Homeschooling in Manitoba
Legal with straightforward notification and reporting to Manitoba Education's Homeschooling Office.
Homeschooling is legal in Manitoba under The Public Schools Act (CCSM c. P250). Parents must notify the Minister of Education annually and submit progress reports twice yearly. Compulsory school age is 6 to 18 effective September 2025.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Notification via online Student Notification Form, available July 1, due September 1 annually, one per child.
- Provide name, birth date, default school/division, and education program outline with notification.
- Periodic progress reports due January 31 and June 30 using official online forms.
- No requirement to follow Manitoba curriculum or submit standardized tests.
- Parents notify Manitoba Education's Homeschooling Office directly, not school divisions.
- Part-time enrollment in public/independent schools possible if school agrees.
- Compulsory age 6-18 since September 2025; notification for homeschool by September in year child turns 6.
Legal Framework
The Public Schools Act, CCSM c. P250, and the Home Schooling Regulation (Manitoba Regulation), administered by the Home Schooling Office of Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning. Parents/guardians must notify the Minister of their intention to home school. New homeschoolers must notify within 30 days of beginning the program; continuing families must notify by September 1 of each school year. A comprehensive education plan must be filed, and parents must submit two annual progress reports (January and June). Compulsory school age was raised from 7-18 to 6-18 effective September 2025 by recent legislative amendment ('Preparing Students for Success' framework). Responsible authority: Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning.
Filing Requirements
What to file
Student Notification Form
When
2026-09-01
Where
Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning, Homeschooling Office
How to submit
Online portal or mail to Homeschooling Office
What to include
- • Child's name, gender, date of birth; name of school or school division child would otherwise attend; outline of education program and grade level
Notification available July 1 each year. For families starting mid-year, notification due within 30 days of establishing homeschool. Compliant notification automatically authorizes legal commencement; no waiting period or approval letter required.
How to Get Started
- 1
Obtain Student Notification Form from Manitoba Education Homeschooling Office (available July 1)
- 2
Complete form with child's details, default school/division, and education program outline
- 3
Submit online or by mail by September 1 (or within 30 days if starting mid-year)
- 4
Receive homeschooling family number from Homeschooling Office
- 5
Begin instruction; no approval letter or waiting period required
- 6
Submit progress reports by January 31 and June 30 each year using official forms
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Minimal regulatory oversight and maximum educational autonomy
- ✓No curriculum or testing requirements; fully customizable learning
- ✓Straightforward notification process with no approval gatekeeping
- ✓Legal certainty under Public Schools Act section 262(b)
- ✓Flexible scheduling for family circumstances, travel, or specialized needs
Cons
- •Parents solely responsible for curriculum design and instruction quality
- •No automatic access to public school services, facilities, or specialized support
- •Twice-yearly progress reporting required; records must demonstrate equivalence
- •Potential social isolation without intentional community engagement
- •Parents must self-fund all educational materials and resources
Questions about homeschooling in Manitoba
What is the legal age range for homeschooling in Manitoba?
Compulsory school age in Manitoba is 6 to 18 effective September 2025. Parents must notify Manitoba Education's Homeschooling Office for children ages 6 to 17 (notification required in September of the year the child turns 6 and continues until September of the year they turn 18). Notification is required annually by September 1.
Do I need approval from the school or school division before starting homeschooling?
No. The Public Schools Act does not require approval before commencing homeschooling. Once you submit a compliant Student Notification Form to Manitoba Education's Homeschooling Office by September 1, you are legally authorized to homeschool. There is no waiting period, no approval letter required, and no mechanism by which the province can deny a compliant notification. The school division, school board, and school principal have no authority to hold, review, or delay your homeschool notification.
What must I include in my notification to Manitoba Education?
The Student Notification Form must include: (1) your child's name, gender, and date of birth; (2) the name of the school or school division your child would otherwise attend; and (3) an outline of your child's education program and grade level. This is the complete statutory list. While Manitoba Education may provide a form requesting additional context, your legal obligation extends only to these three categories of information.
Do I have to follow the Manitoba curriculum or use specific textbooks?
No. The Public Schools Act does not require homeschoolers to follow the Manitoba curriculum, use specific textbooks, or seek approval of educational materials. Your legal obligation is to provide education equivalent in standard to that provided in a public school, as assessed through your notification and progress reports. You have complete curricular freedom.
Are standardized tests required for homeschooled children?
No. The Public Schools Act does not mandate standardized testing, external assessment, or evaluation by a certified teacher for homeschooled students. Progress reports submitted twice yearly (by January 31 and June 30) demonstrate educational progress and equivalence. Testing is parent-determined and optional.
What qualifications must I have to homeschool my child?
No specific qualifications are required. Parents, guardians, or designees may provide homeschool instruction. There is no requirement for teaching certification, university degree, or formal training. The legal standard is that the child receives education equivalent in standard to that provided in a public school, assessed through notification and progress reports.
Can my homeschooled child participate in public school sports or extracurriculars?
Participation depends on school and athletic association policy. Full-time homeschoolers may not be automatically eligible for public school sports teams or activities. However, part-time dual enrollment (attending school for some subjects) may provide access if the school agrees. Contact your local school and Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association (MHSAA) for current eligibility rules. Community clubs and private leagues are alternative pathways for sports participation.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · MB homeschool law guide