Homeschooling Saskatchewan FAQ
Have you ever wondered about homeschooling Saskatchewan? You may have noticed that we have a couple of articles at EZ-Teach about homeschooling in Canada. That’s because, in recent years, it has become more popular as an educational choice for families. If you're considering this option too, you might have several questions. Here are answers to the 5 questions parents most frequently ask:
1) Is homeschooling legal in Saskatchewan?
2) What qualifications do I need to homeschool my children?
3) How do I start homeschooling in Saskatchewan?
5) What resources are available to support homeschooling families in Saskatchewan?
Click on the links above or continue reading to learn more. Or, if you have further questions, please contact us at EZ-Teach. We’d be happy to chat!
See what real homeschooling moms say about their experiences in this video broadcast from CBC.
Homeschooling Saskatchewan: What You Need to Know
1) Is homeschooling legal in Saskatchewan?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in Saskatchewan; however, parents are responsible for ensuring their homeschool program complies with the requirements of the Education Act and for ensuring that their children meet the provincial standards.
Eligibility & Responsibilities
To learn more about your legal obligations, you can refer to the Government of Saskatchewan’s website to read about eligibility and for guidance on what to consider before homeschooling. Basically, to be eligible, parents must have legal custody of the children in their homeschool program: “The parent(s)/caregiver(s) who are responsible for and directing the home-based education program must lawfully have charge and custody of each student on the home-based education program.”
Also, keep in mind that while parents do the homeschooling, school divisions are responsible for registering home-based educators in their region. In order to know what division you are to register with, you can click here to refer to the K-12 School Divisions in Saskatchewan.
Regulations & Requirements
While parents have the option to homeschool, there are specific regulations that parents must follow to ensure they comply with the provincial education system's requirements and standards. For example, parents are required to contact the board of education for the school division of their region with their notice of intent to homeschool and register a home-based education plan. You can find the form here. Parents are also to submit an education plan. Click here to learn about the Home-based Education Written Education Plan.
The requirements for your plan will depend on your division and school authority, but you are responsible for outlining areas of study, learning outcomes, curriculum and instructional materials, plans for assessment, and more. You will also be responsible for keeping your child’s records, which could include a portfolio of their work, progress reports, and test results.
Other Notes
We will explore the steps to homeschooling further as we go along, but you can learn more about homeschooling expectations across Canada in the following blog posts: Required Subjects for Homeschooling: Province by Province Part 1 and Required Subjects for Homeschooling: Province by Province Part 2. These guides will review what sort of expectations there are in each province, including The Breadbasket of Canada. If you are a newcomer to Canada, see the Government of Canada’s post, Learn about education in Canada.
2) What qualifications do I need to homeschool my children?
While parents do not need specific qualifications to homeschool their kids, we have some advice to help you below.
Image source: Ketut Subiyanto
In Saskatchewan, parents don’t need formal qualifications to homeschool, but they are expected to provide an education that aligns with the standards set by the Ministry of Education.
Essential Responsibilities
While Saskatchewan does not require formal teaching qualifications, parents who choose to homeschool must meet specific responsibilities set by their local school division:
Comply With Local School Authorities: Parents must provide a Notification of Intent to Homeschool and a Home Education Plan to their local school division at least 30 days before beginning homeschooling. This plan should outline educational goals, subjects to be taught, and the resources or methods that will be used.
Develop a Curriculum Aligned with Provincial Goals: Though parents aren’t required to follow the provincial curriculum exactly, the education provided must reflect the goals of education for Saskatchewan. A well-rounded program typically includes language arts, math, science, social studies, and other relevant subjects.
Provide a Comparable Education: The Ministry of Education expects that children educated at home receive instruction that is comparable in quality to what is offered in public or private schools. This means covering age-appropriate content and supporting steady academic development.
Monitor and Report Progress: Parents are responsible for tracking their child’s learning progress. Local school divisions may request periodic progress reports, assessments, or portfolio reviews to ensure educational goals are being met.
Although parents don’t need formal teaching qualifications, some parents may choose to collaborate with educational professionals, join homeschooling groups, or take courses themselves to better understand how to teach their children effectively.
