Carton, Tabatha creator author Martin, Yris author Bossut, Elise author Lejeune, Éline author Gianoultsis, Elena author Joertz, Floriane author Glineur, Charles author text 2026. monographic fre This article explores the tension between self-directed education in democratic schools in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation (FW-B) and the legislative framework governing homeschooling, which families are required to follow. Although these schools promote self-directed learning, FW-B monitoring raises concerns among parents regarding their children’s skill acquisition, sometimes prompting reintegration into the traditional school system. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with project leaders from four democratic schools, the study examines the strategies developed jointly by schools and families to reconcile educational values with legislative requirements, while also highlighting the instability of these schools when confronted with parental expectations. 24 La revue internationale de l’éducation familiale | 56 | 2 | 2026-03-30 | p. 217-239 | 1279-7766 https://shs.cairn.info/journal-la-revue-internationale-de-l-education-familiale-2025-2-page-217?lang=en&redirect-ssocas=7080 https://shs.cairn.info/journal-la-revue-internationale-de-l-education-familiale-2025-2-page-217?lang=en&redirect-ssocas=7080 20260503041315.0