Homeschooling in Denmark is growing rapidly, with municipalities reporting 2,560 children taught at home at the start of the 2025–26 school year. A survey of 90 out of 98 municipalities suggests a marked shift as more families opt out of the folkeskolen (Denmark’s public primary and lower‑secondary system), citing social and well‑being concerns as key motives.
Data show a steep rise since 2014
A decade ago, the Ministry of Children and Education estimated 443 homeschooled children nationwide. By June 2024, municipal data pointed to 1,553 children receiving home education. This autumn’s figure of 2,560 indicates a multi‑year climb and confirms a broader trend away from mainstream schooling for a growing minority of families.
Why families opt for home education
Parents who home‑educate often point to unmet needs in mainstream classes—especially for pupils with learning difficulties or low well‑being. Stephanie Vinther Dyreholt, chair of the association Fri Læring (free learning), argues that one‑to‑one teaching allows instruction to be tailored to a child’s pace and needs. For some families, perceived gaps in support at school have prompted a switch to learning at home.
Legal framework: compulsory teaching, not compulsory school
Denmark has no school obligation, but 10 years of compulsory education. Parents may therefore provide home education, provided it “matches” what is generally required in the folkeskolen. Families must notify their municipality, which conducts academic oversight to ensure standards are met. This model preserves parental choice while anchoring learning to national expectations.
Socialisation and quality: supporters and critics diverge
Supporters of homeschooling stress flexibility, reduced stress for sensitive learners and the ability to individualise teaching. Many arrange learning communities and weekly meet‑ups to sustain peer interaction. Critics warn of risks: limited day‑to‑day socialisation and uneven quality across subjects.
Education researcher Andreas Rasch‑Christensen (VIA University College) notes that while parents can teach a great deal, it is challenging to replicate the breadth of professional instruction across all disciplines. The Danish Union of Teachers (Danmarks Lærerforening) urges deeper engagement with families to understand why school solutions fell short and how local schools can better include diverse learners.
Homeschooling in Denmark and the European context
Denmark is among several EU countries that permit home education (including France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Norway, Finland, Poland and Portugal), though procedures and oversight vary.
Elsewhere—Germany, Sweden and Spain—home education is generally prohibited except in specific circumstances such as long‑term illness. The divergence reflects different national balances between parental choice, child protection and educational uniformity.
What to watch next
The sustained increase in homeschooling in Denmark raises policy questions for municipalities and schools: how to monitor quality and well‑being; how to support reintegration pathways; and how to improve inclusion and practical learning in mainstream settings.
