Programs
Computers for Schools is a Provincial Program that WISDOM takes part in, which allows us to provide free, refurbished and donated computers and tablets to our families. *Note: a shipping & handling charge of $40 will apply for each computer. Contact Jennifer to get on the list.
History Plus, formerly known as History Alive, is available at a 10% discount through their customized WISDOM landing page.
IXL is personalized learning with a comprehensive curriculum for junior kindergarten to grade 12 in Math and English. Find out more at ca.ixl.com. WISDOM's discounted rate is $20 per license per year, renewing September 1. Purchase your license in the WISDOM web shop.
Learn basic coding concepts, explore infinite worlds and build everything from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles. Learn more at education.minecraft.net. WISDOM's discounted price is $10 per child per year, renewing September 1. Purchase your license in the WISDOM web shop.
Resources
Alberta Schools Athletic Association (ASAA) is the governing body that oversees amateur athletics in high schools for the province of Alberta. Through ASAA, WISDOM high school students may be eligible to join local high school sports teams or compete in track and field and wrestling, etc. Email John Hoekstra to find out more.
Facebook – WISDOM has a number of private Facebook groups for our families. (When you click join to any of these pages, please answer the verification questions.) Email terry@wisdomhomeschooling. com for more information.
- WISDOM Home Schooling - main group with the most members and discussion.
- WISDOM Home Schooling – High School & Beyond - Home schooling through high school support and inspiration
- WISDOM Support Group: Learning Challenges - A place to ask questions, find solutions, and to network with other parents of neuro-diverse learners.
- WISDOM Home Schooling Buy/Sell/Swap - This is a page where parents can sell, buy or swap new or used curriculum
LearnAlberta.ca is an Alberta Education resource which is available to WISDOM families. Various education and teaching resources are available on this website. Email the Office to get access.
Microsoft 365 / Office 365 – Collaborate for free with online versions of Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel, and OneNote. Save documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online. The WISDOM price? FREE. Email Jennifer to sign up.
Pen Pal Club – To join the Club, please have your child send a short letter of introduction (like those posted in the WISDOM Family Magazine) to the WISDOM Office, along with a note giving parental permission. Email Janice or mail WISDOM a letter. Once WISDOM has parental permission, your letter will be printed in the next WISDOM magazine. Any WISDOM student that wants to write your child will mail the initial letter to the WISDOM Office and the Office will mail the letter to your child. Once your child receives your letter, then the Pen Pal Exchange is complete and both students can mail letters back and forth as desired.
Prayer List – The WISDOM Office prays for its families every weekday around 3:00 pm. If you have a prayer request for your family or homeschool, please email Terry.
Scholastic Letters may be requested by parents who wish to buy directly from the Scholastic.com book flyers. Contact Terry for more info.
SOLARO is study help and exam prep for grades 3-12 for Alberta. It has all grades and all subjects. WISDOM students can have access to 10 subjects at a time.
Click here for more information and to order.
Student & Parent / Teacher ID – WISDOM offers this resource for free to our families. There is a digital and paper version. Email Jennifer for more information.
SuccessMaker - for Grades K-8 reading and math. It does it all to make every student more successful. This is “true” adaptive learning for intervention, differentiation, and personalization. Every student interaction adjusts instruction in real time to real learning needs. SuccessMaker® delivers tutorials, practice, challenge, and remediation. WISDOM price: $75 per student. Order in our online shop.
Terry’s TLC Newsletter has a variety of links and monthly offers for WISDOM Families. It includes WISDOM Mail Exchange Updates, Current Draw information for WISDOM parents and students, the best educational links of the month and more. For more information, email Terry.
WISDOM Game Day Events - WISDOM is pleased to offer a virtual opportunity for children, teens and parents to gather together online to play board- and card-games. As always, parents need to supervise their children when they are online. For more information, see the WISDOM Website under Events.
WISDOM Kindergarten Connections is a brand new short monthly email for any WISDOM parent who has a child in Preschool or Kindergarten. It will have easy learning tips, giveaways and contests, Busy Bag ideas, as well as links of encouragement, ideas and support. For more information, email Terry.
WISDOM’s eNewsletter goes out to WISDOM Families once a month or more with current information on events, deadlines or other offerings. Not sure you’re getting them? Check your Spam folder, first, and search your email for anything from office@wisdomhomeschooling.com or tobylauren@wisdomhomeschooling.com. If you are not receiving the emails, email the Office and ask to be added to the eNewsletter list.
