Homeschooling in Northwest Territories
Register with your local school and align your plan with NWT curriculum standards to homeschool legally.
Homeschooling is legal in the Northwest Territories under the Education Act and Home Schooling Regulations (R-090-96). Parents must register with a local school, submit a proposed educational program, and partner with the school principal for assessments and progress reports. The District Education Authority oversees the program and has authority to approve continuation.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Register child with local school before starting.
- Provide learning plan fulfilling Minister's curriculum standards.
- Agree with principal on assessment method.
- Submit samples of assessments showing progress twice per academic year.
- Discuss student progress with principal twice per academic year.
- Superintendent reviews reports and recommends to DEA.
- DEA has final authority to continue, modify, or terminate program.
- Parents have appeal rights under Education Act and Education Appeal Regulations.
Legal Framework
Education Act, SNWT 1995, c. 28 (in force 1 July 1996, SI-003-96), and the Home Schooling Regulations made under the Act (NWT Reg.). Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) administers home schooling. Parents register their child with their local school before starting a home schooling program and work with the principal (or designate) to: (1) agree on the method of assessing progress; (2) provide a learning plan; (3) supply instructional materials; (4) submit evidence of progress as agreed; and (5) ensure the program fulfils the curriculum standards set by the Minister. Responsible authority: Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE), Government of the Northwest Territories.
Filing Requirements
What to file
Home Schooling Registration Form
When
September 15 (Sahtu) or September 30 (most others)
Where
Local school principal / DEA
How to submit
In person or mail with birth certificate and health card copies
What to include
- • Child's details, proposed learning plan, curriculum alignment
Annual renewal required; confirm exact deadline with your DEA as it varies by region.
How to Get Started
- 1
Contact local school principal to register child
- 2
Submit registration form with birth certificate, health card copies, and proposed learning plan by regional deadline
- 3
Agree on assessment method with principal
- 4
Begin program and prepare for first progress discussion
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Generous funding support
- ✓Curriculum flexibility including cultural programs
- ✓School access for activities
Cons
- •Ongoing oversight by school/DEA
- •Potential for program termination with appeal process
- •Regional variations in process
Questions about homeschooling in Northwest Territories
What documents do I need to register?
Birth certificate copies, health card copies, and proposed learning plan submitted annually to school principal.
Is funding available and how does it work?
Yes, highest in Canada; DEAs receive partial FTE funding and reimburse approved expenses (e.g., $500 cap in Sahtu) upon receipt submission.
What if the DEA wants to terminate my program?
Appeal under Education Act and Education Appeal Regulations; DEA must ensure alternative education.
Can I use my own curriculum?
Yes, as long as it fulfills Minister's curriculum standards; no pre-approval needed, but align in learning plan.
What are the bi-annual assessments like?
Agreed method with principal; submit work samples/portfolio and discuss progress twice yearly.
Can my child get a high school diploma?
No direct parent/state diploma; accumulate credits via school partnership and challenge exams for NWT Senior Secondary Diploma.
Does the process vary by region?
Yes, deadlines and reimbursements differ by DEA (e.g., Sahtu Sept 15, YK1 Sept 30); contact your local school.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · NT homeschool law guide