Homeschooling in Portugal: An Overview
Homeschooling in Portugal is a topic of growing debate, increasingly sought after by parents looking for alternative education options for their children.
At home, we are about to embark on this journey ourselves. Since our daughter, Felisberta, will be starting 1st grade, we’ll see how the experience unfolds.
Contrary to what many may think, homeschooling in Portugal is more complex than simply pulling a child out of school and teaching them at home. In reality, the process is highly regulated and requires administrative steps that many parents find challenging.
Within homeschooling itself, there are different approaches. Some families follow a structured, school-controlled model, while others adopt a freer, child-led method—often referred to as unschooling or natural learning. However, in Portugal, even the most flexible approach must comply with strict regulations, where the school supervises the learning process, even if it does not dictate the teaching method.
Unfortunately, practical and easily accessible information on homeschooling in Portugal is still scarce. Some associations and Facebook groups provide guidance, often relying on shared experiences from families already in the system. However, official resources from the Department of Education remain limited.
Since we are about to go through this journey ourselves, I’ve decided to share step-by-step insights into the process. I hope this compilation helps other families navigating this path.
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