WISDOM Events (workshops and gatherings) are an important part of the WISDOM experience for their families. You can register on the WISDOM website or email Marlane for more info.
WISDOM Mail Exchange Events. WISDOM is hosting numerous mail exchanges between WISDOM students and parents – most are for the cost of a postage stamp. Some of the exchanges have been Happy Mail Exchanges, Recipe Exchanges, a Bookmark Exchange, a Seed Packet exchange and more. It is a great way to make connections between students and families! Email Terry for more information.
Study Prep & Evaluation
Canadian Test of Basic Skills - Revised (CTBS-R) measures student achievement and growth in general subject areas for Grades 1 through 12. Results offer grade-level average, national percentile and stanine. WISDOM offers this resource for FREE to families. You may order it every year or as desired. There is a $20 damage deposit (from funding, or a credit card after April 1 of a school year) on each booklet ordered. When the booklets are returned to WISDOM in good order, the damage deposit is returned. Contact Peter for more information.
The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a post-secondary entrance exam, created as an alternative to the SAT. In addition, there is a CLT 8 for students in grade 8 or 9, and the CLT 10 for students in grades 10 or 11. These tests focus on numeracy and literacy, and are a useful evaluation tool which can be conveniently accessed from home. The CLT is accepted as a high school completion exam for entrance to a number of universities and colleges, many of whom offer scholarships to these students. WISDOM families receive a discount on all CLTs. Find out more here and view test dates and register for CLT tests here.
ExamBank.com is a resource for Alberta students in all grades. It offers online study resources and practice exams related directly to the Alberta curriculum. Call or email the Office to receive a username and password.
The Key Study Guide (through Castlerock) is an Alberta curriculum-specific resource that helps students prepare for their school tests, final exams, and standardized assessments. THE KEY is comprised of three main components: Unit Review, Unit Test, and Exam Preparation. Each booklet for each subject is available through WISDOM for a discount of $20. Email Christian for more information.
QuestA+ is an online access point for provincial assessment. It has access to field tests, diploma exams, provincial achievement tests and other secure assessment. Any WISDOM parent can access it.
SNAP Workbooks provide complete explanations of curriculum concepts. Examples are designed to take students from guided learning to independent practice. Parents can assign the even-numbered problems for each topic as additional homework as their answers and solutions are not included in the SNAP Workbook. WISDOM Parents can order each booklet for each subject for a discounted price of $20 each. Email Christian to order and for more information.
The F.O.R.M. Curriculum is a fitness curriculum for teaching students how to build a solid foundation in health.
Functional Fitness
Optimal Nourishment
Rest and Recovery
Multiplied Maintenance
Are you aware of another resource that is missing from this list?
Please email Terry or give us a call.
Thank you for your submission!
To avoid delays, please review your submission below for errors and resubmit if needed. A copy of your submission has also been sent to the email address provided.
Your receipts have been received and are in queue to be processed for the next refund depost. Please allow up to 3 days after May 31 for the funds to be deposited into your bank account.
Please note that all refunds are contingent on available funding. Our finance team will review your submission and will reach out should we require anything else.
We hear of critical needs and want to be able to help these families, and with your help, we can. Whether the family has experienced a job loss or illness and needs help to make it to the next month, your donations in any amount will go directly to these families to help them get through.
Any charitable donations will be used to assist WISDOM families in crisis with short-term support, so that they're able to continue to home educate. We appreciate your support in helping to build the home school community.
Donate here, selecting Family Assistance Fund from the dropdown. We also gladly accept donations by cheque. Please write Family Assistance in the memo line, and send to Family Assistance, Box 78, Derwent, AB T0B 1C0.
Manage your family's records
Log in to the WISDOM Parent Portal, hosted by SchoolCloud, to access your family's records:
Questions? Check out the Frequently Asked Questions and Tutorial pages.
Access purchased recordings and resources
Log in to WISDOM's website to access conference recordings:
Register Now Exhibitors Schedule Map
Subject to change
Click the event times to jump down to more detailed descriptions!
Friday
12:30 Check in for pre registered and new registrations (PIC Building, Atrium)
1:00 First session begins - Socratic discussion event
2:30 Break (coffee/muffins)
4:00 Depart for supper (on your own)
5:00 Alumni Banquet (PIC Building, Conference Hall)
6:30 Doors open for Social & Dance (PIC Building, Atrium)
7:00 Social & Dance
Saturday - NAIT
8:30-9:15 Check in for pre-registered and new registrations, Coffee, tea and icebreakers (South Learning Centre Building, Shaw Theatre)
9:25 Door Prize
9:30 Welcome and Announcements
9:45 “Make It Count”: The How to of High School
10:30 Practical “How To, With or Without Credits”
10:45 “Making Every Opportunity Count”
11:30 Post-Secondary - ONE Minute “How can homeschoolers enter your institution?”
