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Parents’ Guide to Homeschooling in the Philippines
Homeschooling can be a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional schools. You can tailor your child’s learning to their needs, and your family’s values and routines.
Wondering if it’s right for you, and how to find a reputable program that can still ensure quality education? Here’s what you need to know about homeschooling in the Philippines.
Get the Facts: What’s Homeschooling?
Homeschooling means teaching your child at home. Though you still follow the Department of Education (DepEd) curriculum, you customize the learning process to your child’s needs. Here are some ways you can tailor the curriculum.
- Find educational materials that match their learning style.
- Allot more time for tough topics or unique interests.
- Adapt the environment or routine for special needs like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
- Blend learning with family experiences, like visiting historical landmarks or museums.
Homeschooling means teaching your child at home. Though you still follow the Department of Education (DepEd) curriculum, you customize the learning process to your child’s needs. Here are some ways you can tailor the curriculum.
- Enroll in a DepEd-accredited homeschooling program. It gives regular quarterly exams and a transcript of records.
- Take the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT). The annual DepEd exam certifies your child has mastered the topics for that grade level. Find out more about PEPT requirements.
Know the Requirements of Successful Homeschooling
Homeschooling takes commitment and careful preparation. Before you make the leap, find out more about the time, effort, and costs involved from three homeschooling parents.
1. Reliable home internet access
Strong internet allows your child to use online resources, join virtual classes, take tests or submit projects, or connect with homeschool support groups.
2. Quiet study area
Ideally, your child should have a dedicated room or desk. However, parents with small spaces have found workarounds. “My son studied at our dining room table. I just bought him noise-cancelling headphones and stored study and art materials in a trolley,” explains Gladys Albano, who homeschooled her son until fifth grade.
3. At least three hours a day of your time
You need to plan lessons, prepare materials, and review their work. However, you’ll be more efficient once you get the hang of it.
“Eventually, I did all my prep work on Saturdays, so I just checked work or helped with special activities like crafts during school days. Your child also builds good study habits so ‘di mo na kailangan bantayan,” shares Pamela Mariano, who homeschooled both her daughters until they entered high school.
Mariano recommends going to homeschools with learning platforms that track progress and compute grades. “This saves a lot of time.”
4. Additional learning resources
Prepare to invest in books and subscriptions. Jaycee Rodrigo and his wife homeschooled their two children until seventh grade. Both kids were able to get into Ateneo High School, and the eldest is now a college sophomore in Ateneo de Manila University.
Jaycee got YouTube Premium, so his kids could watch educational videos without ads. He also signed up for Khan Academy ($12 a month, about ₱700) and Study.com ($29.99 a month, about ₱1,750). “You don’t need to buy materials, but I think this gives kids an edge. Instead of [relying on] one teacher for a subject, they have a global library,” he says.
You can also hire tutors for subjects you don’t want to teach yourself. Check out Facebook pages like Tutors for Hire and Tutoring for Kids! (rates range from ₱250 to ₱400 an hour).
Explore DepEd-Accredited Schools
Choosing a DepEd-accredited homeschooling program ensures your child receives quality education that meets national standards.
Check DepEd’s list of accredited homeschool providers in the Philippines. You should also look for accreditation details in any program’s promotional materials.
Ready to scout for schools? Start with this list of programs with a track record of graduates who eventually entered top high schools and universities.
1. Homeschool Global
The school has several programs that cater to different needs, including your budget and level of parental involvement.
The Touch-Curated Program is a fully customizable program where you can choose books or pick from “bundles.” You also get academic coaching from a Family Advisor.
Tech-BJU blends books with online video lessons, which your child can follow at their pace. You just need to monitor progress and submit grades.
Other programs have tie-ups with US schools, so your child gets international academic credits.
Get the details:
- What parents love: Well-designed student platform that queues tests and projects and calculates grades, community support, and access to online libraries.
- Tuition: Rates start at ₱35,900 but don’t include learning materials or additional services like academic coaching which may reach ₱30,000 or more.
- Contact: Call (632) 8626 3715 or (632) 540 9868, email [email protected], or message on Facebook.
2. Peniel Christian Academy
The school provides parents with curriculum guides and a student portal with PowerPoints and exams for each subject. Submit grades on the Excel sheet, and you’re done for the quarter!
Get the details:
- What parents love: Affordable tuition and personal assistance from a teacher assigned to every homeschooling parent.
- Tuition: Starts at ₱27,650 a year. You can also get sibling discounts.
- Contact: Call (632) 682 7941 or (63) 936 1821391, email [email protected] or visit their Facebook.
3. Homeschool of Asia and Pacific (HAP)
The school has a Philippine program and a US-based program (in partnership with Sanston Academy, Texas). You receive a manual with tips on homeschooling, learning modules, and a list of ebooks you can download.
Get the details:
- What parents love: The dual curriculum gives the option to transfer to either a Philippine or US-based school.
- Tuition: Ranges from ₱72,000 to ₱95,000 depending on the program and payment options.
- Contact: Call (632) 8809 4742, (961) 077 4398, or (915) 098 4443.
4. Victory Christian International School (VCIS)
VCIS’s homeschooling program combines the DepEd curriculum with biblical principles and Christian values. It also has strong community support, including face-to-face events, so students can form friendships and study groups.
Get the details:
- What parents love: The curriculum ensures that children develop both knowledge and important values.
- Tuition: Starts at ₱30,000 depending on the grade level and payment options.
- Contact: Call (632) 775 5705, (632) 584 6092, or (917) 813 2862.
5. Kairos Homeschool Academy
This is one of the few homeschool providers in the Philippines that includes Chinese in its curriculum. The structured program has complete activities, including MAPEH classes and field trips.
Get the details:
- What parents love: Since the program is so detailed, you don’t have to do lesson planning—just enhance it with more learning materials.
- Tuition: Ranges from ₱47,500 to ₱74,500 depending on the grade level.
- Contact: Call (917) 694 6477 or email [email protected].
6. International British Academy (IBA)
IBA follows an open curriculum, which means you choose the books, topics, and time spent on each subject.
The school follows the British educational system, so your child will be learning Singapore Math, British English and literature, and British History along with the DepEd courses.
Homeschooled students can also join on-campus clubs and activities.
Get the details:
- What parents love: The rigorous curriculum prepares the child for entering top schools and universities, both here and abroad.
- Tuition: ₱108,695 (may be higher for first-time enrollees because of additional fees).
- Contact: Call (346) 471 5922 or email [email protected].
7. Catholic Filipino Academy (CFA)
Founded by Bo Sanchez, the homeschooling program is known for its strong values and active community support. It organizes field trips, meet-ups, sports fests, retreats, and other events, so students have healthy social lives.
Activities like Family Camp nurture strong parent-child relationships, which the school believes is important for a happy homeschooling experience.
Get the details:
- What parents love: The closely-knit community provides excellent support for people who are new to homeschooling.
- Tuition: Starts at ₱30,000 depending on the grade level.
- Contact: Call (917) 1834778, email [email protected], or message their Facebook.
8. Southville International School and Colleges
The school offers homeschool and blended learning programs for high school, college, and graduate students. In the INNOVE program, students do self-directed learning and attend classes twice a week. The Online Distance Learning (ODL) program is purely online.
Get the details:
- What parents love: The combination of online and face-to-face classes gives kids both flexibility and opportunities for socialization.
- Tuition: Fees start at ₱151,399.00.
- Contact: Call (632) 8825-6374 or 8820-8702 to 03, or (63) 917 8532450. E-mail [email protected].