What are Homeschooling, Home Education, Shared Responsibility and Distance Education?

Homeschooling simply means “doing school at home.” But in the homeschool world, there is a spectrum of different methods of delivery that all have different levels of authority and responsibility. On one end, there is Home Education which is when parents have full authority over their child’s education. Parents are the curriculum planners, the teachers and the assessors. The Home Education board (ACA@Home) provides guidance, oversight and community. Parents are able to receive some government funding for their responsibility in educating their child.  

On the other end of the spectrum, there is Distance Education which usually includes synchronous or asynchronous online classes. In Distance Education, the teachers are fully responsible for all planning, delivery and assessment of the students. The school is the authority and receives full funding for the student. At this time, ACA@Home does not provide full distance education. 

In the middle is the world of Shared Responsibility. In this case, parents and the school share the responsibility of having educational authority over the student. Usually, this means a Home Education student takes one or two classes at a brick and mortar school (like ACA) or an online school that they are “sharing responsibility” with. The funding for shared responsibility students gets split between the two parties based on the percentage of time spent under each authority.

In 2023/24, ACA@Home will be offering a full range of home education to distance education programming. 

Since you are a Christian School, what are your faith-based enrollment requirements?

ACA@Home is an extension of Airdrie Christian Academy which is an Independent Christian School with a closed enrollment policy, meaning, families enrolling at ACA must meet faith-based requirements. ACA@Home, however, has an open enrollment policy for our Home Education and Shared Responsibility programs. Enrollment is open to all families, regardless of their faith background, pending their agreement to our statement of faith and moral conduct policies. 

Can our family join ACA@Home mid-year?

ACA@Home accepts mid-year enrollments, however there are tuition fees required. Alberta Education does not fund any student that joins any school after September 30, thus, if enrolling after there will be a fee. Specific fees depend on what program you are joining. Please contact us for more information.

What is a Home Education Facilitator?

Our ACA@Home Facilitators are Certified Alberta Teachers who specialize in coaching families through a year of Home Education. They will be your main contact and resource during your school year. ACA@Home facilitators will contact you at the start of the school year and set up a year plan with you that will include a planning meeting and at least two home visits for consultation and student evaluation. Our facilitators are on your team, guiding, helping and encouraging you through your family’s journey. They are NOT the authority, your boss, your child’s teacher, etc. We are partnering with your family to provide you the best unique service you require.

Are there in-person opportunities for my child in ACA@Home?

Yes! In person is what our board is all about! Our Shared Responsibility programs offer a mix of in-person and distance learning. As well, we offer monthly Community Days in each location which are free for your family. Lastly, Activity Clusters are offered throughout the year in Airdrie and Edmonton for an extra cost. 

Can I choose my own curriculum?

Yes! Home Education parents are the authority on all curriculum you choose for your children. We are here to help, guide, answer questions and provide a library of time-tested resources, but the decisions are always up to you.

Do I have to follow the Alberta Program of Studies in Home Education?

Home Education parents are the authority in all decisions for their children, including whether or not to use the Alberta Program of Studies. You can choose to use it (aligned approach) or choose to use the Schedule of Outcomes and provide your own curriculum. We will support and facilitate you regardless of which you choose.

Can our family join ACA@Home if we don’t live in Alberta?

Alberta Education requires that you reside in Alberta to enroll in an educational institution in Alberta. Home Education may provide your family with more travel flexibility, but your primary residence needs to be in Alberta.

Do I need internet access and an email address?

Yes, you need both to enroll and engage in ACA@Home. A parent email is required for our application and enrollment process. Some of your family meetings may be virtual via video conferencing therefore a computer with internet access is needed.