It’s Homeschool Registration Time in Nova Scotia

If you have already decided to homeschool your child this year, it’s homeschool registration time. September 20th is the deadline to register your child in Nova Scotia. It’s easy to register! Just follow these steps,

Download the Registration Form

Click HERE to download the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development homeschool registration form.

All children ages 5 to 16 (re Amendment to Education Act Regulations, Section 3(1)) must be registered by September 20th of the coming school year (although if you’re starting mid-year this doesn’t apply). Registration must include:

in the case of previous public school experience, the last grade level attained; in the case of previous home education experience, the program level of achievement and estimated equivalent public school grade level; and identification of the proposed home education program” (Regulations Section 39 (2))

Fill Out the Registration Form

Download your registration form (and open using Adobe Acrobat Reader free here). Fill out your registration form in Adobe (so you can sign digitally) or print and fill out on paper (your local library offers free printing every month so you can print there if needed). If you are registering your child for the first time (you have never enrolled them in a Nova Scotia school before), the Ministry wants to see your child’s birth certificate, so include a copy with your registration.

In the Regulations, it only refers to providing your children with an “educational program”. No specific educational program is required. You can choose what you think is best for your child. So, don’t agonize over filling out the registration form. You have complete freedom to choose the materials (religious or secular) you want and to design your own program that meets your child’s needs.

If you are using a curriculum that you purchased, you can say YES, your curriculum is commercially available. In the subject boxes, jot down a couple details about the curriculum you are using for each subject. Or write a few sentences about what you’re going to cover if you aren’t using a curriculum. And don’t forget to sign it (they will send it back for a signature – ask me how I know)!

Send the Registration Form

You can snail mail the form to the address provided. Or you can send the registration form using the DOEECD’s new secure online form here. They prefer not to take emails at their former email address.

All done! Homeschool registration time doesn’t have to be stressful. And next year, consider sending your registration at the same time as you send your report in June, so it’s all done at once.

Homeschool Registration FAQs

Are online courses available?

Yes. The DOECCD offers Independent Online Learning (NSIOL) for Grades 10 through 12 here. Although courses are free when you register through your local high school, keep in mind there is no teacher and they provide a mentor only to clarify instructions. Personally, I do not recommend them (too much busy work and no teacher feedback), and there aren’t anywhere near enough classes to complete a full year of study; only 2 classes per grades are available at this time. I suggest using a homeschool curriculum designed for parents teaching your child one-on-one at home. Click here to check out just some of the homeschool curricula out there.

Can you decide to homeschool in the middle of the school year?

Yes! Simply fill out the registration form and send it in whenever you decide to start. The September 20th deadline is just for those who have decided at the beginning of the school year.

For more information on starting to homeschool, check out the Getting Started Page and grab your handy dandy Getting Started Homeschooling Checklist while you’re there.

Attend the Homeschool Informational Tea

If you’re in the Halifax area, come to the Homeschool Informational Tea on August 24th at 2pm in Fort Needham Memorial Park!

Happy homeschooling!

Love, Luck &
Laughter,

Kimberly