Home schooling has become a popular solution for various parents and families across the world to provide their children with a tailored, unbiased education that reflects their own personal beliefs. Sweden isn’t left out of the growing trend and with several notable home school initiatives and groups, some would-be parents may find that it is a viable option.
In this article, we answer 15 essential questions about home schooling in Sweden, such as – is home schooling legal? What are the benefits of home schooling in Sweden and what type of curriculum is available? Let’s dive into these questions and get all the answers you need.
Is Home Schooling Legal in Sweden?
Yes, homeschooling is completely legal in Sweden and is stated in the Education Act, which provides parents with the right to provide their children with an education at home. In fact, a legal judgement made in the Supreme Court in 1991 confirmed that it is the right of a parent or guardian to educate their child, provided this follows the country’s curriculum and requirements, meaning it meets state standards. Those parents and guardians wanting to follow this path are also required to prove their child or children are making sufficient educational progress, as established by the local municipal board.
A teacher employed by the local board must visit the child or children regularly and their parents or guardians must demonstrate that the child or children gain sufficient education and experience in the Swedish culture and society.
Who Can Home School Their Child in Sweden?
Any parent or guardian can choose to home school their child in Sweden, provided they meet the requirements set by local authority. Typically, children that enter the compulsory school age can be home schooled – between the ages of 7 and 16, although this can be slightly different, depending on the area.
When attending home schooling, it’s also important to speak the local language fluently. The Swedish government doesn’t accept the use of other languages, such as English, as the official language of instruction. Any foreign language spoken in the home must be studied to a high level, with a majority of the teaching in Swedish.
What are the Benefits of Home Schooling in Sweden?
When considering home schooling in Sweden, there are many potential benefits that can be enjoyed by the parent, guardian, and child or children alike. One of the main benefits of home schooling is the ability to create a tailored education that meets the needs and aspirations of the child or children involved. Home schooling allows for one-on-one instruction by parents or tutors, which can lead to higher academic results in the child or children’s chosen subjects.
Parents also have the opportunity to choose materials and resources, as well as a style of teaching that best suits their child or children’s needs. Home schooling has also been known to promote a higher level of physical and mental health in children, due to increased parental involvement and involvement in activities outside of the classroom.
This includes more time to take part in physical activity and hobbies, leading to reduced stress and higher overall well-being. Finally, home schooling in Sweden allows parents and guardians to cultivate strong family bonds and instil strong moral values in the children.
Parents and guardians get to choose materials and resources that reflect their own values and beliefs, while also spending more quality time with their family.
What Type of Curriculum is Available With Home Schooling in Sweden?
The Swedish Ministry of Education and Research has established the National Program for Home Education (Hemundervisningsprogrammet), which helps guide parents and guardians in providing an appropriate level of education for their child or children. This program requires that the home school curriculum covers the core subjects required by the state standards, including non-denominational religious education, language and literature, history, world geography and social studies, natural science, mathematics, and Swedish.
Parents and guardians can also choose to supplement the core course of study with extra educational materials in areas such as natural science, literature, and art, as well as physical education and health. Additionally, they can opt to use specialized services such as language-learning services and special educational needs, if preferable.
How Can a Home Schooled Student Participate in Exams in Sweden?
Home schooled students can still choose to participate in exams in Sweden, with the same opportunity available to anyone enrolled in a regular school. This includes participation in national exams and the Maturiteket, which is a test that signifies the completion of secondary school in Sweden.
Home schooled students just have to take part in the exam at a separate test site and sign up in advance. Home schooled students are also able to apply for higher education and universities, although they may need additional guidance and support from their parents or guardians.
What are the Costs of Home Schooling in Sweden?
The cost of home schooling in Sweden can vary significantly and will depend on the student’s level of education and the resources needed for the curriculum. Generally, costs can range from 1000 to 5000 Swedish Kroner per year. This includes the regular costs associated with school, such as textbooks, educational materials and supplies, as well as fees for any tutoring needed, if applicable.
Some of these costs can also be offset by any grants or subsidies available to home school families.
Do You Need a Qualification to Teach Home Schoolers in Sweden?
