Homeschooling in SA: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Beyond the logistical benefits, homeschooling in SA empowers parents to cultivate an educational environment truly responsive to their child’s unique pace, interests, and learning style. It fosters deep family bonds, encourages independent thinking, and allows for a curriculum that can be infused with your family’s values and real-world experiences. This bespoke approach can ignite a genuine love for learning, often leading to exceptional academic and personal growth, preparing children not just for exams, but for a well-rounded and fulfilling life. This guide provides detailed information on the requirements, processes, and support available to help you confidently embark on your homeschooling journey in SA.

Compulsory Age Range for Registration

In South Australia, children are required to be registered for home education during their compulsory school years, which are from 6 to 17 years of age.

Application Process and Required Documents

To homeschool in South Australia, you generally follow these steps:

1. Enrol in a local school (if not already enrolled): Even if your child will be homeschooled, they must first be enrolled in a local government school. When enrolling, you can indicate that the enrolment is for the purpose of seeking an exemption for home education.
2. Initial Request Form: Fill out and submit an initial request form found on the Department for Education’s page.
3. Receive Application Form: You will then receive an online home education application form via email from the Home Education Unit (HEU).
4. Complete Online Application: This form requires comprehensive information, including:
   • Parent/Guardian Details: Information about the parents or guardians.
   • Child’s Details: Information about the child, including their age and current educational status.
   • Comprehensive Learning Plan: This is a crucial document outlining how education will be delivered at home. It needs to address the eight learning areas defined by the Australian Curriculum. This plan should include specific topics, learning activities, skills, projects, and/or unit studies for each learning area.
   • Resources: A range of appropriate resources to support your program.
   • Learning Goals: Clearly identified learning goals for each child.
   • Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Methods: A variety of methods you’ll use.
   • Child’s Strengths and Weaknesses: An understanding of your child’s learning styles and needs.
   • Child’s Involvement: Evidence of your child’s involvement in the development of their program.
   • Parental Consent: Consent from both biological parents (confirmed via email after the form is completed), if applicable.
5. Submission and Home Visit: Submit your completed application. The HEU will notify your school principal of your application and you will be allocated a Home Education Officer (HEO) who will contact you to schedule a home visit. During this visit, the HEO will discuss your plan and sight your child. They will then make a recommendation to accompany your application.

Curriculum Alignment Expectations

While there isn’t a single mandated homeschooling curriculum in South Australia, your learning program needs to meet the goals of the Australian Curriculum (or similar). This means your plan should address the eight key learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, The Arts, Technologies, Health and Physical Education, and Languages. Flexibility in approach is encouraged, allowing you to tailor the teaching style to your child’s individual needs and interests.

Reporting Frequency and Requirements

You are generally required to submit an annual review report. This report includes:

• Updates on learning goals and achievements.
• Evidence of educational and social activities (e.g., work samples, photos, project descriptions).
• Adjustments made to address any challenges encountered.
• Plans for the next year, outlining new goals and strategies based on your child’s progress.

Home Visits

Home visits are a standard part of maintaining your home education registration in South Australia. These visits are usually a friendly and constructive check-in with a Home Education Officer. They are an opportunity to demonstrate how your chosen program supports your child’s learning and wellbeing. The officer will discuss your curriculum to ensure it aligns with Australian Curriculum standards and your child’s needs. They may also look at your resources and study space. It’s not an inspection but a collaborative discussion. Be ready to share work samples, notes on your routine, and examples of social or extracurricular activities.

Withdrawal Process from Traditional School

If your child is currently enrolled in a traditional school, you will need to officially withdraw them. While South Australia requires initial enrolment for exemption purposes, you can then proceed with the home education application. It’s advisable to write a formal withdrawal letter to the school principal, stating your intention to homeschool and taking responsibility for your child’s education from a specific date. Keep a copy of this letter for your records, and consider sending it via certified mail for proof of receipt.

Part-Time Schooling Options

Some states in Australia do allow for part-time enrolment in traditional schools alongside homeschooling. It is best to check directly with the Department for Education in South Australia regarding their current policies on part-time schooling for registered home-educated students, as specific arrangements may vary.

