Homeschooling has steadily grown in popularity since the ’70s, when John Holt advocated for the practice across the U.S. The usual growth rates of 2%-8% per year surged higher still during the pandemic.
Today, 11.1% of American children are homeschooled. In other countries, however, homeschooling is restricted, managed by public or private schools, or flat out illegal.
Here’s are the countries where homeschooling is restricted, along with any exceptions:
Albania
No exceptions in this beautiful Balkan nation.
Andorra
No exceptions in this tiny country in the Pyrenees between Spain and France.
Armenia
Azerbaijan
No exceptions in this Eurasian nation on the Caspian Sea.
Belarus
No exceptions in the former Soviet republic.
Bosnia & Herzegovina
No exceptions in the Balkan state where World War I started.
Bulgaria
Students with special needs may be homeschooled under strict government control.
China
Homeschooling is illegal for citizens, but foreign residents are permitted.
Costa Rica
No exceptions in this Central American nation.
Croatia
No exceptions in this popular country on the Adriatic Sea.
Cuba
It’s unlikely for an American family to move to Cuba, but there are no exceptions here.
Cyprus
No exceptions on this Mediterranean island.
Georgia
No exceptions in this country on the Black Sea.
Germany
No exceptions in the E.U. nation. One homeschooling family who’s been in Tennessee for 15 years may finally be deported after seeking asylum in the U.S. from German public schools.
Greece
No exceptions in Greece, a top choice for American expats.
Guatemala
No exceptions in Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America.
Hungary
Although not strictly illegal, a 2019 law says that children must be supervised by a school and pass annual exams.
Iceland
Legal only if the homeschooler is a certified teacher.
Iran
No exceptions in the Middle East nation.
Liechtenstein
Allowed if approved by the education authority, which is rare.
Malta
No exceptions on the Mediterranean island that popular with retirees and digital nomads.
Montenegro
No exceptions in the small Balkan country.
Netherlands
Illegal, but there are some exceptions if your municipality approves.
North Macedonia
No exceptions in the nation just north of Greece.
San Marino
No exceptions in the teeny microstate inside northern Italy.
Sierra Leone
No exceptions in the West African nation.
South Korea
Illegal, but generally unenforced.
Sweden
There are few exceptions, and homeschooling is almost never approved.
Turkey
No exceptions in the large Eurasian country.
The Best School Choices for Expat Kids
Finding the best school choices for expat kids can be a daunting task, with a myriad of factors to consider and options to choose from. As a parent, you want your child to thrive academically and socially in their new environment. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complexities of selecting the ideal education option for your child, offering insights into local, international, and online schools, and providing tips for a smooth transition to a new country.
