Chinese homeschool students embrace freer youthBy Mary Yang / AFP, SHANGHAIFourteen-year-old Estella spends her weekdays studying Spanish, rock climbing or learning acupuncture in her living room as part of her homeschooling since she left China’s grueling public school system. Estella, 14, a homeschooled student, attends a Spanish class in her home in Shanghai on Nov. 25 last year. Just 6,000 Chinese children were homeschooled in 2017, according to the non-profit 21st Century Education Research Institute. In Shanghai, Estella’s school day ended at 5pm, and she often spent around four hours a night on homework. Experts say Chinese people are increasingly questioning the value of traditionally prized degrees from elite universities in an oversaturated market.

Source: Taipei Times January 03, 2026 17:12 UTC