Homeschooling 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.

Find out what makes a good homeschool teacher.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Homeschoolers are not required to do exams to keep home educating. Many homeschool resources include tests and quizzes. You can also make up your own exams. Many homeschoolers assess their children as they go or provide Charlotte Mason style exams.

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. 

Yes.  There are many stories of children getting into university including the harder courses like medicine and astrophysics. At My Homeschool we include resources to help your child prepare for university entry.

Here are 5 quick tips:

1. Determine your motives for homeschooling. This will affect so many of your choices. It will give you a great starting point.
2. Make a simple start. Don’t be afraid to buy a curriculum package at first. Get samples when possible. It is probably a cheaper option than DIY in the long run and you can usually find some support at the same time. Curriculum packages have already streamlined the process so you won’t feel so overwhelmed comparing all your options.
3. Watch how you like to teach and how your child learns. This will help you make decisions in the future.
4. Be prepared to make some sacrifices. Homeschooling takes a considerable commitment for it to work, especially in the early days.
5. Try to take your focus off academics and on to establishing good habits and close family relationships. Academics will fall into place. Homeschooling is not school at home – it is a lifestyle.

See our How to Start Homeschooling article for more direction.

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.

To find out more details about allowances see Cynthia Cox.

There are now a large number of homeschool groups in New Zealand and many opportunities for your child to make friends. However, it takes time to make new friends so it can take a few events before your child feels comfortable in a new settings.

Places to Start:

• Homeschool groups – see if you can find one in your local area
• Community groups – scouts, sports, choirs
• Church youth groups

Benefits of homeschool socialisation

• Promotes loving sibling friendships
• Positive socialisation with other families and adults
• Friendships based on common interests without peer group pressure
• Fun learning adventures with other homeschooling groups

Many large families choose to homeschool. It can often be easier because they have playmates during the school days. When families homeschool they often report their children become very close. Here are some ideas on combining lessons.

Some of the perceived disadvantages are that the educating parent needs to sacrifice too much to homeschool their child. Other complaints include socialisation, lack of quality teachers and poor outcomes. Here is a list of pros and cons.