Home Schooling Policy

About

Home Schooling is a structured educational approach where a child’s learning activities occur at home or other locations chosen by the parent, without the child being a full-time or part-time student at any institution registered with the Ministry of Education.

In response to a growing trend of parents in Trinidad and Tobago opting for home schooling, the Ministry of Education has developed a comprehensive Home-Schooling Policy. This policy serves as a framework to provide clear and defined guidelines for home schooling, in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and Education Act, Chap. 39:01.

Its primary objective is to enhance oversight over the associated systems and procedures, ensuring that home schooling is conducted effectively and in line with educational standards.

Goals

The policy goals encompass the following objectives:

  1. To institute clear and comprehensive guidelines for the practice of home schooling.
  2. To establish a registry of Home Schoolers, facilitating better tracking and oversight.
  3. To safeguard the fundamental rights of the child to receive a quality education that is suitable for their needs and development.

Target Audience

This policy shall be applicable to the following entities and individuals:

  1. Officers and Divisions within the Ministry of Education (MOE), including but not limited to:
    • The Minister of Education
    • Permanent Secretary
    • Chief Education Officer (CEO)
    • School Supervision and Management Division (SSMD)
    • Curriculum Planning and Development Division (CPDD)
    • Student Support Service Division (SSSD)
    • Examinations Section/Division
    • Division of Educational Research and Evaluation (DERE)
    • District Leadership Teams (DLTs)
    • Principals and Teachers
  2. The Tobago House of Assembly (THA)
  3. Parents and Legal Guardians
  4. This policy shall apply to children of compulsory school age who are nationals of Trinidad and Tobago.

Key Activities/Elements

Key Activities/Elements

  • Implementation of an Online Home School Registration System
  • Establishment of a Home School Register
  • Creation of a Home School Repository
  • Development of an Automated Home School Application and Renewal Process

Contact

EducationPolicyInfo@moe.gov.tt