Moving to Clermont - Homeschooling Question

[jennyvangogh]

Hi! My husband works for Michelin and we will be moving to France in Jan 09. We home school our children here in the States and would like to continue when we move to Clermont. I did some research online and found that it was legal. Does anyone know if this is correct and have any other thoughts? Are there any homeschooling associations? How common is homeschooling? Thanks! Jen

[Bevdeforges]

Home schooling is legal in France, but it isn't terribly common. The main home schooling association is Les Enfants d'abord Le portail de la liberté d'instruction and it would probably be a good idea to sign up with them. Belonging to an association can really help when doing something a bit "non-standard" here in France.

The association does have some information on their site in English - including a pretty helpful FAQ page. You will be expected to teach your children to speak, read and write French, and in general to keep pace with the curriculum in the French schools.
Cheers,
Bev

[giantpanda]

Hi!

This is rather an exception in France - heading goes under " instruction à la maison ".

Do you think that is a good method for the children to learn French and for intergrating?

Here the legal situation( probably need to confirm):Look up under France.

Instruction Ã* la maison - Wikipédia

Here Forums on the question.

Le portail de la liberté d'instruction

Ecole à la maison

Yours,

giantpanda

[jennyvangogh]

Thanks for the info and links! I left out the part where we are only going to be there for 3 years so I am not that concerned about the integration aspect. Granted, I would like for us to feel at home and somewhat integrated the three years we are there but I also feel very passionately about homeschooling my children regardless of our geographic location. On the other hand, I find this to be a once in a life time opportunity for my children to be immersed in the French language and culture and think maybe we should take advantage of this opportunity. I am torn! I read some other threads and am thinking of buying the book AAWE Guide to Education to educate myself on the French educational system. This website is very valuable.. I am very glad I found it! Thanks again for the information.