We are often asked about the regulations and legality of homeschooling in
Germany. The answer depends on a family’s situation.
Those Affiliated with the United States Military
If you will be associated with the U.S. Military (covered under the Status of Forces
Agreement (SOFA) between the U.S. and Germany) then homeschooling is very
simple. There are no reporting requirements or regulations that restrict the
freedoms of homeschoolers. No testing, no forms, no oversight. Youth Center
and school programs are available to augment the home education if you desire.
If you are interested in reading the regulations, please see the links to the Home
School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) web site below.
HSLDA Interpretation of law and policies pertaining to homeschooling of Military
Dependents assigned overseas.
http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/hslda/200212/200212160.asp
Department of Defense Policy Statement regarding homeschooling
http://www.hslda.org/docs/GetDoc.asp?DocID=1640&FormatTypeID=PDF
U.S. Civilians NOT Associated with the Department of Defense
If you are not associated with the military, things are not as simple. German law
makes it practically illegal to homeschool. However, exceptions are granted. If
you are Americans here for legitimate civilian work on a temporary basis,
homeschooling during your stay is possible. We have had several families in this
situation during the past few years and they chose one or both of the following
options. The first was to just begin quietly homeschooling and plan to explain it if
confronted. This option has worked in all cases we know of but in more and more
cases families are being called on to explain themselves which leads to the
second option. The second approach is to write a letter or visit with the local
school officials, explaining that you are here for only X years, and that you don’t
want your children to fall behind in their English-speaking education. Families
choosing this option gave the authorities a brief explanation of their course of
study along with the assurance that this is a normal and legitimate educational
choice for U.S. Citizens. Many also showed the officials evidence of the laws
governing them in their home state and proof of the manner in which they would
continue to comply with those laws while in Germany. No one we know of has had
any problem with this approach either. You can expect to be questioned by
neighbors and German friends about why your children are not attending school.
Most will accept that your child is studying at home since you are only here
temporarily; and don’t want your children to fall behind. However, for the most part
Germans do not understand the concept of ongoing homeschooling at all, so
keeping a low profile regarding your heart-for-homeschooling sentiments will
probably save unnecessary scrutiny.
German Citizens and Others
Information on homeschooling in Germany for non-U.S. citizens.
http://www.hslda.org/hs/international/Germany
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