Homeschooling WA 2025: Requirements, Costs, and Support

Are you considering homeschooling for your child in Western Australia? 

With the rise in families exploring homeschooling, this unique and flexible approach offers a tailored educational experience that aligns with each child’s needs. However, it’s essential to understand both the benefits and challenges of homeschooling. 

Key considerations include understanding WA’s legal requirements, completing the registration process, and budgeting for curriculum and extracurricular expenses. Additionally, finding supportive resources, such as tutoring services and community networks, can enhance the homeschooling experience. 

For a deeper exploration of homeschooling’s advantages and challenges, visit our dedicated blog on the topic.

Understanding Home Schooling in Western Australia 

In WA, homeschooling is regulated by the Department of Education, ensuring parents meet the standards required for children educated outside of traditional schools. The Department provides support, resources, and monitors compliance to ensure a high-quality homeschooling experience.

Flexible Learning Approaches: Homeschooling in WA allows families to:

• Provide instruction at home, either by one or both parents.
• Collaborate with other homeschooling families for group activities.
• Participate in community excursions and practical learning experiences.
• Employ part-time tutors for support in specific subjects.

Home Education vs. Alternative Programs: 

WA recognises only registered homeschooling as a legitimate alternative to traditional schooling. This includes the parent’s direct involvement and the development of a learning plan that meets state standards. Programs lacking these elements may not qualify as official homeschooling.

For a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling, check out our dedicated blog on the topic.

Requirements for Home Schooling in WA 

Homeschooling in Western Australia (WA) is a legal and increasingly popular educational choice, offering families the flexibility to tailor learning to their children’s unique needs. To embark on this journey in 2025, it’s essential to understand the requirements, potential costs, and available support systems.

1. Registration with the Department of Education: All children between 5.5 and 17.5 years old must be registered within 14 days of starting homeschooling. Parents must register through the regional education office, where an assigned Home Education Moderator assists with the process.

2. Educational Program Development:  Parents are responsible for developing a comprehensive educational program that aligns with the WA Curriculum. This program should cover the following key learning areas: 

The curriculum should be tailored to the child’s educational needs and comply with the standards set by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority.

3. Educational Responsibility: Homeschooling parents assume full responsibility for:

• Planning: Creating a comprehensive learning plan that meets WA curriculum requirements.
• Teaching: Delivering the instruction in a structured environment.
• Assessment: Monitoring and assessing the child’s progress to meet learning goals.

4. Regular Reviews: To ensure quality, the VRQA may conduct reviews to assess the homeschooling setup and confirm that the educational standards are being met.

How much does it cost to homeschool in WA?

In WA, homeschooling registration is free, but parents should budget for educational resources and extracurricular activities to create a well-rounded experience. Typical expenses include:

• Curriculum Materials: Depending on the chosen curriculum, costs can vary. Structured programs like My Homeschool offer comprehensive resources, with primary levels at approximately $550 per year and high school levels at around $880 per year, plus additional costs for resources.
• DIY Curriculum: Purchasing textbooks, educational software, and other learning materials.
• Extracurricular Activities: Fees for activities such as sports, music lessons, or art classes to provide a well-rounded education.

Optional costs for specialised tutoring in subjects where additional support may be beneficial. For affordable educational support in WA, Dr. Study Tutoring offers tailored tutoring services designed to complement homeschooling, helping your child achieve academic growth within your budget.

Home Schooling WA Registration Process

To begin homeschooling in Western Australia, you must follow the guidelines established by the Department of Education to ensure a structured, compliant learning environment for your child. Here’s how to get started:

• Contact Your Regional Education Office: Reach out to your local Education Regional Office, where you can speak with a Home Education Moderator. They will provide guidance, including the necessary forms and information, to start the registration process.
• Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form provided by the regional office. This form collects essential information about your child and your decision to homeschool.
• Attach Required Documentation: Include any necessary supporting documents, such as a copy of your child’s birth certificate and any applicable court orders. These documents help verify eligibility for homeschooling in WA.
• Develop a Comprehensive Learning Plan: Create an educational plan that aligns with WA’s Curriculum and Assessment Outline. Your plan should cover key learning areas, including English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, The Arts, Languages, Health and Physical Education, and Technologies.
• Submit Your Application and Learning Plan: Send your completed application form, learning plan, and required documents to your regional education office for review by the Home Education Moderator.
• Attend the Initial Moderator Visit: Within three months of registration, a Home Education Moderator will visit to assess your educational setup and learning plan. This visit ensures compliance with WA’s educational standards and provides an opportunity for feedback.
• Annual Evaluations: Following the initial visit, the moderator will conduct yearly reviews to confirm that the educational program continues to meet state requirements and to provide ongoing support.

