Exploring the Motives for Homeschooling Among Muslim Immigrant Parents in Ontario

This research aimed to contribute to understanding of social inclusion of Muslims in Canada, by expanding knowledge on Muslim immigrant participation in the Canadian educational system. The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives on Ontario's educational system among Muslim immigrant parents who selected homeschooling as an educational delivery method within Ontario. The research question was: What factors contribute to the decision to homeschool among Muslim immigrant parents? Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six Muslim parents, both first and second-generation immigrants in Ontario, whose children are not attending public or private schools. Participants in the study primarily opted for homeschooling for two main considerations: first, to choose an alternative method that offers a more tailored education beyond the confines of the traditional educational institutions; and second, to provide an educational experience that aligns with their Islamic values, bypassing the limitations they perceive in traditional Islamic schools. Key Words: homeschooling, Muslim parents, immigrant parents, social inclusion, education, public schools, Islamic schools, tailored curriculum