Guide To Homeschooling Hong Kong – Homeschool Programs And Resources

WHY HOMESCHOOL IN HONG KONG?

1. Pace: The main advantage of homeschooling children is that it allows them to learn and explore at their own pace. Their education is fueled by their own curiosity and passion which is lovely to witness and support.

2. Flexibility: As a family, you are able to spend lots of time together and have many opportunities to travel and learn together. Many families travel together bringing the classroom with them.

3. No rules: The beautiful thing about homeschooling is that there is no right way to do it. It is a very enriching experience in a supportive environment, especially here in Hong Kong where families are very social in general so it's very easy for kids to spend time with their friends and other families. For parents, they are no different from parents of children in school. They face the same challenges and worries of raising kids and strive to have a strong relationship and open communication with them.

4. Cost: We can't leave off this one!  With the cost of schooling in Hong Kong on the rise, many are moving toward homeschooling as a great financial alternative.

THE LEGAL SIDE OF HOMESCHOOLING: Is It Legal In Hong Kong?

Many parents wonder about the legal side of homeschooling in Hong Kong. The good news is that it is not illegal. While the Education Bureau encourages families to notify them if they are homeschooling to keep tabs on kids' education, it is not required, nor is there an official application.

Note, if you do notify them, you can expect to hear from them, and they will try to persuade you to send your child to traditional school. They will see how you are set to educate and then might request home visits a few times per year.  In very rare cases, they might issue an attendance order.

Legal Status of Homeschooling in Hong Kong

1. Registration: Parents must notify the Education Bureau about their intent to homeschool by submitting a written notification.
2. Curriculum: While parents can create their own curriculum, it's advisable to align with local educational standards.
3. Monitoring: The Education Bureau may conduct checks to ensure that homeschooled children receive an adequate education. Keeping records of progress is important.
4. Compulsory Education: Education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 15, and homeschooling programs must meet educational needs during this period.
5. Support: Many local homeschooling groups offer resources, workshops, and community activities for support.

Homeschooling Laws, Click here for more information.

Education Bureau, +852 2891 0088, edbinfo@edb.gov.hk, www.edb.gov.hk/en

Direct contact for homeschooling: Mr. M. L. YAN, Inspector of Placement and Support Section, +852 3698 4388, ips4@edb.gov.hk

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?

We spoke to one Hong Kong homeschooling mom, Keiko, to find out details around a typical day for her family.

A typical day for us: "The kids wake up and play and work on their own projects. After breakfast, they do their schooling, and then we have lunch. We homeschool year-round without scheduled breaks. This works for us and allows for flexibility when we travel. It's summer holiday right now, so they have their friends over every day. It's not unusual for me to wake up to a house full of children! After lunch they have the activities they've planned for the day, be it a class, hitting the beach, hiking, swimming, etc. The main objective for us is for the kids to plan and schedule their own life and activities."

KEY RESOURCES FOR HOMESCHOOLING

1.  Homeschool HK Facebook Group, Click here

2.  Homeschool Hong Kong Twitter (@HomeschoolHK), Click here

3.  Homeschool Resources Hong Kong Facebook Group, Click here

4.  Homeschooling In Hong Kong Blog, Click here

5.  Homeschool.com.hk, Click here

6.  Homeschool Meetup Group - Click here

7.  After School Activities - Click here

8. Programs That Help with Transition From Homeschooling - Baker & Bloom Education Center - Click here

Podcasts On Homeschooling:

1. The Wired Homeschooling - Tech, Tools, & Tips

2. The Homeschool Sanity Show

3. The Home Education Podcast

4. 101 Homeschool Ideas

5. Homeschool Adventure Show

Common Homeschooling Fears & How To Overcome Them:

Click here!

Favorite Web Resources:

1. The Khan Academy - a simple, awesome site focused on helping parents and kids search and learn about anything they desire!

2. Starfall - excellent for teaching phonics to youngsters.

3. Clickschooling - free web curriculum that offers 6 days a week learning inspiration and virtual field trips.

4. Reading Eggs - excellent for helping little readers!

5. Academic Earth - lectures on dozens of topics.

6. Pasxcel - Online IGCSE Homeschooling Program

Interesting TEDTalk On Homeschooling:

Click here!

Favorite Blogs Focused On Homeschooling:

1. HS Classroom 

2. Simple Homeschool

3. Special Needs Homeschooling

4. Embark On The Journey

Favorite Homeschool Curriculum:

1.  Moving Beyond The Page

2.  K12

3.  Son Light

4.  Oak Meadow

5.  A Beka Book

6.  Oxford Homeschooling

7.  Calvert School

8.  Wolsey Hall Oxford