Every year, we have a unique opportunity to hear from great speakers, view and buy curriculum first-hand, learn about legal developments, get our tough questions answered, and be genuinely encouraged. It all happens at the homeschooling conferences across Canada that are organized in the provinces and cities where we live.
There is a lot of good news to share about the many conferences that happened this year, from Red Deer, Alberta to Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia.
First, attendance is definitely up! While conferences took a big hit through the years of lockdown, numbers have now largely recovered, and in 2024, several conferences saw more attendees than ever before. We’ve definitely learned it is great to gather in person.
Second, homeschool sales continue to grow. While there has been some consolidation among the businesses that supply curriculum and other resources, these vendors, who help to sustain conferences financially, universally report that their sales continue to grow strongly. This is essential for the long-term health of the movement in Canada.
And, third, there are many families attending who are brand new to homeschooling. They are finding a lot of the advice, community, and resources they need to be successful in the long-term.
While it is certainly possible to hear speakers on Zoom calls, buy curriculum online, and ask questions in a Facebook forum, the internet is a really poor substitute for meeting in person and developing real relationships and community. Conferences are a source of inspiration and encouragement for all who attend.
This year was a special conference year internationally as the 4th Global Home Education Conference was held in Manchester, UK (GHEX.World). Hundreds of attendees from more than 30 nations gathered to hear leaders speak about developing national organizations that are equipped to promote and defend the freedoms of families to choose the education that is best for their children.
See the comprehensive list of Canadian homeschooling conferences coming up in the spring of 2025:
Register early for the homeschool conferences near you, and mark the date on your calendar. Consider who to invite from your circle of friends, especially those new to home education!
