Homeschooling in Prince Edward Island
PEI homeschooling requires only annual notification: no testing or oversight.
Home education is legal in Prince Edward Island under section 95 of the Education Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. E-0.02, with a simple notification requirement before each school year. Parents must submit a Notice of Intent to the Department of Education and Lifelong Learning, including child's name, birth date, parent contact info, and last school attended if applicable. No further approvals, curriculum submissions, testing, or qualifications are mandated.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Annual Notice of Intent required before school year, including child's name/DOB, parent contact, last school if applicable.
- No required curriculum, subjects, instructional hours, or mandatory testing/reporting.
- Parents responsible for ensuring child develops knowledge/skills; may need to provide evidence if requested.
- Optional provincial textbooks available for $50 refundable deposit per child.
- Home-educated students ineligible for provincial high school diploma unless returning to public/private school.
- May enroll in public school courses with written notice by April 15 prior year.
Legal Framework
Education Act, RSPEI 1988, c. E-.02, and associated regulations. The Department of Education and Lifelong Learning oversees home education. Parents may home educate their children using either a Home Education Program or by following the public education system's curriculum. Notification to the Department is required. Responsible authority: PEI Department of Education and Lifelong Learning (Home Education contact: Chloe Gallant, homeeducation@gov.pe.ca, 902-438-4848).
Filing Requirements
What to file
Home Education – Notice of Intent
When
Before school year begins
Where
Department of Education and Lifelong Learning
How to submit
Mail or email
What to include
- • Child's name and date of birth, parent name/address/phone, last school attended if applicable
For mid-year withdrawals, submit as soon as possible.
How to Get Started
- 1
Download Notice of Intent form
- 2
Fill in child and parent details
- 3
Submit to Department before school year
- 4
Optional: request textbooks
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Very low regulation
- ✓Flexible approach
- ✓Free optional resources
Cons
- •No diploma eligibility
- •Reintegration grade determined by school
Questions about homeschooling in Prince Edward Island
When do I submit the Notice of Intent?
Before the school year begins or as soon as possible for mid-year starts; no strict deadline but prompt submission recommended.
Do I need to submit curriculum or test results?
No, only the basic Notice of Intent; no curriculum, testing, or reporting required.
Can I get free textbooks?
Optional provincial textbooks available for $50 refundable deposit per child via request form.
What if my child wants to return to school?
School board determines grade level; submit new Notice of Intent if switching back to homeschool.
Can my homeschooled child get a high school diploma?
No, unless completing credits in public or accredited private school; universities accept portfolios.
Are there parent teaching qualifications?
None specified; parents ensure child develops skills to best of ability.
Can I enroll in public school classes?
Yes, individual courses with written notice to education authority by April 15 prior year.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · PE homeschool law guide