Homeschooling in Philippines
Legal via DepEd school authorization; no standalone parent-led homeschooling without provider.
Homeschooling is legal in the Philippines as an Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) offered by public or private DepEd-recognized schools. It is governed by DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2022, requiring enrollment through accredited providers, adherence to the K to 12 curriculum, parental monitoring, and school oversight. Compulsory education applies from age 6 to 18, with homeschooling available for learners unable to attend formal school due to medical or family circumstances.
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
once
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Homeschooling operates under partner DepEd-recognized public or private schools as ADM.
- Private schools need Permit to Offer from Schools Division Office; public schools require Regional Office authorization.
- Parents/guardians act as primary teaching agents with school-assigned Homeschool Coordinator for support.
- Must align with K to 12 Curriculum or Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs).
- Periodic assessments and portfolio reviews required for progress validation.
- DepEd-recognized certificates issued upon completion; PEPT may be needed for transfers.
- Limited to residents in the Philippines.
Legal Framework
Philippines' homeschooling framework rests on: (1) 1987 Constitution Article XIV Section 1 (right to quality education); (2) Republic Act No. 9155 - Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001, which institutionalises alternative learning systems and home study programs; (3) Republic Act No. 10533 - Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, establishing the K-12 curriculum; (4) DepEd Order No. 001, s. 2022 - the current Homeschooling Program implementing order, which strengthened implementation and regulation; (5) DepEd Order 21 s. 2019 - Policy Guidelines on the K to 12 Basic Education Program (broader curriculum frame). Under DO 001 s. 2022, the Homeschooling Program is offered as an Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) by BOTH public and private schools: public schools require authorisation from the Regional Office, private schools require a Permit to Offer. School Heads must assign a Homeschool Coordinator responsible for enrolment, monitoring progress, and supporting parents/guardians. Learners receive textbooks/modules in print or digital format and follow a learning plan covering learning area, competencies and tasks. All homeschool learners must take the National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE) and the National Achievement Test (NAT). Responsible authority: Department of Education (DepEd).
Filing Requirements
What to file
Enrollment Form via LIS
When
Before school year start
Where
Authorized Public School
How to submit
In-person or school portal
What to include
- • Birth certificate, previous records, medical/family justification
School handles Learner Reference Number (LRN) registration
How to Get Started
- 1
Contact Regional Office-authorized public school
- 2
Submit enrollment docs and justification
- 3
Receive curriculum and coordinator assignment
- 4
Begin parent-led instruction with monitoring
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Cost-effective
- ✓Official DepEd oversight
Cons
- •Regional availability varies
- •Less flexibility in methods
Questions about homeschooling in Philippines
Can I homeschool without enrolling in a school?
No, enrollment through DepEd-recognized public or private school as ADM is required; standalone parent-led not permitted.
What documents are needed to start?
PSA birth certificate, previous report cards, enrollment form, and justification for ADM (e.g., medical/family circumstances).
Do I need teaching qualifications?
No formal qualifications for parents; you act as primary agent with school coordinator support.
Is the diploma recognized for college?
Yes, DepEd-recognized certificate from provider; PEPT may be needed for equivalency or transfers.
What if we move to another region?
Transfer via PEPT validation and enroll in new authorized school/provider.
Are there free public homeschool options?
Yes, through Regional Office-authorized public schools offering ADM.
What curriculum must we follow?
K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum or MELCs, provided by the school.
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · PH homeschool law guide