Welcome to the Schoolhouse
Important Notice: Read Before Proceeding
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. While we aim to keep this content up to date, homeschooling laws and policies can change. Families should consult the appropriate government authorities or legal experts in their country or region to ensure compliance with local homeschooling regulations.
Constitutional Foundation and Legal Status
Homeschooling in Brazil exists in a complex legal landscape. A landmark decision by the Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) in September 2018 clarified that homeschooling is not unconstitutional, but also stated that it must be regulated by federal legislation. At present, no national law has been passed to authorize or regulate home education.
Under current education law (Law n. 9394/96, known as the LDB), school enrollment is mandatory for children aged 4 to 17. Because homeschooling is not specifically addressed in this law, some families have faced legal challenges—including involvement from Guardianship Councils or Public Prosecutors. Legal outcomes may vary depending on the interpretation and enforcement in each region.
Current Situation and Challenges
According to the Brazilian National Association for Homeschooling (ANED), an estimated 7,500 families are currently homeschooling, representing more than 70,000 children nationwide. Despite the legal uncertainties, many families believe home education is the best choice for their children.
These families typically apply school content at home using either parent-led instruction or private tutors. By age 15, many students begin preparing for official certification through the Encceja exam (National Examination for the Certification of Youth and Adult Skills), which serves as a pathway for completing both fundamental and secondary education.
Examinations and Qualifications
>> The Encceja exam is the primary route for homeschooled students in Brazil to obtain official certification. It is usually taken after the age of 15 and provides formal recognition equivalent to completing traditional schooling. Families should plan their homeschool curriculum with this exam in mind, particularly if students wish to pursue higher education.
What SchoolhouseTeachers.com Offers to Support Brazilian Families
SchoolhouseTeachers.com offers flexible, Bible-based resources that can support Brazilian homeschoolers in planning and documenting their children’s education. While we do not guarantee legal compliance, our tools can assist families in preparing records and educational plans that may help meet academic expectations or support documentation efforts.
Planning and Organizational Tools:
- EDUCATION PLAN BUILDER: Create a customizable learning plan aligned with academic goals.
- PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Organize student work, progress, and documentation.
- LETTER OF INTENT TEMPLATE: Draft formal letters for planning, travel, or notification purposes.
- APPLECORE RECORD KEEPING: Track attendance, subjects, assessments, and grades.
Comprehensive Curriculum:
- Complete Curriculum Library : Access hundreds of Bible-based courses for Preschool through Grade 12 with no per-student fees.
- Work at your own schedule using downloadable lesson plans.
- Explore thousands of articles, activities, and educational tools across a wide range of subjects.
- 25,000 Family-Friendly Videos: Add variety and depth to your home learning experience.
Educational Approaches
Brazilian homeschoolers use a variety of approaches, including structured programs aligned with the Common National Curricular Base (BNCC), eclectic or interest-based learning, and Christian education. While SchoolhouseTeachers.com is not written to follow the BNCC, many families successfully adapt our courses to meet their personal goals and prepare for exams such as the Encceja.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
- Legal Uncertainty – Without federal regulation, families may face legal risks or challenges depending on local authorities.
- Government Opposition – Shifting political climates have impacted public and official attitudes toward home education.
- Social Misunderstanding – Homeschoolers may experience stigma or lack of understanding from others.
- Access to Resources – Compared to traditional schooling, homeschoolers may have fewer formal support systems.
Opportunities:
- Growing Movement – Thousands of families in Brazil have chosen to educate their children at home.
- Post-Pandemic Flexibility – COVID-19 highlighted the benefits of home-based learning.
- Legislative Activity – Federal representatives have introduced bills supporting home education since 2012.
- Support Networks – A strong and growing community of homeschooling advocates provides encouragement and advice.
Support Networks in Brazil
Several organizations and online communities are available to support homeschoolers in Brazil:
- Associação Nacional de Educação Domiciliar (ANED): Advocates for homeschooling rights and offers legal guidance.
- Homeschooling Brasil (Facebook Group): A large online community for sharing resources and support.
- Unschooling Brasil (Facebook Group): Focuses on child-led and informal learning approaches.
- Classical Conversations Brazil: Offers classical Christian education programs for homeschool families.
These communities can help families navigate challenges, build local connections, and exchange practical advice.
SchoolhouseTeachers.com: A Comprehensive Resource
All-in-One Platform
- Complete Preschool–Grade 12 Curriculum
- Cost-Effective Family Membership
- No per-student fees
Tools for Success
- Customizable Planning and Record-Keeping
- Education Plan Builder
- Letter of Intent Template
- Applecore Record Keeping
- Self-Paced Learning
Faith-Based Learning Experience
- Bible-based Curriculum
- World Book Online
- Streaming Video Library
- Strong Christian Worldview
- Supportive Global Community
Important Disclaimer:
SchoolhouseTeachers.com offers curriculum, planning tools, and record-keeping resources to support homeschool families. We do not provide legal services or guarantee approval of homeschooling by national or local authorities. Because Brazilian homeschooling law remains undefined at the federal level, we strongly encourage families to consult with a legal expert familiar with education law in their region.
Final Thoughts
Homeschooling in Brazil requires wisdom, courage, and dedication. Although legal challenges remain, many families are thriving through faith-based, personalized education at home. With the right resources and a supportive network, you can homeschool with confidence while contributing to a growing national movement.
Let’s get started!
Blessings,
The SchoolhouseTeachers.com Team
Get Everything You Need—Join Today!
By becoming a SchoolhouseTeachers.com member, you’ll gain access to:
✔ THE EDUCATION PLAN BUILDER: Create and download a structured homeschool plan.
✔ THE LETTER OF INTENT TEMPLATE: Draft and download a formal homeschool notification letter.
✔ THE FULL COURSE LIBRARY: Access hundreds of PreK–12 courses for all subjects
✔ APPLECORE RECORD KEEPING: Track grades, progress, and more in one place
*Annual & Lifetime Members Only: Gain access to transcript generation to document high school coursework for college admissions.
Join today and homeschool with confidence!
Most of the courses on SchoolhouseTeachers.com are presented in English. However, you can translate any page on our website into many major languages using your browser’s built-in translation feature. To do this, click on the three dots or three lines (menu) in the upper right corner of your screen and select “Translate . . .” from the options.
Looking for homeschool support in other countries? SchoolhouseTeachers.com offers Christian homeschooling resources and curriculum to families across the globe. Explore our international homeschool pages for country-specific guidance.
