Can Parents In Spain Teach Their Children At Home?

Homeschooling is a legal option for families in Spain, allowing them to educate their children at home. However, it is crucial for parents to understand the pros and cons of this form of education, comply with legal requirements, and adequately prepare for the process.

In Spain, school starts earlier than in other countries, with most children starting school at age 3. However, infants start school at age 3.

The Spanish Constitution recognizes the Freedom of Education, but there are limitations to this. The country’s education system is comprehensive and efficient, providing free and fee-based education. Parents can choose to send their children to either public or private schools. While homeschooling is not widely accepted in Spain, there are government-approved programs available for those who prefer to educate their children at home.

Parents can choose which school to enroll their child in, but this is within limits. Children usually attend the school nearest to their home, but they may face prosecution and forced to send their children to school.

Expats in Spain have various options for homeschooling, including the provision of early childhood education and care (ECEC) at home. However, there is no state regulation on the provision of ECEC at home, making it illegal. Current legislation requires education to be carried out in approved schools, being compulsory until the age of 16.

In summary, homeschooling is legal in Spain, but parents must comply with legal requirements to avoid issues with educational authorities and ensure their children receive a quality education.

Can I send my child to school in Spain?

Spain’s public school system is highly regarded, offering free education to all children, including expats, as long as they register on the municipal register. There are various options for expats to find schools, including public, private, semi-private, and international schools. Education is compulsory for children aged six to 16, and the school year typically runs from mid-September to the end of June. For those only planning to stay in Spain for a short time or with older children, international schools are typically preferred.

What are the school rules in Spain?

Spain mandates primary and secondary education from the age of 6 until 16, with the option for students to pursue higher education after 16. Public schools offer this compulsory stage for free, while private and international schools can cost up to €10, 000 annually. Preschool is the first stage of education, which children can attend from a few months old to 6 years old. Preschool attendance is high due to parents returning to work after 16 weeks of maternity and paternity leave. Primary education begins with compulsory education, which consists of three cycles lasting two years, and students take assessment exams at the end of the second cycle.

What age can you leave a child home alone in Spain?

The Spanish Law does not set a minimum age for children to be left alone, but it defines parental neglect as a child being deprived of moral or material assistance, which can lead to sanctions and loss of guardianship. The national Ombudsman advises considering a child’s maturity and ability to respond adequately to unforeseen or emergency situations. Most experts agree that a child should reach this level between ages 7 to 12. It is important to leave contact numbers, emergency numbers, and alert a neighbor or friend if a child is alone regularly.

Is home schooling allowed in Spain?

SpainResidency, an English-speaking Spanish Immigration firm, offers services for obtaining residency, visas, and Spanish citizenship for clients worldwide. Homeschooling in Spain is currently in a legal grey area, with no specific legislation. The Constitution allows it, but the Education Law does not. SpainResidency is part of the Lawbird Legal Group and can be found on various social media platforms.

How much does it cost to send your child to school in Spain?

Spain has nearly 14, 000 public primary schools, with an average of 21 students per class. Tuition is free, but extra costs like textbooks and school trips can be high. Only about 13 of Spanish state schools require a uniform, making it advisable to budget or shop for second-hand options. Spain also has around 3000 colegios concertados, which are Catholic and provide religious education at a lower fee than private schools.

These schools are under the supervision of local authorities and have a monthly fee, which is voluntary but often mandatory. Uniforms are more common in colegios concertados, and all other costs are similar to a fully subsidized public school.

How does schooling work in Spain?

In Spain, pre-school is an optional program for children aged three, followed by a mandatory program of primary education (Educación Primaria) for children aged six, which is then followed by a secondary education program (El Instituto) for children aged approximately 12.

What age is considered a minor in Spain?

Spanish law considers individuals under 18 as children and provides protection derived from their minor status. Young people in Spain range from 15 to 24, with 15-17 years being children and young people, and 18-24 years being young adults. Each Autonomous Community has its own protection system, with some regions offering toll-free direct support. Phone numbers for each Autonomous Community include Teléfono de Notificación de Situaciones de Maltrato Infantil in Andalucía and Instituto Aragonés de Servicios Sociales in Aragon.

How many days a week do kids in Spain go to school?

Public schools in Spain operate a 7-hour schedule, Monday-Friday, with starting times varying depending on the school, region, and child’s age. Primary school starts at 9am, while secondary school starts at 8 am. Summers are cooler and light, while winters are dark. The day ends at 2pm, with lunch and after-school clubs available until 5pm. Secondary school days end around 3pm. These schools are equivalent to comprehensives in the UK and are free for children aged 3 to 18.

Can a 16 year old live alone in Spain?

In order to rent an apartment at 16, it is necessary to be an emancipated minor. This can be achieved through a court order or by having one’s parents sign the lease and provide financial guarantees. Furthermore, shared housing may be available without a signed contract.

Do children have to go to school in Spain?

Spain’s education system is compulsory and free for children aged 6-16 years, supported by the national government and 17 autonomous communities. Primary and secondary schools are considered basic education, with Primaria (6-12 years old) being the Spanish equivalent of elementary school and the first year of middle school, and Secundaria (12-16 years old) being a mixture of middle school and high school.

As of 2020-21, Spain has 9, 909, 886 students, with primary education being the largest, followed by secondary education and university students. Vocational education has the smallest number of students.

Is homeschooling legal in Catalonia?

Homeschooling in Spain is currently a grey area under Spanish law, with each region regulating it in its own way since 2002. In Catalunya, families part of the association Educar En Familia are allowed to educate at home. However, in other parts of Spain, many families have been taken to court. Fear of prosecution was even more of a problem 30 years ago when Anna Ferrer started homeschooling her children. She was isolated, unable to leave the house during school hours, and asked for proof of their school.

After 20 years of homeschooling, Ferrer’s family was reported to social services and sent to school after a court hearing. Ferrer found it difficult for her children, who had been educated differently without aggression and became bored. After six years, Ferrer realized the difference between her younger children and her older ones and decided to take them out of school again.