Homeschooling in Denmark
Legal with notification and supervision.
Home education (hjemmeundervisning) is legal in Denmark, protected by Article 76 of the Constitution. Parents must notify the local municipality and ensure the child's education measures up to public primary school (Folkeskole) standards. Municipalities conduct periodic supervision to verify equivalence.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
once
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Homeschooling is a constitutional right under Grundloven Article 76, protected since 1849.
- Compulsory education spans 10 years (typically ages 6-16), but school attendance is not compulsory if home education is equivalent.
- Parents must notify municipality in writing; no prior approval required, but municipality may refuse in exceptional cases if education is unsuitable.
- Regulated under Friskoleloven Chapter 8 (sections 34-36) and Folkeskoleloven section 33; homeschoolers are not subject to the Public Schools Act.
- No parental qualifications required; parents have freedom of method (metodefrihed) but must meet outcome standards.
- Municipality conducts supervision (tilsyn) typically 1-2 times per year to verify education 'measures up' to folkeskole standards.
- Parents must maintain records, lesson plans, and work samples; may be required to provide reports or assessments.
- Municipality can terminate homeschooling and require school enrollment if education is deemed inadequate; growth in homeschooling reported (2,560 children in 2025-26 school year, up from 443 in 2014).
Legal Framework
Homeschooling (hjemmeundervisning) is regulated under the Free School Act (Friskoleloven), Chapter 8, sections 34-36, and mentioned in the Public Schools Act (Folkeskoleloven) section 33. The constitutional right is guaranteed under Article 76 of the Danish Constitution (Grundloven). The responsible authority is the local municipality, with oversight from the Ministry of Children and Education.
Filing Requirements
What to file
Written notification
When
Before starting
Where
Local municipality
How to submit
In writing (letter or email)
What to include
- • Intent to homeschool, child details, basic education plan
No formal form; municipality may request meeting to discuss plans
How to Get Started
- 1
Notify municipality in writing before starting
- 2
Prepare education plan
- 3
Attend initial meeting if requested
- 4
Maintain records for supervision
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Legal constitutional right
- ✓Flexible methods
- ✓Growing community
Cons
- •Variable municipal practices
- •Potential for refusal/termination
- •Self-funded
Questions about homeschooling in Denmark
Do I need qualifications to homeschool in Denmark?
No specific qualifications are required for parents; they are legally responsible for ensuring equivalent education.
How often does municipal supervision happen?
Typically 1-2 times per year via inspections, visits, or reports; frequency varies by municipality.
What subjects must be covered?
Danish, mathematics, English mandatory; overall equivalent to folkeskole in outcomes including societal preparation.
Can the municipality refuse homeschooling?
Only in exceptional cases if education is deemed unsuitable for the child's progress.
Is there funding for homeschooling?
No public funding; parents cover all costs including tutors if used.
What if we move to another municipality?
Notify the new municipality in writing; national rules apply but practices may differ.
Can I use online schools for homeschooling?
Yes, parents remain responsible; municipality supervises outcomes.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · DK homeschool law guide