Yes, homeschooling is legal in Taiwan under strict regulatory oversight by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and local education bureaus. Since 2014, the Alternative Education Act permits homeschooling for children aged 6–18, subject to annual registration, curriculum approval, and periodic assessments. Recent amendments in 2023 introduce stricter compliance checks, including mandatory teacher qualifications and standardized testing, effective by 2026.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Taiwan
- Registration & Approval: Parents must submit a homeschooling plan to the local education bureau (縣市政府教育局) for approval, including teaching methods, curriculum, and assessment criteria. Unapproved plans face penalties under the Compulsory Education Act.
- Curriculum Compliance: Homeschooling must align with Taiwan’s national curriculum standards (國民教育課程綱要), covering core subjects like Chinese, math, and social studies. Deviations require prior MOE review.
- Annual Assessments: Students undergo standardized testing (e.g., 國民小學學生基本學力測驗) and portfolio reviews to ensure academic progress. Failure to meet benchmarks may trigger bureau intervention or revocation of homeschooling status.