Question
Looking to make Spain our homebase, but — wow — coming from the US I didn’t realize homeschooling in Spain was illegal in so many countries. Does anyone homeschool in Spain? Or, have experience as a temporary resident who also homeschools? Eventually, I hope to gain citizenship there, as well, through my father’s heritage. But, I’m very torn about homeschool seeming so frowned upon in Spain.
I want to make sure I’m establishing some friendships with other homeschoolers for my kids IF Spain will be our homebase. We’d still travel about half the year, but some consistency I feel is important for our kids. My boys are 6 & 8, and my twins are 2 months old. Again, anyone who has experience homeschooling in Spain please share what that’s been like for you.
By the way, someone told me they were required to enroll their kids in a school in Spain or else they wouldn’t have even received their visa in the first place, and possibly been denied at their renewal. This is actually awful news to me since I’m able to get my citizenship in just 2 years, but I’ve worked incredibly hard as a teacher for my children’s homeschool education, and this is A LOT to consider. Maybe I can consulate shop?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Yes, schools here in the US are not safe, so don’t blame you for home schooling. Unlike ours, Spain is a civilized country. Your children will be fine going to school there.”
“It’s a matter of freedom. It has nothing to do with security or so.”
“OK, I just know so many that have pulled kids out of school for safety reasons. Sorry I assumed. Enjoy your move, hoping my wife and I will follow soon.”
“Home schooling not allowed in Spain.”
“In the US, yes, not Spain.”
“It’s not just frowned upon, it’s illegal. Spanish people believe that children deserve a good education.”
“It is actually legal.”
“It is neither legal nor illegal, it is not included in the Spanish law itself.”
“The problem is not that it’s illegal as such, it’s the requirement to show kids are attending school for visa purposes.”
“It’s illegal. Spain knows there is value in not just educating kids but also in socializing them among many different cultures and races.”
“Children don’t have to be in a school to achieve those very important interactions; in fact, homeschool parents are very much aware of those requirements and actively seek out expansive social activities outside the learning environment.”
“No, with both children and adults in an array of sports clubs, drama/dance/musical events and concerts, not to mention local community activities. Obviously 11 – 16 year olds will also be out and about skateboarding, cinema-going etc with their friends and neighbours. Home-schooled youngsters are not in some sort of protected cult and are very much part of normal community life—just not formal school life! Integration and language learning are perfectly possible independently.”
“Spain’s school system is overall considered to be very good. Spain has public, private (colegios privados), and semi-private (colegios concertados) schools, that enjoy an overall good reputation in terms of education. Spain is even listed among the top ten countries worldwide with the best international schools.'”
“The Spanish government believes it is essential for kids to go to school through age 16 – in fact they consider it a right.”
“It’s something that comes from Franco Era, and really the same as most developed countries where education is compulsory until at least 16, meaning children should be getting an education rather than working as they do in parts of Africa, etc. In many countries, this requirement can be fulfilled by homeschooling.”
“Not a cult but a choice.”
Conclusion
The discussion within Spainguru’s expat community highlights a complex landscape for homeschooling in Spain, which is generally not supported by the legal framework.
While there are some ambiguities in the law, the consensus tends toward a preference for formal schooling as required for visa and residency purposes.
The cultural expectation for children to attend school is strong, presenting a significant challenge for expat families accustomed to homeschooling.
