Homeschooling is not unique to the United States and Canada. I am pointing this out because I often receive messages from people in other countries about homeschooling. Most are not aware of their homeschooling options. Therefore, I decided to discuss homeschooling around the globe. Here is the state of homeschooling in Europe.
In Europe there is a general distrust of homeschooling and for the most part it is difficult to homeschool. Still many families fight for the right to educate children on their own terms.
Bulgaria: There are less than 100 homeschooling families in Bulgaria, and homeschooling is only allowed if the child has a physical or mental condition. Parents must follow the government’s educational program. There seems to be a growing resistance to these restrictions.
France: There are at least 8000 homeschoolers in France in addition to the 22,000 public school at home students. Homeschooling growth in France is largely due to the fact that parents feel the system does not adequately teach students.
Germany. Homeschooling is not legal in Germany. Still, there are several hundred families who secretly homeschool. Families found to be homeschooled are persecuted by the government.
Hungary. There is a small homeschooling movement in Hungary. Parents must follow the states curriculum and test students twice a year.
Ireland. Homeschooling is legal in Ireland but parents are subjected to what is called “reasonable regulation.” There are approximately 400 reported families.
Lithuania: Homeschooling pretty much operates under the private school label in Lithuania. These “private schools” must be approved by the Minister of Education and report to a local reporting agency.
Czech Republic: The Czech Republic has allowed homeschooling since 1999. Thre are approximately 500 families homeshooling.
Netherlands: Families in the Netherlands are in a battle to retain the right to homeschool. Most families who homeschool do so by obtaining a religious exemption to public school. There are reportedly 100 family’s homeschooling in the Netherlands.
Romania: Romanian Homeschoolers can operate as “private schools” and many use umbrella schools to help them teach at home.
Poland: A very limited number of people in Poland homeschool. It is however legal to homeschool in Poland as long as families comply with local school requirements.
Switzerland: In Switzerland, homeschooling is legal with varying requirements in each Canton (similar to states). Some Cantons are restrictive; some are not. There are over 200 reported families.
Ukraine: While it is technically legal to homeschool, local school authorities impose crushing homeschool regulations. There are les than 100 families that report homeschooling.
United Kingdom: Homeschooling is legal in England and Wales. Parents must inform school officials when they withdraw students, but there are no other requirements. The number of homeschoolers are unknown but could be as many as 100,000.
Homeschooling Around the World: African & Asia
Homeschooling around the World: Australia &; New Zealand
Homeschooling around the World: The Americas
Homeschooling around the World: Europe
Homeschooling Requirements in the United States