Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide

We’ve been a homeschool family living in British Columbia for the last decade and a half. Our three oldest kids are launched, and our youngest is in his final years. “They say” things go quickly, and they are right. But it was hard to see the quickness of it when many days are plenty long. One thing I know: if you want to homeschool, you CAN homeschool. I’m here to tell you that you can do this homeschool thing with confidence! I’m here to help you learn how to start homeschooling in British Columbia. And in this article, I’ll also help you decide on registered homeschool versus online learning, too (because you’ll need to decide). If you’d like a clear roadmap to start strong, grab your free Confident Homeschool Roadmap in Year 1 — it’s packed with practical steps and encouragement to help you find your groove from day one. Grab Your Confident Homeschool Roadmap in Year 1 This is what you’ll find in this article on how to start homeschooling in British Columbia (& how to decide on registered homeschool versus online learning). What you might want to know about the homeschool lifestyle. What are the most common concerns that new homeschool parents have? You are invited to join me in a consultation call to discuss your coaching options with a homeschool life coach. I offer you an overview of the legalities of home learning in British Columbia. I explain the differences between registered homeschooling and online learning. A quick flyover about how I thought homeschooling would be and what it was actually like. And a special welcome to homeschooling from me! So let’s get started… After living in Kamloops and traveling around the world, our homeschool family created a homestead life in the Kootenays. When you first get off the beaten path, leaving the conventional schooled path, you might have uncertainties and doubts; you might research & read more than Wiki itself. And of course, it is a rite of passage for all new homeschoolers to do that, as one should (we are taking responsibility for our children’s education, of course). And that is a huge responsibility. But I’m here to equip you to get clear, confident, and intentional so you don’t have to be uncertain: you really can do this homeschool thing. Here are a few common concerns that new homeschool families have, and you might want to know: A Beginner’s Guide to Your First Year of Homeschool Should I Homeschool My Child? Can I Homeschool In Canada? the surprising transition from school to homeschool What about gaps in my child’s home education? Teach Your Own: Homeschool Confidently Without Being a Certified Teacher What do homeschoolers want to deschool from: let’s get specific. How to Handle Homeschool Overwhelm What Does Homeschool Cost: What I Wish I Knew Before I Homeschooled A Homeschool Life Coach Help Near Me Three Things I Wish I Knew Before I Homeschooled homeschool philosophies and why you don’t need to care How to homeschool with confidence in 5 (not-so-easy) steps A Homeschool Mama Will Benefit from Coaching for Homeschool (& Life) If you have any questions, you’re welcome to send a message here. https://youtu.be/yMkeiZ91UvE If you’re uncertain if you want to homeschool at all, consider these thoughts… And of course, to know how to start homeschooling in British Columbia, you’ll want to know the legalities according to provincial law, too. What does the provincial government say about how to start homeschooling in British Columbia (registered homeschool versus online learning)? In British Columbia, many kids online learn from home (if you enroll as an online learner, even though you’re learning at home and you might identify as a homeschooler, the BC government doesn’t acknowledge you as a homeschooler unless you’re a registered homeschooler). The BC government maintains a close connection to the online learner with an online learning school, a teacher/learning consultant, and learning outcomes, which might include grades, exams, and all that jazz. It looks like homeschooling to the schooled world, because the kids are typically at home doing their work, but the government does not acknowledge it as such. You don’t get to choose your educational program. You’re accountable to the BC Ministry of Education. My youngest and I planning a field trip in Vancouver Everyone chooses different approaches for different reasons: so, to each their own, of course. But since I went into this lifestyle for a whole lot of freedom, I chose the Registered Homeschooling path. Freedom to learn what we want to learn. Freedom to live a less constrained life. And freedom to live a family-centric life. Freedom to travel. Also freedom to enable an individualized education. Freedom to choose our social connections. Just freedom, freedom, freedom… …And now that I’ve done this for as long as I have, I know I don’t need outside intervention to direct my children’s education. (Eventually, most homeschoolers gradually grow in this confidence too). And I know that Section 12/13 Registered Homeschooling of the British Columbia School Act maximizes my family’s home learning freedoms too. ps I’m not one for learning provincial law for fun