FAQs · Home Education

Home Education is a parent-directed approach to learning in which parents take primary responsibility for planning, managing, and providing their child's education. Parents choose the curriculum, learning resources, teaching methods, and daily schedule that best meet their child's needs and align with their family's values.

Home Education is parent-directed. Parents take primary responsibility for choosing curriculum, planning instruction, teaching, and evaluating their child's learning.

Online Education is teacher-directed. Alberta-certified teachers provide instruction, course materials, assignments, assessment, and regular support through live online classes and Hope Christian School's learning platform.

Shared Responsibility combines both approaches. The parent directs part of the student's education at home, while Hope Christian School teachers provide instruction and assessment for selected online courses.

See the full comparison chart on Which Program Is Right for My Family?

Home Education on its own does not lead to an Alberta High School Diploma. Students enrolled in a traditional Home Education program do not earn Alberta high school credits unless they complete Alberta Education-approved high school courses through an accredited education provider.

Many Home Education students who wish to earn an Alberta High School Diploma choose to:

• Enroll in teacher-led online high school courses through Hope Christian School
• Participate in a Shared Responsibility program
• Transfer into an Alberta high school to complete diploma requirements

The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is Canada's new high school equivalency credential. It is designed for adults who do not have a high school diploma and want to improve their employment opportunities or pursue further education and training.

The CAEC can be an excellent option for adults returning to education. However, it is not the same as an Alberta High School Diploma, and some post-secondary institutions may require specific Alberta high school courses for admission. Students should check the admission requirements of the college, university, apprenticeship, or training program they plan to attend.

If your goal is to earn an Alberta High School Diploma, our team would be happy to discuss the different pathways available through Hope Christian School.

Families are eligible for $928.03 per child in Grades 1-12 from Alberta Education if registered for Home Education before September 25th of the school year you wish to attend. Kindergarten students are eligible for $464.02.

This funding can be used for curriculum, school supplies, music lessons, internet costs used during the school year, and more. See Registration Deadlines and Fees & Tuition for more information.

Children must be 5 years old by December 31st of the current school year to enter the kindergarten program. To start Grade 1, a child must be 6 years old by December 31st of the current school year. A child can continue to be schooled and funded by the government as long as they are younger than 20 years of age on September 1 of the current school year.

The diverse needs of your child can be well-served by the choice of homeschooling. Here you can adjust your schedule, your curriculum, and your pace to what best suits your child. Alberta Education has a grant through AISCA to partner with Khan Communications to provide additional services. Ask us about Home Education Support Services for more information.

Home Education families will have an opportunity to participate in field trips planned by our Home Ed staff.

Home Education students have many opportunities to participate in sports and extracurricular activities. Depending on where you live, students may be able to:

• Join community sports teams and recreational leagues
• Participate in sports or extracurricular activities at their local school, where available

As a member of the Alberta Schools' Athletic Association (ASAA), Hope Christian School students are also eligible to participate on their local school's athletic teams. Participation is arranged in cooperation with the local school and is subject to the school's policies and team requirements.