Despite the stigma attached to homeschooling, there are several reasons for homeschooling in Ireland. In this article, I’ll discuss the benefits and legalities, as well as the cost. You’ll be able to decide if it’s the right choice for you and your children.
Legality
Homeschooling is a perfectly legal option for parents in Ireland. The constitution recognizes parents as the primary educators of their children, but the law also requires that children begin formal schooling by the age of six. Parents may use specialist teachers, tutors, or online educational programmes, but the overall responsibility of education remains with parents. Parents who are considering homeschooling their children should register with the National Education Welfare Board and undergo an inspection of the home.
Article 42 of the Irish Constitution protects home education and guarantees the rights of parents. It also prohibits discrimination based on religious beliefs and practices. There are still certain costs involved in homeschooling in Ireland, however. For example, textbooks and school supplies can be expensive (primary school textbooks cost EUR82-165; lower secondary textbooks cost EUR395-540; IGCSE textbooks cost EUR293-399). Exam fees for students are another factor, which can add up to EUR979 or $1 959 depending on the grade and subject.
Flexibility
Home education is a legal option in Ireland and a right that is enshrined in the Constitution. However, to homeschool a child, families must register with the Child and Family Agency. At present, there are 1,772 children on the home-school register and a further 1,477 are awaiting assessment. According to the Child and Family Agency, the number of applications for home education has increased by over threefold in 2021. This increase is believed to be due to the Pandemic and the resulting high number of parents wishing to home-school their children.
Parents and teachers in Ireland have reported a distinctly different experience with ‘schooling at home’ (SAH). While the Irish homeschooling community is small and geographically spread, the focus is on natural learning and parents’ involvement in the process. Parents in Ireland often meet and socialize with other homeschooling families in their areas for social events and excursions. Nevertheless, few homeschool co-ops have been established in Ireland.
Values
Homeschooling is legal in Ireland and the constitution protects the right to educate your children at home. It is illegal in Germany and restricted in France. These new laws stem from concerns about extremism and have led many French nationals to move to Ireland to homeschool their children. The Irish homeschooling movement has experienced tremendous growth over the last decade.
Homeschooling is not without its challenges. It can be expensive and time-consuming, and it often requires the sacrifice of many luxuries. But homeschooling does give you the freedom to take your children on holidays without worrying about the school budget. In Ireland, the homeschooling community is small and diverse, with a strong lean towards natural learning. There are few homeschool co-ops, but many families get together for social events and excursions.
Cost
Whether you’re homeschooling your children in Ireland or abroad, some expenses should be considered. For example, homeschooling in Ireland can cost between EUR1,717 and EUR4,464 per student per year. In addition to the cost of the curriculum, parents must also pay for exams and textbooks. Some materials may cost more than others, depending on how many subjects you choose to teach and the format of the textbook.
As part of the process, parents who choose to homeschool in Ireland must register with the National Education Welfare Board. This board is the body that oversees homeschooling in Ireland. To register with the board, you must provide a minimum level of education for your child. The board’s representative will ask about the curriculum, method of teaching and approach to learning.