Homeschool laws in Canada
How to homeschool in British Columbia
Register your child each year at a school of your choice: a public school, a willing independent school, or a francophone school where permitted (School Act, section 13).
What to file
Register your child each year at a school of your choice: a public school, a willing independent school, or a francophone school where permitted (School Act, section 13).
When
By September 30 each school year. Registration is optional the year a child turns 5. If you start later in the year, register when you begin.
Education plan
None required.
Reports and evaluation
None required for registered homeschoolers.
Funding
None for homeschooling. Enrolling in a distributed learning (online) school is a separate option with a teacher and funded resources.
Good to know: Homeschooling and distributed learning are different: distributed learning students are enrolled in a school and follow the BC curriculum with a BC teacher.
Keep records from day one
Even where reports are not required, a simple record of days, books and work samples answers any question later and helps if your child returns to school.
Questions parents ask
Is homeschooling legal in British Columbia?
Yes. Homeschooling is legal in every Canadian province and territory. In British Columbia: Register your child each year at a school of your choice: a public school, a willing independent school, or a francophone school where permitted (School Act, section 13).
When do I register to homeschool in British Columbia?
By September 30 each school year. Registration is optional the year a child turns 5. If you start later in the year, register when you begin.
Do I need to report progress in British Columbia?
None required for registered homeschoolers.
Official sources
A plain-English summary checked November 2026, not legal advice. Rules and forms change, so confirm with the official source before you file.