Homeschooling in El Salvador is legal and is pretty easy to manage. The compulsory education is from first to ninth grade. The education statute, General Education Law (Decree No. 917), reads:

Art.  10.-  Non-Formal  Education  is  that  offered  in  order  to  complete,  update,  supply  knowledge  and  train,  in  academic  or  labor  aspects,  without  being  subject  to  the  system  of  levels  and  grades  of  Formal  Education.  It  is  systematic  and  responds  to  short-term  needs  of  individuals  and  society.

In  addition,  there  is  Informal  Education,  which  is  acquired  freely  and  spontaneously,  from  people,  entities,  the  mass  media,  traditions,  customs  and  other  unstructured  instances.

Art.  11.-  The  levels  of  Formal  Education  will  be  open  to  all  those  people  who  come  from  non-formal  and  informal  education,  with  the  only  requirement  of  going  through  the  evaluation  process  indicated  by  this  Law.

In England, parents are legally entitled to educate their children at home, in accordance with Section 7 of the Education Act 1996. However, the law requires parents to ensure that their children receive a suitable education that meets their individual needs, including their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs. Additionally, parents must ensure that their children receive a good standard of education in the core subjects of math, English and science.

Parents are not required to seek permission from the local authority to educate their children at home, but they do need to notify the authority that they intend to do so. The local authority has a duty to monitor the child’s education to ensure that it remains suitable and that the child’s needs are being met. In cases where the authority has concerns about the child’s education, they may undertake an assessment and take enforcement action if necessary.

The Mexico Education Law establishes the framework for educational policies, programs, and actions to ensure the quality of education in the country. As part of this effort, the OLASE (Latin American Learning without Schools Observatory) was established to provide analysis and recommendations on non-traditional educational practices and alternative approaches to learning.

This includes distance education, homeschooling, and other innovative models that promote personalized and flexible education. OLASE also works to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges and opportunities in these types of education, and to promote collaboration among stakeholders to improve access to quality education for all.

The observatory’s actions contribute to the development of a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable educational system in Mexico and beyond.

The Panama Homeschool Law allows for homeschooling as an approved alternative to traditional schooling. Parents or legal guardians can apply for legal recognition of their home education program by submitting a proposal to the Ministry of Education. The proposal must outline the educational objectives, methods, and assessment techniques used in the homeschooling program. Once approved, homeschooling families are required to submit annual progress reports and undergo periodic evaluations to ensure that students are meeting educational standards.

Homeschooled students have the opportunity to participate in national assessments and obtain recognized diplomas. Overall, the Panama Homeschool Law provides families with the flexibility to tailor their child’s education to meet their individual needs while still adhering to recognized educational standards and regulations.

Poland’s homeschool law, implemented in 2021, requires families to receive permission from their local school superintendent to homeschool their children. This permission can only be granted if the superintendent determines that public or private school is not a viable option for the child’s education.

Homeschooled children must participate in annual standardized testing and subject-specific evaluations. Furthermore, parents are required to submit an annual report detailing their homeschooling curriculum and the child’s progress. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or the loss of custody of the child.

The new legislation has sparked controversy among families who argue that it limits their freedom to choose the education of their children and does not account for the unique needs of each child.

Portugal has a homeschool law, which allows parents to educate their children at home, but with certain requirements. Parents must submit a request to the Ministry of Education to homeschool their children, along with a curriculum plan and proof that they can provide adequate education. The curriculum must follow the guidelines set by the government and cover all the subjects taught in traditional schools.

Homeschooling parents are also required to keep records of their children’s academic progress, which may be subject to inspection by the authorities. Additionally, children who are homeschooled in Portugal are entitled to take the same exams as traditional school students, which can be used to gain access to higher education institutions. It is essential to adhere to the homeschool law to avoid legal complications and to ensure children’s proper education.

In the United States, education is a state issue and as such, is regulated differently depending on which state you live in. Some states, particularly in the Northeast, have stricter regulations for homeschooling. Other states have little regulation and make it much easier to get started and continue on the homeschool path. We recommend that you go to the Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) to find your state laws and requirements. The HSLDA updates their information regularly and also has a membership available  for homeschool families where they can assist you with any legal issues that may arise.|

Here are a few things to keep in mind pertaining to the legal aspect of homeschooling in America: 

• Homeschooling is legal in every state.
  • A school or school district cannot tell you that you may not homeschool.
  • If they do, you should reach out to your state or local homeschool organization or the HSLDA for assistance. 
• Paperwork and processes are regulated in the state education code.
  • A school or school district cannot legally request anything from you that is not in the law code.
  • Be sure you know what they can and cannot ask for.
• There are truancy laws in every state.
  • Because of these laws, it is important that you follow the law and file the necessary paperwork to homeschool your child(ren).
  • Only law enforcement may ask for proof of homeschooling in regards to truancy laws.
• Remember, public schools and school districts get paid by head count.
  • They will not want to see you withdraw your child(ren) from public school. We have heard of cases where schools are bullying parents when they go to withdraw their students. This is not always the case, but just in case, be prepared with everything you will need to get started homeschooling.
  • Know the law, it is on your side!

In Uruguay, homeschooling is legal but regulated by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Homeschooling families must register with the ministry and provide a curriculum plan that meets national educational standards. They must also submit quarterly progress reports and allow periodic evaluations by ministry officials. Parents must have at minimum a high school degree or its equivalent.

The law also requires that homeschooled children participate in the national standardized testing system. The ministry has the power to revoke homeschooling privileges if families fail to adhere to these regulations or if their children’s progress is found to be insufficient. Homeschooling is not a widely practiced option in Uruguay, with only a small number of families choosing this path for their children.