homeschooling
Also called: sekolah rumah, pendidikan rumah
A child's education at home with a curriculum managed by the family, not at a formal school.
What it means
Homeschooling is an education model in which a child learns at home or in the family environment, not at a formal school. Parents act as learning managers, sometimes assisted by tutors or a learning community. In Indonesia, homeschooling is recognized as a non-formal education pathway and children can still take equivalency exams to obtain a diploma. The curriculum can be designed independently or refer to the national curriculum.
Why it matters for families
The decision to homeschool significantly changes a family's cost structure. Formal school costs may disappear, but expenses arise for tutors, learning materials, and social activities. In addition, one parent may need to reduce working hours, which means the family income also changes. Families need to calculate the total cost and income impact before deciding, not just compare school fees.
Example
For example, a family chooses homeschooling for one child. They budget Rp1.5 million per month for tutors and learning materials, while the previous formal school fee was Rp2 million per month. However, the mother reduces her working hours so income falls by Rp3 million per month. This difference needs to be calculated so the decision does not only look economical on paper.
Common misunderstanding
Many think homeschooling means a child does not need a diploma or cannot enter university. In fact, homeschooled children can take equivalency exams and apply to universities like any other pathway.