either, but it serves you to be familiar with this part of the law so you are more confident and can address others’ concerns (like when you have to field random concerned questions from your aunt or your neighbor, or the grocery cashier…cause girlfriend, those questions will come). When you’re asked, “Is homeschooling legal?” you can confidently answer, “Heck yeah, you can check it out under the BC School Act under Section 12/13.” (And you’ll also know how to address school officials who aren’t familiar with the law because a lot of them don’t know either.) So much freedom in the homeschool lifestyle. My first perceptions about homeschooling before I did it… Once upon a time, I had an expectation my family would experience utopia via a homeschool life. Early on, I wrote about my three little girls in white dresses, slamming screen doors as they ran in from our Prince Edward Island homestead garden, enjoying readalouds with tea in the afternoon, reading classics like Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables on our white couch, and living happily ever after. You know, utopia. And yes, for some reason, it had to happen in Prince Edward Island, not British Columbia. And why a white couch? Because I already purchased one from Ikea (which I might add is the antithesis of homeschool utopia: a white couch in any family home is always unwise!) https://youtu.be/35uAITrYKs4?si=o5pzSRAo5vtIjqO- I learned that homeschool is not utopia, there are plenty of challenges along the way, but if you’re clear on why you’re doing it and you’re willing to learn a few strategies, you’ll overcome a lot of those challenges. Turns out my three little girls are way past wearing white dresses now: they’re 22, 20, and 18. (They’re more likely to wear Lulu Lemons or waist-high jean cut-offs.) We added a son to the mix. He’s 14 and about to enter high school. I learned you can homeschool in every province of Canada, not just PEI. We have indeed read a bajillion readalouds with tea in the afternoon, we got rid of that white couch, and didn’t live happily ever after, but have enjoyed so many moments and memories because of this big, beautiful, freedom-based lifestyle called homeschooling. There are remarkable opportunities as a homeschool family: whether you register to homeschool or enroll in online learning. My reality and my original vision definitely were not the same, but freedom most certainly has remained a constant family companion. Here are a few of the challenges I’ve had to overcome: How to Handle Homeschool Overwhelm What to do when I was fed up homeschooling? 16 Practical Self-Compassion Tools to Help for Homeschool Moms how to manage impatience in your homeschool: 14 strategies to freedom How to Address Homeschool Mama’s Big Emotions 7 ways to find quiet & build boundaries in your homeschool How my story of deschooling brought more freedom & purpose Finding quiet, building boundaries & handling overwhelm No question, it hasn’t been utopia, but what an amazing lifestyle for family living! https://youtu.be/hRIiXLOxNvI?si=nL3iKztXCm1IWF1X Now to the legalities of homeschooling in British Columbia: you have to choose registered homeschooling versus online learning before you start. There are two ways to learn how to start homeschooling in British Columbia. One way to homeschool in British Columbia is known as registered homeschooling, and another way is known as online learning.  Let’s talk about the difference between registered homeschool versus online learning… 1. You can register as a homeschooler according to Section 12/13 of the BC School Act. If you choose the Registered Homeschool option, you are not required to follow the BC curriculum; there is no mandatory testing at all, and your child is not required to work toward grade 12 graduation with a Dogwood Certificate. ps I had a daughter graduate from high school without a Dogwood and without a high school diploma, yet she still took local community college classes before she left home and will graduate from her college program this week. The only thing required of you is to provide an educational program that you believe will sufficiently… An educational program is designed to enable learners to become literate, to develop their individual potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy, democratic and pluralistic society and a prosperous and sustainable economy. –British Columbia School Act definitions for Section 12/13 Yet, with this homeschool freedom, you do not receive government funding. Also note: Registered Homeschoolers can enter the school system at any time they wish, with no testing or pre-admission required. ps I also had two daughters enter public high school for grade 10. (They were both registered homeschoolers). Neither had a challenge adjusting or transitioning. Know that if they decide to go this route in their high school years, they don’t have to enroll as an online learner before their high school years. Your kids can be registered homeschoolers before enrolling in public school. Homeschool registration must be completed by September 30th (if you know you are going to homeschool for the upcoming school year). However, you are free to pull your child