Homeschooling in Alberta: What Calgarians Need to Know

Calgary parents are increasingly turning to homeschooling, a trend gaining significant traction across Alberta. In the 2023/2024 academic year, over 24,000 students were homeschooling in Alberta, representing more than three percent of the province's school-age population. This surge reflects a broader movement where families are seeking educational alternatives for their children.

For many Calgarians, the decision to homeschool is influenced by current pressures within the traditional school system. The Calgary Board of Education, for instance, reported record enrollment growth, adding over 7,000 students in the 2023-2024 school year, bringing total student enrollment to 138,244 as of September 2023. This has led to capacity issues, with 25 schools having overflow plans in place by September 2023, and system-wide utilization rates hitting 95 percent as of end-September 2024. These challenges, alongside a desire for personalized education and flexibility, are prompting families to consider home-based learning.

Alberta's robust guidelines offer two primary paths: supervised programs with school authority oversight and funding, or unsupervised programs granting parents full autonomy. Parents must annually notify the Minister of Education or a supervising school authority of their intent. With the province's supportive policies, including funding for homeschoolers and the Choice in Education Act (2020) which allows for unsupervised home education, the landscape is increasingly favourable for families charting their own educational course. Connecting with local homeschooling networks and forums can provide invaluable support for Calgarians navigating this growing educational choice.