Is going to school becoming less popular? The number of children being homeschooled is rapidly increasing

Thursday, Jun 25, 2026

Examines global trends and regulations regarding homeschooling, noting varying levels of acceptance and scrutiny across several European countries.

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The article compares homeschooling practices across several European countries, noting that enrollment numbers are generally increasing due to various reasons such as relocation or desire for a stable environment, though this trend is not solely attributed to the pandemic. Lithuania shows significant growth in homeschooled students, with authorities implementing strict safeguards requiring documentation and regular progress reports from parents. Greece has fewer formal instances of homeschooling, with concerns raised about transparency regarding the stated reasons for opting out of traditional schooling. France has seen a sharp decrease in the number of children educated at home since its pandemic peak, now heavily restricted by official permits based on specific criteria like health or family relocation. Austria’s numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a system where mandatory attendance is not required, only compulsory education. Spain operates in a legal grey area, as while parents have constitutional rights to educate according to their beliefs, the law mandates school attendance. Italy has seen homeschooling enrollment triple since the pandemic, with annual declarations of financial and technical means required from parents. The Czech Republic also shows rising numbers, with reports suggesting that parental concerns often revolve around dissatisfaction with the standard education system or unique child needs, sometimes leading to pressure from schools against attending in-person classes.


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