HOME SCHOOLING IN PUERTO RICO
Laws and Regulations


 

Compulsory attendance requirements are for those of ages "between six and eighteen years of age"
There are no home school statutes, however these are the alternative statutes allowing home schooling:

  1. "Instruction in the elementary and secondary school shall be free and shall be compulsory in the elementary schools to the extent permitted by the facilities of the state. Compulsory attendance at elementary public schools shall not be construed as applicable to those who receive elementary education in schools established under non-governmental auspices."
  2. "Attendance at public schools shall not be compulsory for those who are receiving education in schools established under the auspices of non-governmental entities."
  3. Most home schools operate as non-governmental schools. Non-governmental schools are not clearly defined or regulated by law. Only "primary or secondary academic" schools which " declare, promises, announces, or expresses the intention of granting certificates, diplomas, degrees, or licenses" are required to be licensed. It seems that only these private "diploma" schools are under Puerto Rico's private school regulation.

There are no teacher qualification required for non-governmental schools.
Standardized tests are also not required for non-governmental schools.

For more information regarding the laws and regulations of home schooling in Puerto Rico, contact HSLDA ( Home school Legal Defense Association)

Questions and Answers About Homeschooling


 

A growing number of parents are choosing to educate their children at home rather than to send them to school. But many have concerns and questions that need to be addressed. Here are answers to some of the more common questions.

Q. What is "homeschooling"?
 

A. As the name implies, it is education in the home. The difference lies in that children are educated by their parents. But homeschooling is not a new concept. Up until about 60 years ago, when the Department of Education established a compulsory attendance law, homeschooling was very common. During the last 15 years, there has been a great rebirth of homeschooling in the United States. Here in Puerto Rico, the homeschooling movement has been growing since the 1980's.


Q. Why educate at home?
 

A. Many parents have found the specific advantages of home education to include:
** More quality time to train and influence children in all areas in an integrated way.
** Opportunity for each child to receive attention and have individual needs met.
** Greater parental control over influences such as humanism and peer pressure.
** Increased family unity and closeness.
** Development of confidence and independent thinking.
** Flexible schedule to accommodate work and vacation time, plus time for more activities.
** Superior academic progress.
Ultimately families make a commitment to educate their children at home because of a conviction that it is the right thing for them to do. They are concerned with the spiritual and character development, as well as the social and academic welfare of their children.

Q. Is it legal to educate my children at home?
 

A. In all of the 50 states and territories, homeschooling is legal, because it is not a privilege, but a constitutional right, guaranteed and protected by the 14th Amendment. Those families that are homeschooling because of religious reasons also have the protection of the 1st Amendment. In every state, homeschooling is accepted, but the statutes vary in every state. For more information regarding the legal statutes of homeschooling, contact HSLDA. For more information about the statutes in Puerto Rico, go to ourLaws and Regulationspage.

Q. What about socialization?
 

A. This is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of homeschooling. Popular opinion holds that children need regular interaction with a large group of peers in order to acquire social skills. However there is significant evidence that extensive peer contact causes peer dependency and low self image.
Freedom from peer pressure fosters self confidence, independent thinking, the ability to relate to people of all ages, and improved family relations.

Q. How do I get started?
 

A. Begin by reading information about homeschooling. There are many excellent books about homeschooling. There are books that cover every aspect of education in the home. Every homeschooling family should develop a personal library that includes some of the following titles; "The Right Choice", "Homeschooling Father", "Successful Handbook to Homeschooling", "Basic steps to Successful Homeschooling" and "How to Educate 4th to 8th Grade".
Study the different methods of homeschooling, and find one that suits your family best. Remember, what is right for one family, may not be right for yours.
Join a support group. Support groups serve many functions, but the most important is that they are there to help. Getting together with a group of people that have the same vision for their children will help you be more secure in your decision. A support group is also where you can find an exchange of ideas, experiences, and resources.