Misconceptions About Homeschooling in Hong Kong: Part 9—Homeschooling as a "Competitor" to Traditional Schools

Education flourishes when it adapts—homeschooling adds the missing pieces, crafting a resilient and inclusive foundation for every learner in our beloved city. – Dr. Lai Mei Kei Vivien

Homeschooling in Hong Kong is frequently misunderstood as a rival to traditional schools, with some viewing it as a threat to the city's educational system and reputation. However, this perception is unfounded. Homeschooling is not intended to "take away" students from traditional schools or undermine the existing system. Instead, it offers an alternative pathway for families whose educational needs, values, or philosophies differ from those provided by the mainstream system. Far from being adversaries, homeschooling and traditional schools serve as complementary approaches, catering to the diverse educational needs of a modern, multifaceted society.

Dr. Lai, a homeschooling researcher, has termed the current state of homeschooling in Hong Kong as "stealth homeschooling." This phenomenon arises from deep-rooted societal cognitive barriers and misunderstandings about homeschooling. Many families, educators, and even officials within the Education Bureau remain unclear on what homeschooling entails. Consequently, homeschooling families often feel compelled to conceal their educational choices to avoid societal judgment or misunderstandings.

This "stealth" approach negatively impacts Hong Kong’s reputation as an international city. With a significant expatriate population, many of whom choose homeschooling, this lack of open acknowledgment creates an unwelcoming environment for an otherwise globally recognized practice. Local homeschooling families also hide their status for similar reasons, perpetuating a cycle of misunderstanding and isolation.

Dr. Lai highlights that such an educational phenomenon is unhealthy for Hong Kong, both socially and educationally. To rectify this and fill the "missing piece" of Hong Kong's educational ecosystem, the following measures should be implemented:

1. Educational Campaigns: Initiate public efforts to clarify misconceptions about homeschooling, highlighting its significance and value as a credible educational choice. Emphasize that homeschooling is a thoughtful and respectable alternative for families seeking personalized learning approaches while explaining its complementary role within Hong Kong's educational ecosystem.

2.  Policy Development: Encourage the Education Bureau to establish clear guidelines and support frameworks for homeschooling families, reducing ambiguity and misconceptions.

3. Community Networks: Facilitate the creation of Homeschool Association homeschooling networks to allow families to share experiences, resources, and advocacy efforts.

4. Professional Training: Provide educators, social workers, and government officials with training to develop a better understanding and open-minded approach to homeschooling.

5. Media Engagement: Actively utilize media platforms to educate the public about homeschooling. Through interviews, features, and discussions, highlight that homeschooling is not a competitor to traditional schools but a compliment to the current traditional school system.  

6. "Connect, Unite, Empower" Homeschool Families: Dr. Lai and the HSA (Homeschool Association) team are actively working to empower the homeschooling community in Hong Kong. Their efforts focus on connecting families, uniting diverse voices, and building a supportive infrastructure for homeschooling. By fostering collaboration and empowerment, they aim to create a vibrant community that normalizes and celebrates homeschooling as a legitimate educational choice.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these measures, Hong Kong can bridge the gap in its educational ecosystem and promote a more inclusive and diverse international education environment. This transformation would benefit homeschooling families while enhancing the city’s reputation as an international hub that embraces educational innovation and diversity.

Author : Dr. Lai Mei Kei Vivien (a homeschool researcher and author)

Empowering Homeschooling Families: Shaping Homeschool Students for Success in Education and Society

The founding members of HSA do not seek to promote homeschooling as superior to traditional schools. Instead, we aim to empower existing homeschooling families by guiding them toward the right homeschooling approaches that enable a seamless transition back to the traditional school system, such as university. Additionally, we strive to equip families with effective homeschooling pedagogies that nurture happy, growth-minded homeschool students who can thrive in the real world and make meaningful contributions to society in the future.