Opinion: Homeschooling as Hong Kong’s Hidden Strength

When Hong Kong people hear the word homeschool, stereotypes surface immediately. Is it illegal? Can homeschool students socialise? Are they academically capable? If local schools are already “good enough,” why choose homeschooling? And is homeschooling a permanent choice that locks children out of school forever? 

Paris’s journey dismantles these doubts. From homeschool to a Bachelor’s degree at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 15, then a Master’s degree at The University of Hong Kong at 19, her story with Dr. Lai and GlobalHomeEdu (Dr Lai and Paris’s homeschooling approach) demonstrates that homeschooling can produce students who are not only academically capable but also resilient and socially engaged. 

Homeschooling is not a retreat from school — it is a pause for renewal. Imagine the mainstream school system as a crowded bus: excellent, noisy, fast, and sometimes overwhelming. Stepping off does not mean abandoning the journey; it means walking on the sidewalk until the student is ready to board another bus that suits their pace. 

In Hong Kong, homeschooling should be recognised as a supplement to the education system, not a competitor. It offers flexibility for families whose children struggle with intensive study pressure, depression, bullying, or even self‑harm in traditional schools. By providing breathing space, homeschooling can prevent crises and allow students to return to school stronger and healthier. 

Conclusion

Hong Kong is striving to become an international education hub. What does this mean in practice? It means embracing diverse educational methods, not limiting ourselves to one path. Just as our universities — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The University of Hong Kong — welcome students from varied backgrounds, including homeschoolers, our society should also recognise homeschooling as part of this diversity. Homeschooling is not here to dismantle the school system, but to supplement it, offering children a healthier balance and a chance to thrive. This openness to different pathways is exactly what strengthens Hong Kong’s positioning as a world‑class education hub. 

Written By Dr. Lai hsa.hk