Yes, homeschooling is legal in Colombia under strict regulatory oversight. The Ministry of National Education (MEN) permits it via Decree 1403 of 2017 and Resolution 18582 of 2018, requiring registration with local education authorities and adherence to the national curriculum. Recent 2026 compliance shifts emphasize digital tracking of student progress through platforms like Colombia Aprende.
Key Regulations for Homeschooling in Colombia
- Registration Mandate: Parents must register homeschooling programs with the Secretaría de Educación of their respective department or district within 30 days of initiation. Unregistered programs face penalties under Law 1620 of 2013.
- Curriculum Compliance: Instruction must align with the Estándares Básicos de Competencias (Basic Competency Standards) set by MEN. Deviations require prior approval via a pedagogical plan submitted annually.
- Assessment Requirements: Students undergo standardized evaluations (e.g., Saber 11) and periodic progress reviews by certified evaluators. Failure to meet benchmarks may trigger mandatory enrollment in traditional schools.