For more details on homeschooling requirements and guidelines, visit the Department of Education’s home-schooling page.

Partial Enrolment: Combining Home and School Education in WA

In Western Australia, partial enrolment enables homeschooled students to attend certain classes or activities at their local government school, offering a blend of homeschooling with access to specialised school resources, such as science labs, sports facilities, and language programs. 

This hybrid approach is supported by the WA Department of Education, which works with families to enhance educational opportunities.

Key Points:

• Registration: Parents must first register their child for homeschooling with the Department of Education if the child is of compulsory school age.
• Support: Partial enrolment allows homeschoolers to join selected school activities, as agreed upon by both the school and the parent.
• Responsibilities: Parents remain responsible for their child’s overall education, with the school providing support for specific subjects or activities.
• Principal’s Role: School principals have the discretion to approve or decline partial enrolments based on factors such as class capacity and resources.

Families transitioning from traditional schooling to homeschooling are advised to keep their child enrolled until the Department confirms their homeschooling registration. For more information, consult the Department of Education WA guidelines.

Home Schooling – Compliance and Reviews

Each year, the Department of Education reviews a sample of homeschooling families to ensure compliance with the state’s educational requirements. The review process verifies that:

• Students receive regular, efficient instruction that sufficiently covers the eight core learning areas.
• The homeschooling program aligns with WA’s educational standards and democratic principles.

It’s important to note that the review does not directly assess the student’s individual performance but evaluates whether the parent’s educational plan meets state requirements.

Enhancing Homeschooling in WA with Dr. Study’s Support

Dr. Study Tutoring understands the distinct challenges that homeschooling families face and is dedicated to offering support to homeschooling students in WA. Our programs are designed to complement home curricula, focusing on core subjects, enrichment activities, and individualised support to foster academic growth.

Our homeschooling support services include:

• Core Subject Tutoring: Assistance in foundational subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and more.
• Enrichment Courses: Advanced programs in areas such as creative writing, languages, and mathematics to further enhance your child’s learning.
• Assessments and Progress Tracking: Regular assessments to monitor academic progress, highlight strengths, and address learning gaps.
• Study Skills and Learning Strategies: Guidance on essential study habits, organizational skills, and time management.
• Customised Learning Plans: Tailored educational plans that reflect each student’s unique needs and goals.
• Small Group Sessions (One-on-Four): Interactive small group learning with personalised attention, allowing students to engage and collaborate effectively.

With Dr. Study Tutoring’s support, your child gains access to resources and expertise that enhance their homeschooling experience, helping them stay on track and excel academically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about homeschooling in WA:

Conclusion 

Homeschooling in WA offers a unique, personalised approach to education. By adhering to registration and curriculum standards, families can create a supportive and enriching environment for their children’s growth and learning.

Ready to support your child’s homeschooling journey? Book a free assessment with Dr. Study Tutoring to learn how we can assist with your homeschooling goals in WA.

Author

Natalia Gismondi

Natalia is a vibrant and passionate professional with extensive experience across Business Management, Customer Service, Early Learning, and TV Production. She has pursued higher education in Business, Early Learning, and Marketing, both in Australia and her native Argentina, equipping her with a diverse skill set and global insights.

Bilingual in Spanish and English, Natalia enjoys engaging with students about their language acquisition journeys and goals, fostering a supportive environment for learning. Her managerial skills are complemented by her creative aptitude, allowing her to approach educational service provision in a unique and refreshing manner.

A strong advocate for the DR. STUDY ethos of “learning for life,” Natalia is dedicated to ensuring that every student has the best possible learning experience. Her commitment to personalised education and her ability to inspire students make her an invaluable asset to the team, as she champions the pursuit of knowledge across our educational team.

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