from school at any point throughout the year and register at that time. You can register with a public school or an independent school of your choice. BC’s Homeschool Association (BCHEA) has a handy list of options for where to register for homeschooling in BC. https://youtu.be/NL6QUUbiWB8?si=RVd3EzQo80wkNGgg 2. You can also enroll as an online learner: this learning program is authorized by the Ministry of Education and is simply another method of curriculum delivery within the education system. As an online learner, students are expected to follow the BC curriculum and meet the learning outcomes at the grade level. You are assigned a teacher liaison/learning consultant who the Ministry considers to be in charge of your child’s education. Depending on the online learning school, there may be regular reporting, report cards, and expectations like a brick-and-mortar school. There is a fair amount of variation in online learning schools: there are both public and independent ones. The LearnNowBC website has a comprehensive listing of public DL programs. Once upon a time, there was a reasonable allotment for online learning students. That is not so anymore. For further information on all the rules and options: Where do you go if you want to register as a homeschool in British Columbia? BC Government Province of Education Here are the educational options in British Columbia What should I submit to the local school if I want to register as a homeschooler? https://www.youtube.com/live/to1PtSykB-Y?si=gbxDrDASkHxkNjuu Hey, and can I just say, welcome to homeschooling! If you’re new to homeschooling, you want to learn more about how to start homeschooling in British Columbia, or you want options to help you transition toward clarity, confidence & vision in your homeschool life… You can do this first homeschool year alone, of course. You can do your first homeschool year by… checking out Facebook threads and asking questions, and learning from homeschool authors (you can get my Homeschool Mama Reading List here) & you can read my book, Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer, too, or you can listen to podcasts (here’s my podcast), watch YouTube videos (I’ve got one too!) or you can just head to the local playground on school days and ask if the families with school-aged kids playing on the monkey bars are homeschool families: they probably are. (And you really should do some of those things, of course). But if you want someone to encourage and inspire you, if you want someone who can help clarify your challenges during the most demanding year of your homeschool family life, I’m here to walk alongside you. If you wonder if that might be a benefit, join me in a chat to get clear on what your next steps are. I look forward to connecting with you & learning about you and your family. And welcome to homeschooling! You got this, girlfriend! Teresa, Wiedrick, Homeschool Life Coach 👉 If this feels like a lot to take in, don’t worry — I’ve pulled together resources and coaching support to guide you step by step. You don’t have to figure this all out alone. Book a no-obligation consultation to clarify your first steps to homeschool in BC Find the Support That Fits You You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Wherever you are in your homeschool journey, there’s a way for you to find clarity, support, and confidence. If you’re looking for steady guidance you can revisit anytime, the Confident Homeschool 101 Coaching Course reads like a book but also includes weekly coaching in the comments every Friday. You can bring your real-time questions, worries, and wins, and I’ll be there to walk alongside you. If you want to go deeper and grow with other moms, the Confident Homeschooling Essentials Group Coaching Program is for you. Inside, you’ll get access to all the core materials, live group coaching over eight weeks, the Homeschool News Journaling Workbook, a time-blocking guide, and the encouragement of a community of moms walking the same path. Or maybe you just want to dip your toes in and start with the course as a book — self-paced, easy to digest, and a solid foundation you can return to again and again. Wherever you begin, you’ll find the support you need to homeschool with clarity, confidence, and calm — while staying true to yourself. 🚫 Start strong with the New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide: 9 Mistakes to Avoid in Your First Homeschool Year — so you can sidestep the stress and focus on what really matters. The New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Stress-Free First Year “The New Homeschooler’s Quick Guide: 9 Mistakes to Avoid for a Stress-Free First Year” will help you confidently begin your homeschooling journey! This Quick Guide, crafted by an experienced homeschool parent, is your roadmap to a successful start. $9.99 Original price was: $9.99.