Homeschooling in Quebec
Legal with strict oversight: notice, learning project, and annual monitoring mandatory.
Homeschooling is legal in Quebec under the Loi sur l'instruction publique (I-13.3), article 15, for children of compulsory school age. Parents must send written notice to the Minister and school board, submit and implement a learning project, and accept monitoring by the Minister. Compliance with the Homeschooling Regulation (I-13.3, r. 6.01) is required.
In our Library: Homeschooling in Quebec: Complete 2026 Guide to the Learning Project and DEM Process
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Avis annuel écrit à DEM et centre de services scolaire: 1er juillet ou 10 jours après décision de homeschooling.
- Projet d'apprentissage à DEM par 30 septembre, décrivant approche, programmes obligatoires, activités, ressources, et plan de temps.
- Programmes obligatoires incluent langue d'enseignement, langue seconde (français/anglais au choix), maths, sciences/technologie, univers social.
- État de situation entre 3e et 5e mois de l'année scolaire.
- Deux bilans de progression et évaluation annuelle/portfolio par 15 juin à DEM.
- Rencontre de suivi annuelle avec DEM.
- Soumission aux épreuves ministérielles obligatoires (4e/6e primaire, 2e secondaire, etc.).
- Exemption de fréquentation scolaire si toutes modalités respectées.
Legal Framework
Loi sur l'instruction publique, RLRQ c. I-13.3, article 15 paragraphe 4. Bill 144 (Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'instruction publique et d'autres dispositions législatives, 2017) restructured the homeschooling framework. Règlement sur l'enseignement à la maison, RLRQ c. I-13.3, r. 6.01 (Quebec Official Gazette, 13 June 2018) sets out conditions and modalities. A child may receive home education provided: (1) a written notice is sent by parents to the Minister of Education AND the school service centre; (2) a learning project aimed at instructing, socialising and qualifying the child is submitted to the Minister and implemented; (3) progress is monitored by the Minister; and (4) any other regulatory conditions (project characteristics, annual evaluation, processes for difficulties). Responsible authority: Ministère de l'Éducation du Québec.
Waldorf schools and kindergartens in Quebec
The Waldorf Map lists 2 schools and 1 kindergarten in Quebec, 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.
- École Imagine, Val-David
- École Rudolf Steiner de Montréal, Montréal
- CENTRE PASTEL, Montreal
Filing Requirements
What to file
Written Notice of Intent to Homeschool (Avis annuel)
When
July 1 or within 10 days of decision to homeschool if after July 1
Where
Direction de l'enseignement à la maison (DEM) and local school service centre (centre de services scolaire)
How to submit
Written notice; method of submission (mail, email, online portal) varies by school service centre
What to include
- • Parent name, child name, date of birth, confirmation of intent to homeschool, and any relevant contact information
Notice must be sent annually. If homeschooling begins after July 1, notice must be sent within 10 days of the decision. Parents do not require permission or acceptance from school board; they have the right to homeschool.
How to Get Started
- 1
Send written notice to DEM and school service centre by July 1 (or within 10 days if after July 1)
- 2
Prepare learning project detailing curriculum, approach, resources, and time allocation
- 3
Submit learning project to DEM by September 30 (or within 30 days of school withdrawal if applicable)
- 4
Implement approved learning project and maintain records of instruction and progress
- 5
Submit status report between 3rd and 5th months of school year
- 6
Submit two progress reports and annual evaluation by June 15
- 7
Attend mandatory annual monitoring meeting with DEM
- 8
Ensure child completes ministerial evaluations at required cycles
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Legally recognized and protected pathway with clear regulatory framework
- ✓Full parental control over curriculum, pacing, and teaching methods
- ✓Can begin at any time during the school year
- ✓Ministry oversight (rather than school board) provides consistency and support
- ✓Exemption from compulsory school attendance when conditions met
Cons
- •Most regulated homeschooling environment in Canada
- •Learning project must be approved; rejection can trigger compulsory school orders
- •Significant administrative requirements and annual renewal obligations
- •Mandatory ministerial evaluations and monitoring meetings
- •Curriculum must align with Quebec standards; American or non-aligned curricula may face scrutiny
Questions about homeschooling in Quebec
Can I start homeschooling at any time during the school year?
Yes. Parents have the right to start homeschooling at any time during the school year by sending written notice to the Direction de l'enseignement à la maison and the school service centre within 10 days of the decision. If the decision is made before July 1, notice must be sent by July 1. No permission or acceptance from the school board is required.
What happens if my learning project is rejected by the Minister?
If a learning project is rejected and parents do not take corrective action to address the Minister's concerns, the school board may apply for a compulsory school order through the courts. This would require the child to return to school. Parents have the opportunity to revise and resubmit the learning project to address deficiencies identified by the Minister.
What curriculum must I use for homeschooling in Quebec?
The learning project must cover mandatory curricula including the language of instruction (French or English), a second language (French or English as applicable), mathematics, science and technology, and social studies. The curriculum must be equivalent to what is provided in the public school system. Heavily American curricula with no French instruction, no Quebec history coverage, or Imperial-only math may face scrutiny from the Minister.
Do I need teaching credentials or qualifications to homeschool in Quebec?
No formal teaching credentials are required. Parents are responsible for providing appropriate education, but the legislation does not specify formal qualifications. However, the learning project must demonstrate that instruction will be equivalent to public school instruction, and the Minister monitors progress through annual evaluations and assessments.
What are the annual obligations for homeschooling families in Quebec?
Annual obligations include: (1) sending written notice to the DEM and school service centre by July 1 or within 10 days of the decision; (2) submitting a learning project by September 30; (3) submitting a status report between the 3rd and 5th months of the school year; (4) submitting two progress reports and an annual evaluation by June 15; (5) attending a mandatory annual monitoring meeting with the DEM; and (6) ensuring the child completes ministerial evaluations at required cycles.
Can homeschooled students participate in school sports or extracurricular activities?
Participation in school sports and extracurricular activities depends on the policies of the local school service centre. Some centres may allow homeschooled students to participate in specific programs; others may not. Homeschooled students have full access to community and club sports outside the school system. Contact your local school service centre to inquire about specific opportunities.
How do homeschooled students obtain a recognized high school diploma in Quebec?
Homeschooled students must complete all requirements of the learning project, pass mandatory ministerial evaluations at specified cycles, and meet curriculum standards to obtain the Quebec Diploma of Secondary Studies (Diplôme d'études secondaires, DES) or equivalent credential. Parents cannot issue a recognized diploma; the credential must be awarded by the Ministry of Education based on completion of ministerial requirements and assessments.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · QC homeschool law guide