Homeschooling in the Philippines: Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a first time homeschooling parent, or you are curious about this alternative option to traditional education, here are some frequently asked questions about homeschooling in the Philippines.

What is homeschooling?

Homeschooling or sometimes referred to as home education – is an alternative delivery mode that is under formal education which entails parents or guardians to facilitate learning. The key component is “Parent” hence the emphasis on “Homeschooling.” But is not restricted at home because it can be done anywhere at at any given time and circumstances which is conducive for learning. The parents are the teachers.

There are other different home education programs offered by a school which entails a different facilitator of learning. Example are online study, home study, and the like. In this case teachers are still facilitators of learning.

Is it legal to homeschool in the Philippines?

Yes. Homeschooling is accepted and legal in the Philippines. The Philippine Constitution, Article 14, Section 1(2) protects parental rights and states that the country will “establish and maintain a system of free public education in the elementary and high school levels without limiting the natural right of parents to rear their children…”

Article 209 Chapter 1, General Provisions of the Family Code of the Philippines states that:

Pursuant to the natural right and duty of the parents over the person and property of their unemancipated children, parental authority and responsibility shall include the caring for and rearing them for civic consciousness and efficiency and the development of their moral, mental and physical character and well-being.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Memo no. 216 s. 1997 entitled “Home Education Program” states that if a homeschooled student wants to transfer into a conventional school, he or she must first be accredited by DepEd.

What are the kinds of setup of homeschoolers in the Philippines?

There are currently two kinds of set up: 1. With a DepEd-accredited provider 2. Independent Homeschooling

A provider is a service center for homeschooling families who offers Deped homeschool program thru their partner school. Or they are already a school who offers a home education program. Because your child is accredited and is in the DepEd system of education, your child has a LRN (Learner Reference Number) and is promoted every school year provided all requirements/portfolios/exams/etc are accomplished.

Indie Homeschooling has no ties with DepEd at all. Homeschool families are not supported nor is accredited. The children who are homeschoolers are considered out of school youths. Parents are totally on their own. Children are not promoted yearly.

But there’s nothing to worry as homeschoolers can take placement test or acceleration diploma exams to enter back to Deped (traditional) schools.

Read: PEPT for Homeschoolers

Within the 2 homeschooling setups, there are now so many styles or methods of homeschooling depending on the needs and styles (Classical Homeschooling, Charlotte Mason, Unschooling, etc).

Why enroll with a DepEd-accredited provider?

1. Because you are somehow guided
2. Usually there is already a set of curriculum to follow and use with materials.
3. Your child has school documents and therefore can move up every after each level provided he/she accomplished all tasks.
4. You are still unsure whether you will go through with it or will just try it out.
5. You need assurance that what you are doing is on the right track.
6. There are certain providers who offer activities similar to schools. Therefore your child has access to it.
7. You need to show your parents or relatives or friends your homeschooling is a good alternative!

Read: Advantages of Having a Homeschool Provider

Why go Indie?

For a first timer, no fear, there are so many helps these days from online to offline resources.

What you really need when going independent is a strong vision and mission as a family. It will be the foundation of your day to day journey. Especially since you are alone, with no help, with no accreditation, and no leveling up for your child.

Going Indie goes beyond the norm when it comes to education. You are accepting that you are not like everyone else.

1. It is okay for you, that your child has no school records
2. Your principles in education is totally different from what the government/institutions are imposing. Or your child cannot really meet the requirements of even a homeschool program from a provider.
3. You are just torn between public (free) and homeschool provider (with fees) and it cannot fit your budget due to certain seasons of your life.

Read: Independent Homeschooling in the Philippines

How early can I start homeschooling?

DepEd has released the eligibility standards for incoming Kindergarten and Grade 1, and this guideline is followed by DepEd Accredited providers.  The accredited Preschool year is Kinder 2 (the child must be 5 years old at the time of enrollment). For Grade 1, the child needs to be at least 6 years old. This is when homeschool curriculum are being used which are based on DepEd K-12 curriculum.

Nursery and Pre-K are not recognized by DepEd. For younger kids, there’s no need for a curriculum. Learning for this age group is play, rich conversations, exposure and explorations for discovery. ?

How about socialization?

Homeschooling does not mean just staying at home. On the contrary, homeschooled kids have plenty of time and the flexibility to be outside and meet other people. They get more opportunities to socialize and not just with the kids as their age.

Read: Activities for socialization

Have you finally decided to homeschool, read our article on How To Start Homeschooling. Here are some homeschooling terms you should be familiar with as they might help on your journey.

This guide to homeschooling was written by Teacher Laksmi Maluya. She is
a product of homeschooling herself, currently homeschooling 2 daughters and already sent her eldest (who was homeschooled from preschool to highschool) in a university. Laksmi and her family manages Gopala Learning Haven, which is a homeschool provider that offers services to all types of homeschooling families.