How common is homeschooling in New Zealand? The short answer is it is increasingly common. In some areas, it is compulsory for children from 6 to 15 years of age. For parents who want to stay at home with their children, this is a great option. However, it can be a complicated process.
Homeschooling is on the rise in New Zealand
The number of homeschooled children in New Zealand has increased by more than 80% in just two years, thanks to several factors. Many parents are now able to teach their children without the need to attend school, and parents have more control over their children’s education. According to the Homeschooling Association of New Zealand, there are currently nearly 7,200 homeschooled students in New Zealand, making up 0.9% of the school enrolment.
While there is no standardized curriculum for homeschooling, parents should ensure that the curriculum includes age-appropriate literacy and numeracy components. A good starting point is the New Zealand curriculum, which includes English, mathematics, Te Reo Maori, health and physical education, social sciences, arts, and more.
It requires a full-time workforce
In New Zealand, homeschooling is legal provided one parent is in the full-time workforce and the other parent is at home to educate the child. While this is a difficult situation, many parents can work part-time and homeschool their children. There are also a few government programs to help those who choose to homeschool. For example, the Ministry of Education will give parents a supervisory allowance of $743 per year for the first child, $632 for a second child, and $521 for a third child. For each additional child, the parent will receive another $372 per year. These are paid in two instalments each year.
Homeschooling is a legitimate option in New Zealand and it is increasingly popular. Parents choose homeschooling for several reasons. Some are unable to find a suitable preschool for their children, or they have concerns about bullying. Homeschooling is also a viable option for families who travel or live out of town.
It can be a daunting process
If you’re wondering if homeschooling is legal in New Zealand, the answer is yes. Parents can apply for an exemption to school their children at home, which is a relatively simple process. Kiwi parents generally involve their children in the running of the household, helping with cooking, cleaning, and budgeting. This gives their children real-life skills. As the children spend the majority of their time at home, they are ideally suited to helping with household operations.
A correspondence school is similar to the Open University. It has been educating children for many generations. It educates over 23,000 pupils every year and covers the whole curriculum at the primary level. It is also used by older students to prepare for exams. Te Kura also accepts children who attended day schools during lockdowns, making it one of the largest state schools in New Zealand.
It doesn’t mean your child will be disadvantaged
If you are thinking about homeschooling, you don’t have to worry that your child is going to be left behind. New Zealand has a supportive homeschooling community. In Auckland, for example, there are over 1000 home-educated children and 20 home educator support groups. Homeschooled children are not isolated inside the home; they are fully integrated into their local community and often attend multiple classes. They may also participate in sports clubs or girl guide groups. ERO reviewers have repeatedly commented that homeschooled students mix with a diverse range of people.
Homeschooling in New Zealand is legal, so long as you apply for a homeschool exemption from the Ministry of Education. The process is relatively straightforward.