More Danish parents are choosing to homeschool their children, embracing “unschooling,” an approach built on curiosity and self-directed learning. Experts warn the growing trend might intensify the already high expectations of modern parenting.
A Family That Chooses to Learn Differently
In a quiet home in Nyborg, mornings begin without alarms or packed lunches. Instead, gentle music, tea, and an open question start each day: “What do you feel like learning today?” Daniel and Lizandra Pultz have opted out of the traditional school system to educate their sons, nine-year-old Gabriel and six-year-old Rafael, through interest-based learning, also known as unschooling.
Unschooling allows children to follow their natural curiosity rather than a structured curriculum. The approach traces back to writer and educator John Holt in the 1970s, who believed children learn best when guided by their own interests and family interactions. Parents can legally homeschool in Denmark as long as the education matches the standards of public schooling, according to the constitutional and private school laws.
Unschooling Gains Ground in Denmark
The Pultz family is part of a growing movement. The number of homeschooled children in Denmark has risen from 475 in 2016 to about 2,500 in 2025. Many families say they want to protect their children’s love of learning and cater to individual needs that may not fit well in traditional classrooms. Some families also feel their children thrive better emotionally outside the system.
Lizandra, who has a master’s degree in journalism, left her career nine years ago to stay home with her children. For her family, homeschooling is not a rejection of the public school but a commitment to their own values and rhythm.
Families like the Pultz often focus on creating strong emotional and social connections as part of their daily routine. They mix lessons from books, museums, and play, integrating subjects naturally into everyday life.
Balancing Learning and Everyday Life
Nine-year-old Gabriel, who would otherwise be in third grade, is studying his third foreign language and dreams of becoming a paleontologist. His brother Rafael is fascinated by spelling. Their living room doubles as a classroom with maps, books, and a chalkboard. Rather than a fixed schedule, each day adapts to what excites the children most.
Families who homeschool do not receive financial support from the state, and many must make sacrifices to sustain the choice. The Pultz family lives modestly, relying mainly on Daniel’s job in childcare and living in a shared home to keep expenses manageable.
Despite the limited income, they value the freedom and closeness homeschooling brings. They believe their sons are developing confidence and strong social skills through everyday exploration and close family time.
A National Debate on Parenting Pressures
Researchers connect the rise of homeschooling in Denmark with a broader shift toward what experts call “intensive parenting.” Sociologist Maria Ørskov Akselvoll argues that the more parents are exposed to information about children’s development, the more responsible they feel for meeting every need perfectly.
This mindset can lead parents to structure daily life entirely around a child’s desires and well-being. Although the intention is positive, experts warn that such deep involvement might increase burnout among already overstretched families.
The concern is whether homeschooling, particularly forms like unschooling, could heighten unrealistic standards of parenting. Children’s development depends on a mix of influences, not only on their parents’ dedication. Researchers say it will be important to study how this trend impacts families in the long run.
Because Denmark’s school system already ranks high internationally for equality and quality, the shift toward homeschooling raises questions about how some parents now seek even more personalized paths. For families considering alternatives, exploring education in Denmark options may help clarify the possibilities between traditional and unconventional choices.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: The Best Education in Denmark – A Guide for Expats
The Danish Dream: Best High Schools in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Niårig bestemmer selv, hvad han vil lave og lære
