"People ask me so many questions thinking the police would come and drag their kids away if they do." ~ Tracey Adams

FAQ > Is homeschooling legal?

Choose... How do I start? What if I don't have a teaching degree? Can I homeschool if I am living on a very tight budget? What material would be helpful for a Black-oriented curriculum? Where can I get Black-oriented educational material for my children? How do I withdraw my children from a school in Ontario? Why have parents rejected institutionalized schooling for their children? How can I find other homeschoolers of colour in my area? How can I teach about our history (esp. slavery) without engendering hate? Can I just homeschool just one of my children? How does my child earn high school credits while homeschooled? What about going to university or college after only homeschooling? How can my children have a social life if they're homeschooled? Where do I purchase the curriculum? What are the resources I can use? I want to be an AHA Rep or start a Chapter for my area I'm not in Peterborough. Is there an AHA representative in my area? Are there any books or sites about Black homeschoolers who have done it or are doing it? Which catalogues and material are must-haves? What curriculum do I use? Do I have to use a curriculum? What about learning on the internet? Where are some great sites? How do I join AHA?

If you're in Canada, the police have nothing to do with homeschooling. Neither does Children's Aid. Your children won't be taken away, you won't go to jail or be fined ... homeschooling is a right protected by Canadian laws.

Homeschooling is legal all over the world. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association has offices globally. Joining it in Canada might not be necessary, but it won't hurt either. In some provinces it is even supported. It is also a right protected by the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. AHA relates to these sections (emphasis ours): 26.2. Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamentals. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace. 26.3. Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

In AHA's opinion, Ontario is the best place to homeschool in. While it is not financially supportive as some other provinces are, its laws are the most free in regards to home-based education. And with this freedom, you can provide a customized learning experience for your children and in an environment that gives them the best opportunity available to succeed as adults in our anti-Black society. Endeavouring to homeschool is not as risky and difficult as is commonly believed. There isn't much red tape to go through, and while it may even sometimes be easier to follow the school board's procedures, you are not legally obligated to. Just make sure that whatever you do, you document it. Even if it's a five-minute call to your child's former teacher, write down the date, time, and what was said. It's better to be safe than sorry, and keeping records won't harm you.

Click here to read about the procedures Ontario school boards follow. Keep in mind that the policy is not law. And, the guidelines do not apply as much to children who've never enrolled in the public school system. Download the government's sample notification letter/homeschool registration form. Ontario's Education Act (takes long to load. If you're in Toronto, go to the government's bookstore -- Publications Ontario -- at Bay/Wellesley -- northwest corner to buy it) Ontario Federation of Teaching Parents' info.

If your children have not been in the Ontario public school system, you don't have to notify anyone. You can continue to keep them out of it without any fears of legal consequences. Whether or not you should to register as a homeschooler with the school board is something that can only be decided by you. Each situation is different, and while it may be beneficial to some families to register, others may not find it worth the bother. YOU must weigh the pros and cons to determine how much school board involvement you should allow. Both Ontario's Education Act, and, the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights protect your right to homeschool.