Keys to Effective Teaching
To teach your children effectively, here are some key qualities to cultivate if you're considering homeschooling your children (please note that you can find these same tips in our other articles, Homeschooling Ontario FAQ and Homeschooling Québec FAQ):
Patience: Homeschooling often requires flexibility in approach, and things don’t always go as planned. Children may need extra time to grasp concepts, and you might encounter moments of frustration. Patience will help you handle these moments calmly and effectively. Practice mindfulness techniques, take regular breaks, and remind yourself that progress takes time. Stay patient with both your children and yourself. Here is an article to check out: Tips for Being More Patient with Your Kids.
Organization: Effective homeschooling requires planning, scheduling, and tracking a variety of activities, lessons, and progress. Staying organized will help you manage time, resources, and materials efficiently, leading to a smoother homeschooling experience. Create a weekly or monthly lesson plan, keep track of assignments and progress, and organize your home learning space so it’s conducive to learning. Use tools like planners or digital apps to keep things in order. Click here for a link to our free planner!
Adaptability & Flexibility: Every child learns differently, and the homeschooling environment is more flexible than traditional school settings. You may need to adapt your teaching style or adjust lessons to meet the specific needs of your children. Be open to trying new methods and materials, observe how your children respond to different approaches, and be willing to make changes when something isn’t working. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and children may not always meet your academic expectations in the timeline you set. Being flexible helps you navigate those challenges without becoming overwhelmed. Stay focused on long-term goals rather than immediate perfection, and adjust your expectations based on how your children are progressing. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.
Strong Communication Skills: As a homeschooling parent, you’ll need to communicate effectively with your children, explaining lessons, giving clear instructions, and answering their questions. You’ll also need to discuss educational goals and progress with them. Practice active listening, ask open-ended questions, and work on explaining concepts in a clear, engaging way. Regularly check in with your children to ensure they’re understanding the material.
Time Management: Homeschooling often involves balancing many tasks—teaching, planning, grading, household responsibilities, and sometimes, working outside the home. Time management is crucial for making sure everything gets done and that both your children’s and your own needs are met. Have a look at our blog, Time Management Tips for Homeschooling Parents. Prioritize your tasks, set realistic goals for each day, and use a schedule or timer to stay on track. Make sure to build in breaks for both you and your children.
If you have started or are considering homeschooling Ontario, watch this video from ToriAnn Perkey.
Creativity: Homeschooling allows you to be creative in how you present lessons and engage your children. Bringing creativity into the learning process can help make subjects more interesting and memorable for your children. Think outside the box when planning lessons, and incorporate hands-on activities, field trips, or interactive learning experiences. Use creative resources like educational games, art projects, and technology tools.
Self-Motivation and Discipline: Homeschooling can sometimes lack the external structure of a traditional classroom. Being self-motivated and disciplined ensures you stay on track with your teaching goals and your children stay motivated to learn. Set clear goals for each school day, keep a consistent schedule, and hold yourself accountable. Develop routines that help your children stay focused and productive.
Empathy: Homeschooling requires you to understand your children’s emotional and educational needs. Being empathetic helps you respond to their struggles with compassion and encouragement, fostering a positive learning environment. Take time to connect with your children on a personal level, understand their challenges, and provide the emotional support they need to succeed. Always celebrate their successes and offer support during setbacks.
Research Skills: As a homeschooling parent, you’ll often need to find new materials, methods, and resources. Researching different educational strategies and subjects will help you provide the best learning experience for your children. Become comfortable using online resources, read educational books and articles, and engage with other homeschooling parents in communities and forums for advice.
Developing these qualities will help you to be better equipped at creating a successful and fulfilling homeschooling environment for your children. You’ll discover that homeschooling is a deeply rewarding experience, but it can be challenging. Cultivating these skills will make the process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
3) How do I start homeschooling in Saskatchewan?
