Welcome to the Schoolhouse

We’re thrilled to invite you to SchoolhouseTeachers.com, where thousands of families—including those from New Zealand—are already thriving with our PreK–12 curriculum (equivalent to ECE through Year 13) and homeschool planning tools.

Home education (also called homeschooling) is a legal educational option in New Zealand under exemption provisions. While families are responsible for applying for formal exemptions and meeting Ministry expectations, our practical tools can assist in organizing homeschool records and planning. We’re here to support your homeschooling journey by providing resources to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Understanding the Legal Framework

Under Sections 35 and 36 of the Education and Training Act 2020, children aged 6 to 16 must attend a registered school unless parents apply for an exemption certificate under Section 38.

Section 38 allows the Ministry to grant exemptions if satisfied that the child will be “taught at least as regularly and well as in a registered school.”

Key legal provisions include:

• Parents must apply separately for each child using the Ministry’s official exemption form.
• Children aged 6–16 must remain enrolled in school until the exemption is granted.
• Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks during which enrollment must be maintained.
• Exemptions are valid until the child turns 16 or enrolls in a registered school.
• The Education Review Office (ERO) may review home education programs periodically.

>> For official guidance, visit the Ministry of Education.

How SchoolhouseTeachers.com Helps You Meet Educational Requirements

At SchoolhouseTeachers.com, we provide curriculum and organizational tools to make homeschooling simpler and assist families in fulfilling key record keeping and documentation requirements under New Zealand law.

What SchoolhouseTeachers.com Offers:

• COMPLETE PREK-12 CURRICULUM LIBRARY: 100s of parent-led courses in core subjects, electives, and Bible-based studies (equivalent to Early Childhood through Year 13.)
• EDUCATION PLAN BUILDER: Create a structured academic plan to demonstrate appropriate instruction. Download, sign, and submit as required
• LETTER OF INTENT TO HOMESCHOOL: Draft a homeschool notification letter for your regional authority
• LETTER OF WITHDRAWAL FROM PUBLIC SCHOOL: Notify a student’s school of record when beginning homeschooling
• SCHOOLHOUSE GRADEBOOK: Printable, offline option for recording grades, attendance, and reports, including report card and transcript templates
• CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION: Unique certificates available for every completed course
• PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Organize student work samples, activity logs, and evaluations
• APPLECORE RECORD KEEPING: Online tool for tracking grades, attendance, and report cards
  • Transcript generation available for annual and lifetime members

Homeschool Record Keeping in 3 Simple Steps

1APPLY FOR EXEMPTION FROM SCHOOL ENROLLMENT (Required)

Complete the Ministry’s exemption application form for each child separately. Use our Letter of Intent and Education Plan Builder to prepare your documentation. Ensure your child remains enrolled in school until the exemption is granted (usually 4–6 weeks processing).

2DEVELOP A DETAILED EDUCATION PLAN (Required for exemption applications)

New Zealand law requires that homeschooling families demonstrate children will be taught “at least as regularly and well as in a registered school.” An Education Plan shows your approach to providing appropriate instruction.

The Education Plan Builder helps you:

• Select actual course titles from SchoolhouseTeachers.com and align with New Zealand curriculum areas
• Write in additional courses (even outside of ST)
• Outline teaching methods & assessment strategies
• Generate a formal Education Plan PDF to submit as required
• Easily create plans for multiple children in one place!

3MAINTAIN ONGOING PROGRESS RECORDS

New Zealand law requires home educators to ensure children receive education that meets Ministry standards throughout the year. The Applecore record keeping system helps families log assessments, attendance, and grades all in one place. Generate progress reports, certificates of completion, report cards, and transcripts* on demand.

Note: Requirements may vary by region and local Ministry office. Always confirm specific submission steps and review procedures with your regional office.

Need Help Contacting Your Local Education Authority?

For specific guidance regarding home education requirements in your region, contact your local Ministry office:

National Level: Ministry of Education

Regional Authorities: Contact your regional Ministry of Education office for region-specific requirements, application procedures, and review schedules.

New Zealand Homeschooling Support Organizations

Connect with experienced homeschooling families and get support through these established organizations and communities:

NCHENZ (New Zealand Christian Home Educators Network) – The primary national organization supporting home education in New Zealand since 1998. Provides comprehensive support, resources, advocacy, and regional networking. Free membership available.

Home Schooling NZ (HSNZ) – Established Christian homeschooling organization since 1984, providing curriculum guidance, CENZ qualification pathways recognized by universities, and comprehensive support for families.

Home Education New Zealand (HENZ) – Provides resources & services (especially for families using the A.C.E. curriculum), support with exemptions, etc.

Auckland Home Educators (AHE) – Regional support for families in Auckland, providing annual events, student ID cards, exemption application support, and community activities including Science Fair and Art Fair.

HASCA (Homeschool Auckland Sports & Cultural Association) – Auckland-wide association since 2002 offering sporting opportunities, educational activities, events, and support gatherings for homeschooling families.

Final Thoughts

You’ve got this! Homeschooling in New Zealand is absolutely possible, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. With the right tools, structured planning, and a supportive community, you can provide your children with a high-quality, Christ-centered education—on your terms.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” — Luke 6:40

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

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 registration letter.
✔ THE FULL COURSE LIBRARY: Choose from 100s of courses for all subjects, PreK–12 (equivalent to Early Childhood through Year 13 in New Zealand).
✔ APPLECORE RECORD KEEPING: Track assessments, grades, and progress 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!