Homeschooling in Austria: Exams & Finding Peace Amidst Challenges

Originally published on June 26, 2025

Hi everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! It’s been a little quiet around here lately because life has been busy at home. My son recently finished his exams, and as many of you know, we’re homeschooling our kids. This year was a big one, we had 13 subjects to cover, and in Austria, there’s this rule that kids need to know everything from all subjects perfectly (100%). It’s always a bit stressful, but seeing my son pass with all A’s and B’s made it so worth it.

The exams stretched over three weeks, and let me tell you, those days were a whirlwind. Between helping him study, keeping him motivated, and managing everything else, I barely had time to breathe. I managed to take a few pictures during my stay in the capital city, which I’ll share with you. Looking back now, I’m reminded of how precious these moments are - even when they’re so exhausting.

Speaking of precious moments, something happened here in Austria recently that’s been weighing heavily on my heart. We had a school shooting. In this small, peaceful country, it’s not something you ever expect to happen. We were all shocked when we heard the news. I feel so grateful that my children are homeschooled, though my heart breaks for the families and children affected by this tragedy.

I missed connecting with all of you and writing my posts, so I’m so glad to be back. I’ve got plenty of ideas and stories to share in the coming weeks, and I can’t wait to reconnect with you all!

View of the Klagenfurt Botanic Garden in Austria. I visited this place with my son - it’s free to enter and such a beautiful spot to explore!

Why Homeschooling Works for Us

When people ask me why we chose homeschooling, the first reason is my husband’s illness. But another big factor was that oldest son wanted to stay home because he was always bullied. Homeschooling gives us flexibility and control over our schedule, which has been a game-changer for our family.

Sure, it’s challenging - like preparing for these intense exams or keeping my kids motivated, but in the end, it always works out. For example, during exam season, we created a structured study plan and celebrated small wins along the way with little treats. These little victories kept us going and made the process less overwhelming.

If you’re considering homeschooling - or if you’re just curious - I’d love to hear your thoughts. What challenges have you faced with traditional schooling or homeschooling? Let me know in the comments below!

The ducks are not really afraid of us.

Reflections on School Safety

As I mentioned earlier, the recent events in Austria have made me reflect on school safety. While no system is perfect, homeschooling gives me peace of mind knowing my kids are in a safe environment. It’s one of the reasons I feel so strongly about this path, even though it’s not always easy.

For anyone reading this who may be struggling with school safety concerns, I want you to know you’re not alone. Whether you choose homeschooling, traditional schooling, or something in between, trust your instincts and do what feels right for your family.

A Little Knitting Project During the Heatwave

Let me tell you, since this month, I’ve really come to appreciate knitting socks. They’re small projects that fit into every bag, and you don’t have much fabric on your lap, which is amazing - especially now, when we’re dealing with this heatwave. The highest temperatures have been between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius, and honestly, it’s so hot that I don’t feel motivated to work on my dress right now.

I even purchased wool for an autumn sweater, but it’s way too hot for that project right now. So, I’m sticking with my little basic socks. They keep my hands busy, and they’re not too heavy to work on during these scorching days.

This is the first time I’m wearing a baseball cap, but it’s way too hot without it!

Thank You for Being Here

Thank you for your patience during my blogging hiatus. Your support means the world to me, and I’m excited to dive back into sharing more of our journey with you. Stay tuned for updates, tips, and maybe even a few surprises along the way!

Until next time, take care and stay safe. ❤️

A Little Way to Say Thanks