Yes, homeschooling is legal in Belgium under strict conditions. Parents must notify authorities, follow the Flemish, Walloon, or Brussels curriculum, and submit annual progress reports. The 2026 Decree on Homeschooling in Flanders introduces stricter oversight, requiring pedagogical inspections and standardized testing for compliance.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Belgium
- Mandatory Notification: Parents must declare homeschooling to the relevant regional education authority—Flemish Community Education Department (Departement Onderwijs en Vorming), Walloon Ministry of Education (Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles), or Brussels-Capital Region (Ministère de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles). Failure to notify invalidates legal status.
- Curriculum Compliance: Homeschool programs must align with regional standards. In Flanders, the Vlaams Ministerieel Besluit (2026) mandates adherence to the Leerplan Basisvorming. Wallonia and Brussels require alignment with Socles de Compétences or Référentiels.
- Annual Evaluations: Regional authorities conduct pedagogical reviews. Flanders’ 2026 decree enforces annual standardized tests (e.g., Peilingsproeven) to assess core competencies. Wallonia and Brussels may require external evaluations or portfolio reviews. Non-compliance risks revocation of homeschooling rights.