Addressing Misconceptions of Homeschooling in Hong Kong - Part Eight: Are Homeschool Students Truants and Social Outcasts?

The ultimate result of our homeschooling: our homeschool student, Paris, was admitted to a publicly funded university (UGC funded university) in Hong Kong at the age of 15.

When my daughter Paris decided to leave her primary school, the process seemed straightforward. The school administration and her teacher handed me a "Leaving School Form" to complete, requesting that I indicate the name of the school she would be transferring to. Without hesitation, I wrote down "homeschool," explaining that Paris was neither transferring to another school nor leaving Hong Kong. We were simply telling the truth. 

But this truth led to unexpected complications. No one—neither the teachers, principals, administrative staff, nor even the social workers—understood what "homeschooling" really meant. The word itself was met with confusion, skepticism, and even fear. Questions began to swirl: “Does this mean Paris will stop her education altogether? Will she become a truant—a child disconnected from learning, destined to become a delinquent and a burden on society? Will homeschooling alienate her socially and make her a social outcast, disconnected from peers and societal norms?” 

These concerns were relentless, and the narrative being pushed onto us was terrifying. Teachers, social workers, and even the Education Bureau officers seemed to share the belief that homeschooling could only lead to trouble. Paris was told, repeatedly, that what she was pursuing was wrong. She was warned that homeschooling had no future and that it was somehow illegal, a direct defiance of Hong Kong law. The pressure escalated, with warnings that as her mother, I could face legal repercussions—even imprisonment—for homeschooling her. 

These accusations were not grounded in reality. They were fueled by a lack of understanding and the societal cognitive barriers that cloud the true meaning and potential of homeschooling. The idea that a child educated at home could be anything other than a truant or a social outcast was beyond the comprehension of many. This ignorance, combined with excessive worry, cast an enormous shadow over Paris’s pursuit of an alternative education. It deeply affected her mental well-being, causing her to doubt her own choices and question her dreams. 

In truth, Paris was never without an education. She was not “skipping school” or retreating from society—she was redefining her learning environment to align with her unique needs and aspirations. Homeschooling offered her the freedom to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially in ways that traditional schooling could not. Her experience was proof that homeschooling is not an escape, but a courageous exploration of alternative paths to personal growth and success in Hong Kong. 

Moreover, the fear that homeschooling would isolate Paris socially proved to be entirely unfounded. Homeschooling opened doors for her to connect with diverse communities, including fellow homeschoolers, educators, and peers through various social and extracurricular activities. Through worldschooling, Paris had the opportunity to travel extensively to different countries, immersing herself in their cultures and gaining a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and cultural distinctions. Worldschooling also allowed her to build connections with individuals from various corners of the world and of different ages. Far from becoming a social outcast, Paris developed valuable interpersonal skills and established meaningful relationships across generations and global communities, enriching her personal growth and broadening her worldview.

Homeschooling is like planting a seed in unconventional soil. While others may doubt its capacity to grow, with the right care and nurture, that seed can grow into a strong, flourishing tree—unique in its form and deeply rooted in strength. 

This is the reality that Hong Kong society must recognize: homeschooling students are not truants or social outcasts. They are learners who deserve respect, understanding, and support. They are proof that education doesn’t only happen within the four walls of a classroom. It happens wherever there is curiosity, creativity, and commitment to learning. 

Homeschooling is a forward-thinking choice in the education ecosystem in Hong Kong, empowering families to challenge societal misconceptions while celebrating the individuality of each child. 

What homeschooling families like mine have faced is not an isolated issue. Many parents in Hong Kong share similar experiences, feeling as though they must defend their choices against misunderstanding and judgment. Teachers, social workers, and even policymakers often struggle to grasp what homeschooling truly entails and the positive impacts it can have. This lack of knowledge leads to unfounded fears and unnecessary stress for both parents and children. 

As we move forward, it is essential for society to dismantle the cognitive barriers surrounding homeschooling. Schools and government bodies must receive proper training and resources to recognize homeschooling as a legitimate and valuable educational pathway. By fostering awareness and cultivating open-mindedness, we can eliminate the stigma that often burdens homeschooling families, ensuring that children like Paris are not unfairly labeled as truants, wayward, or socially isolated. 

On a broader scale, embracing homeschooling can fill the missing piece in Hong Kong’s educational puzzle, empowering our city to evolve into a truly international education hub. By adopting inclusive and adaptive educational approaches, Hong Kong can align itself with global leaders in homeschooling, such as Finland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and other progressive European countries like France, Denmark, Ireland, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Norway, and Portugal. These nations have embraced homeschooling as a flexible and personalized alternative that caters to the diverse needs of students, providing them with unique opportunities for growth and development. By learning from their innovative systems, Hong Kong can create a dynamic educational environment that celebrates individuality, fosters adaptability, and positions our city as a beacon of inclusive and forward-thinking education on the global stage.

Homeschooling is not about rebellion or rejecting societal norms. It’s about embracing the individuality of each child and creating an environment where they can flourish. For Paris, homeschooling has been a gateway for me to discover the equilibrium of the education pendulum—a point where student happiness meets academic achievement. 

Author : Dr. Lai Mei Kei Vivien

With Dr. Lai’s educational pendulum theory as its compass, homeschooling becomes a path to equilibrium, where happiness and academic success are harmonized, and children are empowered to thrive academically and socially. – Dr. Lai Mei Kei Vivien