Families who homeschool their children have recently encountered unexpected administrative oversight. Some criticize these measures as harsh or even unlawful, intensifying concerns about a right that has felt increasingly conditional since the 2021 reforms.
One August morning in Deux-Sèvres, a family experienced an unannounced visit from two National Education inspectors, accompanied by a school psychologist. The mother, who has been homeschooling for over 15 years, initially thought there had been a mistake. She soon realized it was a surprise inspection, conducted without prior notice, to evaluate the education of her youngest child, a 10-year-old.
An unexpected check, a sharp reaction
The assessment was intended to measure the child’s academic progress against National Education standards. Yet what might have been an informal review quickly escalated into a confrontation. Inspectors demanded to see the child alone, without the parents present, and administered standardized tests without providing any explanation. The situation grew tense, leaving the parents feeling humiliated.
“We were made to understand that if our son refused the tests, it would be recorded as a refusal. I felt like we were being treated like delinquents… even though we have never hidden anything or avoided a test,” says Élise Martel, the child’s mother.
She is not alone. Over the past several months, homeschooling associations have reported a rising number of similar incidents. The tone of inspections is becoming increasingly strict, and the visits more intrusive.
Homeschooling: What does the law say?
Since the law of August 24, 2021, homeschooling in France requires prior authorization. Families must justify their choice based on specific criteria:
- Child’s health condition or disability
- Intensive sports or artistic training
- Homelessness or distance from school
- Educational projects tailored to the child
For the 2024–2025 school year, 40,846 applications were submitted, with 30,644 approved—roughly three out of four—according to Ministry figures. Only 17 rejections were due to security concerns, such as radicalization (S filing). The remaining refusals were linked to applications considered incomplete or pedagogically unsuitable.
A sometimes contested implementation
While the laws are clear, their application often is not. Significant discrepancies have emerged across several academies. In Marseille, a local collective reports that over 90% of initial homeschooling applications were rejected this year. In the Rhône region, an association leader notes that “families with six children who have been homeschooled for more than a decade are being rejected overnight.”
Tensions rise further during scheduled or surprise educational inspections. Families describe some visits as “tense” or even “inquisitorial.”
“Three people in black suits entered our living room without considering our family context. They began by questioning our teaching materials and then asked our 8-year-old daughter to justify her math answers as if it were an official exam,” said Jean-Claude Dufresne, father of three homeschooled children in Aveyron.
These approaches have raised concerns among legal experts in education law. Following the Council of State’s December 2022 ruling, authorities now have broader discretion. They can assess “the best interests of the child” to determine the legitimacy of a homeschooling project, challenging the educational freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.
A shift towards judicialization
Refusing a test can trigger a complex administrative process. If a child declines two tests, even for legitimate reasons such as illness or justified absence, authorities may issue a formal notice requiring the child to return to school. Noncompliance can lead to reintegration into a regular school and, in some cases, potential legal consequences.
| Number of checks in 2024 | Final refusals of authorization | Legal proceedings initiated |
|---|---|---|
| 31,200 educational checks | 10,202 refusals notified | 126 appeals to the courts |
Some recent cases have drawn significant attention. In the Lyon region, a family faced prosecution after refusing to let their 6-year-old undergo a psychometric test during an unannounced inspection. Supported by a homeschooling association, the case is scheduled for review by the administrative court in October.
Repercussions on the children themselves
Beyond the statistics and procedures, a quieter but deeply concerning reality is emerging: the growing distress among the children themselves. Several specialist teachers report a resurgence of psychosomatic issues in children who have left school while awaiting authorization, including encopresis, sleep disorders, and severe anxiety.
“My 9-year-old son started wetting the bed again after our permission was denied. He tells me he’s afraid someone will come and take him. It’s unbearable not being able to provide him with a stable environment,” says Nathalie R., mother of four, three of whom are homeschooled.
The climate of intensified oversight, set against a tense political backdrop around issues of community separation, casts a shadow over a right many families once took for granted. For these families, homeschooling is far from a marginal choice; it is a considered response to real challenges—learning disabilities, school phobia, or a deeply held educational conviction.
Towards a still uncertain balance
The debate continues to be intense. The ministry asserts its goal is to ensure quality education for all children while preventing misuse of homeschooling. Yet many families feel subjected to constant suspicion, experiencing a shift from oversight to exclusion.
“We enjoyed learning at our own pace, together,” says Élise Martel, the mother confronted with the surprise test. “Now we feel cornered. It’s no longer collaboration—it’s a continuous judgment of our life choices.”
FAQ’s
What is a homeschooling surprise test?
A homeschooling surprise test is an unannounced evaluation by educational authorities to assess the academic progress of children educated at home.
Why are surprise tests conducted for homeschooled children?
These tests aim to ensure that homeschooled children meet national education standards and that homeschooling is providing a proper learning environment.
Are parents required to be present during these tests?
In some cases, inspectors request to meet the child alone, which has caused tension and controversy among families.
What happens if a child refuses to take the test?
Refusing a test can trigger administrative procedures. Two refusals may lead to a formal notice to return the child to a traditional school, sometimes with legal consequences.
Have homeschooling families reported negative experiences?
Yes. Many families describe surprise inspections as tense, humiliating, or overly intrusive, with children experiencing anxiety or stress.
How common are these inspections?
The frequency varies by region, but recent reports suggest that inspections are becoming more frequent and stricter in some areas.
Can parents appeal the results or decisions of these tests?
Yes. Families can appeal through administrative courts if they believe the inspection or evaluation was unfair or improperly conducted.
Conclusion
Homeschooling surprise tests aim to ensure children meet national education standards. While necessary for oversight, they have caused tension, especially when children are tested alone or refusals lead to formal actions. Rising inspections and reports of stress highlight the need for fair, transparent practices that balance educational standards with family rights. Parents retain the right to appeal decisions.
