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.
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
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · NS homeschool law guide