Homeschool in Portugal: A Step-by-Step Practical Guide

Thinking about how to homeschool in Portugal? Whether you’re just getting started or need clarity on the legal process, this practical guide will walk you through every step of the journey. Homeschool in Portugal with confidence—learn about legal requirements, enrollment procedures, and essential steps to ensure a smooth transition to home education.

Concept Description
Homeschooling One that is taught at the student’s home, by a family member or by a person who lives with him.
Individual Teaching One that is taught by a qualified teacher to a single student outside an educational establishment.
Enrollment school The one in which the student is enrolled.
Student Portfolio Record of the student’s curricular and pedagogical-didactic path, organized with documentation and information on evidence of work and learning carried out by the student, presented in various media.

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Classroom teacher Teacher designated as responsible for monitoring the student by the enrollment school.
Collaboration Protocol The agreement, through prior negotiation, between the parent and the management of the school, where the student is enrolled, in which the responsibilities of the parties are enshrined.
Home Educator In homeschooling, the student’s family member or the person who lives with him/her;
In individual teaching, the teacher appointed by the parent.



Step 1: Make the decision and move forward

It seems simple, but it is good to have a notion of what more or less awaits us. It will be a complex process, but very rewarding. In our case, with the pandemic we decided to take our daughter out of the kindergarten where she was enrolled (when it all started) and as her stay at home went so well, we decided to move on to homeschooling. It was hard work, but well worth it!

Step 2: Know the law and confirm that you meet the conditions

Regarding the  educational officer. According to the legislation, only a holder of a bachelor’s degree, who is a family member or lives with the child, can be responsible for education. There is also the possibility of hiring a teacher, making it individual teaching.

Step 3: Enrollment

At this stage, the application is delivered to the school principal. Along with the application, you must include details about the home education plan, the educator’s qualifications certificate, and other documents required by the school.

The school Principal has 15 working days (for homeschooling) or 10 working days (for individual homeschooling) to answer.

📌 Keeping track of all these documents is crucial!
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Step 4: Educational Project

The school will ask the home educator for an Educational Project. I delivered my daughter’s project before signing the Collaboration Protocol.

I will leave a copy, similar to the one I made for my daughter, for anyone who needs to have an idea of what it is about.

Step 5: Collaboration Protocol

When we received the notification of approval, a draft protocol was sent to us. We must read very carefully, because it is an agreement with clauses that must be fulfilled. Both by the school and by the parent. If there is something we do not agree with, it is advisable to negotiate with the school. The protocol must be signed by the parties (school principal and parent).

Important note:
With the new legislation, it is clear that students enrolled in homeschooling are entitled to:

– the gratuitousness and reuse of school books – adopted by the school;
– to the school social support;
– to curriculum enrichment activities.

Step 6: Classroom Teacher introduction

The student and the parent will be introduced to the Classroom Teacher and the process of home/individual schooling begins.

Step 7: Teach

This is the most interesting step of the whole process. Since Felisberta stayed at home, I have been able to observe how teaching takes place throughout the day.

Homeschooling has been around for many decades, and internet is our friend when it comes to exchanging experiences, materials, opinions, and more. For those who have patience and wants, combined with love, it will certainly be a very rich experience.

📝 Must-Have Supplies for a Smooth Homeschooling Experience
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