Homeschooling in SA While Travelling

Homeschooling offers excellent flexibility for families who travel. If you are a registered homeschooler in South Australia and are travelling interstate for a period, your South Australian registration typically covers you. However, it’s always wise to inform the South Australian Department for Education of your travel plans if they are extended, and familiarise yourself with any short-term attendance requirements or courtesy notifications in the state you are visiting.

You are generally not required to be registered for homeschooling in Australia if you are living or planning to live permanently overseas. However, if you are temporarily travelling internationally and wish to continue an Australian-aligned education, many online curriculum providers allow access to the Australian Curriculum regardless of your location. It’s recommended to choose a program that provides proof of curriculum coverage. While abroad, you don’t need to register with the SA authorities, but you would re-register upon your return to Australia.

Stages, Paths, and Curriculum Options

Homeschooling in SA allows for a highly individualised educational journey from early years through to high school.

Early Years (Under 6 years)

While formal registration isn’t compulsory, this is a prime time for informal learning through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. Focus on developing foundational literacy and numeracy skills, fostering curiosity, and encouraging social interaction. Many parents utilise structured play, early learning resources, and community groups, often incorporating a “learning through living” approach. This stage is about nurturing a love for learning rather than strict academics.

Primary School (Ages 6-12 approximately)

During these years, the focus shifts to a more structured approach while still maintaining flexibility. Parents can choose from various curriculum styles:

Australian Curriculum Aligned Programs

Many online and print-based curriculum providers offer programs specifically designed to align with the Australian Curriculum. These often provide ready-made lesson plans, assessments, and resources. Examples include Euka, which provides comprehensive online and hands-on content, helping families meet registration and reporting requirements.

Eclectic Approach

This highly flexible approach involves combining resources and methods from different philosophies (e.g., Charlotte Mason for living books, Classical for a strong foundation in humanities, Montessori for hands-on, Unschooling for interest-led learning). Parents can pick and choose what best suits their child’s learning style, interests, and family values, creating a truly customised education.

Unit Studies

This method involves exploring a single topic in depth across multiple subject areas. For example, a unit study on Ancient Egypt could incorporate history, geography, art, writing, and even mathematics. This approach can make learning more engaging and interconnected for children.

Textbook-Based Learning

For families who prefer a more traditional academic structure, there are numerous homeschooling textbooks and workbooks available that cover specific subjects. These can provide a clear progression through content and often include exercises and assessments.

Curriculum Style	Overview	Strengths
Australian Curriculum–Aligned Programs	Turnkey programs (online/print) built around ACARA guidelines. Include lesson plans, assessments, and parent support.	Ensures compliance and eases reporting; structured & guided.
Eclectic Approach	Combines elements from different educational philosophies such as Charlotte Mason, Classical, or Montessori.	Highly customizable, personalized to learning style and family values.
Unit Studies	Explores a single topic in depth across multiple disciplines—science, art, writing, geography—within an integrated unit.	Encourages deep learning, engagement, and interdisciplinary thinking.
Textbook-Based Learning	Traditional workbooks or textbooks for individual subjects with structured progression and practice exercises.	Clear academic progression; works well for subjects like math and grammar.

The key is to ensure all eight learning areas of the Australian Curriculum are addressed over time, adapting the methods to your child’s individual needs.

High School (Ages 13-17 approximately)

Homeschooling in high school in SA can lead to diverse and successful pathways. This stage often requires more strategic planning, especially if tertiary education is a goal.

South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)

Homeschooled students can pursue the SACE, which is South Australia’s senior secondary schooling certificate. This is often done in conjunction with the Open Access College, a government school providing distance education programs. Students can enrol in individual SACE subjects through Open Access College, allowing them to gain credits towards their SACE. This pathway provides a recognised qualification for university entry and vocational training.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Students can undertake VET courses, which provide practical skills and nationally recognised qualifications. These courses can be studied at TAFE SA, through private providers, or sometimes through school-based apprenticeships/traineeships. VET qualifications can count towards the SACE and directly lead to employment or further training.

University Preparation

Even without a formal SACE, homeschooled students have multiple avenues for university entry. These include:

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The STAT is a national test designed for mature-age applicants and those without traditional Year 12 qualifications (including homeschoolers). It assesses general academic aptitude and is accepted by most Australian universities.