Starting to homeschool in Saskatchewan involves several key steps to ensure compliance with provincial regulations and to create an effective learning environment for your child. While we’ve touched on a lot of this already, here's a practical guide with further details to help you begin:
Steps to Homeschooling Saskatchewan
a) Submit a Notification of Intent
Notify your local school division of your intent to homeschool by submitting the Notice of Intent and Registration of a Home-based Education Program form. This should include:
Your child's full name, gender, and date of birth
Details of the last school attended, if applicable
Your contact information as the parent or guardian
This notification must be submitted at least 30 days before beginning homeschooling.
b) Develop a Written Education Plan
Alongside the notification, submit a Written Education Plan that outlines:
Your reasons and philosophical approach to homeschooling
The areas of study and learning objectives for the year
The educational activities, instructional methods, and resources you will use
The methods for assessing and recording your child's progress
This plan should align with Saskatchewan's educational goals and be appropriate for your child's age and ability.
c) Understand Reporting Requirements
Each school division may have specific requirements for reporting progress, which can include:
Annual progress reports
Samples of student work
Standardized test results or portfolio assessments
It's advisable to contact your local school division to understand their specific requirements and deadlines.
d) Explore Educational Resources and Support
Consider joining the Saskatchewan Home Based Educators (SHBE), a provincial organization that offers resources, support, and community for homeschooling families. They provide information on curriculum choices, teaching methods, and legal requirements.
Final Tips
Here are some final tips to think about as we conclude this section: Choose a curriculum that fits your child's learning style and your educational philosophy. Resources can be found through SHBE or local educational suppliers. Maintain organized records of your child's educational activities, assessments, and progress. And finally, engage with local homeschooling groups and online communities for support and shared experiences.
4) What about socialization?
To help your kids develop socially, join a community group, co-op, or extra-curricular activity.
Image Source: Lukas
All of us recognize that parents who are new to homeschooling express concerns about socialization. Homeschooling families are encouraged to seek opportunities for socialization through the following:
Community Groups
Extracurricular Activities
Co-ops
Let’s paint a clearer picture of how homeschooling families in Saskatchewan (or anywhere) can support social development:
Community Groups
Local community organizations offer a great way for homeschooled children to meet peers and engage in group activities. These can include:
Libraries, which often host story times, book clubs, or STEM workshops
Museums or science centers, offering youth programs or field trip days
Faith-based groups, if applicable, that offer social or educational activities for children
Volunteer opportunities, which not only provide social contact but also foster a sense of civic responsibility
These spaces let kids interact with a variety of age groups and develop social skills in real-world settings.
Extracurricular Activities
Homeschoolers can participate in many of the same after-school activities as traditionally schooled kids, including:
Sports teams (like soccer, hockey, swimming, martial arts)
Music, art, and dance classes
Drama or theatre programs
Coding clubs, chess clubs, robotics leagues, etc.
These activities provide structured group environments that promote teamwork, leadership, and communication, while also allowing kids to explore personal interests and talents.
Co-ops (Homeschool Cooperatives)
Homeschool co-ops are parent-led groups where families come together to teach and learn in a shared environment. Benefits include:
Group learning in subjects like science labs, art, or literature discussions
Access to classes taught by other parents with specific expertise (e.g., a retired teacher or an engineer)
Social time for both students and parents, helping to build friendships and a support network
Often offer field trips, science fairs, or group projects
Co-ops provide the best of both worlds — flexibility and community — and are especially helpful for families new to homeschooling.
To ensure a well-rounded development, we recommend that parents engage along with their children in various social and educational activities.
5) What resources are available to support homeschooling families in Saskatchewan?
Homeschool families can find online curriculum right here at EZ-Teach.
There are a variety of helpful resources available to homeschooling families in Saskatchewan, including the following:
Curriculum Guides: The Government of Saskatchewan provides educational goals and curriculum documents that can be used as a framework for creating your homeschool program.
Support Organizations: Groups like Saskatchewan Home Based Educators (SHBE) offer support, information, legal guidance, and opportunities to connect with other homeschooling families across the province.
Online Communities: Join local Saskatchewan-based homeschooling Facebook groups or forums to share ideas, find co-ops, ask questions, and build connections with other families.
Online Curriculum & Courses: There are plenty of digital tools and platforms available, such as EZ-Teach, that offer structured lessons, worksheets, and other course materials for a wide range of subjects.
Don’t forget to browse our Resources page for more tools and ideas! Have questions? Contact us anytime — we’re here to help!
Make Learning EZ!
EZ-Teach provides both homeschooled families and other educators with resources designed to make learning and education easy.
We offer curriculum, online courses, ESL, tutoring, and advice to help both students and teachers alike.
If you have more questions, we’d love to chat. Explore our website or click on the button below to contact us.
