The Unofficial Guide to Homeschooling in New Zealand
Homeschooling in New Zealand is becoming an increasingly popular option for families who want more control over their children’s education. However, it can be overwhelming to navigate the legal requirements, curriculum options, and socialisation opportunities. This unofficial guide will provide you with all the information you need to get started and succeed in homeschooling your children in New Zealand.
Quick Facts Homeschool NZ:
Homeschooling in New Zealand (NZ) is a legal option that is supported by a small government allowance. In 2021 there were 8306 students registered for homeschooling in NZ. This is a little over 1% of the NZ school population. Numbers have stayed steady but the Covid pandemic saw homeschooling in NZ numbers increase dramatically. Whilst application numbers have dropped in 2022 the numbers are double the pre-covid numbers.
Homeschooling is a broad term used for many different types of home education. Put simply homeschooling is full time education out of the traditional school classroom. It is often done at home but is also done within the community or whilst travelling. The primary responsibility for the education is taken by the parent.
When homeschooling in New Zealand the parent is responsible for planning the child’s education. You can still use purchased curriculum, but you choose it. You teach your child and do the assessments. You do not hand in work to a school. You are in control of your schedule. Whilst parents may use tutors for some subjects the primary responsibility is the parents.
Homeschooling can be done in different ways and for more discussion about this see our article about different homeschool methods.
Please Note: In New Zealand there is a distinction made between homeschooling and distance learning schools. When you are enrolled in a distance learning school, you are accountable to a school. You apply to the school to enrol, and you do not need to apply to homeschool. Your child is still a school student and not technically home educated. The school determines the curriculum.
Choose a Home Education Method That Works for Your Family.
There are many different homeschooling methods to choose from, including traditional, classical, Charlotte Mason, unschooling, and Montessori. It’s important to choose a method that aligns with your family’s values, goals, and learning style. Some families prefer a structured approach with textbooks and lesson plans, while others prefer a more flexible approach that allows for child-led learning. Research different methods and talk to other homeschooling families to find the best fit for your family. Remember, you can always adjust and adapt your approach as you go along.
Understand Home Education in NZ
Before you begin to homeschool in NZ, it’s important to understand the laws and regulations. Make sure you research and understand the laws before you begin homeschooling. You can find information on this below.
Can I homeschool in New Zealand?
Yes you can!
Today there is a lot of support for parents wanting to homeschool. If you want to DIY your curriculum you can, but you can also get support from a community like My Homeschool that does the curriculum for you.
You do not need to be a school teacher to apply, you just need to be a parent or the legal guardian.
Is homeschooling in New Zealand legal?
Yes.
Legally children in New Zealand between the ages of 6 to 16 need to be at school or home educated. From 15 children can leave school but they need to apply for an Early Leaving Exemption.
When you apply to homeschool in New Zealand, you actually apply for a Certificate of Exemption from Enrolment at your local Regional Office. The process takes about 6 weeks.
Full details of what is needed for a homeschool application can be found on the NZ Government Education website.
You cannot approved for an exemption to homeschool in New Zealand if you are not living in New Zealand.
Is unschooling allowed in New Zealand?
Unschooling is just another homeschool method. However, you still need to provide an educational plan with your exemption application no matter what homeschooling method you use.
Is it hard to get an exemption to home educate?
The initial application does take some time understand but many successfully apply and are accepted. Some organisations, like My Homeschool, provide templates to make it easier.
The application form asks parents to provide details on their child’s individual needs, educational approach or philosophy the parent will use and what curriculum and resources they plan on using.
This is a once off process and your exemption expires if you enrol in school. A back-to-school trial of up to 10 weeks is permitted without the need to reapply for an exemption if you begin homeschooling again.
Reviews can be conducted by the Education Review Office. There is no specific timeline for these reviews, and they are not always done. You would need to liaise with your local school district for more specific details on their processes regarding this.
Overseas travel is permitted for homeschooling however the Home Education Supervision allowance changes if you are overseas for more than 28 days.
Create a Curriculum That Suits Your Child’s Needs
One of the benefits of homeschooling is the ability to tailor your child’s education to their individual needs and interests. Start by identifying your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning style. Then, choose curriculum materials that align with their needs and interests. You can also incorporate hands-on activities, field trips, and real-world experiences to enhance their learning. Remember to regularly assess your child’s progress and adjust your curriculum as needed.
Do I have to use a specific curriculum?
There is no set curriculum that you need when homeschooling in New Zealand. However, you will be asked on your application how you intend to homeschool, and if a review is conducted you will also be asked to give evidence of the education you are providing.
Your application for exemption requires you to prepare a learning plan. It’s your choice how you put your lessons together. You can DIY all your resources and curriculum if you want, but most new homeschoolers prefer to purchase packaged curricula when they start.
The main requirement is that a child educated at home should be taught well and regularly – at least as well as they would be taught if in a registered school.
Various homeschooling methods are popular in New Zealand. Some like a traditional workbook approach, Charlotte Mason homeschooling and unschooling are also popular.
Using My Homeschool For Your Curriculum
My Homeschool is very much a curriculum that New Zealanders can use. We already have a few Kiwis using our program.
One thing to note is that in New Zealand your Year 1 is our Kindergarten in Australia. Australia still has the same amount of school years. But in New Zealand you graduate high school at Year 13 and in Australia they graduate in Year 12.
