General Unschooling FAQ’s

What is unschooling?

Unschooling is a home education approach that involves the child learning in a self directed way through a focus on their interests and curiosity about the world. The parent can facilitate learning opportunities and resources for the child to grow their knowledge and skills in their own unique way and at their own pace. 

Unschooling is also sometimes termed ‘life learning’ and ‘child centred learning’. It also involves learning through life and the opportunities it presents, rather than working through a prescribed curriculum. Unschooling is a term first developed by John Holt in the 1970’s.

Is unschooling legal and/or or accepted as a valid form of education in New Zealand?

Yes! Unschooling is absolutely legal and valid. Many families worry that their unschooling approach won’t be accepted by MOE when applying for an exemption. The important thing is that you can explain what learning may look like across each learning area in depth for your child. 

I am an expert at helping families word their applications in such a way that is still authentic to their values and purpose while using the appropriate language, structure and learning goals to meet the Ministry of Education requirements.

Is unschooling different from homeschooling?

Unschooling is a specific approach to homeschooling – there are many different types in fact! Unschooling tends to be the opposite of a traditional ‘school at home’ approach which involves replicating the school environment at home. 

How do I apply for a homeschool exemption in New Zealand?

You need to complete a comprehensive application form to apply to homeschool your child. Please see my article on applying to home educate in New Zealand for more info.

How long does it take for my exemption to get approved once I send it to MOE?

In most areas of New Zealand, the standard wait time is around 4-6 weeks. This can be less or more depending on the time of year and specific office. The Waikato region generally takes more like 12 weeks.

What if I want to keep my child home before my exemption gets approved?

This is possible, especially if your child is experiencing health and/or mental health challenges due to being at school (e.g., anxiety, bullying, burnout, sickness). It is recommended that you go to a GP and request a medical certificate to present to the school while you wait. The school may also be willing to work with you to send work home and mark the child as “learning from home” in some cases.

I recommend reading this article by Cynthia Hancox for a more comprehensive explanation, including legalities and truancy you may want to consider. 

Do I get paid to homeschool my child?

Yes! You are able to receive a home educators allowance when you have an exemption to home educate your child. You would be paid twice a year after receiving, completing and returning a declaration to say you are still homeschooling. More info here.

FAQ’s about Learning Our Own Way

What are the prices of each service or resource you provide?

Here is a link to my services list. Please enquire by message or email about my two Writing Packages. Each of these involves several hours of writing and editing time as well as admin and communication. This as well as my expertise in crafting beautiful exemption applications is reflected in these prices.

How long does it take for you to write my application?

• “Self Starter” Package: let me know when you have completed the survey part and I will give you a time estimate for when I can have the application written and edited – usually within 3-7 days.
• Full Unschooling Writing Package: from the date of our zoom call, I usually return a completed application to you within 3-5 days. 

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes I offer payment plans on my two writing packages. I will invoice you for an initial deposit to confirm your booking as well as a weekly payment plan with payments due by each Friday. Further details will be explained in my Terms and Conditions document which I send out before beginning any new application contract.

Am I allowed to receive help in writing or editing my application?

Yes you are! To be clear, I cannot make up the content of your application, the ideas come from you. I can provide guidance and suggested resources and help you with wording and structure. We will work together to put your dreams, vision and plans into words. It is important that if you do receive help, you state what help, who and how, on the official application form for transparency.

Have more questions that I haven’t covered? Get in touch for a free 15 minute chat.