While there isn’t any particular qualification needed to teach home schoolers in Sweden, it is beneficial for parents and guardians to have knowledge and understanding of the local curriculum and education system. This means having at least a basic knowledge of the core and supplementary materials available, as well as any requirements and regulations. If parents or guardians do feel that they need additional help and support, they can look into hiring a tutor who is qualified and experienced in teaching.
What Type of Additional Resources Are Available for Home Schoolers in Sweden?
Additional resources are available for home schoolers in Sweden, both online and in local libraries, bookstores and even museums. Here, parents and guardians can find textbooks, library resources, educational materials, and even workshops to help educate their children at home.
The Internet is also a valuable resource for home schooling families, with many municipalities today providing specialized websites with materials tailored for home schoolers. Parents and guardians can also benefit from joining home school networks or communities, where they can chat with other home schoolers and share resources.
What Are the Requirements for Monitoring Home School Education in Sweden?
In order for home schooling in Sweden to be approved and remain as such, parents and guardians are required to meet certain monitoring requirements. This is mainly administered by the municipality board and may consist of regular visits from a teacher or specialist to evaluate the child’s educational progress.
It is also necessary to provide the board with a report on the curriculum, programs, and materials that the child or children are using, as well as attendance record and progress-assessment results. In addition, parents and guardians will also need to submit a yearly assessment report, detailing their home school program.
What Kind of Support Is Available For Home Schoolers in Sweden?
Numerous organizations in Sweden provide support and guidance to home schoolers, helping parents and guardians access the resources they need to effectively teach their children at home. These organizations typically provide a network of home schoolers, as well as forums and platforms for sharing knowledge, forming relationships, and connecting with other home schoolers.
They also offer advice and guidance, as well as workshops and resources for educational materials. Such organizations include Hemundervisningsprovningsförbundet, Home Education Consortium, and the Swedish Home School Association (Hemundervisningsförbundet).
Can Home Schoolers Participate in Public School Activities in Sweden?
Yes, home schoolers in Sweden can still take part in classes and activities at their local public schools. This includes participation in field trips and overseas educational visits, sports and other scheduled activities, as well as art and music classes. However, some additional requirements may need to be met, such as a medical certificate and proof that the child or children are vaccinated.
Are Workbooks Available for Home Schoolers in Sweden?
Yes, workbooks are available for home schoolers in Sweden and are usually provided by the local municipality. These workbooks usually cover the core subjects and other materials needed for home schoolers to achieve the necessary educational level. Some of these workbooks can also be printed off online, as well as purchased in bookstores and even libraries.
Do Home Schoolers Receive Certificates Upon Completion of Home Schooling?
Yes, home schoolers in Sweden do receive formal certificates upon completing their home schooling. This certificate is issued by the municipality and includes details of the courses, skills, and experience gained during the home schooling program. It is worthwhile to note that the certificate obtained by home schoolers is accepted by employers and universities alike, if they wish to pursue higher education.
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining Visa Support as a Home Schooler in Sweden?
Those who are not citizens of Sweden, wishing to home school their children in the country typically need to obtain a visa for the family. This requires submitting evidence of the curriculum, education plans, and students’ progress-assessment result, among other documents.
The permit you get for home schooling will depend on whether or not you and your family meet the requirements. It is recommended that any individual or family wanting to undertake home schooling in Sweden seek legal guidance from a professional.
Conclusion
Home schooling in Sweden is a valid option for families that wish to provide their children with an adapted and personalized education, including a tailored curriculum and materials. This article covered 15 essential questions about home schooling in Sweden, such as – is home schooling legal?
What are the benefits of home schooling in Sweden? Who can home school their child in Sweden? What type of curriculum is available with home schooling in Sweden?
How can a home schooled student participate in exams in Sweden? While there are many advantages to choosing home schooling in Sweden, it’s important to note that there are certain monitoring and certification requirements to fulfil.
In addition, there are various organizations and networks that provide support to home schoolers, including resources and guidance. If you are considering home schooling in Sweden, we recommend seeking legal advice to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities.