By: Jason Coleman
Homeschooling in Canada has seen a marked rise in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant increase in the number of homeschooled students from the 2019/2020 school year to the 2020/2021 school year. This trend has been noted across various grade levels, with particularly noticeable growth in the early elementary grades.
Sustained Growth Post-Pandemic
Even after the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic, homeschooling in Canada continues to see higher enrollment levels than before the pandemic. For instance, provinces like Alberta experienced a notable rise in homeschooling during the pandemic, with these elevated numbers persisting even as the crisis waned. British Columbia and Manitoba have shown similar patterns, suggesting a durable change in educational choices among Canadian families. This continued interest indicates an increasing acceptance of homeschooling as a legitimate educational option.
Diverse Motivations for Homeschooling
The reasons behind this sharp increase in homeschooling are multifaceted. Many parents are concerned about the traditional school environment, citing issues such as bullying, large class sizes, and the perceived inadequacy of personalized attention for their children. Additionally, the flexibility that homeschooling offers allows families to tailor their educational approaches to fit individual learning needs and schedules. For instance, some parents choose homeschooling to integrate cultural or religious teachings into their children’s education or to support their children with special learning needs. The diversity in motivations highlights Canadian families’ varied needs and priorities, driving the demand for more localized and customized educational resources.
Emergence of Canadian Homeschooling Resources
As homeschooling continues to rise, there is an increasing demand for curriculum and resources that cater to Canadian students. Traditionally, American content has dominated the market, often not aligning with Canadian educational standards. The emergence of Schoolio, a leader in addressing this gap, provides a significant sense of relief for parents. Schoolio’s curriculum content is distinctly Canadian and adheres to provincial learning standards in Ontario, Alberta, and several other provinces. This initiative ensures homeschooled students receive a relevant education aligned with their local curriculum requirements. “Parents are looking for resources that have Canadian content, especially in history and geography, while also meeting Canadian educational standards,” says Lindsey Casselman, Schoolio’s Head of Learning and Co-Founder. “Our programs are designed to meet Canadian educational needs and offer a flexible home learning experience.” This relief is a testament to the understanding and support that Canadian-specific resources like Schoolio provide to homeschooling families.
The increasing popularity of homeschooling in Canada not only enhances educational options but also strengthens the bonds within the community. Parents and educators, united by a common purpose, find themselves part of a growing network committed to delivering a quality education tailored to the individual requirements of each student. This connection is vital as it provides a support system where members exchange ideas, resources, and experiences, enriching the homeschooling environment. Furthermore, this community often collaborates on group learning activities, field trips, and social events, which enrich the students’ educational experience and social development.
Through forums, social media groups, and local meetups, these parents and educators share right practices and encouragement, ensuring that despite the physical separation typical of homeschooling, no one has to navigate the challenges alone. This sense of belonging and mutual support not only enhances the educational process but also contributes to the overall well-being and confidence of both the children and their parents.
Published By: Aize Perez
