School Enrollment and Homeschool Exemption - Have to enroll before applying??

[jongela]

Hello,

We are coming into New Zealand in May and are a bit confused. We currently homeschool our 6 year old and would like to continue doing so. I've read through the conditions to homeschool but am confused as to whether I need to enroll our son for a few weeks in a school while we apply for an exemption, or if we can begin homeschooling him and apply once in country, or if we can even apply for an exemption before we move in 2 weeks? Help???

Also confused as to whether he is considered a "domestic" student or not. He has a student visa for 5 years under his father's 5 year work visa.

Thank you so much!

[JandM]

Yes, he'll be a domestic student.

I don't know answers about your other questions, but in any case, you will have time to find out once you get to NZ. Nobody is going to be annoyed with you over a matter of even a few weeks while you get yourselves sorted out, ask the necessary questions, and make your arrangements.

[Familyofmonkeys]

I've only just caught up with this one. We also homeschool 3 of our 4 kids. No, you don't need to put your child into school. If they've not previously been enrolled and you are new to the country, simply apply for an exemption as soon as you are settled and have a permanent address. Be sure to fill in the application very thoroughly and it helps enormously to get acquainted with your local home ed support/sports/social groups and perhaps mention these on your application, since you'll have to show you provision for the old socialisation issue, to prove you are not hermits.