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)[3].
- Parents or guardians bear responsibility for child's enrollment and regular school attendance[3].
- Compulsory education covers first eight years, generally to age 14[2][3].
- Non-public schools require a charter application to the Ministry under 1991 Education Act §336[2][5].
- Charter must detail location, course of instruction, language, teacher qualifications, and enrollment[5].
- Non-public schools undergo annual accreditation certification[5].
- No explicit mention of homeschooling or home education exemptions in primary legislation[2][3].
- Secondary education from age 12-17 not compulsory[2].
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
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · MH homeschool law guide