Our My Homeschool Curriculum only goes to Year 11 New Zealand (Year 10 Australia).
You’ll find there is a lot of overlap with New Zealand Curriculum and the Australia Curriculum and so we certainly have a lot there for you. Since there is no specific requirement to use a particular curriculum choosing My Homeschool is a good option for many reasons.
Shared Stories & Seasons
Australia and New Zealand share many stories, history and cultural perspectives. We also share a seasonal approach to nature study.
Global Perspective
My Homeschool offers a Charlotte Mason inspired curriculum that includes lots of Global Goodies. For example, you will find world history and geography in all the primary years.
New Zealand Content
We have a reasonable amount of NZ homeschooling content in our curriculum. We include NZ literature, NZ nature study, some NZ civics. We don’t cover a lot of specific NZ history but we do have some when it overlaps with Australia. There isn’t any Māori content. However, you can source that from a library – ask your librarian.
Documentation Help
On the purchase of a course, you are provided with a planning template, Scope and Sequence, and Weekly Planner to help you plan out your year ahead with ease and confidence. This will make your homeschool application/exemption very easy as we have already done most of the work for you.
International Grades For Curriculum
When buying NZ homeschool curriculum from other countries such as Australia or the USA, it is worth noting that grade names are different internationally. See this table to see grades and ages for international schools.
Can I homeschool high school?
Yes, you can homeschool your child at any time during their education. Homeschooling through high school without teacher training can be done successfully. Here are some ideas on teaching subjects that scare you.
Does my child need a high school qualification?
You don’t need a high school qualification to complete homeschooling. It depends what the reason is that you are wanting the qualification. If you don’t need a high school qualification to enter your chosen career path then you may choose to skip this qualification.
However there are various options available to homeschool students who want a high school qualification.
For a complete list of alternative high school options see here.
Keep Records and Evaluate Your Progress.
One of the benefits of homeschooling is the ability to tailor your child’s education to their individual needs and learning style. To ensure that you are meeting your child’s educational goals, it’s important to keep records and evaluate your progress. This can include keeping track of lesson plans, assignments, and grades, as well as assessing your child’s understanding of the material. Regular evaluations can help you identify areas where your child may need additional support or where you may need to adjust your teaching approach.
Is it hard to get an exemption to home educate?
The initial application does take some time understand but many successfully apply and are accepted. Some organisations, like My Homeschool, provide templates to make it easier.
The application form asks parents to provide details on their child’s individual needs, educational approach or philosophy the parent will use and what curriculum and resources they plan on using.
This is a once off process and your exemption expires if you enrol in school. A back-to-school trial of up to 10 weeks is permitted without the need to reapply for an exemption if you begin homeschooling again.
Reviews can be conducted by the Education Review Office. There is no specific timeline for these reviews, and they are not always done. You would need to liaise with your local school district for more specific details on their processes regarding this.
Overseas travel is permitted for homeschooling however the Home Education Supervision allowance changes if you are overseas for more than 28 days.
My child is at school but can I swap to homeschool them?
Absolutely. Homeschooling is available to all students. You just need to apply. You can move to homeschooling at any time of year.
If your child is at a private school, you can still remove them at any time but you usually need to give a terms notice regarding the fees. This may mean you still pay fees for a term even if your child has left, but some schools may waiver this right.
Can I send them back to school later if I need to?
Yes you can send your child back to school after homeschooling. You just apply to the specific school you want to go to and you are treated like a new student application. The same conditions will apply to you like any new students.
Some schools will request to see a portfolio of work completed to help them with class placement but this is not a requirement.
A back-to-school trial of up to 10 weeks is permitted without the need to reapply for an exemption if you begin homeschooling again.
How much does cost when homeschooling in New Zealand?
Most countries offer little financial help to homeschool, however when homeschooling in New Zealand you can apply for the Home Education Supervision Allowance. This is paid after your application has been processed.
2023 allowance:
- first child $769.00
- second child $654.00
- third child $536.00
- subsequent children $385.00
Homeschooling is cheaper than private school. Curriculum and other activities such as swimming lessons, art supplies, music tuition, and excursions will still need to be paid for.
Here is a breakdown of particular costs using different learning styles.
Do you do special exams when you homeschool in NZ?
When you homeschool in NZ you are not required to do exams.
However, many homeschool resources include tests and quizzes. You can also make up your own exams. At My Homeschool we provide Charlotte Mason style exams from Year 5 (Year 6 NZ).
Finding Homeschool NZ Support
Homeschooling can sometimes feel isolating, but there are many resources and support systems available in your community. Look for local homeschooling groups, co-ops, and classes where your child can socialize and learn with other homeschoolers. You can also connect with other homeschooling parents for advice and support. Additionally, many libraries, museums, and community centres offer educational programs and resources for homeschoolers. Don’t be afraid to reach out and explore all the resources available to you in your community.
Homeschool Support Organisations
My Homeschool is based in NSW Australia. We offer support to our members with a community forum and from time to time we have live workshops that work for New Zealand families due to the time difference only being around 2 hours. You can even book a call. See our contact page.
Find more information on New Zealand support groups and online networking with National Council of Home Education in New Zealand.
For Christian homeschooling information relevant to New Zealanders please see the Home Education Foundation.
