General Information

What is a Correspondence Study course?

Public school correspondence courses follow the Nova Scotia Public School Program curriculum and use textbooks and other resource materials from the Authorized Learning Resources.

Correspondence Study is independent study.

The course work is marked by certified teachers who understand the special needs and circumstances of students who study at home. Courses are not taught.

Download a printable copy of our brochure here

Who can enroll?

You can enroll in a correspondence course if you:

1. live in Nova Scotia, are 16 years or older, and are not attending school.


2. live in Nova Scotia, are under 16 years old, and are legally excused from attending school. In this case, the principal at your last school must sign your application form, giving his or her approval.


3. are attending junior or senior high school (grades 7-12) and have the approval of your principal if:


• the course is not offered in your school.


• there are timetable conflicts.


• you want to study a subject during the summer months, but the course is not offered then.


• the principal recommends for some other reason that you take the course by correspondence.


• you are a junior or senior high school student who previously attended school in Nova Scotia but are temporarily living out of the province or country (students living away from Canada should provide the name and address of a contact person in Nova Scotia)


• you are an adult who normally lives in Nova Scotia, but you have been living out of the province or country for less than three years (applicants should provide the name and address of a contact person in Nova Scotia)


• you are a non-resident of Nova Scotia interested in taking a secondary school level course for personal interest or credit

How many courses can I enroll in and study at one time?

There is no limit on the number of courses in which a student may enroll. Experience indicates a student should initially enroll in one or two courses to develop a sense of the skills required to successfully study via correspondence.

A student enrolling in one or two courses also gains an appreciation for the effort required and time commitment necessary to succeed.

When can I enroll in a Correspondence Study course?

Correspondence Study registration is continuous; students enroll throughout the year. Student study is self-paced.

How long does it take to complete a Correspondence Study course?

Most students take from six months to a year to complete a course by correspondence. You should submit no more than three lessons (or one unit) at a time to your marker.

While there is no set time to complete a correspondence study course students who have experienced success are organized, demonstrate independent study skills, and complete assignments on a regular schedule. In Correspondence Study, you work at your own speed.

Course completion rates vary and may depend on many factors, e.g., how well the student understands the course material and how much time the student dedicates to the course.

Is Home Schooling different from Correspondence Study?

Yes. Parents who decide to home school a son or daughter under 16 years of age, are responsible for designing an acceptable educational program.

The program must meet the learning needs of the student based on learning outcomes the student is expected to demonstrate at each grade level. A Regional Educational Officer must be satisfied the course or courses designed fulfill the learning needs of the student.

The parent/guardian must complete a Registration Form For Home Schooling which the Regional Education Officer signs to indicate approval of the parent/guardian designed course(s).

A parent/guardian may enroll a student in a Correspondence Study course.

Correspondence courses are recognized as meeting the learning outcomes the student is expected to demonstrate at each grade. Correspondence Study may not provide all Public School Program courses required by home schooled students. In home school study the onus is on the parent to design and have approved an educational opportunity that meets the learning needs of the student.