Home Education

In order to help families make informed decisions about their child's education, we seek to help identify the differences between Home Education and Virtual School.

To register or for specific questions, contact Division Principal of Home Education and Virtual School, Tara Tanner at tannert@lrsd.ab.ca or 403-625-3356.

Click here for a PDF chart of the differences between Home Education and Virtual School.

Yes, LRSD is supportive of families who choose to educate their children in traditional, parent directed home education. There are also options for parents who wish to have their children participate in teacher-directed, Alberta curriculum programs.

No, you have the option of choosing from the Alberta Program of Studies, the outcomes outlined in the Home Education Act, or a combination. If you choose to follow the outcomes in the Home Education Act, you will develop a program plan outlining how you will meet the learning outcomes. Your LRSD facilitator can assist you in developing this plan.

No, families are free to choose the resources that best fit their learning outcomes and philosophy of home education.

Yes, you are free to select from resources that best support your home education program plan and philosophy.

Yes, your home education facilitator can assist you with this. There is also a network of home education families within LRSD who are happy to share their knowledge.

There are several options. You can choose parent-directed for some courses and work with an LRSD teacher to direct others, while still having your child work from home. There are options for attending your local school as well. This is determined on an individual basis, in consultation with yourself, your student, the home education facilitator and the local school. There may be funding implications, depending on the percentage of the program that is parent-directed vs. teacher-directed.

We currently offer a weekly Phys Ed program for home education students, which is offered free to LRSD home education students (there is a charge of $40/6 week session for non-LRSD families). Access to online resources such as Mathletics, Zorbits, and Reading Eggs are available to LRSD home education students, and we continue to explore and expand our offerings. Your facilitator can help you determine if these are appropriate for your child and will enroll you in the programs.

Yes, as long as you enroll by September 30, you are eligible to be reimbursed up to approximately $800 for materials to support your child’s program. Your home education facilitator will work with you to determine what are/are not eligible expenses.

Yes, but you will not be eligible to receive funding for your program.

Your home education facilitator can connect you with evaluations for reading and math, along with professionals for speech, motor and learning needs.

Your facilitator will meet with you early in the year to review (and assist with development if requested) your program plan and the necessary documentation to complete enrolment in a home education program. Your facilitator will schedule a minimum of two more visits where your children will show the learning they have been doing. More visits can be arranged at parent request. Your facilitator is available at any time to support you in your home education journey.

These situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.