When I first brought my eldest son home from school, I didn’t have a plan. I had a child who was struggling with anxiety, a feeling that something had to change, and a long list of questions. Is it allowed? What will the Education Bureau say? Where do I even begin?
More than ten years and three children later, those are still the questions parents ask me most at our homeschool meetups. So this is the guide I wish I’d had: how to start homeschooling in Hong Kong, step by step, without the pressure to get everything perfect on day one.
It’s part of my larger guide to gentle, child-centred homeschooling in Hong Kong, which covers the bigger picture of how we learn at home.
Is homeschooling legal in Hong Kong?
Homeschooling in Hong Kong is not illegal, but it isn’t the system’s preferred route either. Under the Education Ordinance, children generally receive nine years of compulsory education, roughly from age 6 to 15, and the expectation is that they attend school during those years.
There is no simple “homeschool licence” or registration form. Instead, families who choose to educate at home are expected to inform the Education Bureau (EDB), which considers each family’s situation individually. Organisations such as HSLDA describe the EDB as reviewing cases one by one, and local reports, including coverage in the South China Morning Post and parent guides like Sassy Mama, describe a process that can include an assessment or home visits to check that the child is receiving a suitable education.
A few things parents in our community have found important:
- Don’t skip telling the EDB. Simply not enrolling your child can be treated as non-attendance, which is far more stressful to sort out later.
- Be ready to show your plan. A clear outline of what and how your child will learn, the resources you’ll use and how you’ll track progress goes a long way.
- Keep good records. Samples of work, reading lists, project photos and notes on progress are useful both for any visits and for you.
I’m a parent, not a lawyer, and procedures can change. Please check the current requirements directly with the Education Bureau before you withdraw your child from school.
Step 1: Get clear on your “why”
Every family’s reason is different. For us, it was our son’s anxiety and the support he wasn’t getting. For others, it’s a child who’s bored, a child with different learning needs, a long stay in Hong Kong without a suitable school place, or simply a wish for a calmer, closer family life.
Write your reasons down. On the hard days, and there will be some, your “why” is what keeps you steady. It also helps you explain your choice clearly to the EDB, to family, and to your child.
Step 2: Allow time to “deschool”
If your child is coming out of school, don’t rush to recreate the classroom at your kitchen table. Many families find that children need a period of rest and readjustment first. People in the homeschooling world call this “deschooling.”
During those first weeks we read together, went outdoors, cooked, visited the library and talked a lot. It looked like very little “school”, but it rebuilt trust and curiosity, and it gave me time to watch how my child actually learned.
Step 3: Choose an approach (or blend a few)
There’s no single right way to homeschool. These are some of the approaches families in Hong Kong commonly draw on:
| Approach | In a nutshell | Often suits |
|---|---|---|
| Montessori-inspired | Hands-on materials, independence, child-led work periods | Younger children, kids who love doing things themselves |
| Project-based | Learning through deep projects that connect several subjects | Curious children with strong interests |
| Nature-based | Regular outdoor learning, observation and exploration | Active kids, families who love the outdoors |
| Structured curriculum | A boxed or online curriculum with set lessons | Families who want clear structure, or plan a return to school |
| Interest-led / relaxed | Following the child’s questions and passions | Children who’ve lost their love of learning |
Our family uses a blend: Montessori principles, project-based learning, nature exploration, quiet reflection and lots of books. I’ve written more about the first of these in Montessori at home: simple ways to start.
Step 4: Plan a loose rhythm, not a rigid timetable
I tried colour-coded schedules. They never lasted. What works for us is a rhythm: a predictable flow to the day and week, with room to adjust.
A gentle starting rhythm might look like this:
- Morning: a calm check-in, then focused work on reading, writing and maths while energy is high
- Late morning: outdoor time or a walk
- Afternoon: projects, art, science experiments or a library trip
- One day a week: an outing, meetup or nature day
Keep core skills like literacy and numeracy consistent, and let everything else flex around your child’s energy and interests.
Step 5: Gather resources without overspending
It’s tempting to buy everything before you begin. Please don’t. Start with:
- A library card for each child. Hong Kong’s public libraries are a homeschooler’s best friend.
- A maths programme suited to your child’s level
- A good stack of read-aloud books
- Simple art and craft supplies
- A notebook for each child, and one for you to record progress
Add more as you learn what your child actually needs.
Step 6: Find your community early
Homeschooling can feel isolating, especially at the start. Community is at the heart of what I do for exactly that reason. Look for homeschool meetup groups, online groups for Hong Kong homeschooling families, co-ops and resource-sharing events. Even one or two other families to meet regularly can make a huge difference, for your children and for you.
Step 7: Look after emotional wellbeing from day one
Learning flows best when children feel safe. Build small check-ins into your day, like “How are you feeling about today?”, and leave room for rest. If your child is coming home because of anxiety, as mine did, please read supporting an anxious child through learning at home.
Common worries (and honest answers)
“What about socialising?”
Homeschooled children socialise differently, not less. Meetups, classes, sports, neighbourhood friendships and mixed-age groups give lots of opportunity, often with a wider range of ages than school does.
“Am I qualified to teach?”
You know your child better than anyone. You don’t need to be an expert in every subject; you need to be willing to learn alongside them, and to find help, such as tutors, classes or online courses, when a subject goes beyond you.
“What if it doesn’t work?”
Then you adjust, and that’s allowed. Homeschooling isn’t a lifelong contract. Some families homeschool for a season and return to school, and that’s a valid path too.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission to homeschool in Hong Kong?
There’s no formal licence, but you are expected to inform the Education Bureau, which looks at each case individually and may assess whether your child is receiving a suitable education. Check current procedures directly with the EDB.
What age does compulsory education cover in Hong Kong?
Nine years of compulsory education, generally from around age 6 to 15.
Do I have to follow the Hong Kong curriculum?
Families use many different curricula and approaches. What matters is being able to show your child is receiving a suitable, well-planned education.
How many hours a day should we homeschool?
Much less than a school day. Focused one-to-one learning is efficient. For younger children, a couple of hours of focused work plus reading, play and outdoor time is often plenty.
Can my child go back to school later?
Yes, many do. Keeping records of their learning and covering core subjects consistently makes that transition easier.
Start small, start gently
You don’t need a perfect plan to begin. Tell the Education Bureau, give your child time to settle, choose a rhythm that fits your family and find a few kindred spirits. The rest you’ll learn together. For everything else about how we homeschool, head back to my guide to homeschooling in Hong Kong.