Homeschooling in Palau
No specific homeschooling laws exist; compulsory attendance may imply school-based education is mandated.
Homeschooling in Palau is a grey area with no explicit regulations found in official sources. Title 22 of the Palau National Code requires parents to ensure children of compulsory age attend school, but does not address home education directly. The Ministry of Education oversees public and non-public schools, requiring authorization for private institutions.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
No
n/a
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Title 22 National Code requires parents to ensure children aged 6-17 attend school.
- MoE authorizes non-public schools with requirements for safety, health, curriculum, and teacher certification.
- Private schools operate under MoE charter.
- First grade entry requires child to be 6 years old before September 15.
- MoE responsible for primary and secondary education policies.
- Early childhood care regulated separately by Early Childhood Council under 2018 Senate Bill No. 10-30.
Legal Framework
Palau's education framework rests on: (1) Constitution of the Republic of Palau; (2) Title 22 of the Palau National Code (PNC): the comprehensive education statute, with key provisions at PNC 22§111, 22§159, and 22§181-184. The statute provides for free, compulsory public education for all children ages 6-17, OR until graduation from high school. PNC mandates attendance at a public or nonpublic school for all children between ages 6 and 17 inclusive, unless excluded from school or excepted from attendance by the Minister of Education. RPPL No. 10-32 (Republic of Palau Public Law) is among recent legislation aimed at improving education quality. Homeschooling is not directly named in Title 22 but the Ministerial exemption pathway provides theoretical accommodation. Responsible authority: Ministry of Education, Republic of Palau.
Filing Requirements
What to file
n/a
When
n/a
Where
n/a
How to submit
n/a
What to include
- • n/a
No notification procedures identified in Title 22 or MoE policies.
How to Get Started
- 1
Begin instruction at home
- 2
Monitor for truancy risks
- 3
Contact MoE if questions arise
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Full flexibility
- ✓No costs or bureaucracy
Cons
- •Legal uncertainty
- •No diploma path
Questions about homeschooling in Palau
Is homeschooling legal in Palau?
Homeschooling is a grey area; Title 22 requires school attendance but does not regulate or recognize home education.
Do I need to notify MoE to start homeschooling?
No notification is required or defined for homeschooling.
What curriculum should I follow at home?
Unspecified for homeschool; non-public schools must align with national core subjects.
Can I issue a high school diploma to my child?
No, parent-issued diplomas are not recognized; use authorized private schools.
What if authorities question my homeschooling?
Risk of truancy enforcement exists; contact MoE for clarification.
Are there private school options?
Yes, authorized by MoE with standards for curriculum and certification.
What are the compulsory ages?
Children aged 6-17 must attend school; first grade entry at age 6 by September 15.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · PW homeschool law guide