Home schooling is an alternative education option that allows parents to take primary responsibility for their child’s learning. In the Northwest Territories (NWT), home schooling is recognized under the Education Act and Home Schooling Regulations, and parents work in partnership with local schools to support their child’s education.

Parent Responsibilities

Parents play the lead role in a home schooling program. They are responsible for:

• Registering their child with their local school before starting a home schooling program.
• Working with the principal or designate to agree on an appropriate method for assessing the child’s progress.
• Providing a learning plan, instructional materials, and evidence of progress as agreed upon.
• Ensuring the home schooling program fulfils the curriculum standards set by the Minister.

Role of School Principals

Principals or their designates play a supportive and monitoring role. They are responsible for:

• Monitoring student progress and providing support to families as needed.
• Agreeing on assessment methods with parents — this may include portfolios, tests, or teacher observations.
• Providing feedback if a student is not progressing adequately.
• Recommending a review by the Superintendent if concerns about the program persist. Principals and designates are not responsible for evaluating teaching methods used by parents.

Role of Superintendents

The Superintendent:

• Reviews reports and recommendations from principals or their designates.
• Investigates concerns raised about a home schooling program.
• Provides written recommendations to the District Education Authority (DEA) regarding whether a home schooling program should continue, be modified, or be terminated.

District Education Authority (DEA)

The District Education Authority (DEA) has the final authority to determine the continuation or termination of a home schooling program. If a program is terminated, the DEA must ensure that the child has access to another suitable educational program. Parents have the right to appeal DEA decisions under the Education Act and Education Appeal Regulations.

Support and Resources

The level of support provided to home schooling families is based on parent requests and available school resources. Supports may include:

• Access to school facilities such as the gymnasium or library.
•  Access to educational materials.
• Support with student assessment. Access to school facilities may be limited to non-school hours depending on other student needs.

Funding and Reimbursement

• If you choose to home school your child, you can receive some financial support to help with the cost of materials and resources.
• The amount you receive depends on whether you are home schooling your child part time or full time and what community you live in, since school funding levels vary by education body.
• To qualify for financial support you are required to submit receipts.
• Financial supports do not cover salaries or capital expenses.
• Financial supports may not cover all homeschooling related costs.
• For more information on financial supports, reach out to your school principal or education body Superintendent.

Learn More For more information on home schooling in the NWT or to begin the registration process, please contact your local school or education authority office.