Homeschooling in the Philippines: The Case of the Master’s Academy and the Living Heritage Academy

Abstract

Homeschooling, or the process of educating one’s child at home rather than in a traditional school, is fast gaining ground across the world as a viable alternative educational system. In the United States, the homeschooling movement has already made considerable progress; Asian countries are quickly following suit. This paper discusses the viability of homeschooling as an alternative educational system in the Philippines and details homeschooling, looks at its migration from the United States to the Philippines, the practices and approaches being used, the advantages and disadvantages associated with the movement, and relates all this information to case studies conducted with two Philippine homeschool institutions: the Living Heritage Academy and The Master’s Academy. John Dewey’s theory on Progressive Education, which states that education is best in a democratic society, was used to set the parameters for this study. The research will reflect Dewey’s assertions as well as those of other homeschool advocates, and show how homeschooling is and can continue to be an effective alternative educational system in the Philippines.