The rise of home education among Russian schoolchildren mirrors a broader push to sharpen results on the Unified State Exam. Families report that home study offers a chance to focus on core exam topics while avoiding time spent on newer subjects such as family studies. In discussions with Vsevolod Lukhovitsky, a long-standing member of the Council of the Interregional Union of Education Workers known as Teacher, the shift was described as a response to the evolving needs of learners and parents alike. The trend is visible across urban and rural areas, where families seek more control over pacing, content, and scheduling.
Within high schools, students explain that a heavy daily load of classroom instruction does not always translate into better exam results. They view long lessons as a poor use of time when the key is practice, test familiarity, and time management. As a result, many teens begin part time work or freelance tasks to support themselves, a path that makes balancing study with work challenging and sometimes untenable. Educators note that this dynamic pushes families toward flexible learning options that can slot around work commitments.
Lukhovitsky points out that anxiety about new subjects persists among both students and parents. Such attitudes spark questions about the value of certain topics within the school curriculum. Many parents express doubts about allocating scarce family time to subjects like family science and similar courses, preferring schools that do not emphasize these areas. This sentiment contributes to the demand for alternative education paths and underscores the need for clear explanations about the purpose and potential benefits of such subjects.
Researchers from Moscow State Pedagogical University report a tenfold rise in children studying outside traditional school classes since 2016. They note that interest in family education and in online schools first appeared during the coronavirus pandemic and continued to be visible after restrictions were lifted. The data point to a lasting shift in attitudes toward how and where learning happens, with families exploring digital platforms, evening classes, and flexible curricula as viable options.
Experts previously argued that online education can offer advantages for schoolchildren compared with traditional schooling. Flexible pacing, a broader pool of educational resources, and the ability to tailor content to individual needs are among the benefits cited by supporters. Critics, however, warn about possible challenges such as maintaining social interaction, ensuring motivation, and guaranteeing equal access to devices and reliable internet. The current discourse reflects a balancing act between preserving core academic standards and expanding options that suit varied family circumstances. The ongoing conversation underscores the role of policy makers, schools, and communities in shaping a sustainable model for remote and hybrid learning in Russia.