Homeschooling page

What Is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling is taking responsibility for your child’s education without enrolling them in a registered school.

It is legal

From the age of six you can apply to the Ministry of Education for exemption from enrolment in a registered school. Those who are granted an exemption are eligible for the Homeschooling Supervisor’s Allowance.

You do not need to be a qualified teacher

Although many teachers do homeschool their own children, the vast majority of homesehooling parents are not professional teachers.

You may have gaps in your own academic understanding

As a parent you are a facilitator, helping your children seek out information and connect with other people who can answer their questions. Powerhouse Christian Academy is a Learning centre that supports this endeavour. We are a corporate group of Home Educators who work together to support each other in these goals. Those lacking in expertise in certain subject areas would find a self-instructional, total package curriculum such as Accelerated Christian Education very helpful.

How do I begin?

You need to apply to your local Ministry of Education Office for an "EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE." Don't let this process worry you, most people are successful.

Contact your local Ministry of Education office and ask them to send you the homeschool application information.
Begin Diagnositc testing, this will be undertaken by Powerhouse Christian Academy and a full report of learning gaps and subject forecasts given to you to include in your letter.
Powerhouse Christian Academy will guide you through this process and connect you with other Home Educators in the Waikato region
* Your children must stay at a registered school until you receive your certificate of exemption.

Legal Requirements

It is compulsory for every child from 6 years - 16 years to be enrolled at a registered school. However, parents or guardians have the right to apply for a Certificate of Exemption from Enrolment at a Registered School. Parents who gain a Certificate of Exemption are also exempt from having to follow the NZ Curriculum Framework Requirements. Parents, however, must satisfy the Ministry of Education that their child will be taught "at least as regularly and as well as" at a registered school.

Homeschooling Supervisory Allowance

Parents who gain a Certificate of Exemption receive the following Supervisor Allowance:

$743 for the first child

$632 for second child

$541 for the third child

$372 for subsequent children

This annual amount is given in two installments; one in January and one in July.