Homeschooling Is Rising. But Education Laws Are Lagging Behind
- Judith Akoth
- Apr 3
- 5 min read
From Nairobi to New York, homeschooling is no longer a fringe choice. Families across the globe are turning to it for its flexibility and child-centered approach, redefining what learning can look like outside the four walls of a classroom.
In countries like the U.S., Canada, and the UK, this shift is already backed by solid policies and institutional support. But in many parts of the world, including Kenya, homeschooling still exists in a legal grey zone.
The result?
Confused families. Unrecognized learners. Missed opportunities. It is time for governments to catch up. To formally recognize and regulate homeschooling as a legitimate, structured pathway within national education systems. Because when education frameworks ignore real-life shifts, children fall through the cracks. The future of learning is evolving. Policy must evolve with it.
Why Parents Are Turning to Homeschooling
As education systems around the world evolve in response to pandemics, tech disruption, and changing family dynamics, homeschooling is gaining ground – not without its challenges, but with undeniable appeal.
According to a UNESCO report, more than 1.5 billion learners were affected by school closures during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. That global disruption prompted many families to explore alternative ways of learning.
Homeschooling quickly became a leading option. In the United States, for example, the number of homeschooling households doubled in 2020, rising from 5.4% to 11.1%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Similar shifts are being seen across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
So, what is behind this growing interest?
More and more parents are choosing learning models that offer flexibility, personalization, and alignment with family values. Here’s why homeschooling is gaining momentum:
Personalized Learning – Homeschooling allows education to be tailored to the child’s pace, learning style, and interests. In contrast to overcrowded classrooms, children get focused attention and a curriculum that meets them where they are.
Safe Learning Environment – Homeschooling provides a secure space free from peer pressure, bullying, and other school-related social risks. It promotes emotional safety and confidence.
Flexibility – Families can design learning schedules that fit their lifestyles. Whether traveling, working odd hours, or dealing with emergencies, learning doesn’t have to pause.
Cost Considerations – While not always cheaper, homeschooling can help reduce certain expenses such as transport, school uniforms, or boarding fees. Some parents also opt for homeschooling to access international curricula without the hefty costs of enrolling in private institutions.
Cost Considerations – While not always cheaper, homeschooling can help reduce certain expenses such as transport, school uniforms, or boarding fees. Some parents also opt for homeschooling to access international curricula without the hefty costs of enrolling in private institutions.
The Legal Grey Zone
Despite its benefits, homeschooling is still underregulated or unrecognized in many regions. Take Kenya, for example. While the Basic Education Act of 2013 guarantees free and compulsory basic education, it doesn’t explicitly mention homeschooling. That leaves families uncertain about whether they’re even allowed to homeschool and without formal structures to guide them.
This gap in regulation often results in inconsistent standards, misinformation, and poor outcomes for learners. As the homeschooling community grows globally, there’s increasing pressure to formalize policies that provide clarity, protection, and quality assurance.
Organizations like the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and East Africa Christian Home Educators (EACH) continue to lobby for legal frameworks that embrace alternative education paths and ensure learners are supported.
Choosing the Right Curriculum
A successful homeschooling journey begins with selecting the right curriculum. According to homeschooling tutor Ms. Mercy Maina, most parents lean toward international systems, particularly the British National Curriculum, including Cambridge and Edexcel.
“The British system is more stable and well-supported with resources online and offline. You can easily walk into a bookstore and find what you need,” says Ms. Maina.
By contrast, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is less suited for homeschooling. It changes frequently and requires institutional support, which independent families may struggle to access.
The American curriculum is another option, though it tends to be project-based and less exam-focused. While this can work well in structured schools, it poses challenges for solo homeschooling due to limited local resources and support.
Parents are advised to evaluate their long-term goals, time availability, and financial capacity carefully before selecting a curriculum. The goal is to choose one that is well-resourced, structured, and scalable as the child advances.
The Risks of Unregulated Homeschooling
Without oversight, homeschooling can go off course. Some families lack clear exit strategies, leaving children stranded when it is time to transition into tertiary education. Others take a hands-off approach, providing materials without guidance or regular assessment.
“I have seen cases where children are expected to self-teach with no supervision or connection to a certified exam center. When they complete high school, the parents don’t know how to present credible results for university admission,” warns Ms. Maina.
Misinformation is another big risk. Parents sometimes make abrupt curriculum shifts, like moving a child from the American Early Childhood Education (ECE) system to Cambridge, without considering the major differences in content depth and structure.
“It overwhelms the child, leading to frustration and poor performance,” she adds.
These scenarios highlight the urgent need for structure, support, and regulation.
Making Homeschooling Work
Homeschooling can be highly effective when approached intentionally. Here’s what parents can do to make it work:
Involve the child – Let them be part of the decision. It helps build buy-in and motivation.
Set clear goals – Define why you are choosing homeschooling. Is it for flexibility, values, or better academic outcomes?
Track progress – Bring in tutors or educators periodically to evaluate learning and adjust where needed.
Stay adaptable – If a child expresses interest in returning to school or switching curricula, be open and supportive.
“As children move to higher levels, the content becomes more technical. Even the most committed parent may need subject-specific support,” advises Ms. Maina.
The Case for Regulation
Homeschooling is no longer a fringe movement. It’s part of the future of education. In the U.S, the number of homeschoolers doubled in just two years. Countries like Australia and Canada have developed homeschooling policies with clear requirements for registration, assessment, and support.
Other countries need to catch up. Governments should:
Create clear pathways for certification and university entry.
Recognize homeschooling within national education laws.
Raise public awareness and combat misinformation.
Offer curriculum and resource guidance.
If education truly is the foundation of human progress, then every valid learning pathway, including homeschooling, deserves space in our systems and our conversations.
For information about homeschooling services in Kenya contact: Ms. Mercy Muthoni Maina
Email: tutexcenter@gmail.com
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