Homeschooling in Brazil

Homeschool Laws in Brazil

While homeschooling is not illegal in Brazil, it can be difficult to navigate and implement. For Brazilian residents, there are numerous requirements that have to be adhered to in order for Brazilian families to legally homeschool their children. Some of the requirements include: 

•  Enrolment in a regular school.
•  Following that school’s particular curriculum which is typically the Common National Curricular Base defined by the Ministry of Education.
• At least one of the parents must have (and provide proof of) a certificate of higher education to show that they are capable of educating their children. 
• Parents must not have a criminal record.
• Parents must keep records of their child’s activities and send reports concerning these activities to the school they are enrolled in every three months. 
• During the basic education cycle, children must perform annual learning evaluations, to ensure they are progressing effectively. These evaluations are based on the curriculum content. 

It should be mentioned that the laws regarding homeschooling do differ according to each state within Brazil, and it is, therefore, recommended that parents research the laws of their state before deciding to homeschool their children. 

For expats, the legal regulations regarding homeschooling do differ, as they have the freedom to homeschool their children, without adhering to the above regulations. Therefore, expats are free to choose any homeschooling or online schooling option they desire.

Why Brazilian families choose homeschooling

Brazilian families and expats choose to homeschool their children for a variety of reasons, driven by their individual beliefs, values, and circumstances. Some of the common motivations for homeschooling in Brazil include:

• Personalized education: many parents believe that homeschooling allows for a more tailored and personalized education for their children. They can design the curriculum to match their child's learning style, pace, and interests, which can lead to a deeper understanding and better retention of the material.
• Flexibility: homeschooling offers a flexible schedule that can accommodate various learning opportunities and extracurricular activities. Families can explore educational outings, field trips, and hands-on experiences that might not be feasible within the rigid structure of traditional schools.
• Religious or cultural beliefs: some families choose homeschooling to align their child's education with their religious or cultural values. They may be dissatisfied with the content taught in traditional schools and prefer to integrate their beliefs into the curriculum.
• Concerns about bullying and safety: bullying and safety concerns in traditional schools can be a significant factor in the decision to homeschool. Some parents believe that homeschooling provides a safer and more supportive environment for their children to learn without the fear of harassment.
• Individualized attention: homeschooling allows for one-on-one instruction, which can be particularly beneficial for children with learning disabilities, special needs, or those who require additional support. Parents can address their child's unique needs more effectively in a homeschooling setting.
• Academic excellence: some families believe that homeschooling offers the potential for higher academic achievement. They may be dissatisfied with the quality of education in their local schools, and feel that homeschooling can provide a more rigorous and challenging academic experience.
• Global or nomadic lifestyle: families that lead a nomadic or global lifestyle, such as those who frequently relocate for work, may find homeschooling to be a practical option that provides continuity in their child's education.
• Socialization concerns: some parents worry that traditional schools do not adequately address socialization. They believe that homeschooling allows them to control and diversify their child's social interactions through community groups, sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities.
• Family bonding: homeschooling provides an opportunity for families to spend more time together. Most parents  value the close relationships that can be nurtured through shared learning experiences.

Important Homeschool Materials

Homeschooling necessitates a diverse range of materials to facilitate effective learning. Unlike traditional schools that rely on standardized textbooks, homeschoolers have the flexibility to curate resources from various mediums. This might include online courses, interactive software, real-world experiences, and educational trips. 

This dynamic approach to learning not only enhances subject comprehension, but also cultivates critical thinking and resourcefulness in students.

Parents and homeschooling communities often collaborate to share materials and curate content alongside their chosen curriculum that aligns with their educational philosophy. This fosters a collaborative environment where students can explore different perspectives and gain a broader understanding of subjects.

How Does Homeschooling Work in Brazil?

In Brazil, homeschooling can work in numerous ways, depending on whether the family considering homeschooling are residents or expats. 

As residents, families will have to follow the rules and requirements stipulated by the government. This will result in them having to enrol  and work in conjunction with a local school. In this case, the parents will be the main educators of their children. 

Expats, however, are free to choose from a variety of options, including traditional homeschooling and online schooling. 

Traditional homeschooling will require parents to purchase the recommended textbooks of their chosen curriculum and educate their children themselves. 

On the other hand, online schooling will provide children with online learning material, virtual live lessons, Q&A sessions, contact with and instruction from teachers, carefully designed lesson plans, and more. Therefore, children who opt for online schooling will still receive instruction from highly trained educators, but will have the freedom to work at their own pace and from the comfort of their  home. 

How Much Does Homeschooling Cost?

The expenses associated with homeschooling will hinge upon the curriculum chosen, the platform used, the student's academic level, and the specific subjects opted for. The Cambridge curriculum, also known as the International British Curriculum, is a popular choice for homeschoolers across the globe, and the costs incurred are influenced by these subsequent factors:

• Chosen platform and its associated fees
• Procurement of textbooks
• Fees for examinations

The breakdown provided below is intended for illustrative purposes and will fluctuate based on a few aspects, including:

• the number of subjects chosen
• the examination venues utilized
• the preferred format of textbooks (digital copies versus printed materials)

Homeschooling Costs for Primary Stage

For students at the primary stage, the annual fees for online homeschooling span from $639 to $1,839 per year for three subjects. The cost of textbooks falls within the range of $100 to $200. Notably, during this stage, there are no supplementary examination fees.

Homeschooling Costs for Secondary Stage and IGCSE 

Lower secondary stage students pursuing online homeschooling can expect annual fees ranging from $2,305 to $3,642 per year for six subjects. The associated textbook expenses range between $400 and $500. Similar to the primary stage, there are no additional examination fees for Lower Secondary years 1 and 2.

For IGCSE students engaged in online homeschooling, the annual fees range from $2,486 to $4,968 per year for six subjects. Textbook costs are projected to be between $300 and $400. Depending on the chosen examination center, the collective exam fees fall within the range of $1,000 to $2,000.

Homeschooling Costs for AS Level

A Level students pursuing online homeschooling will encounter annual fees spanning from $1,752 to $3,760 per year for four subjects. The textbooks required for this stage will amount to approximately $400 to $500. Exam fees, contingent on the examination center, subject, and exam type, are estimated to range between $1,000 and $2,000 collectively.