On this page…
A. Leave the Public System
i. Catholic School Option
ii. Independent Christian School Option
iii. Home School Option
B. Remain in the System
Parental Options – 2 Choices to Empower Families
When considering how to respond to the issue, parents have two general options – Leave the system, or Remain in the system and get actively involved. The options are listed below.
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Leave the Public System
Scripture recommends avoiding situations that could lead to conflict with your values and temptation to sin. In Proverbs parents are commanded to ‘raise up a child in the way he should go, and he will not depart from it.” Parents must take responsibility for the environment into which they entrust their child. If the educational environment is a concern, there are other educational settings that are more consistent with your values.
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Catholic School Option
Catholic secondary schools have been open to non-Catholics for many years. At the elementary level (JK – grade 8) the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic School Board has started to accept non-Catholic families who desire that their children be educated in an environment that is consistent with their biblical-Christian values. Parents that have changed to the Catholic system have been very satisfied.
Even families that have transferred their children later in elementary school report very positive results.Additional information:
Enrolement of non-Catholic students (pdf)Communicate with the Board
Let the board know why you’re leaving. Click here to learn about the communication tool.
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Independent Christian School Option
There are many excellent Independent Christian schools in the area. The Fraser Institute offers some assistance for school funding.
Additional information:
Hamilton Area Network of Independent Christian Schools (website)Communicate with the Board
Let the board know why you’re leaving. Click here to learn about the communication tool.
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Home School Option
A recent Ontario Home Schooling Connections (OCHEC) conference demonstrated the dedication, desire and professionalism of the home school option. In Hamilton there are many home school support groups where parents co-operatively work together to educate the next generation.
Additional information:
Ontario Christian Home Educators Connection (website)Communicate with the Board
Let the board know why you’re leaving. Click here to learn about the communication tool.
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To lessen the effects of a system that operates from a different world view, you must communicate with the school, vigilantly monitor your child’s daily activities at school, and participate in your school.
Communicate Your World View and Ask that it be Respected
“Should a course conflict with the religious belief held by a parent or a student aged 18 or older, the right to withdraw from that component of the course shall be granted on written request of the parent or students. “ (Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education)
The school board is asking for letters from families who, for religious reasons, need their children exempted from information that is in conflict with their values. In an effort to assist families PEACE has prepared a form letter that can be used as is or a parent may use it as a guide to write their own letter.
Let the board know your family’s values. Click here to learn about the communication tool.
See below under “Additional Information” for the full letter from the Minister of Education allowing religious accomodation and exemption.
Vigilantly Monitor and Participate in School
Along with communicating you will need to daily ask to see your child’s school work. Doing so helps you to be actively involved, assist with academic progress, provide support when needed, and monitor any learning that may be in conflict with your world view. If sensitive concepts are presented, you can help your child understand the family’s world view perspective.
Finally, get involved at your child’s school. You could volunteer or attend school council meetings. Doing so sets an example to your child that school is important, allows you to have some input into the school.
Additional information:
Religious Accomodation and Exemption (pdf)
NOTE: Parents who do not feel as though they have the time to be this involved in their child’s education are encouraged to consider the Options within A) Leaving the System.