$7.99Current price is: $7.99. Shop now People also ask: A Beginner’s Guide to Your First Year of Homeschool how to create a homeschool kindergarten How to homeschool without losing your mind in 11 Steps what kids need to know before they homeschool high school Homeschool Teens Perspective: How to Homeschool High School About Me How a Homeschool Life Coach Can Transform Your Journey as a BC Homeschool Moms No Homeschool Group Near Me? Find Your Community Here! Do you offer one-on-one coaching? Yes, I do, connect with me here. What mamas are saying about Homeschool Life Coach… Ready for a more personalized conversation? The Aligned Homeschool Reset Session is a free 30-minute call where we look at what’s actually going on in your homeschool — not just the surface stuff, but the real things underneath that keep you second-guessing yourself. → Book Your Free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session Book your free Aligned Homeschool Reset Session I help homeschool moms release pressure, edit expectations, and make small, intentional shifts that lead to a more confident and connected homeschool life. Book a Free Aligned Homeschool Reset Latest episodes What Is an Education Anyway? Your Answer Changes Your Homeschool June 8, 2026 5 Reasons Your Homeschool Child Won’t Do Work & How to Motivate Your Child June 2, 2026 Crush 1st-Year Homeschool Frustrations and Plan a Smooth Year 2 May 30, 2026 Encouragement for Homeschool Moms in the 1st Year May 30, 2026 Transitioning into Homeschool High School: What We’re Really Talking About May 26, 2026 Registered Homeschooling vs Online Learning BC: What Really Matters May 19, 2026 Homeschool Year End Review: Celebrating your Success & Growth May 12, 2026 When You Buy New Homeschool Curriculum: 5 Clever Suggestions May 6, 2026 The Truth About Homeschooling the “Right Way” — But What Works May 5, 2026 9 Steps to Thrive: Confident Homeschool Mom in Year 1 April 28, 2026 What If Your Unrealistic Expectations Are Actually Your Greatest Asset? April 21, 2026 Overcome Imposter Syndrome: How to Build Confidence as a Homeschool Mom April 14, 2026 How to Get Started Homeschooling in 2026 April 11, 2026 9 Mistakes That Make Your 1st Homeschool Year Stressful (& How to Avoid Them) April 9, 2026 How to Make Confident Homeschool Decisions (Without Seeking Permission) April 7, 2026 How to Homeschool When Everyone Has ADHD (And You’re Exhausted) March 31, 2026 Exhausted Homeschool Mom? 8 Things That Will Give You Hope March 24, 2026 Stop Second-Guessing as a Homeschool Mom (& Use Your Magic) March 17, 2026 “You’re Not Falling Apart. You’re in the Winter Homeschool Slump.” March 10, 2026 The Lies Homeschool Moms Believe That Makes Everything Harder March 2, 2026 You’re Not Failing. You’re Caught In An Inner Critic Loop. Here’s How to Get Out February 24, 2026 How to Stop People-Pleasing as a Homeschool Mom (One Mom’s Story) February 17, 2026 How to Stop the Inner Critic as a Homeschool Mom: The Charmed Life I Was Chasing (& the Pattern I Didn’t Know I Was Living) February 10, 2026 The Most Important Way to Take Care of Yourself as an Overwhelmed Homeschool Mom February 2, 2026 How to Do Kindergarten in Your Homeschool: A Fun & Effective Guide January 29, 2026 The Real Reason You’re Overwhelmed (It’s Not the Curriculum) January 26, 2026 Unexpected Feelings When Your Homeschooler Gets Accepted to University January 22, 2026 How to Stop Being a Hostage to Homeschool Pressure (& What to Do Instead) January 19, 2026 The Truth About Finding Your Homeschool Rhythm January 13, 2026 The Confident Homeschool Mom Podcast: Introducing the 1% Pivot January 6, 2026 Purpose-Driven Homeschool Planning for 2026: How to Recalibrate the Year with Clarity December 23, 2025 1% Shift to a Calm Homeschool Life December 23, 2025 12 Things I’ve Learned About Homeschool Moms: Self-Care Tips for Overwhelmed Homeschool Moms December 10, 2025 12-Day Homeschool Mom Self-Care Challenge to Come Back to Yourself December 2, 2025 What is the Reimagine Your Homeschool Group Coaching? November 18, 2025 Not Just a Homeschool Mom — Why You’re Disappearing (And How to Come Back) November 11, 2025 Teaching World War to a Homeschooled Eight Year Old November 10, 2025 Reimagine Your Homeschool: Feel Free, Inspire Curiosity and Do What Works November 5, 2025 the role of imagination in a home education November 4, 2025 Helping Our Kids Live Their Lives on Purpose: A Practical Guide for Homeschool Moms October 28, 2025 How to Set Realistic High School Expectations? Learn Human Development October 20, 2025 How to Build Homeschool Routines that Support YOU October 14, 2025 Why Deschooling? To Feel Confident, Certain & Good Enough October 7, 2025 The Ultimate Guide to Building Boundaries and Healthy Relationships for Homeschool Moms September 23, 2025 Ultimate Homeschool Overwhelm Quiz That Reveals Your Hidden Stress Triggers in 5 Minutes September 15, 2025 Start Homeschooling in British Columbia: How to Decide September 9, 2025 How to Create an Effective Homeschool Routine that Works for You September 2, 2025 Interest-Led Homeschool for Confident Moms: An Enneagram 8 Mom’s Story of Growth August 28, 2025 How Do I Unschool My Child? 5 Simple Steps to Set Them Free August 19, 2025 Top Tips for New Homeschool Moms in Season 3 August 11, 2025 Subscribe to the Homeschool Mama Self-Care podcast YouTube Apple Audible Spotify Call to Adventure by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3470-call-to-adventureLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/