In Puerto Rico, parents have a fundamental right to choose homeschooling in order to fulfill their duty to provide their child with an adequate education (L.P.R.A. 18 section 2322; L.P.R.A. 8 section 444(w)).
L.P.R.A. 18 section 2322 uses the English phrase “homeschooling,” but it is commonly called by the Spanish phrase “educación en el hogar.”
In a homeschool, the parent is the “non-governmental entity” under whose auspices the school operates and also the principal of the school (L.P.R.A. 18 section 2; Constitution of Puerto Rico, Article 2, section 5).
Since Puerto Rico law does not include a definition for what it means to receive an “adequate” education, it should be understood to mean an education which will adequately prepare your child for adult life and responsibility, in light of your child’s individual characteristics.
Homeschools are not required to seek the approval or recognition of any government agency, nor provide any notice of their homeschool program. However, if you’re withdrawing your child from public school, it is highly advisable to communicate in writing to the principal of the school that your child will be homeschooled.
Once a child turns 5 years old, the parent must provide the same number of days of instruction as public schools until the child turns 16 years old (L.P.R.A. 29 section 450). After a child has turned 16, a specific number of days of instruction is not required.
Please note: The information on this page has been reviewed by an attorney, but it should not be taken as legal advice specific to your individual situation.