Army Europe K-12 PCS INBOUND Handbook PCS Handbook ARMY OUTBOUND SY17-18 | Page 13

Planning on homeschooling in Europe?
Some parents elect to homeschool their children while OCONUS. This is a legal option
open to all SOFA sponsored active duty military, DoD civilians, and contractors. No state
or federal government permission is required.
Be aware that for German citizens home schooling is illegal and homeschooling is not
common or recognized in other countries. You should be mindful of potential “looks” if
you are out and about off post with your children during "normal school hours". In addi-
tion, to prevent unwarranted interest by local authorities you should use discernment
when conducting "non-academic" activities or allowing children to be unsupervised out-
side the home during "normal" school hours.
The Netherlands does not have a SOFA agreement. Instead they have a "Friendship
Agreement" which does not address homeschooling. Homeschooling is not "recognized"
by the Dutch government. The Compulsory Education Act, Article 2, paragraph 1, states
that school attendance is mandatory, so there may be challenges for homeschoolers go-
ing to Schinnen. Homeschool families moving to Europe should check with the School
Liaison Officer for more information about homeschooling in their country or region.
School Liaison Officers may also connect homeschool families to local homeschool
groups that sometimes share in field trips, PE, parties, curriculum fairs, science fairs,
workshops and other educational and social activities.
Child, Youth, & School Services also offer special events/programs for homeschoolers in
some locations.
Homeschool families may request special education evaluation and services in the Do-
DEA schools. Homeschool families also have the option of benefitting from some of the
activities or classes within the DoDEA schools. For example, a homeschool student may
wish to participate in an extra-curricular activity, take just an art or math course at the
school, complete standardized tests, have access to online learning program member-
ships the school has, take select virtual school classes, or use school textbooks. All these
options are open to eligible dependent homeschoolers through the on post schools on a
space available basis. Students must have complet-
ed registration paperwork with the school
and commit to regular participation in any chosen
activity to allow for proper planning on the part of
the teachers or activity sponsors.
For more information or to access local homeschool groups,
contact your School Liaison Officer.
DoDEA Home School Website
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