Sometimes it can take some extra digging to find suppliers or materials that are suitable for us Canadians, so I’m sharing my favourites here.
Recommended Homeschool Suppliers
Blue Mantle (Kemptville, ON)
I love Blue Mantle. Their selection is small, but focused; their service is excellent and personable; and their site is more easily navigated than most of the homeschooling sites I’ve come across. It’s my first stop for curriculum.
Canadian Home Education Resources (Calgary, AB)
CHER has an excellent selection of homeschool materials. I find their site a bit clunky, and it annoys me to no end that after I place an online order I still have to call in my credit card number. Still, they’re very helpful and pleasant people, so my annoyance usually fades quickly.
Homeschool and More (Petitcodiac, NB)
This promises to be a lovely site; however, it seems that about half of the products are presented without images, which I find distracting. I’ve found their service to be reasonable.
Teachers Little Helper (Toronto, ON)
This supplier specializes in a very limited, but excellent, range of programs: Jolly Phonics, Handwriting Without Tears, and Can Do Cubes. They ship quickly and reliably.
The Learning House (Goderich, ON)
I like using this site as much as any I’ve encountered yet. The selection is limited, but it’s organized for easy discovery. They’ve shipped products quickly to me.
Scholars Choice (various locations, ON)
Sometimes this store has educational things that just aren’t found elsewhere. PDF workbooks, for example, are readily available here. I’ve found their service to be okay, although nowhere near as personal or responsive as some of the smaller places.
Spectrum Educational (Newmarket, ON)
If you can get to the Spectrum store, then it’s worth the trip. I’d steer clear of their online ordering, however, as I’ve found their shipping policies to be somewhat hazy and terribly overpriced. (Unless you check the tiny box on the order form, they’ll split orders automatically. I once had a $2 magnifying glass sent separately for a $15 shipping fee … ) However, you won’t find a better supplier of art, science, or other goodies.
Legal Stuff
Ontario Ministry of Education Policy/Program Memorandum 131
This document lays out how homeschooling is governed in Ontario. It’s a must-read.
Sample Letter of Intent
A sample letter of intent is provided for parents to complete and send to their respective School Boards. OFTP has the same letter in .doc form to make it even easier.
