Home Education – Dziupla

What is Home Education?

Homeschooling is simply home-based education. A student can learn in any environment that supports their learning. Importantly, home education allows for learning at a pace and in a manner tailored to the student’s individual needs.

Polish education law (Article 37) permits homeschooling with the approval of the head of the school where the student is enrolled. The responsibility for the student’s education lies with the parents, who commit to providing the conditions necessary for learning and ensuring the child takes the required qualification exams.

Home education isn’t just learning at home—it also involves planning, self-discipline, motivation, and cooperation with parents and others who can assist in setting and achieving educational goals. It offers the opportunity to learn independently, at one’s own pace, organize time freely, and combine studies with personal passions.

Who is home education for? Can anyone switch to it?

To switch to homeschooling and start learning in an alternative way, one must submit an application to the head of the relevant school. Any student under 18 years old can enroll in home education.

But is it for everyone?

It’s important that a student considering home education is aware of the challenges it entails. A simplistic vision of total freedom doesn’t reflect the reality of an independent learner. Home education is definitely a good option for those who want to devote time to sports, arts, or other passions they hope to pursue professionally. In such cases, home education complements the training schedule, allowing for flexible integration without worrying about absences or falling behind in school.

It’s also often chosen by students facing difficulties at school—whether relational, social, or educational. At home, there’s more time to focus on the material, and it provides a space to regain peace, health, and motivation to learn.

When deciding whether to pursue home education, it’s worth considering your personality, circumstances, and motivation system. An honest conversation with parents is also important, as they play a key support role in this process.

What challenges come with home education?

There are several areas where home education presents significant challenges:

Feelings of loneliness/isolation:
In home education, students lose daily contact with classmates and peers. They don’t collaborate or socialize during daily classes. This can affect the development of social skills and lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and a lack of belonging.
Overwhelm and lack of support in planning:
While not needing to be ready for lessons may seem like a relief, the student is alone with the material they must master to pass exams. They are responsible for their own learning, discipline, and understanding—without direct instruction or structure from a teacher.
Lack of discipline and motivation:
Students must learn to motivate themselves to study every day, avoid distractions, and resist procrastination. The “cram, pass, forget” method isn’t likely to work here.
Lack of structure:
Some students may need the formal structure offered by traditional schools, and without it, they may struggle with self-discipline.
Limited access to resources:
Students may not have access to educational materials, labs, or extracurricular activities that are typically available in schools.
Lack of diverse perspectives:
Home educated students may encounter a narrower range of viewpoints and experiences than they would in a diverse classroom setting.

While home education has many advantages, it’s important to also be aware of these potential challenges.

What are the benefits of home education?

Individual approach:
Ability to tailor the curriculum to unique needs and learning styles.
Flexibility:
Allows for flexible daily scheduling and adapting learning to one’s own pace.
Safety:
Home education can provide a safer learning environment, shielding from bullying or negative peer influence.
Strengthening family bonds:
Promotes spending more time together as a family.
Enhanced motivation:
Students may be more motivated to learn in a friendly and supportive setting.
Diverse teaching methods:
Allows for various educational methods, such as play-based learning, projects, or exploration.
Time for passions:
More time to develop interests and hobbies beyond the standard school curriculum.
Reduced mental strain:
Students can learn at their own pace, reducing the stress often associated with traditional schooling.
Real-life preparation:
Opportunity to learn life skills practically, including time management and organization.

Why do students decide to switch from the traditional education system to home education?

Students choose home education for many reasons. Often, it’s the desire to tailor education to individual learning needs and styles. Parents may also seek a safer environment for their children—free from bullying or peer pressure. Many families want education to align with their worldview. Flexible schedules and the ability to spend more time together as a family also play a significant role in making this choice.

The Nest — support for home educated students

Despite the challenges home education can bring, it is definitely a path worth considering.

The Nest is a project that combines the best aspects of homeschooling with support for what individual learners often lack when studying alone at home.

We created the Nest to provide a space for learning, connection, and motivation. Our program offers students a place to study outside the home, which encourages them to get up in the morning and engage with the world. At the Nest, home educated peers meet and connect, helping each other feel a sense of community. Students at the Nest receive support from teachers who lead Inspirational Classes — engaging, motivational sessions. Subject teachers are also available for consultations that every student can take advantage of.

What also sets the Nest apart are individual meetings with a tutor who accompanies the student throughout the school year—helping with study planning, motivation, tracking progress, and providing support.

With the tools we offer at the Nest, students can rediscover the joy of learning while enjoying the freedom and autonomy that home education allows.