France is a great place for homeschoolers for many reasons. From the rich culture and history to the beautiful scenery, there is much to love about this country. But I know you’re curious about the laws of Homeschooling in France.
What law says about homeschooling in France?
Many parents have concerns about, Is homeschooling legal in France?
The answer is obviously, yes!
Homeschooling is legal in France since when education was made compulsory in the country after 1998 parents have to declare homeschooling and do tests.
With the increasing numbers of homeschoolers in France (a study showed that there are now more than 60,000 homeschoolers in the country, compared to the tens of years before when the number was just around 5000), the question of what the law says about homeschooling in France is becoming more relevant.
Homeschooling in France is now less accessible and subject to highly intrusive and restrictive rules, as ruled by the French Constitutional Council.
Homeschooling in France is restricted by a new law that imposes unreasonable restrictions on French citizens’ rights of conscience, human rights, and freedoms. The petition called on the council to strike down the law, but sadly the council swept aside these concerns, ruling that the National Assembly had the authority to impose such restrictions on the practice of homeschooling in France.
The French government passed a law in 2021 severely restricting homeschooling to enforce secular values. Stating that homeschooling will only be authorized for reasons of health, disability, artistic or sports practice, family homelessness, and remoteness. of an establishment, and also in the event of a “situation specific to the child motivating the educational project”.
The new law requires homeschooling parents to request permission from the local authorities every year, and undergo an annual evaluation by a state-approved.
President Macron wants to ban homeschooling in France unless there is a medical reason. Parents are fighting back, arguing that it’s an essential freedom. President further included that homeschooling may be the source of religious extremism.
The government says the new rules are necessary to stop the “spread of radicalization” and ensure that all children have access to a “secular, republican education”.
Critics say the law is a violation of parents’ right to freedom of education and could lead to the marginalization of children who are not part of the mainstream educational system.
Homeschooling in France has been illegal since the 19th century when Napoleon Bonaparte mandated state-run education. Homeschooling families have been fined, and their children have been taken away from them and placed in state schools.
In recent years, the homeschooling movement has been growing in France, with an estimated 60,000 children being homeschooled in 2020.
The new law passed by the French government will make it even more difficult for families to homeschool their children. Parents who wish to homeschool their children will now have to request permission from the local authorities every year and undergo an annual evaluation by a state-approved evaluator.
✅ Also Read: 11 Habits of highly successful homeschoolers
About the French education system
The French education system is compulsory for all children aged six to 16. Children must attend a state-run school unless they are homeschooled or attend a private school.
The French education system is highly centralized, with the national government responsible for setting the curriculum and standards that all schools must follow.
There are three main types of schools in France: public schools, private schools, and charter schools.
Public schools are free to attend and are funded by the government. Private schools are not free to attend and are usually run by religious organizations. Charter schools are publicly funded but have more autonomy than public schools when it comes to curriculum and teaching methods.
Approximately 95% of French children attend public schools, while 5% attend private or charter schools.
Homeschooling is a relatively new phenomenon in France and is not well-regulated.
But back then there were two main types of homeschooling in France:
- Autonomous Homeschooling: This is when parents take full responsibility for their child’s education and do not have to notify the government of their decision to homeschool.
- Homeschooling under Agreement: This is when parents notify the local school board of their decision to homeschool and submit an agreement detailing their educational plan for their child.
Mo is a home-based Mommie and a passionate journalist. She loves to help other moms to spend a good life.
