Homeschooling in New Brunswick
Homeschool legally in NB by notifying your district annually: no permission needed.
Home education is permitted in New Brunswick under the Education Act where the Minister is satisfied the child receives effective instruction elsewhere, avoiding compulsory school attendance. Parents must submit an annual Home Schooling Application Form to their district superintendent, providing child details, intended program, and delivery method; notification is required but not approval before starting. No specific curriculum, testing, or parent qualifications are mandated, though instruction must cover provincial subjects like language arts, math, science, and more.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Compulsory attendance ages 5-18 unless Minister satisfied of effective instruction elsewhere (Education Act s.15).
- Annual Home Schooling Application Form submitted to school district office by September 29th.
- District reviews and forwards to Minister for approval.
- Parents plan and deliver effective instruction in core subjects including language arts, math, science, social studies.
- Parents maintain records of student progress and evaluation.
- No eligibility for New Brunswick High School Diploma upon approval.
- Reintegration to school places child age-appropriately with monitoring.
Legal Framework
Education Act, SNB 1997, c. E-1.12, and amendments (notably 2014, c.37 and 2021, c.10: An Act Respecting Empowering the School System). Section 17 (and related provisions) addresses home instruction. Parents apply each year through their school district; the district reviews the application and forwards it to the Minister of Education for approval. The Minister grants or denies approval annually. Compulsory school attendance applies until the completion of high school or until the student reaches age 18, whichever is earlier. Responsible authorities: New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development; Anglophone and Francophone school districts.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in New Brunswick
The Waldorf Map lists 1 school in New Brunswick, with phone numbers, websites and a map. If you are homeschooling, many run parent-and-child groups, open mornings and fairs that families outside the school are welcome at.
- Knowlesville Art & Nature Centre, Knowlesville
Filing Requirements
What to file
Home Schooling Application Form
When
September 29
Where
School district superintendent office
How to submit
Mail or in-person to district office
What to include
- • Child details, parent contact, intended program, delivery method, indemnity accepting responsibility
Notification required but can start homeschooling before response; applies to Anglophone and Francophone districts.
How to Get Started
- 1
Determine your district (Anglophone or Francophone)
- 2
Download and complete Home Schooling Application Form
- 3
Submit to district office by September 29 or upon withdrawal
- 4
Plan curriculum in core subjects
- 5
Begin instruction and keep records
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Easy process
- ✓High autonomy
- ✓Routine approvals
Cons
- •Annual renewal
- •No diploma eligibility
- •Self-funded
Questions about homeschooling in New Brunswick
Do I need approval before starting homeschooling?
No, notification is required via the application form, but you can begin instruction before receiving a response from the Minister.
What should I include in the application?
Child's details, parent contact, intended educational program, delivery method, and signed indemnity accepting responsibility.
Is testing or reporting required?
No mandatory testing or progress reports; parents keep their own records of progress and evaluation.
Can my child get a high school diploma?
No, homeschooled students are not eligible for the New Brunswick High School Diploma; consider GED or external credentials.
Which district do I contact?
Your local Anglophone or Francophone school district based on language and region; there are four Anglophone and two Francophone districts.
What if we move mid-year?
Submit a new application to the new district superintendent; process is straightforward.
Are there resources or funding?
No funding or materials provided; parents are fully responsible, but ministry offers general learning at home resources.
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Learning at home?
Starpath’s Waldorf-inspired lessons cover grades 1 to 3, and grade 4 is being added. Sophie, a Waldorf class teacher, wrote the stories, verses and activities for each day. 14 days for $7, then $47 a month. Cancel before the trial ends and you aren't charged again.
Keep your New Brunswick records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. New Brunswick tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
Read more
Last updated: 2026-04-26 · NB homeschool law guide