Beyond the Classroom: Why More Indian Families Are Choosing Homeschooling
Beyond the Classroom: Why More Indian Families Are Choosing Homeschooling
Imagine a world where children learn without being confined to a classroom, where there’s no school bell to dictate their schedule, and where education isn’t limited to textbooks and exams. This is the reality for a growing number of families in India who are choosing homeschooling—a trend known as “Beyond the Classroom.”
This shift away from traditional schooling raises an important question: Why are parents choosing to homeschool their children? The reasons vary, but many parents want more control over their child’s education, a learning system that goes beyond rote memorization and tests, and an environment that nurtures creativity and critical thinking.
Why Are Parents Choosing Homeschooling?
One of the main reasons parents opt for homeschooling is their dissatisfaction with the traditional school system. Many feel that schools focus too much on memorization and exams rather than encouraging curiosity, creativity, and emotional intelligence. They believe homeschooling allows children to learn at their own pace and explore their interests freely.
For example, a child sleep consultant and pediatric nutritionist from Gurugram initially enrolled her 2.5-year-old daughter in a preschool but quickly withdrew her.
“We saw her change completely in just five days. She saw other children crying and feeling anxious about being away from their parents. It made us rethink if this was really the best way to start her education,” she shared.
A freelance writer from Metiabruz had a similar experience. When she started preparing her daughter for school interviews, she noticed a change.
“She became withdrawn. Before this, she learned naturally and happily. At that moment, I decided she wouldn’t go to school. It was an impulsive decision, but today, at nine years old, she’s thriving,” she says.
A couple from Kolkata never planned to send their children to school. The father explains, “Children learn to walk by themselves, so why should we put them into rigid grades?” Today, their 11-year-old twins learn naturally—history through travel, math through cricket, and English through daily conversations.
How Do Homeschooled Children Learn?
Homeschooling looks different for every family. Some follow a structured curriculum, while others let their children learn through real-life experiences.
A mother from Siliguri believes that, at 4.5 years old, her son doesn’t need to focus on English or math yet. Instead, she prioritizes his behavior and communication skills.
“I take him everywhere with me. He observes, asks questions, and learns from the world around him. Last night, there was an earthquake, so today, I told him about houses in Japan and showed him pictures. Tonight, I’ll teach him more about Japan.”
Another homeschooling mother from Kolkata introduced her daughter to reading by surrounding her with books and taking her to libraries. Instead of formal math lessons, she let her daughter practice while shopping.
Why Choose Unschooling?
Many homeschooling parents prefer unschooling, where children learn through their interests rather than a structured syllabus.
- Some parents choose unschooling for flexibility and freedom.
- Others find it more budget-friendly than private schools.
- Many believe real-life experiences are better teachers than textbooks.
A Montessori advocate explains that early childhood (ages 4-5) is crucial for brain development. She believes that formal schooling is not necessary at this stage and that learning should be independent and hands-on.
The pandemic also influenced parents to reconsider traditional schooling. Many families, seeing their children learn well at home, decided to continue homeschooling even after schools reopened.
Some educators took this further. The founders of a global online school noticed that children were more productive with shorter online classes during lockdowns. This led them to create a fully virtual school with just 2-3 hours of learning per day, focusing on happiness, ethics, and physical fitness while still including exams.
Challenges of Homeschooling
Despite its advantages, homeschooling comes with challenges.
- Time and financial constraints – Parents need time and resources to create a structured learning environment.
- Lack of social interaction – Children may miss out on making friends and learning teamwork.
- Difficulty in replicating school experiences – Schools offer peer learning, group projects, and structured activities that are hard to replace at home.
A public school representative explains:
“Schools teach more than just academics. They help children develop teamwork, discipline, and real-world problem-solving skills.”
Is Homeschooling Legal in India?
Yes, homeschooling is legal in India. The Right to Education Act (2009) ensures free education for children aged 6-14 but does not say it must be in a formal school.
Since India does not have official homeschooling regulations, families can still earn recognized qualifications through distance learning programs like the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
The pandemic also made online education more popular. Platforms like ePathshala (by the Ministry of Education) now offer digital learning resources, making homeschooling easier for Indian families.
Conclusion
Homeschooling is growing in India as more families seek personalized, flexible, and child-centered education. While it has its challenges, many parents find it a rewarding alternative to traditional schooling. As awareness increases, homeschooling may become an even more accepted and accessible way to learn in the future.
