Ministry of Education's National Examination Results Virtual Press Conference
HOME SCHOOLING IN THE BAHAMAS
Empowering Families. Supporting Learning.
The Ministry of Education, Science & Technology recognises and respects the right of parents and legal guardians to homeschool their children. Home schooling provides families with an alternative educational pathway while ensuring that children receive a full-time education appropriate to their age, ability, and aptitude.In accordance with the Education Act, parents may fulfil their responsibility to educate their children through regular school attendance or through approved home schooling arrangements. Home schooling allows parents to take primary responsibility for their child's educational instruction while providing flexibility to meet individual learning needs.
What is Home Schooling?
Home schooling is an educational approach in which a parent or legal guardian assumes direct responsibility for the instruction and supervision of their child, primarily within the home environment. Registered home school students continue to have access to important educational opportunities and support services offered through the Ministry.
Benefits of Registration
Families who register with the Ministry may benefit from:Official recognition as a registered home school studentAccess to national examinations, including GLAT, BJC, and BGCSEEligibility to pursue the Bahamas High School Diploma (BHSD)Participation in selected Ministry-sponsored competitions and activitiesAccess to training opportunities and parent networking initiativesIssuance of official home school documentation and identification
Registration Requirements
To register a student for home schooling, parents or guardians must submit:
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Completed online application
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Child's birth certificate
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Child's National Insurance Card
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Child's immunisation record
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One passport photograph of the child
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Parent/guardian identification documents
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Additional supporting documents where applicable (guardianship, marriage certificate, residency or work permit documentation)
Registration for each academic year opens on the third Monday in August and closes on April 30 of the following year.
What is Permitted?
The Ministry supports a flexible approach to home schooling that may include:
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The use of tutors to supplement instruction provided by the parent practitioner
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Flexible scheduling of instructional hours
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Educational field trips and experiential learning opportunities
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Socialisation and enrichment activities
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Participation in selected national competitions and programmes
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Home school students should receive a minimum of 25 instructional hours per week for at least 36 weeks each year.
Resources for Parents
The Home Schooling Unit provides guidance, support, and information to assist families throughout their home schooling journey. Parents are encouraged to review all registration requirements, maintain communication with the Ministry, and take advantage of available resources and training opportunities.
Supporting Student Success
The Ministry encourages parents to:
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Teach core subjects including English Language, Mathematics, Science, Civics, Bahamian History, and Computer Studies
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Maintain accurate records of instruction, attendance, and student progress
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Develop a portfolio of student work
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Encourage participation in physical activities and social experiences
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Ensure participation in approved assessments and national examinations where appropriate
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Follow BHSD guidelines for students seeking a Bahamas High School Diploma