Noon Lunch - Common Market
12:30 Exhibit Hall opens - Gymnasium
3:00 Coffee and Muffins - Shaw
3:25 Door Prize
3:30 Grad Panel - How did they make it count? What would they do the same, or differently?
4:30 Closing remarks
Friday
12:30 Park for a $14.50 flat rate. Check in (for pre registered and new registrations) at the PIC Building, Atrium. Register and grab a coffee or tea before the session starts.
1:00 First session begins - Icebreakers and Socratic Discussion
The Socratic Discussion event is an opportunity to spend time thinking about and discussing meaningful ideas with other conference participants. Participants will read a short story of enjoyable fiction and enter into a purposeful conversation to gain a deeper understanding of its content, guided by one of WISDOM's Socratic Dialogue Online Program tutors. This event is a great opportunity for the High School Conference attendees to meet each other, for WISDOM's Online Program students to connect and enjoy discussion in person, and for those who are new to the idea of socratic discussion to get a taste of what the experience can offer. Parents and students alike are welcome to participate.
The WISDOM Socratic Dialogue Online Program has offered courses in the classical tradition to home educated students for over 20 years. Covering a subject span of excellent literature, history, philosophy, theology, politics, logic, language, and writing, the Online Program aims to introduce and immerse students in the ideas of the great thinkers of the Western tradition and to help them understand these ideas as aimed at knowing the True, the Good, and the Beautiful.
The short reading will be sent to participants ahead of time.
4:00 Depart for supper (on your own)
6:30 Doors open for Social & Dance (PIC Building, Atrium) Registration available for those who were unable to attend the earlier session.
7:00 Social & Dance, led by our experienced ballroom dance instructors. You will learn a few basic ballroom steps and dance some fun group dances as well. We invite you to dress up for the dance into semi-formal attire. (Modest choices, please.) Refreshments will be served.
Saturday - NAIT
8:30-9:15 Park for a $6 flat rate. Check in for pre-registered and new registrations, Coffee, tea and icebreakers (South Learning Centre Building, SHAW Theatre)
9:25 Door Prize! You need to be in your seat in the theatre to win.
9:30 Welcome and Announcements
9:45 “Make It Count”: The How to of High School
Listen to two very different stories of making the most of High School.
10:30 “How To, With or Without Credits”
A quick look at approaches to home schooling through High School.
“Making Every Opportunity Count”
Listen to a story about academics and interests so that interests could potentially fuel a career.
11:30 Post-Secondary - ONE Minute “How can homeschoolers enter your institution?”
Colleges and universities will have just one minute to give you their elevator pitch! This exciting session keeps representatives on their toes as they deliver only the most important information on the stage. After lunch, you have the opportunity to talk to them at their booths for more information.
Noon Lunch - Common Market
12:30 Exhibit Hall opens - Gymnasium
Visit each booth and collect information on post secondary options, career opportunities, and more. Life skills booths including how to prepare for a job interview, how to write a resume, and more. Talk to high school subject specialists, WISDOM facilitators, the Mediated Learning team, find out more about the Socratic Dialogue Online Program, and get inspired for the journey through high school and beyond!
3:00 Coffee and Muffins - Shaw
3:30 Grad Panel - How did they make it count? What would they do the same, or differently?
Our panel of WISDOM graduates recount their journey through high school and reflect on it and their time in the years since. This session always highlights the amazing diversity of experience that home education offers each unique student!
Register Now Exhibitors Schedule Map
March 22-23, 2024, Edmonton
Join us to be inspired to home school through high school and launch into the world beyond!
Embark on a two-day journey connecting with fellow homeschoolers, gaining insights on navigating high school at home. Listen to inspiring stories of triumphs and challenges, engage with a variety of booths featuring the WISDOM high school team, and delve into exhibits dedicated to essential 'adulting' skills and life beyond school. Forge connections with post-secondary institutions actively seeking homeschoolers, including our host, NAIT. This is your opportunity to Make it Count - where your journey, your decisions, and your success take center stage. Join us and make every moment count!
