MANILA, Philippines - While millions of students are trooping to schools this week as the school year starts, some students stay right at home to attend classes.

This is homeschooling, an alternative style of education, where parents assume the role of teachers.

Homeschooling mom Tina Lim teaches her kids Naomi and Hannah right in their own home. Credit: ABS-CBN News

At the home of Tina Lim, her children Hannah, grade 3, and Naomi, grade 1, need not wear uniforms or go through traffic to reach school. Their classroom is right inside the house.

"I can impart things that I feel are important like Jesus and the Bible. It's our role to train them in the way they should go," said Lim.

"I've tried the big school before," said Hannah. Asked what she prefers, big school or homeschool, she replied, "Homeschool because I get to spend time with Mommy."

Lim is a full-time housewife, allowing her to have more time to be with her three children and teach them.

Class hours at the Lim home are flexible, but Lim makes sure that all regular subjects are taught well, such as Math, Science, and History.

There are also examinations, and Lim gives grades.

The style of teaching is adjusted based on the children's learning skills and abilities.

But homeschooling is not pursued without direction. Parents undergo training from groups accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd).

One of these is The Master's Academy (TMA). For P25,000 per family per year, parents can avail of the curriculum of DepEd, materials for teaching the subjects, as well as training for the parents.

"Kami ang tumutulong sa structure para hindi naman sila kanya-kanya. So parents ang magtuturo. Kami ang nag-e-equip," said Edric Mendoza, managing director of TMA.

Because TMA is accredited, DepEd recognizes the academic records of the children enrolled at the homeschooling program of TMA. And even if the children have no regular classmates daily, they also get opportunities to socialize with other children in the program.

Homeschooled kids enrolled at The Master's Academy. Credit: ABS-CBN News

"Because they have more time, they have more extra-curricular activities. That's when they get to interact with other kids. Malaki din ang pamilyang Pilipino. Kahit tito ng bayaw ng bespren ko nakakasalamuha mo," said Mendoza.

Homeschooling mothers like Lim are aware that homeschooling cannot be done for the entire educational ladder. This is why they are helping their children to do well and learn well based on the way they know best. -- Report from Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN News.