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Update on Homeschooling in the Netherlands
Homeschooling was recently targeted by the Ministry of Education, but a quick response by Dutch homeschoolers and homeschoolers around the world accomplished an important victory.

Home Education Threatened in the Netherlands
In order for a family to homeschool in the Netherlands, the family must get an exemption from school registration for deeply held religious or philosophical reasons. This exemption is very difficult to achieve and is not available once a child begins attending public school.

Dutch Homeschoolers Fight Compulsory Attendance Law
It has always been somewhat difficult to homeschool in the Netherlands, but public opinion and political moods may now be changing.

Country Information

Compulsory Attendance Ages: From the 5th birthday until age 16. Part-time attendance allowed for 16 to 18 year olds (an approved combination of study and employment). A bill reducing the early age to the 4th birthday is expected to pass the Dutch senate.

Legal Status: Homeschooling is not technically recognized by Dutch law. However, many are able to obtain a religious exemption to compulsory education.

Number of Homeschoolers: Approximately 100 families.

Contact Information

The Netherlands Association for Home Education
(Nederlandse Vereniging voor Thuisonderwijs or NVvTO)
Marianne Lelieveld
Tel#: +31-30-6011144
Email: mariannelhelieveld@wanadoo.nl
Phone: +31-320-258461 (Dutch and English)
Fax: 31-320-258098
E-mail: info@nvvto.nl
Website: http://www.nvvto.nl
Mailing Address:
NVvTO
Donaustraat 158
NL-8226 LC Lelystad, Netherlands
Secretary: Peter van Zuidam
Email: peter@vanzuidam.nl