The Centre for Home Education – The Nest is a unique blend of home education and elements of traditional schooling. Through our hybrid model, we respond to the growing needs of the education market: the lack of support in conventional schools and the isolation often experienced by home-educated students.
Does traditional school kill motivation?
Is the average student, expected to study from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., get high grades, and be a genius in every subject, not at risk of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion? After returning home, he faces lunch, a brief break in front of a computer or TV, and then test prep, quizzes, and oral exams. In such a system, can his mind truly recover, or is it heading for burnout — or even depression?
Worrying facts
The World Health Organization raises the alarm:
- One in seven adolescents aged 10–19 worldwide suffers from mental health disorders, accounting for 15% of the global disease burden in this age group.
- Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are the leading causes of illness and disability among young people.
In its October 10, 2024, report, the WHO emphasized that supportive environments — such as family, school, and community — are key to adolescent mental health. School should be a protective space, not a contributor to poor well-being. This is a challenge for the entire education system. Education is not just about grades, but about values and relationships. Even if we can’t change the system overnight, we can begin by building relationships, recognizing suffering, and responding to harm.
Relationships at the centre
At the Nest, we place special emphasis on relationships. Students’ favorite spots include the café area and the football table—places where, over shared meals and tournaments, connections naturally form. We create a space where students can not only work, but feel accepted and seen. Our goal is to prevent feelings of loneliness and indifference.
A place to work and a community
Home education is a challenging decision. Students take responsibility for their learning, planning, and future. We know many choose this path due to burnout from the traditional system. That’s why we created the Nest — a place where students can find:
- Support from teachers and tutors,
- Subject-based Inspirational Classes,
- A peer community and meaningful relationships.
At the Nest, we combine independence with community, learning with inspiration, and planning with connection. It’s a space that gives home-educated students what they need most: support and a sense of belonging.
Learn more about home education here.
Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health