Homeschooling in Marshall Islands
Compulsory public school attendance from ages 5-18 leaves homeschooling in a grey area without clear legal support.
Homeschooling is not explicitly regulated in the Marshall Islands and appears restricted by compulsory attendance requirements mandating enrollment in public schools. The Public School System Act 2013 places the onus on parents to ensure children aged 5 to 18 enroll in and regularly attend school. No provisions for home education exemptions were identified in official legislation.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
once
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Compulsory enrollment and attendance in a school starting at age 5 per Public School System Act 2013 §311(1).
- Parents or guardians bear responsibility for child's enrollment and regular school attendance.
- Compulsory education covers first eight years, generally to age 14.
- Non-public schools require a charter application to the Ministry under 1991 Education Act §336.
- Charter must detail location, course of instruction, language, teacher qualifications, and enrollment.
- Non-public schools undergo annual accreditation certification.
- No explicit mention of homeschooling or home education exemptions in primary legislation.
- Secondary education from age 12-17 not compulsory.
Legal Framework
Marshall Islands' education framework rests on: (1) Constitution of the Republic of the Marshall Islands; (2) Marshall Islands Revised Code (MIRC): Title 14 covers education matters (the College of the Marshall Islands Act 1992 is at 14 MIRC Chapter 2); (3) Public School System Rules and Regulations (most recent 2015) issued by the Ministry of Education: establish that attendance at a public or non-public elementary or secondary school is compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 and 18. The Public School System (PSS) administers public schools. Homeschooling is not directly named as a recognised pathway in the Rules and Regulations; exemption requires Ministry approval and is rare. Responsible authority: Ministry of Education, Sports and Training, Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Filing Requirements
What to file
School Enrollment Form
When
Before age 5 or upon arrival in Marshall Islands
Where
Local school or Ministry of Education
How to submit
In-person enrollment at school
What to include
- • Child's name, date of birth, parent/guardian contact information, proof of residency
Enrollment must occur before or upon reaching age 5. Parents are legally responsible for ensuring regular attendance.
How to Get Started
- 1
Contact local school or Ministry of Education for enrollment procedures
- 2
Provide required documentation (birth certificate, proof of residency, immunization records if applicable)
- 3
Complete school enrollment form
- 4
Ensure regular attendance beginning at age 5
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Only legally recognized educational pathway
- ✓Free public education
- ✓Standardized curriculum and assessment
- ✓No compliance uncertainty
Cons
- •No alternative education options legally available
- •Compulsory attendance with no exemptions for homeschooling
- •Limited parental control over curriculum
Questions about homeschooling in Marshall Islands
Is homeschooling legal in Marshall Islands?
No. Homeschooling is not explicitly recognized or regulated in Marshall Islands legislation. The Public School System Act 2013 mandates compulsory enrollment and attendance in school for children aged 5 to 18, with no exemptions for home education. Parents must enroll children in either a public school or an accredited non-public school with a Ministry charter.
What are the compulsory education ages in Marshall Islands?
Compulsory enrollment and attendance in school is required from age 5 through age 18 per Public School System Act 2013 §311(1). However, compulsory education specifically covers the first eight years (generally through age 14), while secondary education (ages 12-17) is not compulsory, though enrollment is still required.
What happens if I do not enroll my child in school?
Parents or guardians who fail to ensure a child aged 5-18 enrolls in and regularly attends school without good cause or reasonable explanation may face enforcement action. Public School System Act 2013 §320 places responsibility on parents to ensure compliance with compulsory attendance requirements.
Can I start a non-public school or alternative school in Marshall Islands?
Yes, but only through a formal charter process. Any person or organization wishing to establish a non-public school must submit a written charter application to the Secretary of Education per Education Act 1991 §336. The application must specify the proposed location, course of instruction, language of instruction, teacher qualifications, and student enrollment policies. The Secretary reviews the application and makes a recommendation to the Minister. All non-public schools must undergo annual accreditation certification and comply with Ministry standards.
Are there any exemptions to compulsory school attendance?
The legislation reviewed does not identify explicit exemptions to compulsory school attendance for homeschooling, medical reasons, or other circumstances. Parents should contact the Ministry of Education, Sports and Training to inquire about any potential exemptions or special circumstances.
What curriculum must be followed in Marshall Islands schools?
Public schools follow national curriculum standards prescribed by the Ministry of Education. Non-public schools must specify their course of instruction in their charter application and comply with Ministry standards. No specific curriculum requirements for homeschooling exist because homeschooling is not a recognized educational pathway.
How do I contact the Ministry of Education for more information?
Contact the Ministry of Education, Sports and Training in Marshall Islands for current information on school enrollment, non-public school charters, accreditation procedures, and any questions regarding compulsory education requirements. Official legislation and regulations are available through the Parliament of Marshall Islands website (rmiparliament.org) and the Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute (paclii.org).
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · MH homeschool law guide