The election in Saxony-Anhalt could reshape the debate over homeschooling and home education. Here’s what parents need to know.
THS.Online School • Last updated on August 31, 2026
State election:
September 6, 2026
CDU in the ARD poll:
22 %
AfD in the ARD poll:
42 %
Legal situation:
unchanged
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On September 6, 2026, voters in Saxony-Anhalt will elect a new state parliament. One issue could be particularly relevant to parents: the possible introduction of a choice between school attendance and homeschooling.
The AfD, which is currently polling well ahead of the CDU, is calling for “compulsory education instead of compulsory school attendance” in its election platform. Under the proposal, parents would be able to choose between sending their children to school and educating them at home. Children who are homeschooled would be required to take centralized exams twice a year.
However, this does not mean that homeschooling is already legal in Saxony-Anhalt or that it would automatically become legal after the election. The outcome of the election, the formation of a new government, and whether such legislation would actually be passed and withstand legal scrutiny all remain uncertain.
Nevertheless, the election could bring new momentum to a debate that has concerned many families for years: Can high-quality education also take place outside a traditional school building? And what role could online schools play?
We are monitoring the developments and regularly updating this page with the information parents need to know.
What Parents Need to Know Right Now
- Compulsory school attendance remains in effect.
Families in Saxony-Anhalt cannot currently withdraw their children from school solely because of the political debate and educate them exclusively at home or through an online school. - What is being discussed is a political proposal.
The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt wants to allow parents to choose between school attendance and homeschooling. This change has not been approved. - The proposed homeschooling option would be subject to specific conditions.
These would include quality standards comparable to those of regular schools, centralized exams twice a year, and a return to school if a child falls behind academically. - Even a strong election result would not automatically change the law.
After the election, a government would first need to be formed. Specific legislation would then need to be drafted and passed. - Any potential change would initially apply only to Saxony-Anhalt.
Families living in other German states would remain subject to the school laws of their respective state. - The role online schools could play remains unclear.
The election platform refers to homeschooling but does not specify whether—or under what conditions—an online school could support or provide this form of education.
What this means for families right now: Nothing has changed yet. The situation will become more relevant if a specific draft law is introduced after the election. Only then will it be possible to assess which options may actually become available.
What Can Responsible Education at Home Look Like?
Online education does not mean that children have to sit alone with learning materials. At THS.Homeschooling, students learn together in established classes, receive guidance from teachers through live online instruction, and follow a clear structure throughout their school day.
At the same time, parents remain actively involved in their children’s education. Community, personal support, and a Christian foundation are integral parts of our educational model.
THS already serves families in more than 28 countries. If homeschooling becomes legally permitted in Saxony-Anhalt, our educational model could offer an interesting option for families living there. Parents would need to determine whether—and under what conditions—THS could be used in their individual situation based on the laws in effect at that time.
Would You Like to Learn More About Our Educational Model?
Schedule a no-obligation consultation with our team.
Sources and Further Information
AfD Saxony-Anhalt: Election Platform for the 2026 State Election
Section “Compulsory Education Instead of Compulsory School Attendance,” page 84
Tagesschau: ARD Pre-Election Poll for Saxony-Anhalt
As of August 26, 2026
State Law of Saxony-Anhalt: School Act of the State of Saxony-Anhalt
