Family Guide
Wednesday, 27 May 2009 02:05
Written by Daisy Wakefield

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The choices available for educating kids overseas can be limited, and complicated by a particular mixture of advantages and disadvantages.  International schools offer quality facilities and Western curriculums, but without an expat education allowance, the cost is prohibitive. Local schools offer a great start to language and math, but are pressure-packed and require a very strong Chinese background in order to continue past preschool. Few parents are completely happy with either option.

Homeschooling is another option available to expatriate families. Homeschooling has become a generally recognized and accepted form of education in the US and much of Europe. It has gained validity as a form of quality education as children from homeschooling families consistently demonstrate higher test scores than their schooled peers. Homeschool co-ops and support groups have proliferated, allowing homeschooling families to pool resources and energies.

While Shanghai homeschooling is not entirely comparable to that in the US or Europe, the basic premise is the same: providing a home-based education using a private or public curriculum, supplemented with real-life activities, trips, and experiences. Considering the rich cultural backdrop of China, homeschooling families in Shanghai literally have a world of educational stimulus at their door. Homeschooling also provides a way to educate kids who need extra flexibility, such as those with special needs, advanced learners, or those who need to travel often.

While there are advantages, homeschooling is not without drawbacks. The most drastic disadvantage is that there are few homeschooling co-ops available in Shanghai, and the ones that exist often have a waiting list. Some have religious backgrounds, which may not appeal to mainstream homeschooling parents. Homeschooling also demands a large amount of time and energy from at least one parent. Of course, another factor to consider is decreased opportunities for peer socialization. 
For middle and high school students, independent study through the Internet also offers education options. There are accredited sites with virtual classes, academic advisors, and AP college prep courses. Online study does require a high degree of self-motivation, but given the right circumstances, can provide a homeschooling family with a valuable resource for education.

Home schoolers in Shanghai seek to surmount the issue of socialization by creating their own community.  There are several home school groups in Shanghai and throughout China. Connect online via the Yahoo group Chinese Home Schoolers ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). In Xuhui, SALT (Shanghai Area Learning Together, 6456 0437; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) meets weekly, and in Hongqiao, HOSH (Homeschoolers of Shanghai, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) offers educational enrichment for both students and parents, while the EdSteps Alternative Program Center (5206 6273, www.specialedchina.com) offers a program for online study with a credentialed teacher to assist students.

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