION, where I created the learning plan and course work for my child. There was an outline of requirements for core subjects, which I was to incorporate into our ‘curriculum’. There is a beginning and end of year meeting with someone from the school, and a support teacher if you need help.
Alternately, there is TEACHER DIRECTED HOME EDUCATION. This is very much like the ‘distance learning’ or the system children became accustomed to during the covid school closures. The curriculum, learning materials and lessons are provided by the established home school of your choice. Your child will be required to log in to online classes with a teacher and submit assignments. The link above takes you to elementary level, however middle school and high school can be found in programs.
If your family would like to home school completely self directed (without an established school authority), then you will need to submit a NOT SCHOOL SUPERVISED HOME EDUCATION FORM to the Alberta Minister of Education. The Alberta government website, https://www.alberta.ca/home-education.aspx provides further information about submitting the form, as well as links to home schooling handbooks and other resources.
Luckily, home schooling isn’t new around Alberta and there is an abundance of information available. I suggest checking these websites:
CANADIAN HOME SCHOOLER, “How To Homeschool In Alberta”.
THE HOME EDUCATON REGULATION “sets out requirements for the planning and delivery of home education programs”.
HOME SCHOOL FUNDING is available in Alberta, the amount changes depending on which type of home school you choose.
HOME SCHOOLING RESOURCES provides educational resources, worksheets, games and lessons to incorporate into your learning plan.
Many families who educate at home will join home school groups and programs, such as:
LETHBRIDGE HOMESCHOOLERS on facebook
LETHBRIDGE YMCA also offers home schoolers “a variety of sport activities including badminton, basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, and more!”
CASA provides workshops, crafted to personalize your child’s art education.
PROFESSIONAL PARENTING presents a comprehensive list of Alberta homeschooling support groups.
There is a plethora of information, resources and support out there. I encourage you to explore alternative schooling, and the wonderful opportunities available for our children to learn and grow!