Sessions will focus on The How to of High School so that your student will be well formed to be successful no matter the route you choose. We will hear from educators, home schooled graduates, and post-secondary institutions, as well as have the chance to visit education and career booths and exhibits on life skills.
We will talk to students about who you are surrounding yourself with, how to stay motivated, and what to keep in place for accountability to make every day count.
Come visit with the WISDOM team, ask questions, and meet other home schoolers! Friday includes an afternoon Socratic discussion and ice-breaker activities, an evening social and ballroom dance.
Admission rates
Conference fee includes Friday 1-4 and ballroom dance event 7-10pm, and full day Saturday.
FREE Saturday lunch included if you register before March 11, including choice of chicken or veggie wrap and a bag of potato chips.
(If you have dietary restrictions, please bring a bagged lunch.)
$80 per individual
$280 per family
This conference is open to non-WISDOM home schoolers! Unsubsidized non-WISDOM rates are $90 per individual or $315 per family.
Register Now Exhibitors Schedule Map
Register Now Exhibitors Schedule Map
Exhibitors, register here!
Jump to: Post-Secondary Employment Opportunities Life Skills & Career Inspiration And More
Post-Secondary
Employment Opportunities
Life Skills & Career Inspiration
Trades Conversations
Nursing
Mechanics
Electrician
How to Prepare for an Interview
How to Write a Resume
Financial Literacy
And More
Your Education Program Plan (EPP) is your most important document. It defines your home education program, assures your authority, and prevents imposition of provincial testing. Your plan is flexible, and you may change it at any time in the year. Your current (or revised) plan must be approved by your facilitator and kept on file in the WISDOM office.
In order to give your facilitator time to review your plan, suggest additions, and approve your plan, please provide it to them no later than the end of August.* If you need assistance to meet the Aug 31st deadline, please let us know. A suitable Education Program Plan (EPP) can be discussed and developed with your facilitator. *NOTE: This deadline is for returning WISDOM families only. Brand new families have some grace time to work on a plan draft and go over it with a facilitator.
Please follow the Checklist to be sure that your plan meets the requirements of Alberta Education. Click here for a visual guide. (Refer to the Notification Form, Part D.)
Your plan should be based on Alberta Education's Schedule of Learning Outcomes. These outcomes are to be achieved by the end of grade 12. Remember S.A.M. when you plan: Keep your plan Simple, Achievable, and Measurable.
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Program Plan Template:
You may customize the following template Word document to suit your child. If you prefer, you may create a plan of your own design, or one you've found elsewhere online, ensuring that you include all elements from the checklist.
2024-2025 Education Program Plan Template
Download as:
Microsoft Word | Apple Pages | Google Docs*
* Once you've opened the Google document, go to File > Make a Copy in the menu to create your own editable copy in Google Drive.
Suggestions of ways to state various Instructional Methods, click here.
Sample Education Program Plans:
Plan Approval and Revision:
Note: if you don’t have anything to add or delete in your child’s EPP, these instructions will not apply to you! However, it is normal for families to change their plan throughout the year as new opportunities and/or curriculum ideas come up.
- A facilitator needs to review and approve your plan before your enrolment will be complete. Our team prefers that plans are submitted no later than May 30. The facilitator confirms that your plan meets the requirements set forth in the Home Education Regulation. After your plan is accepted, applicable funding will be available (when the new school year begins). Without an approved plan, enrollment is not complete.
- Your plan is a living document, and may be modified at any time. Throughout the year, we need your current plan in order to support any reimbursement or purchase order, particularly in cases where you may with to claim resources other than books and curriculum. Please submit any updates before submitting an expense claim. Update your plan when there is an addition or deletion of a subject or the addition of a non-book resource within an existing subject. Examples: update if you went on a field trip not listed in your existing plan and want to submit receipts for the student admission. Update if your child starts learning French using Rosetta Stone, which you just purchased and wish to claim for reimbursement. However, you don't need to update if you're replacing one resource with another of the same kind. There's no need to update if you simply change from Saxon math to Math U See, for example – it’s all math.
We'd love to hear from you!
Our office is usually open Monday through Friday, from 9am-noon and 1-4pm.
Chat: during office hours, click the chat button in the lower-right corner to talk with us. If no one is available, you can leave a message and we'll follow up as soon as we can.
Phone: 780-741-2113 or toll-free 1-877-425-8546
Email: office@wisdomhomeschooling.com
Family Funding department: finance@wisdomhomeschooling.com
Mail:
Box 78
Derwent, AB
T0B 1C0
For contact information for specific members of the team, go to their bios: