The Visitor – Homeschooling: What if we increase the controversy?

When it comes to homeschooling, clichés are tough. Religious families entrenched in closed environments? Are rich parents engaging educators in an ancient vision of education? The project to change the Private Education Act opens the way for the expression of all the received ideas that today throw the affected families into perplexity or fatigue. It’s time to elevate the debate.

No, homeschooling is not the prerogative of wealthy families. The families are often middle class. And if they stand out, it is because they take full responsibility for their children’s education, consciously forgoing a salary. There will be no hesitation between a new cell phone or a science project to develop with the kids.

“Adapting to each child’s learning rhythm to enhance their natural aptitudes and help them find their way in the future society.”

A third of these families are looking above all for an education capable of adapting to the learning rhythm of each child, to improve their natural predispositions and help them find their way in the future society. As for the other two-thirds, their children’s school woes will push them into step. Isolation, harassment, loss of joy in life. Homeschooling is the last hope, even if it means venturing into the unknown.

Currently, the dominant model of educating children is limited by the economy. It requires precise organization of work for both parents. On one side the parents work, on the other the children study. We only know this to the extent that it seems impossible to experience anything else.

But home schooling, or more specifically “out-of-school education” (AEC), is an alternative to this model. Nevertheless, it offers real social wealth. Children’s learning is intertwined daily in an environment where all ages meet. Retirees, neighbors, professionals, friends, siblings. Children from different families sometimes study together, sometimes online, develop projects, help each other. Some even pass the federal baccalaureate. There are as many educational models as there are families.

Identical control

As for control, the same goes for all of Vo’s students. Children educated outside of school take the cantonal reference exams (ECR) at school. In addition, an annual state knowledge test is provided at home.

Families today are tired of received ideas. The cantonal association Instruire en liberté Vaud encourages self-proclaimed experts to research the 2020 study of P^r Christine Brabant which conducts Francophonie research. The conclusion is clear. The motivations of Vadoa’s parents are educational and social. It’s a rich model that works.