Download Your Free Opt-Out Letter Template Below

As parents, we want the best for our children – emotionally, mentally, and academically. So when something doesn’t align with their needs or values, we have every right to pause, ask questions, and make informed choices.

One of those moments often comes around EQAO season.

What Is EQAO?

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is a standardized assessment administered in Ontario schools at specific grade levels (Grades 3, 6, 9, and 10). It’s intended to measure how well students are meeting curriculum expectations in reading, writing, and math.

But here’s the truth: EQAO does not reflect the full picture of your child’s learning.

Why Some Parents Are Choosing to Opt Out

For many children, standardized testing causes unnecessary stress, anxiety, and frustration. It can take the joy out of learning, and for some, it even undermines their confidence. These tests are also limited in scope – focusing on narrow academic benchmarks while overlooking creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, emotional growth, and other meaningful aspects of learning.

If your child is curious, energetic, unique, or learns in a way that doesn’t fit the standardized mold (as most kids do!), opting out of EQAO might be the right choice for your family.

Yes – You Can Say No

In Ontario, government-run schools are mandated to administer EQAO. However, your child’s participation is not mandatory. As a parent, you have the right to withdraw your child from these assessments. You simply need to notify the school in writing.

To make this easy, I’ve created a free downloadable opt-out letter template you can personalize and submit to your child’s teacher or principal.

[Download the EQAO Opt-Out Letter Template (Word/PDF)]

This letter outlines your decision in a respectful, firm, and informed way – highlighting valid reasons related to developmental needs, mental well-being, and your family’s educational values.

You’re Not Alone

More and more families across Ontario are advocating for educational experiences that honour the whole child – not just their ability to bubble in the right answer under time pressure.

If EQAO doesn’t serve your child, it’s okay to opt out. You are your child’s best advocate. Trust your instincts.

If you have questions or want to share your experience, feel free to reach out or comment below. Let’s support one another in creating learning environments that empower, not pressure, our children.

Hope this is helpful,
Kate