Homeschooling in Nova Scotia
Legal with simple annual registration and progress reporting to the Department of Education.
Home education is legal in Nova Scotia under the Education Act SNS 2018 c.1, section 83, allowing parents to provide a home-based program for their children. Families must register annually with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development by September 20th using the Home Schooling Education Form and submit an annual progress report in June. No specific curriculum, testing, or parent qualifications are mandated beyond demonstrating child progress.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Annual registration by September 20th via Home Schooling Education Form to Regional Education Services.
- Include proof of age for children not previously registered in Nova Scotia public school or homeschooling.
- Submit annual progress report in June; department form available or create own.
- No prescribed curriculum, mandatory testing, or parent teacher qualifications required.
- Compulsory school age 5 to 16.
- Contact: 1-866-873-1722, P.O. Box 578, Halifax NS B3J 2S7, homeschooling@novascotia.ca.
- Program termination possible if child not making reasonable progress, with parent notice and response right.
Legal Framework
Education Reform (2018) Act, SNS 2018 c. 1 (Schedule A), as amended. Governor in Council Education Act Regulations (consolidated to N.S. Reg. 172/2024) and Ministerial Education Act Regulations (consolidated to N.S. Reg. 174/2024). Home schooling is administered by the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (EECD). Parents must register their children annually with EECD using the Home Schooling Registration form, identifying the program and reporting progress as required. Responsible authority: Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Nova Scotia
The Waldorf Map lists 2 schools in Nova Scotia, 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.
- South Shore Waldorf School, Blockhouse
- Rising Bay School, Hants Border
Filing Requirements
What to file
Home Schooling Education Form
When
2026-09-20
Where
Regional Education Services, P.O. Box 578, Halifax, NS B3J 2S7
How to submit
Mail or online submission through Department of Education website
What to include
- • Child's name and age, proof of age if not previously registered in Nova Scotia public school or homeschooling, outline of proposed home education program, previous grade level or program level if applicable
Registration must be completed by September 20th for children ages 5-16 beginning homeschooling at the start of the school year. Mid-year withdrawals from public school can begin homeschooling immediately without waiting for September 20th deadline. Contact: 1-866-873-1722 or homeschooling@novascotia.ca
How to Get Started
- 1
Review Nova Scotia Education Act section 83 and homeschooling regulations at ednet.ns.ca/homeschooling
- 2
Obtain Home Schooling Education Form from Department of Education website or Regional Education Services
- 3
Complete registration form with child information, proof of age (if applicable), and outline of proposed program
- 4
Submit form by September 20th to Regional Education Services by mail or online
- 5
Begin home education program
- 6
Document child's progress throughout the year
- 7
Submit annual progress report in June using department form or parent-created format
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Minimal regulatory burden compared to other provinces
- ✓Complete educational autonomy
- ✓No teacher certification required
- ✓Flexible, personalized learning
- ✓No mandatory curriculum or testing
- ✓Can accommodate diverse learning styles and paces
Cons
- •Parents bear full responsibility for curriculum and instruction quality
- •No external oversight until annual report review
- •Program termination possible if child not making reasonable progress
- •Parents must stay informed of grade-level expectations to demonstrate progress
- •Limited access to public school resources and services
Questions about homeschooling in Nova Scotia
Do I need a teaching degree or certification to homeschool in Nova Scotia?
No. Nova Scotia does not require parents to have any teaching qualifications, educational credentials, or formal training to homeschool their children. Parents of any educational background may provide home education.
What curriculum must I use?
No specific curriculum is mandated. Parents select their own curriculum and teaching approach. The Nova Scotia provincial curriculum serves as a reference for grade-level expectations but is not required. You have complete flexibility in curriculum choice.
Are standardized tests required?
No. Nova Scotia does not require mandatory standardized testing for homeschoolers. Progress is documented through an annual June report reflecting the child's achievement. You may choose to use tests if desired, but they are not required.
What happens if I miss the September 20th registration deadline?
Missing the September 20th deadline for children beginning homeschooling at the start of the school year may result in non-compliance. However, if you are withdrawing your child from public school mid-year, you can begin homeschooling immediately without waiting for September 20th. Contact Regional Education Services at 1-866-873-1722 if you have missed the deadline.
Can my homeschooled child participate in public school sports?
Public school sports participation policies for homeschoolers vary by school board and are not standardized across Nova Scotia. Contact your local school board for specific eligibility policies. Community sports clubs and recreational programs are available alternatives.
What if my child is not making reasonable progress?
The Minister of Education may terminate a home education program if evidence shows the child is not making reasonable educational progress. Parents receive notice and have the opportunity to respond before termination. Maintaining clear records of your child's progress and submitting a thorough annual report helps demonstrate reasonable progress.
How do I get a high school diploma for my homeschooled child?
Nova Scotia does not issue state diplomas for homeschooled students. Parents create their own transcripts and diplomas. For university admission, maintain detailed records of coursework, grades, and achievements. Some universities may require standardized test scores (SAT, ACT) or GED for homeschooled applicants; contact universities directly for their specific requirements.
Get Nova Scotia’s homeschool checklist, and hear by email when our Nova Scotia page changes
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Learning at home?
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Keep your Nova Scotia records in order
Starpath Records tracks attendance, hours, and work samples, and turns them into the reports the rules expect. Works with any curriculum. Nova Scotia tools are on the way; join the list and be first in.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · NS homeschool law guide