Nova Scotia Overview
Alternatives to Public Education
What are some alternatives to public education in Nova Scotia?
Sources
Read More
Private and Independent Schools
Independent schools and private schools are two different options to public education. Private schools are generally understood to be for-profit organizations established and controlled by one or more persons. Independent schools are usually not-for-profit schools governed by a board of trustees.
Nova Scotia has more than 20 private and independent schools; many of which are in Halifax. The province of Nova Scotia does not fund private or independent schools; families must pay tuition fees for their children to attend. Visit here to see a list of some of the private schools across Nova Scotia (this is not a complete list). (Read More 1)
According to the site ourkids.net some of reasons families choose these alternatives to public education are:
• Smaller classes
• Shared educational philosophy
• Specialized subjects (See Source 1)
In 2014-2015, out of the total number of students attending schools in Nova Scotia, 2.7% were attending private schools. (See Source 2)
Private/independent schools offer a range of options. Here is a list of the different options, most of which can be found in the variety of private/independent schools located in Nova Scotia.
- Boarding Schools
- Day Schools
- Co-ed Schools
- Single Gender Schools
- Academic Schools
- Special Needs Schools
- Faith-based School
- Language Immersion Programs
- Gifted Programs
- Specialty Schools
- International Schools/Programs
- Summer Schools
- Online Schools
- Troubled Teen Schools
There are also Alternative Schools such as Montessori, Waldorf, Arrowsmith and Reggio Emilia. Visit here for more information about private and independent schools. (Read More 2)
Home Schooling
Another alternative to public education is home schooling. This is allowed for in the Education Reform Act and puts parents in charge of providing their children\'s education so that learning takes place outside a school setting. Parents may home school their children for health, religious, philosophical or lifestyle reasons.
- In 2012-2013, out of the total number of students attending schools in Nova Scotia, 0.7% were being home schooled. (See Source 3)
In Nova Scotia, parents who wish to home school their child must:
- tell EECD of their intention to home school their child
- fill out a registration form annually
- submit a progress report in June
For resources and additional information, visit here. (Read More 3)
Other resources on this site can be found under Assessment, Home Schooling Support Groups and Speech-Language Services.