Education and Early Childhood Learning

A funded independent school must hire Manitoba-certified teachers, implement the provincially mandated curriculum, and meet other provincial requirements. A non-funded independent school is not required to meet these conditions.

• The school facility must be suitable for the programming being offered and be inspected for approval by the IIEU.
• An appropriate occupancy permit is granted by the local municipality.
• A current fire safety inspection report (less than 3 years old) is provided with any deficiencies corrected and documented.
• Curricular programming offered must meet equivalency to that of a public school and include English or French language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education/health education, arts education, and, where applicable, high school electives such as additional languages, computer applications, and career development.
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is installed.
• New school information form is completed and submitted to the IIEU.
• Original documents are retained on-site subject to inspection upon request.
• Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning has assigned a school code.

• Criminal record and vulnerable sector checks be completed by all adults in contact with the students.
• Yearly fire extinguisher and/or fire panel inspections completed.
• Ensure school year consists of a minimum of 180 teaching days.
• AED is maintained approximately every 5 years.
• Annually perform and log ten fire and two lockdown drills with staff and students.
• The Office of Drinking Water designates schools as semi-public institutions and may require individual schools to comply with specific drinking water regulations.

The Liaison Officers for non-funded independent schools determine that students in these schools are safe and receive an education that is equivalent to that of a public school. They provide support for administrators, may assist teachers to find books and materials that enhance the quality of education for the students, and meet with board members or school leaders annually.

Typical duties of board members and/or school leaders include but are not limited to:

1. ensure the building and furnishings are safe and appropriate, including:
• drinking water and washroom facilities available to students and staff
• suitable sized desks and chairs for students
• secured shelving that cannot tip or fall
• avoidance of the use of extension cords
• ensuring entrances are free of clutter and obstructions, both inside and out
• adequate lighting for learning

2. write policies that will guide the school and the board itself. It is strongly recommended that the following written policies are in place by the school’s opening September date:
• student code of conduct
• emergency response plan with evacuation procedures
• severe weather and wind-chill procedures
• fire and lockdown procedures
• accessibility standard for information and communication
• learning to age 18 policy
• pupil transportation
• school routines, timetable and annual calendar reflecting a minimum of 180 instructional days (one instructional day is equivalent to 5 hours of instructional time)

3. hiring, appointing, supporting, providing professional learning and reviewing the performance of the teachers and the principal

4. respecting the Manitoba Employment Standards Code

5. ensuring teachers implement board or school leadership approved curricula, evaluate student progress and report to parents

6. acquiring appropriate resources to support the school’s programming

7. ensuring sustainable funding for school operations and approving annual school budgets; setting the compensation of all staff

8. establishing a communication system with staff and parents for daily or emergency use

9. providing a school community report to the parents and financial supporters (e.g. the church) on the activities of the school

10. maintaining student records for 30 years
11. ensuring board, staff and volunteers obtain criminal record and vulnerable sector checks

Non-funded independent schools may request a curricular materials grant of $60 per student.

No. Students who attend non-funded independent schools do not graduate with a Manitoba high school diploma. Non-funded independent schools cannot grant Manitoba high school credits or award Manitoba high school diplomas.

Tuition and fees vary by school. The department does not stipulate school tuition or fees.

No. The requirement to participate in provincial assessments is optional. Information on provincial assessments can be found on the Assessment and Evaluation website.

No. Parents who choose to send their children to non-funded independent schools should enquire with the school as to what type of general liability coverage the school maintains.

Non-funded independent schools are not required to use the provincial report card. These schools develop their own report card formats.

Non-funded independent schools are advised to have a student code of conduct.

No. Non-funded independent schools do not receive funding support for special needs students.

No. Non-funded independent schools may access clinician support through private arrangements with clinicians that offer services for a fee.