Homeschooling in Thailand

Homeschool Laws in Thailand

Homeschooling is legal in Thailand and is recognised under the Thai Constitution and the National Education Act of 1999. The Thai government acknowledges the right of parents to educate their children at home, allowing for an alternative to traditional schooling.

To homeschool legally, parents must apply for permission from the Ministry of Education, demonstrating that they can provide an education equivalent to that offered in traditional schools. This includes submitting a detailed curriculum and evidence of educational qualifications or relevant experience.

Online schooling fits into the homeschooling framework as an increasingly popular option for parents seeking flexible, high-quality education. Online schools, such as CambriLearn, offer structured curricula, qualified teachers, and interactive learning platforms, making it easier for parents to meet the educational standards set by the Thai government.

These programmes can supplement a parent's teaching efforts or provide a complete educational experience. They are particularly beneficial for expatriate families or those living in remote areas, ensuring that children receive consistent education regardless of location.

Online schooling also allows for greater customisation of learning paths, enabling students to progress at their own pace and focus on areas of interest or need, enhancing the overall homeschooling experience in Thailand.

Benefits of Homeschooling

Homeschooling offers a viable alternative to traditional schooling, providing unique advantages that cater to diverse educational needs and family circumstances. Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular in Thailand due to its flexibility and potential for customised learning experiences.

Here are some key benefits of homeschooling in Thailand.

• Personalised learning: homeschooling allows for a tailored educational experience that meets the specific needs, interests, and learning styles of each child. Parents can customise the curriculum to focus on areas where their child excels or needs additional support. This personalised approach helps children progress at their own pace, fostering a deeper understanding of subjects and enhancing overall academic performance. In Thailand, where educational resources vary widely, this customisation ensures that all children receive a high-quality education suited to their abilities and aspirations.
• Flexibility and convenience: one of the most significant advantages of homeschooling in Thailand is the flexibility it offers. Families can set their own schedules, allowing education to fit around other commitments, such as travel, extracurricular activities, and family events. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for expatriate families, who may need to adjust to different time zones or relocate frequently.Additionally, homeschooling can accommodate the varied educational calendars of international schools, ensuring continuity in a child's education regardless of geographical location.
• Safe and nurturing environment: homeschooling provides a controlled and safe learning environment, free from the potential issues found in traditional schools, such as bullying, peerpressure, and stress. Parents can create a supportive and nurturing atmosphere that encourages positive social and emotional development. This secure environment allows children to thrive without the distractions and negative influences that can hinder their academic and personal growth. In a diverse country likeThailand, where cultural and linguistic differences can sometimes pose challenges, homeschooling offers a stable and consistent educational setting.
• Cultural and religious freedom: homeschooling in Thailand allows families to incorporate their own cultural and religious values into the educational experience. Parents can include teachings and activities that reflect their heritage, fostering a stronger sense of identity and community. This freedom is valuable for expatriate families and those from diverse cultural backgrounds, as it enables children to maintain a connection to their roots while integrating into Thai society. By incorporating cultural studies into the curriculum, homeschooling can enrich a child's understanding of both their own culture and the world around them.
• Enhanced family bonding: homeschooling fosters stronger family relationships by allowing parents to spend more quality time with their children. This increased interaction promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's strengths, interests, and personalities. It also enables parents to play a more active role in their child's education, providing guidance and support tailored to their unique needs. In Thailand, where family values are deeply cherished, homeschooling can strengthen familial bonds and create a cohesive, supportive learning environment.

Important Homeschool Materials

When homeschooling or online schooling a child in Thailand, several essential materials are needed to ensure a comprehensive educational experience.

• Curriculum resources: textbooks, workbooks, and digital resources aligned with the chosen curriculum. For example, the International British Curriculum.
• Technology: a reliable computer or tablet with internet access is crucial for online lessons, research, and accessing educational platforms like CambriLearn.
• Learning supplies: basic school supplies, including notebooks, pens, pencils, art materials, and any subject-specific tools (e.g., scientific calculators, lab equipment).
• Educational software: access to educational apps, online libraries, and interactive learning platforms to enhance the learning experience.
• Workspace: a quiet, organised, and comfortable study area free from distractions, equipped with a desk, chair, and adequate lighting.

These materials collectively support a structured, effective, and engaging homeschooling or online schooling environment for children in Thailand.

How Does Homeschooling Work?

As mentioned, homeschooling is legally recognised and supported by the Thai Constitution and the National EducationAct of 1999,  so parents must do the following to ensure their child's education is recognised:

1. Apply for permission: parents must submit an application to the Ministry of Education, detailing their homeschooling plan and curriculum.
2. Provide educational qualifications: parents must demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications or experience to educate their child effectively.
3. Submit a curriculum: the curriculum must be equivalent to that offered in traditional schools, covering core subjects and meeting national education standards.
4. Regular assessments: homeschooled students are required to undergo periodic evaluations by education officials to ensure they are meeting the educational standards.
5. ‍Documentation: maintain detailed records of the child's progress, including work samples, test scores, and attendance.

If parents wish to pursue online schooling in Thailand, the process differs slightly. Parents and students must adhere to the following legal requirements to ensure their child’s online schooling education is recognised:

1. Application: parents must apply for permission from the Ministry of Education, detailing their intent to use an online schooling programme.
2. Accredited programmes: choose an online school that offers accredited programmes, such as CambriLearn, which aligns with Thai education standards or international benchmarks like Cambridge International or Pearson Edexcel.
3. Curriculum approval: submit the chosen online curriculum for approval, ensuring it covers core subjects and meets national education requirements.
4. Periodic assessments: students must participate in regular assessments conducted by education officials to verify their progress and adherence to the curriculum.
5. Documentation: maintain comprehensive records of the student's online coursework, assessments, and attendance.

How Much Does Homeschooling Cost?

The cost of online schooling and homeschooling can vary significantly based on factors such as the chosen curriculum, platform fees, academic level, and selected subjects. The Cambridge curriculum, known as the International British Curriculum, is widely recognised and used worldwide. Costs are influenced by platform selection, associated fees, textbook purchases, and examination fees.

Here's a breakdown of the costs, which can vary depending on:

• The number of subjects chosen
• Examination venues utilised
• Textbook formats (digital vs. printed)

Homeschooling Costs for Primary Stage

For primary students, online homeschooling fees range from $690 to $1,995 per year for three subjects, with textbooks costing between $100 and $200. There are no additional examination fees at this stage.

Homeschooling Costs for Secondary Stage

At both the lower and upper secondary stages, there are no additional examination fees. Here are the other costs associated with these stages.

• Lower and Upper SecondaryAnnual Fees: $1,400 to $3,550 (for six subjects)
• Lower and Upper SecondaryTextbooks: $400 to $500

Homeschooling Costs for International GCSE

Students at the International GCSE level will need to sit for and write their exams at registered examination centres and budget for their tuition and textbook fees.

• International GCSE Annual Fees: $2,370 to $4,700 (for six subjects)
• International GCSE Textbooks: $300 to $400
• Examination Fees: $1,000 to $2,000 (depending on the centre)

Homeschooling Costs for AS Level

At AS Level students can expect to pay the following:

• Annual Fees: $2,575 to $5,400 (for four subjects)
• Textbooks: $400 to $500
• Examination Fees: $1,000 to$2,000 (depending on the centre, subject, and exam type)