Question from an American Homeschooler

[nicholina]

Hi All,

My daughter is nearly 14 and we consider her an 8th grader (in the American system). She will be in her first year of high school next year.

We are life long homeschoolers, but she is very into circus and is applying to the National Circus School in Montreal for the fall. They ask for official transcripts for the previous two years. They've said we can submit homeschool transcripts.

We are primarily unschoolers, but Davan is a voracious learner and I can certainly fill out a transcript which covers all the basics, at least here in the US which would be an accurate portrayal of her "academics."

I'm wondering a few things. One is what are the homeschool requirements for a Canadian citizen? I just want this to know what they can conceivably expect in terms of documentation from a homeschool.

Two - what is the grade system in Canada? Is it K-12 with 9-12 being high school? I've just gotten the feeling that we might be talking past each other when we're talking grade level.

Three - do any of you know what core subjects would be covered in a typical Canadian middle school - particularly 6th and 7th (American) grade? Would it be the same as your typical American school as far as English (or French), history or civics, math with some pre-algebra, perhaps, general science and some electives?

Thanks for any information you can give me!

[KathyBC]

Nov 29, 2011 17:53:29 GMT -5 nicholina said:

I'm wondering a few things. One is what are the homeschool requirements for a Canadian citizen? I just want this to know what they can conceivably expect in terms of documentation from a homeschool.

Two - what is the grade system in Canada? Is it K-12 with 9-12 being high school? I've just gotten the feeling that we might be talking past each other when we're talking grade level.

Three - do any of you know what core subjects would be covered in a typical Canadian middle school - particularly 6th and 7th (American) grade? Would it be the same as your typical American school as far as English (or French), history or civics, math with some pre-algebra, perhaps, general science and some electives?

Thanks for any information you can give me!

First off, welcome! Your daughter's learning and interests sound amazing. I can try to answer your questions, but not living around Montreal, I may be missing some important nuances.

#1. Homeschooling is legal in every province in Canada, but each province has their own requirements. Quebec is a province with more restrictive requirements.

#2. While it may vary from region to region, generally yes, gr. 9-12 are considered high school.

#3. To the best of my knowledge, yes grades 6-8 would follow a typical course of study:
English/Language Arts
Math - with some pre-algebra. Here in B.C. at least every grade involves geometry and it is not taught as a separate subject.
Social Studies - history, geography, government
Science - general science. Again, in B.C. at least the disciplines are taught together until 11th grade.
Foreign Language - usually French
Electives

My biggest concern about answering your questions is that Quebec is to the best of my knowledge dominantly French-speaking, particularly with regards to education. Also, I am a complete novice when it comes to transcripts.

I hope some of this helps you and that you are able to get some expert help.


Kathy

[Cleo Qc]

Hi. I'm in Montreal so I can answer a few of your questions.

In Quebec, we have primary school from grade 1 to grade 6, then high school from grade 7 to grade 11. The high school diploma is given at the end of grade 11, we do not have a grade 12.
However, schooling is then followed by Cegep, a sort of pre-university level that is unique to us. In Cegep, you can be in a 2 years program or a 3 years one. The two years leads to university, the 3 years leads to the workplace or university. University programs are 3 years long, and not four like in the States.

As for homeschooling, we are definitely the most restrictive province in Canada which means most of us are underground. Unschooling is not accepted as a valid education approach - but that doesn't stop many families.

If your daughter is going to the National Circus school, I am assuming she's into the circus-study program (ie, she would be doing circus stuff during the school day, and not after school). My daughter was in a similar sports-study program. The gym did not care about the study part just the sports part and were in fact quite happy not to have to deal with a school requirement. However, I believe that the Circus is different as the school is an integral part of the circus school. She might not be able to continue unschooling - but don't quote me on that, the little I know about the National Circus came from schooled kids. They might not know all the options.

That said, credits for the high school diplomas are earned in grades 10 and 11. Grade 9 doesn't matter much for credits. Also, depending on the visa your daughter will have, she might be forced into French school, which might set her back a year. French schooling is mandatory for most kids. Older kids get to do a year of 'transitional schooling' before being set loose in a completely French school.

Good luck with your decisions. If you do choose to continue homeschooling, we have a vibrant community, but a very discreet one.

[peaklori]

Hi Cleo!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has been a while. Good to "see" you again.

Lori