Home schooling, otherwise known as “elective home education”, or EHE, is becoming increasingly popular in Sweden as families seek to make their own decisions regarding the education of their children. Homeschooling in Sweden is a complex right and is regulated by Swedish law. If a family wants to homeschool, they must follow specific rules and regulations.
This article will provide 15 questions that will help families gain a better understanding of the homeschooling laws, regulations, and processes in Sweden.
What Are the Reasons for Homeschooling in Sweden?
There are a number of reasons why a family in Sweden may choose homeschooling as an educational option. Swedish families may homeschool due to religious convictions, philosophical reasons, or a dissatisfaction with the school system.
Additionally, Swedish families may homeschool because of a child’s special needs or medical conditions. Swedish parents who choose to homeschool can also choose to homeschool for more academic reasons, such as if a child is already excelling significantly in a subject and would benefit from an individualized program of study.
Who Is Responsible for Approving or Denying Homeschool Applications in Sweden?
In Sweden, the local education verifying authority is responsible for approving or denying homeschool applications. This authority is responsible for verifying that the homeschool program meets the requirements of the Swedish National Curriculum. The local education verifying authority includes the county administrative board, municipal executive boards, or the school authorities, depending on where the family lives.
What Are the Requirements of a Homeschool Program in Sweden?
To be approved, a homeschool program in Sweden must meet the requirements of the Swedish National Curriculum. The curriculum covers math, science, language, the arts, civics, and humanities. The curriculum must include these topics and must follow the same expectations and standards as public schools.
Additionally, the curriculum must be designed to prepare each student for the same graduation examination that is taken by all other Swedish students.
What Is Expected of Homeschoolers in Sweden?
In Sweden, homeschoolers are expected to abide by the same laws and regulations as public school students. This includes notifying their local school authorities or educational verifying authority 21 days before beginning the homeschool program. Additionally, the homeschool parents must keep records and evidence of the instruction.
They must also notify the educational verifying authority 24 days before every semester ends to provide annual reports, assessments, and any other necessary information.
Can Families Hire a Teacher to Teach Their Children at Home in Sweden?
Yes, families in Sweden can hire a teacher to teach their children at home if they wish. It is not mandatory for a family to hire a teacher; homeschooling can be done without the help of a teacher.
However, if the family does hire a teacher, the teacher must be certified and must abide by the same laws and regulations as classroom teachers.
Does Homeschooling in Sweden Take Place Year-Round?
Yes, homeschooling in Sweden can take place year-round. Homeschool parents must provide a minimum of 180 days of instruction each year; however, the homeschool program can take place during any part of the year.
What Requirements Are Needed to Homeschool in Sweden?
For a family to be approved for a homeschool program in Sweden, the parents or guardians must provide a written statement of their educational objectives and the planned activities they will use to meet those objectives. The homeschool program must also meet the other requirements of Swedish law, such as including the curriculum topics outlined by the Swedish National Curriculum.
What Types of Services Do Homeschoolers in Sweden Receive?
Homeschoolers in Sweden may participate in certain services that are provided to public school students. These services include taking state examinations, receiving Swedish diplomas, and partaking in courses and extracurricular activities at public and private schools. This includes participating in special needs programs and sports and extracurricular activities that are offered at public and private schools.
What Do Parents Need to Know When Considering Homeschooling in Sweden?
Parents in Sweden who are considering homeschooling should ensure they are aware of the laws and regulations that are in place in the country. Additionally, they should think carefully about their educational objectives and the resources they will need to meet those objectives.
Additionally, parents should also research the types of services and programs that are available to homeschoolers in Sweden.
What Are the Costs of Homeschooling in Sweden?
The costs associated with homeschooling in Sweden vary from family to family. Some of the costs may be for training for the parents who will be teaching their children, as well as for purchasing learning materials, such as textbooks and curriculum guides.
Additionally, parents may need to pay for the services of a teacher if they choose to hire one to help teach their children.
Are There Laws Regarding Homeschoolers Enrolling in Public Schools in Sweden?
Yes, there are laws regarding homeschoolers enrolling in public schools in Sweden. Families who homeschool can transfer their student to a public school as long as they meet all the criteria outlined by the Swedish National Curriculum. If a family chooses to transfer their student to public school, they must notify the school authorities a minimum of 21 days before the transfer takes place.
How Are Homeschoolers Assessed in Sweden?
Homeschoolers in Sweden are assessed on the same terms as public school students. This means that homeschoolers must take the same graduation examination as public school students. Parents must also provide annual reports and assessments to the local education verifying authority.
Are Homeschoolers in Sweden Eligible for Post-Secondary Education?
Yes, homeschoolers in Sweden are eligible for post-secondary education. Homeschoolers must meet the same requirements for post-secondary study as public school students; however, the process for applying for post-secondary education is slightly different.
Homeschoolers who wish to apply to post-secondary institutions must demonstrate that they have studied the required subjects and must provide a portfolio detailing their education.
Conclusion
Understanding homeschooling in Sweden can be challenging as the rules and regulations are complex and may change depending on the region. This article is intended to provide families with 15 key questions that can help to guide them in their research and understanding of the homeschooling process in Sweden. With this understanding, families can make informed decisions regarding the education of their children.