About

HSLDA is committed to supporting and advocating on behalf of homeschool families across the world. Your membership makes homeschooling possible for families all around the globe! Whether it be through international grant assistance, corresponding with officials, partnering with your regional organization and more, we do all we can in helping making homeschooling possible in your country.

While the extent of our services to families outside of the United States may be limited by citizenship, the laws of the country in which the family resides, or by U.S. treaty provisions with the country of residence, we are happy to provide as much support as possible.

For more information on homeschooling internationally, we recommend that you:

  1. Visit hslda.org/international for information about homeschooling in over 60 countries. We provide as much information as possible about homeschooling overseas, most of which can be found online.
  2. Before you move to a different country, contact HSLDA. We provide specific advice to members regarding information they should have before moving and whether to contact local officials, among other things. We may also be able to put you in contact with a homeschool organization, or a homeschooling family, that can provide firsthand knowledge of the local homeschooling atmosphere.

Above all, please be sure to contact HSLDA before making any contact with another country’s officials regarding home education.

Jurisdiction for U.S. Citizens

Military Families stationed in a foreign country with which the United States has entered into a treaty are subject to the treaty provisions that the United States has with that country. These treaties, usually referred to as a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), usually do not mention education explicitly. The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has a legal responsibility to provide for the education of military dependents. However, the DoDEA does not have the authority to compel school attendance or regulate homeschoolers. The DoD has explicitly recognized that military families, regardless of where they are stationed, have the same right to homeschool their children as civilian families. Military families living outside of the United States are usually able to homeschool with minimal difficulties. Where there are conflicts, HSLDA is available to assist with interactions between families and military authorities, as well as local authorities, who inquire about the children’s education.

Civilian Families not assigned to the U.S. Department of Defense (or other government agency subject to U.S. treaty provisions) are generally subject to the local government's law regarding education. Even if the family maintains a place of domicile in the U.S. while physically residing in another country, they are subject to that country's laws.

Legal Services Offered to Members

HSLDA’s International Relations Department is willing to provide counsel specific to your situation.

In consultation with the member family and local homeschooling advocates, HSLDA may correspond with government officials. Please contact us should you have questions or face any trouble from the authorities.

If legal action over home education is brought against an HSLDA member in a U.S. military tribunal, HSLDA will assist the JAG (Judge Advocate General) Corps lawyer with research, brief-writing, etc. If the case is appealed, HSLDA will write briefs and, where possible, personally appear to argue the case.

If legal action over home education is brought in an international civil court, HSLDA will provide as much assistance as is possible. This may include legal counsel from our attorney for international affairs, negotiating with officials, and where possible, referrals to local attorneys.

Additional Services

Whenever possible, HSLDA seeks to assist citizens of other nations who are facing prosecution for homeschooling where it is illegal, who are seeking to improve their country’s homeschool laws, or who are establishing their own homeschool association. Kevin Boden, HSLDA’s Director of Global Outreach, is responsible for overseeing HSLDA’s international involvement and is willing to consult with international homeschool leaders on these issues.

Other Membership Benefits

In addition to legal services, your HSLDA membership gives you unlimited access to our preK–8th, special needs, and high school Educational Consultants. You’ll also receive discounts on products and services through our Member Savings program, special pricing on HSLDA Store products, and a subscription to our quarterly magazine, the Home School Court Report.

Other Organizations

HSLDA supports organizations established in countries around the world. For a full listing of national homeschool organizations and contact information, please visit hslda.org/international.