By: Jason Coleman
Homeschooling in Canada has significantly increased in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of homeschooled students more than doubled from 40,608 in the 2019/2020 school year to 83,784 in 2020/2021, representing an increase of over 106%. This trend was observed across almost all grade levels, with substantial growth in early elementary grades.
Sustained Growth Post-Pandemic
Despite easing the COVID-19 pandemic, homeschooling in Canada has maintained higher enrollment levels compared to pre-pandemic years. For example, provinces like Alberta saw the number of homeschooled students increase by 80% during the pandemic. Even as the crisis waned, the numbers remained significantly elevated, showing a 60% increase compared to pre-COVID levels. British Columbia and Manitoba have experienced similar trends, indicating a lasting shift in educational preferences among Canadian families. This sustained interest underscores the growing acceptance and recognition of homeschooling as a viable and respected educational path.
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 rise of homeschooling in Canada represents a significant shift in the educational landscape, driven by diverse motivations and sustained by the demand for more personalized and flexible learning options. The emergence of Canadian-specific resources like those offered by Schoolio is a testament to the evolving needs of families and the growing legitimacy of homeschooling as a mainstream educational choice. It also fosters a sense of community among parents and educators, who are connected by their shared commitment to providing a quality education that meets the unique needs of each student.
Published by: Khy Talara
