Homeschooling in Spain: What you should know

Homeschooling is a common educational practice in many countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, where families choose this path for a variety of cultural, religious, and logistical reasons. However, in Spain, homeschooling is a much more controversial topic. Yet, despite its rising popularity, homeschooling exists within a legal grey area in the country. With the Spanish education system evolving, families, including expatriates, are contemplating delivering education at home as a viable educational pathway for their children. Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities (Comunidades autónomas), each with its own education authority. The approach to homeschooling can vary significantly between these regions.

Some communities are more lenient and may offer more flexibility, while others strictly adhere to traditional schooling regulations meaning your child must attend a registered institution. It is crucial for parents to research and understand the specific requirements and attitudes towards homeschooling in their respective regions.

Here's an in-depth look at homeschooling in Spain, including the legal framework, procedures for expats, and the societal perception of this educational choice.

The Spanish constitution and education law

The Spanish Constitution, established in 1978, guarantees the right to education and states that education is obligatory and free during the basic period. This constitutional mandate is supported by the Organic Law of Education (LOE - Ley Orgánica de Educación), enacted in 2006, and its subsequent reform, the Organic Law for the Improvement of Educational Quality (LOMCE - Ley Orgánica para la Mejora de la Calidad Educativa), introduced in 2013. Both pieces of legislation reinforce the obligation of parents to ensure their children attend school.

The Spanish Organic Law of Education states that children receive a compulsory ten years of basic education between the ages of 6 and 16. However, the law does not explicitly state whether this education must take place within a formal school setting. This ambiguous wording leaves room for interpretation, but it also creates uncertainty for homeschooling families.

Local governments may have additional regulations, but many regions lack specific guidelines on homeschooling. This inconsistency leads to varied experiences for families across Spain, with some facing more challenges in gaining official recognition for their homeschooling efforts than others.

Filing a declaration with the Spanish authorities

Families opting to homeschool in Spain should aim to ensure compliance with Spanish law and in order to avoid any conflicts, must contact their local educational authority to communicate their intentions and submit a formal declaration of home education. This declaration would typically include:

1. Curriculum outline: Details of the subjects and educational plans tailored to align with conventional educational standards. Ensure that your child’s education is comparable to children of the same age in traditional schools. A well-rounded curriculum should cover essential subjects such as mathematics, Spanish language, science, and social studies. Online resources, international school syllabi, and homeschool educational materials from native countries can be extremely helpful in designing a comprehensive educational plan.
2. Educational plan: A comprehensive description of teaching methods, educational resources, schedules, and evaluation processes are also fundamental.

Homeschooling for expats in Spain

For expat families, homeschooling in Spain can offer a way to maintain continuity in their children's education, especially if they plan to return to their home country or move to another country in the future. Here are the steps and considerations for expat families considering homeschooling in Spain:

1. Research legal requirements: Expatriates should familiarise themselves with the Spanish education laws and local regulations regarding homeschooling. Given the variability in regulations across regions, it is crucial to understand the specific guidelines in the area where the family resides.
2. File necessary paperwork: As with local families, expatriates must file a declaration with their local authorities, detailing their homeschooling curriculum and educational plans as detailed above.
3. Cultural and language considerations: Expats should consider integrating aspects of Spanish culture and language into their curriculum to facilitate their children's adaptation to the local environment. Learning the Spanish language is fundamental and greatly encouraged by the education authorities.
4. Join homeschooling communities: Expat families can benefit from joining local and national homeschooling associations. These communities provide support, resources, and networking opportunities with other homeschooling families

Resources for homeschooling parents

One significant aspect of delivering an education from home is that there is no financial support available for parents who choose this path in Spain. All resources and materials must be sourced and funded privately. However, while financial support may be lacking, there are numerous associations and groups committed to supporting homeschooling families and advocating for the practice amidst sceptical authorities.

One such organisation is the Association for Free Education (ALE), which provides a valuable community for families educating their children outside traditional school settings. For families based in Catalonia, there is robust support available due to a large and active homeschooling community. The Catalan Coordinator for Recognition and Regulation of Homeschooling can assist with curriculum planning. Additionally, if you are considering conventional schooling alternatives in Catalonia, the Group of Families for a Safe Educational Choice (AFEES) is a helpful resource that provides a platform for families seeking viable educational alternatives.

Societal perception of homeschooling in Spain

The perception of homeschooling in Spain is evolving. While still relatively rare compared to traditional schooling, the growing interest reflects a slow but steady shift in societal attitudes. A few key factors are changing the perception of homeschooling:

1. Educational flexibility: Homeschooling offers a personalized educational experience, accommodating different learning styles and paces. This flexibility is particularly appealing to families with children who have special educational needs or who are exceptionally gifted.
2. Cultural movements: Although homeschooling is not yet mainstream, awareness is increasing. Associations like ALE are working to promote the benefits of homeschooling and support families in their educational journey.
3. Success Stories: Positive outcomes and success stories of homeschooled children contribute to the gradual acceptance and normalization of this educational choice within Spanish society.

Types of students who may opt for homeschooling

Receiving a homeschool education can be a suitable option for various types of students at different stages of their education pathway. Be that at the primary school level or secondary school level. Students who may benefit from this approach are:

1. Students with special educational needs: Children who require a tailored approach due to learning disabilities or other special needs can benefit from the personalized attention that studying from home offers.
2. Gifted students: Homeschooled gifted children can advance at their own pace, exploring subjects in greater depth than might be possible in a traditional school setting.
3. Children of frequent movers: Expatriate families or families that move frequently might find homeschooling provides much-needed stability in their children's education.
4. Students with extracurricular demands: Children who are heavily involved in sports, arts, or other extracurricular activities may need a flexible schedule that homeschooling can provide.

How do homeschooled children obtain formal qualifications in Spain?

There are several pathways for homeschooled children to integrate into formal education and obtain qualifications:

• Enrolling in the final years of secondary education: Children can enrol in approved institutions during the final years of compulsory secondary education to obtain their diplomas. Each autonomous community in Spain has different procedures for late entries into the school system. This could be through a state secondary school for the Spanish baccalaureate or an international school if the student needs to complete British A-levels, US High School, for example.
• Taking free exams for secondary education diplomas (Graduado en ESO): Children can achieve their secondary education diploma by taking free exams starting at age 18, or by attending secondary education centres for adults, where they can enrol at age 16 if they have a work contract. Regulations vary by autonomous community and you will be required to be resident in Spain.
• Entry exams for vocational training: Children can enter the formal education system through entry exams for intermediate vocational training at age 17 or advanced vocational training at age 19.
• University entry exams: Homeschooled students can take university entry exams for those over 25 years old, or they can directly enrol in universities such as the Open University or other institutions that have specific enrolment quotas for homeschoolers.
• Distance learning schools: Although Spain does not currently recognise qualifications from foreign distance learning schools, these qualifications might be valid in other countries where homeschooling is legally accepted, provided students have resided there during their studies. Spanish universities may accept distance learning qualifications as long as they are able to transfer the grades to the Spanish system. This is possible with recognised education systems such as the British, American or European International Baccalaureate.

In conclusion, while homeschooling in Spain presents certain legal challenges and lacks uniform regulation, it remains a viable and increasingly popular educational option for many families. With the support of local associations and a growing awareness of its benefits, homeschooling continues to carve out its place within the Spanish educational landscape. Whether for local families or expatriates, the journey requires dedication, research, and community support. If you wish to know more about the traditional education system in Spain please read our article on Education in Spain.