Direct Entry Programs & Bridging Courses

Some universities offer specific direct entry schemes or bridging courses for students who don’t meet standard ATAR requirements. These courses are designed to prepare students for university-level study.

Portfolio Entry

A few universities may consider a comprehensive portfolio of a homeschooled student’s work, achievements, and experiences as part of the admission process.

“Head Start” or “UniPrep” Programs

Universities like ACU and the University of Southern Queensland offer programs where eligible Year 11 and 12 students (including homeschoolers) can study first-year university subjects while still in high school, providing a direct pathway and often earning credits.

Traineeships and Apprenticeships

Homeschooled students can enter traineeships or apprenticeships directly after their compulsory schooling age. These combine paid work with structured training, leading to a recognised qualification in a skilled trade or profession.

Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

Homeschooling often fosters independent thinking and initiative, leading some students to pursue entrepreneurial ventures or self-employment directly after high school.

Online Avenues and Popular Platforms

Online platforms offer significant support and curriculum options for homeschooling in SA:

Dedicated Online Homeschooling Providers

• Euka: A widely used Australian homeschooling provider, offering comprehensive online and hands-on content explicitly aligned with the Australian Curriculum. They provide full-year documentation, which can be highly beneficial for meeting SA’s registration and reporting requirements. Euka aims to offer flexibility and support for parents.
• Educ8 SA: This provider offers online schooling from Preschool through High School. They provide a range of curricula and online learning programs, often with a focus on structured online lessons and support.

General Online Learning Resources:

• Khan Academy: A non-profit organisation offering free online courses, practice exercises, and instructional videos across a vast array of subjects, from foundational mathematics to advanced sciences and humanities. It’s an excellent supplementary resource.
• Duolingo: A popular and engaging app for language learning, offering gamified lessons in numerous languages.
• YouTube Channels: Many educational YouTube channels cater to various subjects and learning styles, from science experiments (e.g., SciShow Kids, Veritasium) to history documentaries (e.g., CrashCourse).
• Educational Websites and Apps: Numerous websites and apps exist for specific subjects, like ABC Education for Australian content, National Geographic Kids for science and geography, and various maths apps.
• Virtual Field Trips: Many museums, zoos, and cultural institutions worldwide offer virtual tours and educational content, providing immersive learning experiences from home.
• Online Tutoring Services: Platforms like Cluey Learning or local South Australian tutoring services offer online tutoring in specific subjects, providing personalised support to complement your homeschooling program, especially for challenging topics or exam preparation.

Tips for Homeschooling in SA

• Don’t Recreate School at Home: Homeschooling offers immense flexibility. Embrace a personalised approach rather than trying to replicate a traditional classroom setting with fixed hours and rigid schedules.
• Be Flexible: Your learning plan can evolve. Be prepared to adapt your methods, resources, and schedule based on your child’s interests, progress, and changing needs.
• You Don’t Need to Be an Expert: You don’t need to be a qualified teacher. Many resources and curricula are designed for parents to facilitate learning. You’ll often learn alongside your child, making it a shared discovery.
• Tailor to Learning Styles: Understand your child’s unique learning style (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) and adapt your teaching methods accordingly to maximise engagement and retention.
• Integrate Learning with Life: Utilise everyday activities, excursions to museums, libraries, parks, and travel as rich learning opportunities. Cooking can be maths and science, museum visits can be history, and gardening can be biology.
• Prioritise Wellbeing: Ensure your child has ample opportunities for social interaction through clubs, sports, and homeschooling groups. Also, prioritise physical activity and mental breaks to maintain a healthy learning environment.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Department for Education’s Home Education Unit for official guidance, homeschooling associations (like the Home Education Association, HEA Australia), or experienced homeschooling families if you have questions or need advice.

Conclusion

Homeschooling in SA offers a rich and rewarding educational journey, providing families with the autonomy to tailor learning to their child’s unique needs and interests. While the process involves clear registration requirements and ongoing reporting, the flexibility and breadth of available resources, from Australian Curriculum-aligned programs to diverse online platforms and community support networks, make it a viable and empowering choice. By embracing a personalised approach, connecting with other homeschooling families, and proactively planning for each stage of education, you can confidently navigate the homeschooling landscape in SA and open up a world of possibilities for your child’s future, from early learning through to diverse post-high school pathways.

Homeschooling in SA FAQs