I’m Jennifer Baccanello, a homeschooling mum of three here in Hong Kong. For more than ten years I’ve educated my children at home, and along the way I’ve become part of, and helped grow, a warm local community of homeschooling families.
When parents first reach out to me, they’re usually carrying the same mix of hope and worry I once had. Is homeschooling allowed here? Will my child be lonely? What if I get it wrong? This guide brings together everything I’ve learned about homeschooling in Hong Kong, the gentle, flexible, child-centred way, so you can see what it really looks like and decide whether it’s right for your family.
Who is Jennifer Baccanello?
Our homeschooling story began out of necessity, not a master plan. My eldest son was struggling with anxiety and wasn’t getting the support he needed at school, so I brought him home, certain that something had to change. That decision grew into a way of life. Today, learning in our home is creative and flexible, and my children feel safe to explore, breathe and simply be themselves.
I share practical tips, gentle guidance and honest experience for families who want learning to be flexible, child-centred and rooted in emotional wellbeing. I also organise group meetups and resource-sharing workshops, because I know how isolating homeschooling can feel. You can read more of my story on my About page.
What gentle, child-centred homeschooling means
There are many ways to homeschool. Ours rests on three beliefs:
- Emotional safety comes first. Children learn best when they feel safe, heard and supported.
- Learning should fit the child, not the other way round. Pace, method and interests are shaped around who your child is.
- “Perfect” isn’t the goal. Progress, curiosity and connection matter far more than a flawless timetable.
Is homeschooling allowed in Hong Kong?
Yes, homeschooling isn’t illegal in Hong Kong, but it isn’t the preferred route either. Children generally receive nine years of compulsory education, roughly from age 6 to 15, and families who choose to homeschool are expected to inform the Education Bureau, which considers each case individually and may check that your child is receiving a suitable education.
I explain what this looks like in practice, along with the first practical steps, in how to start homeschooling in Hong Kong. As I always say, I’m a parent, not a lawyer, so please confirm current requirements directly with the EDB.
Our blended approach to learning
Rather than following a single method, we use a blend of approaches and choose what suits each child at each stage:
- Montessori principles: independence, hands-on materials and a calm, prepared environment
- Project-based learning: deep dives into questions my children genuinely care about
- Nature exploration: regular time outdoors as a place of learning
- Quiet reflection: journaling, conversation and time to think
- Lots of books: read-alouds, library trips and stories that we return to again and again
Some days are hands-on and high-energy. Others are slow and reflective. Both are equally valuable.
Montessori at home
You don’t need expensive materials. Low shelves, a few well-chosen activities, child-sized tools and a willingness to step back go a very long way. I share simple activities for every age, and how to set up a Montessori corner in a small Hong Kong flat, in Montessori at home: simple activities and ideas.
Learning outdoors
Hong Kong’s country parks, wetlands and shores are some of the best classrooms we’ve ever had. I share the places we love, and how we turn walks into science, maths and writing, in nature-based learning in Hong Kong.
Learning through projects
Many of our most memorable learning experiences began with one of my children’s questions and grew into a project spanning science, maths, reading and art. I explain how to plan a project step by step, with ideas for every age, in project-based learning at home.
Starting gently: deschooling first
If your child is leaving school, the first weeks at home don’t need to look like school at all. Many families, mine included, find a period of rest and readjustment helps children recover, rediscover curiosity and show you how they really learn. I explain what this looks like and how long it may take in deschooling: what it is and why it matters.
A rhythm, not a rigid schedule
We tried colour-coded timetables and rigid plans, and they never stuck. What works for our family is a loose weekly rhythm that gives structure without pressure. A typical day might include a calm start and check-in, focused work on core skills while energy is high, time outdoors, and an afternoon for projects, art or reading.
The aim isn’t to copy anyone else’s day. It’s to find a rhythm that genuinely fits your family, and to let it change as your children grow.
Putting emotional wellbeing at the centre
This is the heart of how I homeschool. Regular check-ins, journaling and open conversations about feelings are built into everyday life. When children feel heard and supported, their natural curiosity and love of learning shine through.
Because our journey began with an anxious child, this is a topic close to my heart. I’ve shared what has helped our family, including calming skills, gentle exposure and when to seek professional support, in homeschooling an anxious child.
You don’t have to do this alone
Homeschooling can feel lonely, especially in the early days. That’s why community is such a big part of my work. Through meetups and resource-sharing workshops, parents get space to talk, swap ideas and support one another, with no gatekeeping and no polished personas, just real families figuring it out together.
Friendships are one of the biggest worries for new homeschooling families. I share where homeschooled children make friends, and how to find your community here, in homeschool socialisation in Hong Kong.
If you’re in Hong Kong and would like to connect, please get in touch.
Is homeschooling right for your family?
Homeschooling isn’t right for everyone, and that’s okay. It may be worth exploring if:
- your child is unhappy, anxious or struggling at school
- your child learns differently and needs a more personal pace
- you want more time together as a family
- you’re in Hong Kong for a period without a suitable school place
It asks a lot of parents: time, patience and a willingness to learn alongside your children. But for many families, including mine, it has given back far more than it asked.
Where to start
- Read how to start homeschooling in Hong Kong for the first practical steps.
- Try a few Montessori activities at home to see how your child responds to more independence.
- Plan a weekly nature learning outing.
- If your child is anxious, read what has helped our family.
- Browse more stories and reflections in The Learning Log.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Jennifer Baccanello?
Jennifer Baccanello is a homeschooling mum of three in Hong Kong who has educated her children at home for more than ten years. She shares gentle, child-centred homeschooling guidance and organises meetups and workshops for local homeschooling families.
Is homeschooling legal in Hong Kong?
It isn’t illegal, but families are expected to inform the Education Bureau, which considers each case individually. Always confirm current requirements with the EDB.
What homeschooling approach does Jennifer use?
A blended, child-centred approach drawing on Montessori principles, project-based learning, nature exploration, quiet reflection and plenty of books.
Do I need a strict schedule to homeschool?
No. A loose, predictable rhythm usually works better than a rigid timetable, and gives children structure without pressure.
Will my homeschooled child have friends?
Yes. Meetups, co-ops, classes and community activities give homeschooled children plenty of chances to build friendships, often across a wide range of ages.
How can I connect with other homeschooling families in Hong Kong?
Look for local homeschool meetups and online groups, or contact Jennifer to ask about upcoming meetups and resource-sharing workshops.
A calmer way to learn
Homeschooling isn’t about recreating school at home. It’s about giving your child room to grow at their own pace, in a place where they feel safe. If you’re standing at the beginning and feeling unsure, that’s exactly how I felt too. Take one small step, be gentle with yourself, and know that there’s a community here ready to welcome you. You can always find more answers on my FAQ page.