The following are general questions pertaining to private schools in Ontario
Q: What is an NOI and what is it for?
A: Under the Education Act, private schools are required to file annually a Notice of Intention to Operate a Private School (NOI). The legislation requires schools to submit the NOI by September 1. Ministry policy requires schools to submit the NOI through OnSIS.
Q: Can a private school offer classes in the evenings or on weekends?
A: As long as a private school operates between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., it can offer courses whenever it wishes.
Q: Does a private school have to operate from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.?
A: To qualify as a private school, the Education Act requires that a private school operate any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Q: Does a private school have to have 5 full-time students?
A: The Education Act does not require that students study full-time.
Q: Can I operate a school only on Saturday mornings?
A: The Education Act indicates that a private school may operate on any school day. Private schools may determine their own school days.
Q: Does a private school have to have a specific number of school days in its calendar?
A: Private schools are not subject to the Ministry’s regulations and may determine their own course calendar.
Q: Does a private school have to have a qualified and certified principal?
A: The Ministry of Education has no requirement for certification of principals or of school staff. The Ministry has no qualification requirements for private schools.
Q: What is the definition of a private school in the Education Act?
A: A private school is an institution at which instruction is provided at any time between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any school day for five or more pupils who are of or over compulsory school age in any of the subjects of the elementary or secondary school courses of study and that is not a school as defined in this section.
