BEIJING: Fourteen-year-old Estella from Shanghai now studies Spanish, rock climbing, and acupuncture at home after her parents withdrew her from China’s intense public school system. Concerned about the demanding curriculum and the uncertain future of jobs due to artificial intelligence (AI), her parents opted for homeschooling, which is officially banned in China but rarely enforced in individual cases.
China’s rigorous education often involves 10-hour school days plus late-night homework. Homeschooling offers students more flexibility, creative learning, and outdoor activities. Estella’s schedule is guided by tutors and her parents, allowing her to pursue her interests rather than preparing for high-stakes exams.
Experts note growing skepticism in China about traditional elite degrees, as many graduates struggle to find jobs. In 2023, fewer than 20% of Fudan University graduates in Shanghai found immediate employment, and youth unemployment reached 18.9%.
Read more: Security Forces Foil Suicide Attack, Rescue Minor Student in Karachi
While homeschooling remains rare—only 6,000 children were homeschooled in 2017—the number has been rising steadily. Parents are experimenting with AI tools, project-based learning, and flexible schedules to prepare children for a changing world.
Despite social and developmental challenges, families like Estella’s see homeschooling as a way to foster confidence, self-discovery, and adaptability. Her mother encourages other parents not to fear leaving the traditional system, hoping homeschooling may become more accepted in China.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.